Are you concerned with your loved one’s quality of life?
While working I meet Seniors and their families on daily basis. And there is always the question: Is it time? How do you assess if your loved ones could benefit from In-Home care?
I always say “It IS time.” Once you are concerned with your loved one’s quality of life it is time to sit down and evaluate. But what are the questions you should ask yourself? Lets start with the big ones:
Is assistance needed for dressing? How about bathing?
Does your loved one need assistance for general activities of daily living.
Does your loved one confuse daily medication or forget to take them?
Have you noticed difficulty with hygiene? Incontinence?
But daily living and quality of life does not stop there. Has your loved one forgotten safety issues in the kitchen, bathroom and throughout the home?
Do they have daily access to nourishing foods? Or is shopping for food and meal preparation is a challenge? “Meals on Wheels” is a great solution, however, at time can become bland and unappetizing. Some keep the leftovers for too long and run the risk of eating spoiled food. I met a man who showed me a refrigerator full of a week worth of food from “Meals on Wheels” that he missed eating and was hoping to get to.
Loneliness and isolation are big issues seniors facing. Can you drop everything and take your loved one to medical or personal appointments. Can you supply enough socialization to help your loved one with loneliness or depression. Can you provide opportunities for outings, walks, hobbies, etc?
If any of the questions made you think, then it is time to sit down and seriously talk about bringing in help. Too many people confuse CAREING with doing, you don’t have to do everything yourself.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Grandma Is on Facebook
Grandma Is on Facebook — and Loving It
Social-networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have exploded in popularity over the past couple years. Millions of people log on to them every day, often multiple times. And, interestingly, usage of such sites among adults aged 55 and older increased dramatically over the past year, from 6.4 percent in second quarter 2008 to 18.9 percent in second quarter 2009.
How are Americans of various age groups using social networking? According to Anderson Analytics, young people are the most likely group to use the entertainment-and game-driven MySpace, and young adults gravitate mostly to MySpace and Facebook. The baby boomer generation tends to use the professionally focused LinkedIn more than any other group. But somewhat surprisingly, among those seniors — dubbed the "WWII generation" by Anderson Analytics — who use social networking sites, 90 percent are using Facebook and 17 percent are using Twitter. Why the surge?
Reasons why individuals join a social network are actually similar from generation to generation. Most people simply value the opportunity to connect with friends and stay in touch. They want to have fun and open up new lines of communication with both friends and family. But many older people have unique reasons on top of the more common ones.
Researchers who specialize in aging are studying the sudden popularity of social networking among seniors, and they're seeing that such networks can provide many of the benefits of a social setting or a group of friends while being extremely easy to engage with and maintain.
One of the most challenging aspects of growing older is the deterioration of the social network that surrounds an individual. Spouses and friends get sick and pass away, and family and friends move away. A common predicament of older people is simple loneliness.
But in the 21st century, that truism is rapidly changing in the face of a more connected world. Today's seniors, in touch with modern technology, feel the urge to remain a vital part of society, to work longer, and to stay empowered in their environment. Online networks offer seniors a chance to satisfy such needs.
Family members of seniors also typically welcome the effect of online social networks, which can provide relief from the sense of isolation and depression that comes from loneliness.
Some studies suggest that online social connections might even help delay dementia and increasing longevity. Perhaps such social networks fulfill a basic, ancient need we all have to remain connected with one another. In an age when letter-writing is diminishing, social networking fills the gap of grandparents wanting to communicate with their grandkids and enjoy pictures and videos. Because keeping in touch is now as easy as a mouse click, more older Americans are becoming "wired."
Building business, one connection at a time
Of course, entrepreneurs are quick to jump on this kind of data. One such enterprising fellow developed a site called MyWay Village after helping several older family members move to retirement homes. This social networking site features easy-to-use software that lets seniors post photos, share stories and memories, and connect with others.
Social-networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have exploded in popularity over the past couple years. Millions of people log on to them every day, often multiple times. And, interestingly, usage of such sites among adults aged 55 and older increased dramatically over the past year, from 6.4 percent in second quarter 2008 to 18.9 percent in second quarter 2009.
How are Americans of various age groups using social networking? According to Anderson Analytics, young people are the most likely group to use the entertainment-and game-driven MySpace, and young adults gravitate mostly to MySpace and Facebook. The baby boomer generation tends to use the professionally focused LinkedIn more than any other group. But somewhat surprisingly, among those seniors — dubbed the "WWII generation" by Anderson Analytics — who use social networking sites, 90 percent are using Facebook and 17 percent are using Twitter. Why the surge?
Reasons why individuals join a social network are actually similar from generation to generation. Most people simply value the opportunity to connect with friends and stay in touch. They want to have fun and open up new lines of communication with both friends and family. But many older people have unique reasons on top of the more common ones.
Researchers who specialize in aging are studying the sudden popularity of social networking among seniors, and they're seeing that such networks can provide many of the benefits of a social setting or a group of friends while being extremely easy to engage with and maintain.
One of the most challenging aspects of growing older is the deterioration of the social network that surrounds an individual. Spouses and friends get sick and pass away, and family and friends move away. A common predicament of older people is simple loneliness.
But in the 21st century, that truism is rapidly changing in the face of a more connected world. Today's seniors, in touch with modern technology, feel the urge to remain a vital part of society, to work longer, and to stay empowered in their environment. Online networks offer seniors a chance to satisfy such needs.
Family members of seniors also typically welcome the effect of online social networks, which can provide relief from the sense of isolation and depression that comes from loneliness.
