Alzheimer's Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: Anger and Aggression

Helen Antipov

Those with Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham can start to show signs of anger and aggression. Those behaviors can be verbal or physical. Often they occur suddenly, with no apparent reason, or result from a frustrating situation. While aggression can be hard to cope with, understanding that the person with Alzheimer's or dementia is not acting this way on purpose can help.

Here is some information from ALZ.org.

Causes

Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication. If the person with Alzheimer's is aggressive, consider what might be contributing to the change in behavior.

The main cause of behavioral symptoms associated with dementia is the progressive deterioration of brain cells, but other factors — such as pain — also can cause symptoms or make symptoms worse.

Physical discomfort

• Is the person able to let you know that he or she is experiencing physical pain? It is not uncommon for persons with Alzheimer's or other dementias to have urinary tract or other infections. Due to their loss of cognitive function, they are unable to articulate or identify the cause of physical discomfort and, therefore, may express it through physical aggression.
• Is the person tired because of inadequate rest or sleep?
• Are medications causing side effects? Side effects are especially likely to occur when individuals are taking multiple medications for several health conditions?

Treating Behavioral Symptoms

Anyone experiencing behavioral symptoms should receive a thorough medical checkup, especially when symptoms appear suddenly. Treatment depends on a careful diagnosis, determining possible causes and the types of behavior the person is experiencing.


Sudden change in behavior? UTI could be the cause.
 UTIs, or urinary tract infections, can cause changes in someone with Alzheimer's disease that you might never expect. The impact can be really profound. 

• Is the person overstimulated by loud noises, an overactive environment or physical clutter? Large crowds or being surrounded by unfamiliar people — even within one's own home — can be over-stimulating for a person with dementia.
• Does the person feel lost?
• Most people function better during a certain time of day; typically mornings are best. Consider the time of day when making appointments or scheduling activities. Choose a time when you know the person is most alert and best able to process new information or surroundings.

Poor communication

• Are your instructions simple and easy to understand?
• Are you asking too many questions or making too many statements at once?
• Is the person picking up on your own stress or irritability?

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.

Read more: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-aggression-anger.asp#ixzz2obOym7MZ

Dementia Care for Chapel Hill and Durham: A Way to Help the Entire Family

By Helen Antipov

For many families here in Chapel Hill and Durham, it is a privilege and joy to be able to provide dementia care and other Alzheimer’s care for their senior loved-ones. This gives the family the opportunity to spend time together. However, taking care of seniors with dementia can be draining on the entire family because of the constant care and attention that is required for this specific care.
Comfort Keepers®, the professional and compassionate in-home senior care service provider, is proud to offer dementia care for seniors. Caregivers, the friendly and professional Comfort Keepers, are highly and specifically trained to provide care for seniors with dementia.

For every senior, Comfort Keepers prepares a customized care service package that details exactly what care each senior requires and describes exactly what services Comfort Keepers will provide. Caregivers can provide a variety of services: ranging from weekly visits of 2 hours to 24 hour in-home care live-in service. Comfort Keepers works to make sure every senior is safe and sound as they live independently in their own home.

Caregivers Work to Consciously and Compassionately Improve the Quality of Life that Each Senior Experiences
In order to provide the highest quality dementia care to seniors, caregivers are specially trained to engage seniors in what Comfort Keepers calls Interactive Caregiving®. This is a conscious effort to engage seniors in activities that helps keep their minds and bodies active. It is proven that seniors who feel involved and engaged have a higher quality of life, and this is what Comfort Keepers caregivers strive for. Interactive Caregivers spend time with seniors in the following ways:
• Sharing hobbies
• Listening to music and sometimes dancing
• Walking around the neighborhood
• Browsing through family photo albums
• Putting puzzles together or working on crafts
• Working together on projects around the house
• And many more!
Each of these activities is designed to help seniors improve their quality of life.

Dementia Care Technology to Provide Safety
While Comfort Keepers caregivers can provide 24 hour live-in dementia care, if this is not the service package that the family chooses, there could be times when the senior is at home alone. Comfort Keepers offers several technology solutions to give families peace of mind. If a senior with dementia has a likelihood of wandering and becoming lost, they can be equipped with Comfort Keepers GPS-PERS System technology. This allows the family to track the real-time location of their senior loved-one. If the senior ever wanders and becomes lost, he or she can press the button on their PERS System and instantly be connected with a Comfort Keepers professional response operator who can dispatch emergency assistance.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this season.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues here in Durham and Chapel Hill. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

Senior Care and Elder Care in Chapel HIll and Durham: Thriving During the Holidays

By Helen Antipov

When we think about the holidays, so much comes to mind: traditions and good food, kids tearing through wrapping paper, tree lights and favorite movies, good times with good friends, and finding the perfect gift. But that’s not all.

