Atlanta Caregiver & Home Care Articles

Caregiver Resources: Palliative Care at Home

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

What comes to mind when you hear the term "Palliative Care"?  If you are like me, it's synonomous with Hospice Services.  In fact, when a nurse practitioner recently recommended it for my father, I became alarmed.  I knew Dad's COPD, Congestive Heart Failure, and Diabetes conditions were serious but felt unprepared to hear a recommendation for "Palliative Care".  That's because my understanding of the term was flawed. I believed that Pallative care  was designed to keep terminal patients "comfortable" at life's end.  Dad's conditions were serious and definitely difficult to manage but no one had labeled them as terminal.  I came to learn that Palliative care can be a vital addition to an active treatment plan for many serious and chronic diseases.  

Are you or a loved one missing out on the benefits of Palliative Care?

With medical advances, Americans in general, are living longer.  However, many find themselves also living with chronic disease conditions.  The burden these diseases place on patient and family members can be enormous.  Where can a family turn for assistance when the chronic medical needs of a loved one are becoming difficult to manage?  For many, Palliative Care can offer patients and their families another layer of support.  

Unfortunately, many people do not take advantage of this resource due to misunderstanding of Palliative Care and its goals.  In fact, research indicates that many physicians often equate Palliative Care with Hospice and therefore, are unlikely to recommend it to patients unless they have a terminal/end stage illness.  The reality is that Palliative Care is beneficial for many patients with serious or chronic illnesses along with curative treatment. 

Palliative Care:  The Definition

"...is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses.  This type of care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness, whatever the diagnosis.  The goal is to improve quality of life for the both the patient and family.  Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work with a patients primary doctors to provide an extra layer of support.  This care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and can be provided together with curative treatment."  

In short, Palliative care is NOT end of life care.  It's designed to enhance the care a patient is already receiving by improving care coordination, better managing and controlling symptoms, and helping families navigate the complexities of living with chronic disease. 

Is Palliative Care Right for Your Loved One?

Consider turning to Palliative Care for extra support if you or a family member are dealing with any of the following issues:

• Serious illness such as Cancer, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Emphysema, Lung Disease, Kidney Failure, Liver Failure, Neurological Disease (ALS, Parkinson's, MS...), Dementia.
• Unmanaged symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety, depression, poor appetite, nausea, constitpation.
• Difficult side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
• Frequent ER visits or hospitalizations for the same symptoms or conditions. 
• Indecision regarding treatment options...needs assistance evaluating medical choices and finding necessary resources.
• In need of assistance coping with the stress of a chronic disease and emotional or spiritual support.   

What assistance does Palliative Care include?

Patients and their families gain access to a team of professionals including physician, nurse practitioners and social workers all working together in support of the patient. The team works in concert with the patient's primary medical care team to provide assistance in reducing pain, minimizing side effects and symptoms, connecting patients with complimentary services like acupuncture or massage therapy for stress reduction, disease education and more.  While primary care physicians and specialists are typically focused on treating the disease condition, a palliative care team will devote their efforts to enhancing quality of life.  

Is Palliative Care covered under insurance plans?

With a physician's referral, pallative care is often paid under Medicare Part B, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.  Check with your plan for coverage details and applicable co-insurance fees before initiating care.   

What benefits does Palliative Care Offer?

In my Dad's case, the Palliative care team offered a great deal of education and advice for minimizing his primary concern, frequent trips to the ER and hospitalizations for CHF symptoms and complications.   The team helped us develop a detailed  "Action Plan" to better manage his symptoms.  The plan was presented as a flow chart and detailed the actions we were to take with progressive symptoms.  It really helped reduce anxiety levels for all parties and restored a feeling of control over the process.  

Additionally, Dad had so many specialists who operated independently.  It was often frustrating because there was virtually no coordination between the different physicians. Information frequently wasn't shared between offices and family members were constantly having to follow up.  It was a real relief when the Palliative Care team stepped in to coordinate medical care between the different specialities.  They assisted us in making care choices by educating us on the "pros and cons" of options.  