Some studies suggest that online social connections might even help delay dementia and increasing longevity. Perhaps such social networks fulfill a basic, ancient need we all have to remain connected with one another. In an age when letter-writing is diminishing, social networking fills the gap of grandparents wanting to communicate with their grandkids and enjoy pictures and videos. Because keeping in touch is now as easy as a mouse click, more older Americans are becoming "wired."
Building business, one connection at a time
Of course, entrepreneurs are quick to jump on this kind of data. One such enterprising fellow developed a site called MyWay Village after helping several older family members move to retirement homes. This social networking site features easy-to-use software that lets seniors post photos, share stories and memories, and connect with others.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Technology To The Rescue
Technology to the Rescue:
Business Week had a great article about high tech gadget to help seniors stay at home. That reminded me of a great article from Senior Helpers about low tech gadget we may not think about. Enjoy:
Focus on Adaptive Devices
If you or your loved one is living with a condition that limits your ability to perform the activities of daily living, are you taking advantage of the wide range of technologies that are now available to lend-almost literally-a helping hand?
Many conditions, such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease and injuries, can result in physical limitations. If you or your loved one is experiencing reduced range of motion, decreased strength, loss of hand function and lack of endurance, performing the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted can prove challenging-and frustrating. Managing for oneself as much as possible when eating, grooming, bathing and in other personal care is so important to self-esteem and a sense of independence!
On the largest level, rehabilitation specialists help the person enhance mobility and upper body function with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, prosthetics, seating and positioning equipment, orthotics, etc. Another step is to adapt the home environment with modifications such as ramps, grab bars in the shower and built-up toilet seats.
Then there are the gadgets! Rehabilitation specialists have come up with devices to make the tasks of daily life easier. Here are some of the challenging activities we might face each day…and some clever implements to make it easier.
Mealtime
• Utensils with enlarged, long, and/or angled handles
• Non-skid plates, cups and place mats
• Tumbler with snap-on lid
• Long straws and straw holders
• Rocker knife, to allow a person to cut and pick up food with one hand
Dressing &Undressing
• Easy-to-put-on clothing, such as: front-fastening garments, Velcro fasteners, large buttons, slip-on shoes, elastic shoe laces, clip-on ties, belts with hooks instead of buckles
• Dressing stick
• Long-handled shoe horn and sock donning aid
• Elastic shoelaces
Bathing &Hygiene
• Long-handled sponge or back scrubbing brush
• Bath mitt
• Toothbrushes and hairbrush with built-up handles
• Large-handled nail clippers, tweezers
• Soap-on-a-rope
• Terry robe for drying
• Toilet tissue holder
Work &Leisure Activities
• Reachers
• Book holder/electric page turner
• Built-up pen, pencil
• Magnifier
• Typing stick
• Playing card holder
• Key extender
And don't forget that creative thinking can solve a challenge! Could you substitute one everyday item for another, or alter an item slightly? A pizza cutter may be easier to use than a knife, and a cup is more secure to hold when equipped with a terry cloth sleeve. High-tech or low-tech, there is often a solution.
This list is just a small sample of the ingenious devices that are available through your loved one's rehabilitation professionals, or from medical supply houses, or in many cases from your local pharmacy or variety store.
(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners
Business Week had a great article about high tech gadget to help seniors stay at home. That reminded me of a great article from Senior Helpers about low tech gadget we may not think about. Enjoy:
Focus on Adaptive Devices
If you or your loved one is living with a condition that limits your ability to perform the activities of daily living, are you taking advantage of the wide range of technologies that are now available to lend-almost literally-a helping hand?
Many conditions, such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease and injuries, can result in physical limitations. If you or your loved one is experiencing reduced range of motion, decreased strength, loss of hand function and lack of endurance, performing the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted can prove challenging-and frustrating. Managing for oneself as much as possible when eating, grooming, bathing and in other personal care is so important to self-esteem and a sense of independence!
On the largest level, rehabilitation specialists help the person enhance mobility and upper body function with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, prosthetics, seating and positioning equipment, orthotics, etc. Another step is to adapt the home environment with modifications such as ramps, grab bars in the shower and built-up toilet seats.
Then there are the gadgets! Rehabilitation specialists have come up with devices to make the tasks of daily life easier. Here are some of the challenging activities we might face each day…and some clever implements to make it easier.
Mealtime
• Utensils with enlarged, long, and/or angled handles
• Non-skid plates, cups and place mats
• Tumbler with snap-on lid
• Long straws and straw holders
• Rocker knife, to allow a person to cut and pick up food with one hand
Dressing &Undressing
• Easy-to-put-on clothing, such as: front-fastening garments, Velcro fasteners, large buttons, slip-on shoes, elastic shoe laces, clip-on ties, belts with hooks instead of buckles
• Dressing stick
• Long-handled shoe horn and sock donning aid
• Elastic shoelaces
Bathing &Hygiene
• Long-handled sponge or back scrubbing brush
• Bath mitt
• Toothbrushes and hairbrush with built-up handles
• Large-handled nail clippers, tweezers
• Soap-on-a-rope
• Terry robe for drying
• Toilet tissue holder
Work &Leisure Activities
• Reachers
• Book holder/electric page turner
• Built-up pen, pencil
• Magnifier
• Typing stick
• Playing card holder
• Key extender
And don't forget that creative thinking can solve a challenge! Could you substitute one everyday item for another, or alter an item slightly? A pizza cutter may be easier to use than a knife, and a cup is more secure to hold when equipped with a terry cloth sleeve. High-tech or low-tech, there is often a solution.
This list is just a small sample of the ingenious devices that are available through your loved one's rehabilitation professionals, or from medical supply houses, or in many cases from your local pharmacy or variety store.
(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners
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