Sometimes the holidays conjure up holiday stress: trying to please everyone, the crowds, the overstimulation, squeezing in senior care or elder care issues and events, even family squabbles. The reality is the holidays typically turn out good, or not, depending on our perspective. There is a lot we can’t change about the holidays, but we can try to make the most of them despite the anxiety they can sometimes cause.

Here are four ways to make the most of your holiday season:

Plan ahead

According to WebMD, the average American spends 42 hours on holiday activities. Take time to make a list of your holiday events and errands. Tie these items to a detailed calendar so you can spread out the shopping and work involved. You can always change the calendar later, but experts recommend you first make a plan.

Next, look at your calendar and list, and find ways to simplify it. Just because you’ve always decorated the house from top to bottom doesn’t mean you have to do it each year. Maybe it’s okay to bring a store-bought treat to a party so you can eliminate some of the baking you do. Go to an event for a shorter period of time so you can still visit, but not get overwhelmed.

Ask for help. As seniors get older, it can become increasingly stressful to fulfill the holiday obligations that once brought so much joy. Review favorite activities and see where you can ask for help. Inquire about delivery services in the area, and ways to shop online. Ask a child or grandchild to help wrap presents. It could become a new, favorite tradition. If cooking a holiday meal has become too much, ask to make it a potluck instead.

Additionally, if someone is going through the first holiday season since losing a loved one, it’s even more important to plan ahead, eliminate unnecessary items and ask for help. 

Find ways to save money

• First take a look at your finances and set a budget ahead of time. Ric Edelman, author of Financial Security in Troubled Times, says most people mistakenly make a list of people they must buy for before looking at their overall budget. Consumer Reports estimates that 49 million people get gifts they don’t want each year, a statistic that might help place gift giving in a different light.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to buy. When we’re in a rush, it’s easy to spend too much money. Along with planning your to-do list, plan so that your shopping is done well ahead of time.
• While you’re holiday shopping, look for a few gifts you can buy for other times of the year, such as birthdays and weddings. If you plan your shopping, it’s likely you can save on your yearly gift budget this way, too.

Find ways to bond with family long-distance

Many grandparents find themselves in a position of not being able to spend as much time with kids and grandkids as they’d like because they are simply too far away to travel. By getting a bit more creative, there are ways to feel closer during the holidays, especially with today’s technology. Here are some ideas:

• Skype time together. This technology allows people to ‘visit’ via computer. It’s a great way, as a grandparent, to read a bedtime story, share tree decorating and even open presents together.
• Revive old-fashioned letter writing. Even though technology is second nature to today’s kids, most still love getting mail. Send them a holiday wish each week, and ask for a letter and a photo in return.
• Ask for homemade gifts. One way to bond with grandchildren is by sharing a memory of a special gift they made themselves.
• Volunteer to help with an event locally that serves underprivileged kids. It might make missing your own grandkids a bit easier.

Create new traditions

Change can be good and exciting especially if someone is grieving over the loss of a spouse or lifelong friend this holiday season. Some holiday traditions might simply be too hard without the participation of the person who passed. Also, creating new traditions might help you or your loved one accept that life will now be different. Here are some ideas:

• Go out to eat for a holiday meal.
• Get involved in a charity.
• Learn a new holiday hobby, such as making your own wrapping paper with grandkids. You can learn more about creating new and unique holiday traditions at: www.signupgenius.com

Finally, most experts agree the holidays are a time when we eat too much and exercise too little. Keep your current healthy routines as much as possible. You’ll not only feel better, but you’ll help fight illness.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this season.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues here in Durham and Chapel Hill. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

REFERENCES
“Holiday Traditions and Connections,” by the editors of RealSimple.com
“14 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays,” by Dana Dratch for Bankrate.com
“12 Cool Christmas Activities: Get closer to your grandchildren during the holiday season,” by Susan Adcox for Grandparents.about.com
“Reduce Holiday Stress,” by Joanne Barker for WebMD Health News
“Long-Distance Bonding With Grandkids: How to bond with your grandkids who are far away,” by Mark Stackpole for Family.go.com
“10 Strategies for Making the Most of Our Family Holiday with Seniors,” by the editors of Senior Care Corner

Senior Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Don't Let Age be an Excuse - 86 yr old Grandma Schools us ALL!

