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.
Interested in learning more? Call Easy Living Services today at 770-442-8664. We're pleased to help in any way possible. Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
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
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
There's no question that evaluating care options for a loved one can be quite overwhelming, not to mention costly. You might be surprised to learn that "Live-In" home care options can be among the best values in senior care.
The term "Live-In" refers to a caregiver that lives with the care recipient for a specified period of time (usually several days), providing 24 hour coverage. "Live-In" care is typically billed at a flat, daily fee with rates ranging from $175 to $185 per 24 hour period. "Live-In" rates are considerably less expensive on a per hour basis than standard hourly care. One qualifier on "Live-In" care arrangements is that the client must sleep on average 7-8 hours per night without needing care. If regular sleep is not possible for the caregiver, an additional Aide will be needed to provide nighttime coverage, on an hourly basis.
Before you dismiss "Live-In" care as too costly, consider how comprehensive the care is for the money. Besides "hands on", personal care services such as bathing, dressing, mobility assistance and companionship, caregivers serve as Household Managers. Consider the tasks listed below that are rolled into the job of "Live-in" caregiver:
Household cleaning & laundry services--- a $540 per month ($135 per week) value
Personal Meal Planning/Shopping/Preparation Services--- a $450 per month value (30 homecooked, nutritious meals)
Pet Care (feeding/walking)---a $270 per month ($9 per day) value
Errand & Transportation Service---a $320 per month value (2 local outings per week)
These extra services, of course, are in addition to the priceless benefit of one-on-one personal care and companionship in one's own home. "Live-In" care is especially economical for couples or those requiring significant levels of personal care.
A word of caution---some might be tempted to search for a "Live-In" caregiver on their own. "A friend of a friend" may sound like an attractive option. This person may be someone that you believe you would be comfortable around. After all, conern about having a stranger in the home is a major hurdle for most. You should question the motivation of people who claim they will move in on a permanent basis to care for all of the needs of an elderly person. Professional Caregivers are real people with families, homes and their own interests. A professional, skilled caregiver will NOT be willing to move in permanently and give up their own lives without a break. He or she should possess the credentials/experience necessary to work with the elderly. Be skeptical of those who are willing to accept room/board and tiny salaries in exchange for a loved one's total care. Many seniors have fallen prey to dishonest "caregivers" who take advantage of the situation.
Instead, consider retaining the services of a professional In-Home Care agency. Agency personnel will handle the screening and make certain that the caregiver sent to care for your loved one is skilled, professional and has a solid track record. Agencies also guarantee coverage if your primary caregiver must miss work. Agency caregivers receive regular breaks so that when they return to care for your loved one; they are refreshed.
Do you think "Live-In" care might be right for your family? Call Easy Living Services to learn more...
770-442-8664. We're here to help!
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Many callers that we speak with are unaware of how Hospice and Home Care work hand in hand together providing the best comforting care solutions. Hospice is a concept that focuses on comfort rather than a cure. It's a model of care built around managing physical symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, and shortness of breath, as well as supporting the patient and their loved ones emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Hospice care is typically provided in the patient's home but also may be given in inpatient hospice facilities. Hospice care does not provide 24 hour around the clock nursing care which is where Home Care service steps in, utilizing a caregiver to assist with bathing, grooming, toilet and nutritional needs. Staying at home is what most dying patients prefer and Hospice and Home Care offers the support to help that become a reality.
The mission of hospice is to affirm life and view death as a natural process. Hospice is not designed to hasten death or "help" someone die, but rather to help patients live the remainder of their lives as fully as possible. At Easy Living our mission is to keep people safe and comfortable, assisting with personal care and homemaker duties in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of home.
Hospice utilizes a team of trained professionals who work together to deliver hospice services that can include:
- Nursing Service - A patient is assigned a case manager nurse who typically visits 1-3 days per week. Patients have access to 24-hour on-call nurses.
- Social Services - Patients are assigned a social worker to assist with emotional and social needs.
- Counseling - This can include pastoral or spiritual support, bereavement counseling along with dietary services.