The team also recommended some complimentary therapies which helped alleviate some of my father's symptoms and discomfort.  Specially trained massage therapists worked to reduce swelling in extremities through lymphatic drainage.  This greatly reduced pain and improved dad's mobility.  Dad was also connected with a social worker who helped him deal with some of the anxiety associated with health conditions.  Most of these services were provided in the comfort of Dad's own residence which was a "plus" for the family.

After gaining a new understanding of Palliative care, I am now able to recommend these services to our agency's clients.   Often, Easy Living caregivers work in conjunction with Palliative Care providers to maximize the quality of life for clients with dealing with serious disease conditions.  

What Does Home Care Companion Services Provide?

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Home Care Companion Services offer a wide range of non-medical assistance for those who wish to remain in their home but need help with certain tasks. 

Companion Caregivers provides companionship for older adult's and those who are shut-ins, and is an ideal solution for someone who would otherwise spend all or a large portion of the day alone.  Companion caregivers provide emotional support.  They help their clients stay mentally healthy and alert by engaging in conversation and by assisting and encouraging them to be as physically active as possible.  Companion Care provides a valuable social benefit by decreasing isolation and helping to reduce depression from being alone.  Companion Services also provides invaluable peace of mind to family and loved ones.

Listed below are just some of the services that a Companion Caregiver can provide: 

• Keep a watchful eye on daily routine.
• Remind to take medications and record time and amount taken.  Especially beneficial for clients with memory issues.
• Provide transportation to appointments, shopping, errands, and doctor visits.
• Assist with safety for someone unsteady on their feet.
• Meal preparation-light snacks- grocery shopping.
• Playing cards, board games, scrap booking, gardening.
• Light housekeeping-laundry-linen change.
• Assisting with pets.
• Reading aloud.
• Taking a stroll.
• Engaging in meaningful conversation and reminiscence.
• Functioning as an extra set of hands, eyes, and feet. 

We are all individuals with our own specific needs.  What one person may need help with may not apply to the next individual.  This is why the Easy Living team will meet with you one-on- one to find out your needs and the skills required for the task's that you want help with.  We then search for the skills and personality that will be most compatible with the person needing assistance from our large pool of highly trained and skilled caregivers to find the perfect match!  Service times can be as short as 4 hours or up to 24 hours on an on going bases if needed.  

Surrounded by the people and things most cherished, seniors and those with chronic illness can maintain independence, self-confidence and have peace of mind.  

Explore the affordable option of Home Care and the joy's that Companion service can bring.  Call us today at 770-442-8664

Chronic Pain - Foods That Fight Pain

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Can the food you eat help reduce and fight chronic pain? Some experts believe it's possible. Chronic pain affects over 116 million American adults which is over a third of the population.  For those who suffer with fibromyalgia or chronic pain, finding relief can be hard. Pain pills reduce the suffering but they address the symptoms and not the cause of the pain. Pain pills can be addictive and produce side effects. The key is to fill your diet with foods that can sustain health and prevent pain.  

Here are anti-inflammatory foods that may help you beat the pain.