By Helen Antipov
It is always great to find those that are the exception to wake us up out of stereotypes and preconceived ideas. This 86 year old has kept up her fitness and flexibility that would put most of those one quarter of her age or more to shame.

Click here for the video...

However if you have aging family around you that need some assistance, we are here to help.
At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Cold Weather Falls are Preventable

By Helen Antipov

The National Institutes of Health offers a sobering statistic related to falls among seniors: 1.6 million older adults go to the emergency room each year due to fall-related injuries. A variety of studies have shown a high correlation between cold weather and an increase in falls among older adults, too. The chances for falls in colder weather increases significantly after age 65, and dramatically for seniors 75 years and older.  At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we can provide the senior care and elder care to greatly reduce the chance of a fall and also provide needed care if a fall occurs.

Unfortunately, other statistics about seniors and fall-related injuries are alarming as well. Falls are the leading cause of injury at home among Americans 65 years and older. According to the National Safety Council, each week falling seriously injures 300,000 Americans over age 65. Twenty to 30 percent of these falls lead to permanent disability. The news can even be worse: falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among those age 75 and older. 

Once cold weather comes, seniors should be aware of their increased risk for falls. Snow and ice is a danger for anyone who ventures outdoors in winter, but it is especially unsafe for older adults for a variety of reasons:

• As seniors age, sensation in their feet may decline, especially if they have arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation, or complications from a stroke. A decrease in sensation can affect proper balance. For this reason, venturing outdoors in cold weather can cause an added risk for them.
• Seniors are more likely to be on multiple medications, which can sometimes cause side affects that make falling easier such as mild dementia or dizziness.
• Many seniors walk with an unsteady gait compared to when they were younger. Also, if seniors don’t practice good exercise habits, muscles can lose strength and elasticity, thereby leaving older adults more susceptible to falls.

Take good care year round to prevent falls in winter

Those seniors who work hard to maintain and even increase their flexibility, strength, balance and endurance are less likely to fall. Occupational therapists recommend routine exercise year round so senior adults stay healthy. Even something as simple as a healthy diet can reduce your chance of falling year round—and especially—in wintertime. 

Another important healthy habit that can help prevent falls is getting routine eye exams. If you are wearing the wrong prescription eyewear, your chance of falling is much greater. Taking care of your eyes as you get older can help catch problems early such as glaucoma or cataracts. Since these and similar conditions get gradually worse, it’s easy to miss how serious they have become over time.

Finally maintaining good relationships with your physician and pharmacist are important for year round health so side affects from medication that could lead to falls are monitored and prevented. Keep in mind that cold and flu remedies often contain ingredients that make some people drowsy.

Stick to common sense adages

Perhaps the adage, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is so popular because it’s true. The best time to get prepared for winter is long before it arrives. Senior care experts recommend these preventive safety tips to prevent falls:

Maintain your exercise habits as the weather starts getting colder. It’s hard to stay motivated to exercise when you’re homebound. But lots of indoor exercises can keep you fit when you can’t venture out. Stand at a counter and do knee-bends, or practice balancing on one leg (always near something you can grab if necessary). March in place, or stand up from a couch, sit down and stand again to help keep legs strong. Consult with a doctor or exercise specialist to help you develop a more complete indoor exercise program.

If you feel fatigued stay at home. Getting out can help cure the winter blues, but know and don’t push your limits. Going out when you’re not at your best is putting yourself at risk for a dangerous fall. Consider utilizing delivery services from pharmacies or grocery stores.

Have a safety plan. Carry a cell phone or other alert device so you can get help quickly in the event of a fall. Don’t use assistive devices without practicing at home. Rely on others. Let them know where you are, and ask yourself, “If I fell here, what would I do?” This will remove some of the panic that might set in if you do fall. Make sure outdoor light bulbs are working before winter starts. Consider adding some additional light sources outside your home. Hire someone ahead of time to shovel snow and salt your sidewalks.

Wear the right clothing. You might be used to getting dressed up for church and other favorite activities, but in the winter, stick to rubber-soled shoes with a non-skid surface. Bundle up but make sure you can move easily and see in all directions. Do some light stretching before you venture out; it will make you physically more able to prevent a fall.