- Physician - Patients are often cared for by their regular physician in cooperation with a hospice medical director.
- Home Health Aide - A Home Health Aide is assigned to help patients with their bathing needs and typically the visits are 2-3 times per week.
- Medication - Typically Hospice covers all medications that are related to the hospice diagnosis and those that are intended to alleviate symptoms.
- Equipment - Equipment that is necessary for providing safe, comfortable care in the patents home environment is supplied by hospice.
A patient is ready for hospice when they have decided to pursue treatments meant only to promote comfort, not cure the illness. Hospice care is appropriate when a patient has a terminal illness with a life-expectancy of six months or less. However Hospice can also be considered when individuals have a life threatening illness or when a cure is no longer possible and treatment has slowed or stopped. Hospice services are a Medicare Part A Benefit although Medicaid and some private insurance companies also cover benefits. Live-in Home Care assistance is a good option for persons undergoing Hospice care and is a more affordable Home Care solution. Having a caregiver available in the home around the clock provides a level of protection that many patients require. Our complimentary in-home assessment will assist you in determining the type of Home Care service that will best suit your needs. Contact us anytime at 770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
All of us realizes just how critical it is to get adequate sleep at night. Missing your "ZZZs" can wreak havoc on your physical and mental well being. Unfortunately, the senior population is most at risk for insomnia and the resulting negative health effects. Approximately 50% of seniors 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. 
How much sleep does the average senior need? Research supports that most healthy adults require between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally.
How can you assist an elderly loved one in restoring a healthy sleep pattern?
1. Make certain he is engaged in physical and mental activities as much as possible during the day. Exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress, allowing for a better night's sleep. Avoid prolonged daytime napping. Limit a nap to 30 to 45 minutes in the early afternoon.
2. Get some natural sunlight which regulates melatonin levels and the sleep/wake cycle.
3. Limit stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Minimize liquids before sleep--cut off 1.5 hours prior to bed. Avoid large or spicy meals before sleeping.
4. Prepare for bedtime by using dim lighting and turning off TV and other electronics at least one hour prior to turning in. Develop nightly rituals such as taking a soothing bath, playing relaxing music, praying or practicing mediation. Follow the same routine every night
5. Make sure the bedroom is quiet, cool and dark.
6. Encourage 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 sleeping problems, encourage your loved one to keep a journal to release thoughts before retiring for the night.
Do you frequently find your elderly loved one asleep during the day in his recliner? Have you ever considered enlisting the support of a professional companion caregiver to encourage him to make the most out of his days? 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.
Call Easy Living Services to learn more about our fabulous companion caregivers. Don't wait another day!
770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Communicating effectively with a loved-one who has been diagnosed with Dementia poses a real challenge for all family members. The disease is a progressive brain disorder that, over time, diminishes a person's ability to think clearly, process information and communicate well with others. Dementia may also cause intense mood swings and personality changes. Learning how to better relate to the person with dementia and making adjustments in communication style to fit their limitations will greatly reduce stress levels and strengthen relationships.
The following are some strategies for enhancing communication with your loved-one:
- Minimize distractions. Effective communication starts with getting the person's attention. Take steps to minimize noise or competing activity. For example, you may need to turn off the TV or close a door.
- Set the proper mood. Make certain that your body language and facial expressions are consistent with your message. Set a relaxed tone by using a calm, pleasant voice. If appropriate, use physical touch for reassurance and to keep him/her focused.
- Simpify your message. Use simple words and sentences. Do not include a great deal of detail or background information. Speak slowly and distinctly, over-annunciating, if neccessary. Be prepared to repeat yourself several times, slowly and calmly if he dosen't comprehend the message at first.
- Avoid "interrogations". Do not ask too many questions at once which could cause your loved one to become overwhelmed and shut down. Use questions with simple "yes" or "no" answers rather than open ended questions. If you are asking him to make a choice between multiple options, consider using visual prompts to facilitate. For example, if you are asking your mom to choose between two blouses, show the blouses to her to facilitate. Also, keep in mind that his or her short term memory may be significantly impaired. Asking questions such as, "what did you have for lunch" or "what time did you have physical therapy" will be difficult and frustating for the dementia patient.