• Ginger - Ginger has been used for thousands of years for all types of ailments.  Ginger is a traditional stomach soother, helps with nausea, seasickness, offers relief from migraines, arthritis pain, and muscle aches.  Ginger has properties that are similar to ibuprofen.  
• Cherries - Cherries block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes just like aspirin.  Cherries can help with arthritis and muscle pain caused by exercise.
• Sage - Sage has been shown to boost memory and help to reduce swelling.  It can also help a scratchy and irritated throat by sipping on a tea made from brewed sage leaves.
• Turmeric - Turmeric has been know to help achy joints and colitis. Turmeric speeds up digestion and helps protect the body from tissue destruction and preserves good nerve cell function.
• Leafy Greens - These are packed with chlorophyll and vitamin K which slows the body's production of pain-triggering hormones.  A study shows that older adults with ample levels of K were less likely to develop osteoarthritis.
• Omega-3s - Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water oily fish, flax seeds, canola oil, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, avocados, and nuts.  These have been linked to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, relieve back pain, improve blood flow and decrease inflammation.  Omega-3s are also an excellent source of protein and antioxidants.  
• Coffee - Coffee can provide relief from headaches and provide more antioxidants than a serving of berries.  
• Green Tea - Green tea has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes.  It is an excellent source of polyphenols which may help to reduce free radicals which can cause inflammation.
• Hot Peppers & Sauce - Hot peppers and sauce stimulate nerve endings and deplete a chemical that relays pain signals.  Hot peppers and sauce can boost your immune system and help you fight colds and the flu.  It also yields pain-fighting benefits that can provide relief for arthritis. 
• Onions - This vegetable's rich store of sulfur is a mineral that plays a key role in the repair of damaged tissues.
• Shrimp - An amino acid in shrimp dilates blood vessels which increases the flow of nutrient-rich blood to damaged tissues and helps the body flush  a pain-triggering waste product.
• White Beans - The minerals in white beans help dial down the activity of pain nerves, reducing muscle and joint pain.  
• Mint - The menthol is peppermint helps prevent muscle spasms. Peppermint oil effectively helps treat irritable bowel syndrome.  The oil is also useful for relieving headaches.  

What Happens When You Need Open Heart Surgery?

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

You have just been told by your doctor that you need open heart surgery, what happens now? It may have started with nausea, arm pain or a tingle in the jaw, or a crushing chest pain that landed you in the emergency room.  It's even possible that it could be an EKG reading at the doctors office that alerts you to your heart problem.

As the leading cause of death for Americans, heart disease can show up in many ways.  Not every person who has heart disease will require open heart surgery, however your cardiologist may recommend it for you.  

Open heart surgery is used to correct various heart conditions that might otherwise kill you. The procedures to correct defective heart valves are; repair aneurysms, bypass arteries, implant stents and in most critical cases replace the heart with a new on.  

The diagnosis of open heart surgery can be terrifying and you may experience depression, stress, anxiety and anger.  If you need open heart surgery here are some things to expect and prepare for:

• Before surgery you will undergo a preoperative interview and testing.
• The anesthesiologist will visit with you to discuss the anesthesia process.
• You will most likely meet with the cardiothoracis surgeon to discuss the plan and the risks.

Don't Overlook Tax Breaks for In Home Care

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Most of us are aware that some tax breaks and deductions are available to offset the cost of In Home Care for our loved ones.  Don't overlook a possible tax deduction that can help cut costs.  Before you claim the deduction however, make certain that your specific costs meet the criteria.  Here is an overview on some things you can deduct off your taxes for In Home Care.

In short, any costs associated with assistance in the "activities of daily living" or "ADLs" can be counted as MEDICAL EXPENSES and deducted if they add up to 7.5% of an individual's adjusted gross income, and only to individual's who itemize.  How will you determine if your specific scenario meets this criteria?  Ask yourself the following questions...

• Does your loved one receive assistance with "ADLs"?  These include help with bathing, dressing/grooming, assistance with toilet needs, eating, continence care and transferring (in/out of bed or chair).  Help with errands, housework, and cooking are not qualifying activities.

• Is the care required due to chronic illness?  The term "Chronically Ill" is applied to persons who are unable to perform at least 2 of the 6 activities of daily living. Additionally, someone who is cognitively impaired and requires supervision will also qualify as chronically ill.  It is critical that a licensed health care provider evaluate and qualify the individual as chronically ill.  This health care professional must prescribe the care and monitor the patient.  No tax benefit is applied if a family arranges for care absent a physician's order.

If you meet the qualifications, here are some of the medical expenses you would be able to deduct:

• Privately hired In Home Care expense
• Rent for a larger apartment to house a live-in caregiver
• Renovations to make your home accessible/bathroom modifications
• Insurance premiums on long-term care insurance
• Prescription drugs
• Skilled Nursing
• Hearing aids
• Optical needs
• Dental care-Dentures
• Chiropractic
• Medicare Part D premiums
• Other out of pocket medical expense
• Travel expense to and from medical treatment

If you have medical or long-term care insurance that covers these expenses, you can't use the insurance coverage and get a deduction as well.  Be sure to have careful advance planning with a qualified tax professional as tax laws change. It pays to study up on the tax laws now to plan for the future.  This blog is not intended to replace tax advice from either the IRS or your financial advisor.  We suggest that you check out IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.