Don’t assume anything. Blacktop may look just wet, but cold weather causes black ice to form fast. Don’t be tempted to think you can make a quick trip to the mailbox in your indoor shoes. Sometimes grassy areas can be less slick than road surfaces. 

Look for products that could keep you safe. You can find ideas by visiting websites, at orthopedic stores and through your visiting nurse or physician. Shoe chains are an example. These products fit on the bottom of shoes, adding traction for walking outdoors in snow and ice.

Unfortunately some studies indicate that falls among seniors are on the rise. Keeping all these tips and information in mind can help prevent you from being among those senior adults who sustain an injury by falling in winter.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through if a fall happens.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

^{References
“Cold Weather Tips for Seniors,” by Chase Patton, an Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens news article,} www.aasc.org. 
^{“Monday Top Tips: Stay Safe this Holiday Season; Tips to Prevent Falls in Winter Weather, by Rupali Joshi for Hospital for Special Surgery,} www.hss.edu. 
^{“Falls Prevention: A practical guide for preventing falls,” by the editors of the Cornwall Council,} www.cornwall.gov.uk. 
^{“4 Simple Steps to Prevent Falling: Improve Your Body Balance with Exercise,” About.com Senior Living
“Trauma and Falls in the Elderly,” by Miriam T. Ashkenasy, M.D. and Todd C. Rothenhaus, M.D., for the Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, www.emed.theclinics.com.} 

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Advice for Seniors - Get a Flu Shot

By Helen Antipov
As with any medical treatment and prevention, your doctor is the only one who should advise you or your loved one to obtain a flu shot. However, information from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicate the best way to prevent the flu and stop it from spreading is a flu shot, especially for senior adults. This is because the flu can be especially dangerous to seniors above the age of 65.

What is influenza and why is it more dangerous for seniors?
Influenza, also know as the flu, is caused by a virus, also commonly known as a germ. More specifically, influenza is a respiratory infection. While most people recover in 1-2 weeks from the flu, for others influenza develops into a more serious lung infection. This type of flu complication can land one in the hospital, and also lead to Pneumonia, Bronchitis and other serious infections. At worst, the flu can cause death, and is the fourth leading cause of death among seniors 65 and older.
The specific numbers are scary: More than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older, the CDC reports on cdc.gov. About 90 percent of deaths that occur from influenza happen to seniors.

The flu is a greater concern for the elderly because, as we get older, our immune system becomes weaker. This makes it easier for seniors to not only get the flu, but to fight off complications that might develop from it.

What is a flu shot and when should I get it?
As with any vaccine, a flu shot contains a weakened or killed part of the germ that causes the illness. Because this germ is so weak, it helps your body develop antibodies, which are substances that boost your immune systems. According to the CDC, once you develop antibodies against the flu, cells that have ‘learned’ to fight the virus remain ready to combat it when you are exposed, or come down with the flu.

Because it takes a bit of time before your body is fully ready to fight off the flu virus, most medical experts recommend you get a flu shot in November. In general the ‘flu season’ begins in December and can last until the spring. If you wait until midst of flu season to get a shot, these antibodies won’t have enough time to develop immunity from the flu.

Many pharmacies, such as CVS, are now offering the flu shot. Even though these flu shots must be administered by qualified professionals, talk to you doctor first to let them know you plan to get vaccination and where. According to the National Institution on Aging, Medicare will pay for a flu shot.

Are caregivers more susceptible to the flu?
Although younger adults are more likely to successfully fight off the flu, if you are caring for a loved one, you might be exposed to the flu before your loved one shows symptoms.

The flu virus is contagious and can spread to someone only six feet away. An article written by Anthony Cirillo for About.com’s Assisted Living page states one can infect another person one day before symptoms begin, and up to five to seven days after. Some studies show children may pass the virus to others for a longer duration.

The flu typically spreads when someone sneezes, coughs or talks. It can also be spread when someone touches a surface, then their own mouth, nose or eyes.

Because the flu is so easily spread, caregivers should take extra precautions when near a loved one who has the flu. They should also take precautions to avoid getting the flu themselves because a senior in their care is more susceptible to the virus.

In addition to a vaccine, how do I prevent the flu?
Everyday precautions are you or your loved one’s best defense against flu. Some basic ways to prevent the virus is to wash your hands carefully and often; avoid touching your eyes; and stay inside and away from others if you don’t feel well.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral drugs for you or your loved that can be beneficial within 48 hours of the onset of the flu. However, some physicians and other medical professionals advise against the elderly using these prescriptions.