- Use affection to offer reassurance. A person living with dementia may feel very confused, anxious, and self-conscious. He or she may believe certain events occurred when in fact, they did not. The feelings and fears associated with these imagined events are very real to the dementia patient Often, the best way to help your loved one cope with these feelings is to offer verbal and physical expressions of affection and reassurance. Avoid the tempation to openly dismiss the events as this could cause your loved one to become defensive or frustrated. Instead acknowlege their feelings and remain empathetic.
- Use humor to keep the dialogue open. Dementia typically does not impair a person's ability to see the humor in a situation. Enjoy a good laugh together to keep the communication lines open.
It can be a real challenge both mentally and emotionally, to maintain effective communications with a dementia patient. Taking the time to better understand the challenges a dementia patient faces can enhance your relationship with a parent or loved one. Experimenting with different communication strategies can help you develop the tools needed to connect with your loved one. Ultimately, it's the connection that enables a caregiver to continue caring for the long haul.
Need more information on Dementia related topics? Explore our complete list of informative articles at www.easylivingservices.com.
Can't find the information you are searching for? Call us at 770-442-8664.
We're here to help!
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Most of us are aware that some tax breaks exist to offset the costs of In-Home care for a loved one. Before, claiming the deduction, make certain that your speciific costs meet the criteria.
In short, any costs associated with assistance in the "activities of daily living" or "ADLs" can be counted as a MEDICAL EXPENSES and deducted if they add up to 7.5% of an individual's adjusted gross income. How will you determine if your specific scenario meets this criteria? Ask yourself the following questions...
- Is your loved one receiving assistance with "ADLs"? These include help with bathing, dressing, toileting, 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.
Some careful advance planning and discussion with a qualified tax professional will allow families to take advantage of tax deductions for home care expenses.
Need assistance planning for and scheduling in-home care services for your loved one?
Call Easy Living Services, today! 770-442-8664
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's Disease? Does a diagnosis of dementia symptoms indicate that Alzheimer's is present or will develop?
Any of us with older parents has certainly noticed at one time or another certain symptoms that has us wondering, "Could this be dementia or maybe Alzheimer's setting in?" The terms are often used interchangeably but in reality Alzheimer's Disease is just one of several causes of dementia. In other words, all patients with Alzheimer's disease have dementia while all dementia patients do NOT have Alzheimer's disease.
The term "dementia" actually refers to a group of symptoms such as short-term memory loss, poor judgment, difficulty performing familiar tasks, etc. Increasingly, I have noticed several of these symptoms in my own father. My sister recently noticed him becoming frustrated while trying to operate the same coffee maker that he has used every morning for years. He simply could not remember how to put it together. A trip to his physician and subsequent exam & testing revealed that his dementia symptoms were likely attributable to "Vascular Dementia" rather than Alzheimer's Disease.
What are the main causes of "dementia"?
1. Reversible causes of dementia include depression, vitamin deficiency, drugs and infections. Consult with your physician for testing to evaluate whether dementia symptoms may be reversed by treating an underlying condition or switching prescription medications.
2. The number one cause of irreversible dementia is Alzheimer's disease which is responsible for approimately 60% of all cases. Early symptoms include difficulty remembering names and recent events, apathy and depression. Later symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
3. Another common cause of dementia is "Vascular Dementia", also called "Multi-Infarct Dementia". It develops when impaired blood flow to parts of the brain deprives cells of food and oxygen. This condition is most evident after a stroke blocks a blood vessel and disrupts blood flow to a significant portion of the brain. The patient with Vascular Dementia may have a history of heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and other risk factors for heart disease. Symptoms may include: memory loss, reduced ability to carry out normal daily tasks, poor concentration and communication, confusion which is possibly worse at night. Vascular dementia is potentially reversible with improvement of underlying health conditions.