Insomnia - "I need to sleep!"

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Most of us realize just how critical it is to sleep at night. Missing your "ZZZs" with insomnia can wreak havoc on your physical and mental well being.  Unfortunately, the senior population is most at risk for insomnia and other sleep disorders which result in negative health issues.

Over 50% of senior adults report problems falling or staying asleep.  Factors such as poor sleep habits, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, untreated sleep disorders, and other medical issues can all contribute to sleeplessness.  Unfortunately, chronic sleep problems can impair concentration and memory functions and compromise the immune system. Additionally, senior adults who don't sleep well are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, depression, nighttime falls, and increased sensitivity to pain. 

You might ask, how much sleep do we need each night?  Research supports that most healthy adults require between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. 

How can you help restore a healthy sleep pattern? 

1. Become engaged in physical and mental activities as much as possible during the day. We all know that exercise is the cure for so many health issues.  Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress, allowing for a better night's sleep.  Work at avoiding prolonged daytime napping.  Limit a nap to 30 to 45 minutes in the early afternoon only if you are tired. 

2. Get outdoors and enjoy natural sunlight which regulates melatonin levels and the sleep/wake cycle.

3. Limit the intake of stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Minimize liquids before sleeping--cut off 1.5 hours prior to bed.  Avoid large or spicy meals before retiring. 

4. Prepare for bedtime by using dim lighting and turning off the TV and other electronics at least one hour prior to going to bed. Develop nightly rituals such as taking a soothing bath, playing relaxing music, reading a book or magazine, praying or practicing mediation.  Follow the same routine each and every night.

5. Make sure the bedroom is quiet, cool and dark. Invest in a good quality of bedding for extra luxury.

6. Promote and work to achieve a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking at approximately the same time, 7 days per week.

7. If worries are a source of sleep problems, keep a journal to release your thoughts before retiring for the night. 

8. See yourself at a door with your worries on the other side of the door and you telling your worries to "get out, leave!"  Close the door on all of your worries, expel them from your thoughts.

If you are a family caregiver and you frequently find your elderly loved one asleep during the day in their recliner, you may want to considered enlisting the support of a professional companion caregiver to encourage your loved one to make the most out of their day.    Getting adequate stimulation is essential for overall mental and emotional health, not to mention a better night's sleep.  Sometimes a new friend can make all the difference!

Stress & What To Do

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Stress is your body's response to change. Your body reacts by releasing a hormone that causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and causes your blood pressure to rise. The problems come when stress is constant, becoming chronic and your body remains in high gear for days or weeks at a time.  

77% of American adults regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, according to the American Psychological Association.  It's important to learn how to recognize how stress affects you so that you can learn what to do when you encounter stressful situations. The physical health effects of stress can be especially dangerous for your heart.  

Here are some warning signs that indicate you might have chronic stress:

• You feel angry, afraid, anxious, depressed, moody, sad, helpless and out of control.
• You have aches in your neck, jaw or head.
• You get out of bed tired not feeling refreshed.
• Your stomach aches.
• You are experiencing weight gain or having difficulty losing weight.
• You lack energy and feel sluggish throughout the day.
• You are experiencing skin irritations.

What's it really like to care for an Alzheimer's patient?

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

We wanted to share an article that was passed along to us by a former client.  It's written by blogger, Blake Butler and offers a  great glimpse into the daily challenges that caregivers face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease.  It is truly an act of love when a family member makes the personal sacrifices necessary to care for a Alzheimer's patient, full time.  