There is a fair amount of evidence that a healthy diet and some supplements can prevent the flu and lessen its severity. According to Simin N. Meydani, Ph.d, a researcher at Tufts University, studies conducted in nursing homes indicated that zinc plays a role in fighting the flu. In nearly 600 nursing facilities, the residents who had normal zinc concentration were less susceptible to the flu, and had a shorter duration of it than those with low zinc levels.

How do I know if I should call my doctor about the flu?
The common symptoms of the minor flu are: muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.

If you suspect your loved one’s symptoms have grown worse over one or two days, always call the doctor. Here are some signs that indicate the flu has reached a severity that requires hospitalization or additional treatment:

•   shaking chills
•   pain in the chest or abdomen, or shortness of breath
•   confusion and abrupt dizziness
•   high-fever or sweating (how high of a temp here?)
•   diarrhea
•   coughing up phlegm that is yellow, green or white.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this transition.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

References
The editors of the National Institute on Aging’s website: www.nia.nih.gov
The editors of www.flu.gov
Consumer Reports News, ‘Should I take Tamiflu to treat the flu? January, 2013
‘Adequate Zinc Levels Help Quell Pneumonia in Elderly,’ by Tufts University’s Simin N. Meydani, Ph.D, via Med Page Today.
The editors of WebMD
‘What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season if You are 65 Years and Older,’ by the editors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via www.cdc.gov

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Weight Struggles Common for Senior Adult

By Helen Antipov
When it comes to weight and maintaining one’s health as we age, we’ve heard it countless times—eat less and exercise more. But most of the specific information we hear is aimed at younger adults.
In dealing with senior care and elder care in Chapel Hill and Durham, the basics of managing weight still apply to senior adults, they tend to gain weight for different reasons and in different ways. And, because many chronic illnesses develop in old age, it can be especially important to avoid being overweight—and especially obese—as we approach the senior years. At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we can help you with a meal plan and even help keep healthy foods available to help battle this growing concern of senior nutrition.

Treating and preventing obesity in children routinely gains press attention. But some of the studies also show a significant number of senior adults are overweight, including many who are obese. According to a study conducted by the Journal of American Medicine in 2010, about 70 percent of adults over the age of 60 are overweight or obese. This condition puts them at high risk for developing diabetes and many other diseases.

What causes senior adults to get overweight or obese?
As muscle mass decreases over time, fat mass increases. Studies show that high percentage of fat mass in older adults increases the risks of disability, mobility limitations and decreased physical function.

Many seniors simply continue to eat the same amount of food as they did when they were younger even though they’re less active. That makes it easy for older adults to gain weight without changing anything else.

Hormonal changes that occur as we age contribute to weight management. For example, we develop a resistance to leptin, a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and expenditure. It’s also believed that aging plays a role in reduced responsiveness to thyroid hormone. These hormonal changes in senior adults can contribute to an increase in fat mass.

A change in metabolism in older adults contributes to quicker weight gain and slower weight loss. As we age, our digestive systems work less efficiently, which means less energy from food is burned off as calories while more is stored as fat.

According to a journal article by Ann Mabe Newman, DSN, APRN, CNE published by the American Nursing Association, there are genetic factors that play a role in senior adult obesity. It’s believed certain genotypes produce a different sensitivity to changes in body fat after over-eating.

According to the same journal article, our environment contributes to the chances of putting on weight as we age. Some seniors have less access to exercise and fitness centers, especially those who can offer specialized weight and physical activity programs. Seniors need safe places to walk and bike, and they aren’t always readily available.

One of the biggest lifestyle factors that lead to obesity in seniors is our society’s growing habit of eating out. Studies show that when we eat out, we consume both more food and more food higher in fat that when we cook our meals at home.

Why is it more dangerous for seniors to be overweight or obese?
According to the American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, while weight-related chronic diseases lead to high rates of mortality in people of all ages, the risk of dying from weight-related disease increases as people age. Additionally, it’s proven that older adults who struggle with obesity also have higher rates of depression, especially those aged 60-74.

The lungs of obese patients decrease in size, making it easier to develop respiratory problems. Because, as we grow older, we naturally lose about 20 percent of our skin’s dermal thickness, older adults who are overweight and obese can develop pressure sores much more easily.