3. The third most common cause of dementia is Parkinson’s Disease. Not all Parkinson's patients develop dementia, but some will. This type of dementia usually develops in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
4. A less common cause of dementia is known as "Lewie bodies". Patients exhibiting this form of dementia have some of the symptoms common in Alzheimer's, but are more likely than people with Alzheimer's to have early symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and muscle rigidity. Patients with Lewie bodies type dementia may exhibit "Parkinson like" tremors.
All cases of suspected dementia should be evaluated by a Geriatric specialist for a proper diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
An elderly parent who refuses to shower and take care of basic hygiene needs is a frequent concern for many families. It can be a very delicate and embarassing issue to address with a parent or loved one.
Why won't my parent bath or change clothes regularly?
First, you must rule out depression as the culprit. One of the first signs of depression in a senior is lack of attention to personal care/tidiness and low energy level. It's wise to consult with your loved one's physician if depression is suspected. Treatment for depression could get your senior "back on track".
Perhaps your loved one's memory is diminished and he simply believes that he is keeping up with hygiene tasks. It's easy to lose track of time when the calendar of events is relatively empty; days go by and he may not realize just how long it's been since he last showered.
Additionally, the senses of sight and smell decrease with age. Body odors and dirty clothing are not as noticeable and offensive as they once were. That can be tough on loved ones sharing their company!
Another hindrance could be fear or discomfort. Perhaps your loved one has slipped in the bathroom and fallen. The fear of another fall and injury can be overwhelming for a senior. An extreme case is the elderly person living with dementia or alzheimer's disease. He may be extremely confused by the bathing or dressing process. Water running over the face may be quite terrifying. He may not understand what is happening and may become combative or non-compliant.
Hygiene tips for the "non-bathing" senior:
1) Use a Shampoo Cap. These were first introduced in hospitals but are available for the general public as well. Simply place the cap on the head, massage, remove and dry...no water necessary. Check www.Amazon.com for some great values on Shampoo Caps.
2) Try Bath Cloths. These are disposable, microwaveable cloths that contain a cleanser, aloe and vitamin E to clean and condition skin. Seniors have particularly delicate skin that is prone to break down and infection. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is a top priority. Again, no rinsing with water is necessary. Check out www.seniorsuperstores.com for cleansing cloths and other essential bath aids.
3) Keep Incontinence Cleanser On Hand. If your parent has incontinence problems you might need a specially formulated cleanser to clean and protect the skin in delicate areas. Try "Aloe Vesta" brand cleaner which is an easy to use, non-irritating spray formula.
When caring for an elderly loved one, you may need to step back and reconsider your standards. Of course, do all you can to help your elder stay clean and keep up his appearance. However, do not expect perfection. An attitude adjustment on your part may make for a happier, less stressed relationship!
Perhaps your family needs some outside assistance in caring for your loved one?
Call Easy Living Services for expert senior care. Affordable hourly and "Live-In" services are available throughout metro Atlanta. 770-442-8664
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Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
"Distributions from a Living Will"
Linda Pike, Vice President
Bank of North Georgia
Living Trusts are a vehicle that will allow you to control who receives your assets after your passing. There are however many more reasons to create a living trust. It can assist your beneficiaries in avoiding expense and delay in the probate process and can also provide you with more privacy than a will. Living Trusts also allow you to avoid certain estate taxes if prepared properly.
There are tree types of living trust beneficiaries:
1 ) Primary: They receive a specific property
2) Alternate: Receive property if the primary beneficiary dies before you
3) Residuary: Receive all property not left to either the primary or alternate beneficiaries.
You may choose anyone of any entity you wish to be your beneficiaries. It is important to remember you cannot designate a guardian for your minor children in a living trust. you should do that through a traditional will.
It is important to provide your living trust documents to your bank to ensure that they title your bank accounts to reflect the appropriate trust titling. The bank will then work with your attorney to ensure that the titling is correct.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Linda Pike, Vice President, Bank of North Georgia, 678-474-1504 or stop into any one of our 41 offices here in metro Atlanta.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services