 "My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about three years ago. After an extended stay at the hospital and stints in two different rest homes, my mom brought him home to care for him herself. She did this despite warnings that it would be too much for her to handle—even with regular assistance—because the conditions in the homes were too depressing to bear. l wanted to find out what the day-to-day life of someone tasked with keeping another adult alive is like, so I talked to my mom about it."

 How does your average day begin?

Usually I wake up before LD and get dressed, and I try to get the coffee made and the cereal stuff out. But if he wakes up first, I just get him cleaned and dressed and then do the other stuff.

What time does he get up?
He’s gotten so he goes to bed between 8 and 9 PM and sometimes sleeps until noon. One day I was so tired and exhausted that I didn’t hear him and he got up and went into the den at seven in the morning. He ended up somehow falling, and I found him on the floor tangled up in the chair. But usually I wake up before him and get dressed real quick, because if I don’t he watches me do every single thing, and it drives me crazy.

Why does he watch you?
Because he doesn’t have anything else to do. He just stares. And he wants to see what food I’m making.

I know he usually wets the bed at night, even through the disposable underwear. Do you change the sheets after you wake him up?
I take the sheets and the pajamas and the shirt and socks and just wrap them up in that plastic liner that keeps the mattress pad dry. Sometimes if he wakes up before I do he’ll have already taken his underpants off. I get him to the bathroom and have him sit on the toilet so I can get his wet clothes off and wipe him off with Handi Wipes.

You have him sit on the toilet to get dressed and undressed?
Yeah, because he might go. And if he’s not bad, I can use those Handi Wipes and wipe him off and put powder on his back and in his underwear so that it will be dry. But, like, today he was soaked and had taken his own stuff off and didn’t want to get in the shower. He doesn’t like me to bother his pants, and when I mess with them, that’s when he grabs my wrists. I figured out that I can reach behind him and underneath and pull the pants down that way. He’s still grabbing, but once I get them down, he’ll sit on the toilet. It’s tricky. Once he’s got a hold of my wrist I’ll threaten him. I say, “You’re going to have this hand in your face if you don’t let go of my hand.” [laughs] He knows I’m not going to do it, but… I get really angry because I’m helping him. I try to explain to him, “I’m trying to help you, and you are hurting me.” And he’s strong. Sometimes my wrists are red afterward.

He doesn’t realize you’re helping him?
He wants to do things himself. He always has.

Then when you finish with the clothes…
Once I get him in the shower, I pour shampoo on his head. Baby shampoo, so he won’t tear up. I used to give him soap and he’d use it, but now he doesn’t, so I put on these gloves and put the soap on my hands and just reach in the shower. Of course I get soaking wet—my jeans and everything, but I soap him up and down and wash his head. He doesn’t like that at all.

So after he’s dressed and fed, he mostly just walks around the house all day?
All day. Moving stuff. I have to make sure all the doors are locked. Like, today, for instance, when I came in he had the peanut butter out and two steak knives in it. I don’t know why the refrigerator wasn’t locked. I have rubber bands holding down the kitchen faucet because he used to turn the water on and leave it running. He tore the doorknob off the computer room. Basically, he’ll fidget with anything that’s loose until it is destroyed.

But once he’s set up and ready to go in the morning, you can sort of do your own thing, right?
I have to keep checking on him to make sure he’s not tearing stuff up or hurting himself. But I make sure I do something every day, dyeing fabric or sewing or something, because if I didn’t I’d go crazy. That’s the main thing they teach you in the caregiver’s class. It’s like the oxygen mask in the airplane: you don’t put it on your kid first, you put it on yourself first so you can get it on your kid. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’re not going to do him any good, either.

Have you noticed any effects on your sanity?
I get on crying jags sometimes. I get to where I can’t think what I’m doing because he’s driving me crazy. That’s when I hit the sewing machine to get it off my mind. Abraham Lincoln said, “I’ve learned that a man is just as happy as he makes his mind up to be.” So that’s what I decided: I’m going to make up my mind to be happy.

You were having big problems with him tearing up the plant in the kitchen, but you were determined to leave it there. Why?
I don’t want him to think he can just tear up everything. I want him to learn not to. For some reason I think he can do more than he can. I believe it’s in there.

You used to spend hours trying to explain to him who you are, or who I am, and then eventually you began to accept that he wasn’t ever going to understand, right?
I know he doesn’t know who I am. He knows I’m a safe person. And sometimes he’ll call me Barbara. But he doesn’t know. It used to bother me, but it doesn’t now. He can’t help it, and it’s not going to change. And when he does… The funniest thing [laughs] was when he told me… I’d said, “Quit pacing, you’re driving me crazy.” And he looked at me and said, “Well that’s probably your problem.” That cracked me up. He said a rational sentence, and he put some thought in before he said it. So I know there’s something in there somewhe

Sometimes I wonder if he’s actually having a moment when he says something witty, or if it’s just an accident?
If he wasn’t thinking it through then, he sure did look like he was. But mostly he ends up talking gibberish. He’s gotten to where now if I say “Are you hungry?” he doesn’t know what I mean. So I’ll say, “Do you want something to eat?” Then he knows what I mean. So there are certain words that he knows.

Being immersed in this every day has got to be pretty physically demanding, right?
A lot of it is routine now. But the main thing is, if he’s in the room, you can’t concentrate on what you’re doing, and if he’s out of the room you think, What’s he doing? You worry about what he’s getting into. He’s broken and torn up so much stuff… and he thinks he’s working. When Tommy [his brother] calls and asks, “What have you been doing?” LD says, “I’m working. I’m so tired, I’m worn out.”

Why were you determined to bring him home instead of leaving him in the rest home?
The rest home did him more harm than good. When I went in to see him there the first time, they had him in a hospital robe, which he had never been in before, and sitting in a wheelchair. He was drooling, drugged out. He wasn’t like that at all when he went in. When we moved to the next place, they forced him in the ward for the most severe patients because they said there wasn’t enough room in primary. He couldn’t even get to his room because they had it blocked off with patients lying on cots.

Is it true that they basically tried to turn him into a zombie on purpose so he couldn’t go back home and no one else would want to admit him?
They claim to go from the early stages to the late stages. “We cover everything.” And they do. For $7,000 a month. He was being institutionalized. When I decided I wanted to move him somewhere else they told me, “You can’t handle him.” They were wrong.

Right. As soon as we got him out of there he was immediately much more himself, or at least not drugged out and pushed up against a wall. Even as demanding as it is on you now, I feel like it has to be less emotionally destructive overall. At least he’s free and not surrounded by death.
I freaked out every time I went to visit him. The only real car wreck I’ve ever had was after leaving the nursing home because I thought it was going to be a nice one. I thought I was going to throw up before I left there. People have told me I’m hurting myself by bringing him home and waiting on him, but I’m doing what I want to do. I sleep better now than I ever did when he was gone. He goes to bed early, and I can stay up late every night. I play my games and sew and listen to music and relax and have a glass of wine, and I sleep like a top. And he sleeps really well. As much as he might drive me crazy, when I think about him in the nursing homes… I can’t tolerate that. He probably wouldn’t know much difference, and yet I feel that he would.

Do you think you’ll be able to continue to handle him as he gets worse?
You don’t die from Alzheimer’s; you die from complications. And, physically, your dad is healthy. He’s probably going to be around a while. And that’s good. But he always said he never wanted to be this way. He always said, “If I end up a certain way, do something for me.” That was back when Dr. Kevorkian was still around. And I would want the same thing, too. But he could never do that to me, and I can’t to him. I’m thinking I’m keeping him here as long as I can.       Source:  Blake Butler, Blog Post

Caring for a loved one with Alheimer's Disease is undoubtedly challenging on so many levels; physically, mentally and emotionally.  Without proper rest and downtime, a caregiver can become "burned out" with negative implications for self and care recipent.  Consider arranging for frequent respite periods to recharge.  

At Easy Living Services, we specialize in providing secure, reliable care for Alzheimer's patients and their families.  Experienced, expertly trained professional caregivers are ready to care for your loved one for a few hours up to long term, full time care. 

Call people who understand your unique needs.  

Call Easy Living Services.

770-442-8664

Glaucoma & Tips for Healthier Eyes

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Glaucoma often is called the "silent thief of sight," because most types typically cause no pain and produce no symptoms until noticeable vision loss occurs.  Glaucoma that is undetected and untreated can eventually cause harm to the optic nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain causing peripheral vision loss and eventually lead to blindness.

The two most common types of glaucoma are primary open-angle glaucoma and and acute angle-closure glaucoma.

About half of Americans with primary open-angle glaucoma don't know they have it.  By the time you notice it, permanent damage already has occurred.

With acute angle-closure glaucoma sudden symptoms occur such as eye pain, headaches, halos around lights, dilated pupils, vision loss, red eyes, nausea and vomiting.  These symptoms may last for a few hours, then return again for another round.  Each attack can cause progressively more vision loss.

Glaucoma can be detected in its early stages through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, drops are placed in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupils.  This allows your eye care professional to examine the optic nerve for signs of glaucoma and other vision problems.  If you are over age 50, make comprehensive dilated eye exams part of your routine health care.

Treatment can involve glaucoma surgery, lasers or medication, depending on the severity. Eye drops with medication aimed at lowering eye pressure usually are tried first.

Follow These Tips for Healthier Eyes and Better Vision:

Finding the Right Caregiver!

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

Finding the right caregiver for your loved one means knowing exactly what characteristics to look for. Being a caregiver is not an easy job.  It requires many special skills and traits and at times can be overwhelming. Caregivers focus primarily on the person that they are caring for and in many instances their own needs become neglected.  At Easy Living we have been successfully screening and selecting caregivers for metro Atlanta families for over 19 years.   Here are specific comments sent to us from our clients on what makes their caregiver a great match.  Looking for these same traits when searching for a superstar caregiver for your loved one will ensure that you make a perfect match.

"Gloria spends a lot of time on the appearance of my mother.  On most days she looks like she has just returned from the beauty shop!  Gloria is a caregiver that puts her whole heart into her job."

"Moses has demonstrated such loving care and concern for my father.  He has treated him as if he were his own dad.  It has made such an improvement in his health."

"Our caregiver, Katherine, has been a friend to my mom since day one.  My mom was against care at first but now she has a friend who takes good care of her.  She does so much in our home...thank you for helping us!"

" I commend Nathan for his kindness, patience, efficiency and knowledge as a caregiver.  I especially appreciate the time Nathan spends talking with my husband and taking him outside to get some sunshine.  He is great at keeping the family updated on my husband's condition and needs, for which we are grateful.  He is really on top of everything and it is gratifying for the family to know that my husband is in the care of such a fine man and caregiver."

"...thank you for sending our angel, Ama, to our household.  There are not enough words to express my love and gratitude for the wonderful care she has given my parents...over the last 3 years.  She is an unbelievable person...and has shown such knowledge and commitment to my parents care.  What really amazed me was how Ama sacrificed being with her own daughter on her wedding day to tend to my mother in her final days."

"Vicki is absolutely awesome with my dad!  She is always pleasant and so helpful even when dad's not the most pleasant.  She always has a smile and gentle spirit that calms dad.  She has a true servant's heart!"

"Valerie demonstrates, loyalty, dependability, dedication, competence and is professional in all settings.  Her personality is pleasing and inviting and welcoming.  She cares deeply about the well-being of my mom's health status, making sure she prepares healthy nutritious meals and follows my mom's diet restrictions.  Valerie engages mom in games, puzzles and other forms of entertainment to enhance the mental, motor and physical skills mom needs.  I could not have dreamed up a better fit for mom!"

To find the right caregiver for you or your loved one look for these skills:

• Honesty
• Dependability
• Compassion
• Warm
• Thoughtful
• Physical Ability
• Good Hygiene
• Experience
• Kind
• Empathetic
• A Good Listener
• A Good Communicator
• Patience
• Initiative
• Someone Who Loves What They Do - This Is Their Calling!