Being overweight or obese as a senior adult can cause and/or exacerbate serious conditions such as type-two diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

For all these reasons, some studies show over-weight and obese senior adults are more likely to need nursing home care.

What should seniors do to avoid obesity?

• The facts about seniors with obesity are scary. But, unlike many signs of getting older like wrinkles and greying hair, avoiding obesity is controllable. Even though genetics play a role in our weight and our ability to lose it, there are a variety of things older adults can do to maintain a healthy weight.
• If you or your loved one is struggling with weight as they get older, you should focus on not only modifications to eating and exercise, but also developing community support with others committed to maintaining a healthy weight.
• Routine physical activity, even in the very old or frail elderly is shown to help avoid obesity and its related chronic illnesses. Older adults who struggle with weight should focus on physical activity designed to preserve muscle and bone mass. Both the American Society for Nutrition and the North American Association for the Study of Obesity recommend routine physical activity that includes stretching, aerobics and strengthening exercises.
• Talk with your doctor about the effects of your prescription drugs on weight management, and get advice on the best way to address it.
• Believe it or not, getting enough sleep helps you burn more calories. Because of certain hormone changes that occur when you don’t get enough sleep, you crave more food but feel less full. A lack of sleep also contributes to sleep-deprivation, and that leads to craving high-energy foods, which are often sweet or salty.
• Protein leads to healthy muscle development, but if certain sources of protein, such as meat, are harder to eat, focus on other, softer sources of protein like yogurt or eggs.
• Consult a dietician or your doctor before losing weight. For a number of reasons, diets that are recommended for younger adults can be dangerous and counter-productive in older adults. Don’t rely on weight-management tips you used when you were younger unless your doctor says it’s OK.
• If long exercise sessions are too much, adjust your physical fitness activity to short intervals throughout the day. For example, you can gain as much physical benefit from three 10-minute exercise sessions than one for a total of 30 minutes.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this transition.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data Brief Number 106, published September 2012
“How much physical activity do older adults need?” published by the Centers for Disease Control and Management, www.cdc.gov, September 2013.
“Older Adults and Obesity—is Dieting the Answer?” by Lindsey Getz for Today’s Dietician, Volume 15, No. 8, page 44.
“Weight Loss After 40: Why it’s So Hard—and What Works,” by Melanie Haiken, Senior Editor, Caring.com.
“Obesity in Older Adults,” by Ann Mabe Newman, DSN, APRN, CNF for The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, Volume 14, No. 1, Manuscript 3.
“How to Prevent Obesity,” by the editors of www.StanfordHospital.org on behalf of Stanford Hospital & Clinics

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Join a Senior Center to Improve Health

By Helen Antipov

With senior care and elder care, a consideration is that senior adults are more active than ever. A higher level of health care has led to treatments that help older adults stay healthier and more active as they age. However, because senior adults often look and feel younger, they might miss out on the benefits of friendship, support, education and recreation that a senior center provides.

Maybe your loved one says, ‘I don’t know where there is a senior center in Chapel Hill. I don’t feel old. I don’t know anyone in Durham so I don't want to sit around talking with people I don't know.’

But, many people are questioning the name ‘Senior Center’ because studies show all types of people, including those who are healthy and active, find senior centers in their communities a great resource for a myriad of things. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 11,400 senior centers in the country serve more than one million adults. About 75 percent visit a senior center one to three times per week, and stay an average of 3.3 hours per visit. At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we can help you find the right senior center and can help get your senior to activities that match what they need and like. 

If you don’t feel old enough to join a senior center, consider these facts, also reported by the NCOA:

• Older adults who utilize senior centers learn to manage and/or delay the onset of chronic disease and experience significant improvements to their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental—and even economic—well being.
• A study of nearly 900 people indicated that those seniors who are around 80 years old lived longer if they stayed active. Additionally, it’s been shown that those older adults who are more active are less likely to have memory problems or need a nursing home. This same study debunked the myths that say senior adults aren’t able to learn new things, like a new form of exercise or a hobby, and also that memory loss and a significant decrease in physical aptitude is inevitable.
• Today’s senior centers are expanding their programming and base of participants, especially as the baby boomer population grows.

Senior Centers offer newer types of programming
Now that senior adults are living longer and staying active into their 80s and even 90s, senior centers now offer a newer variety of programming. With more and more studies showing that active minds help delay Alzheimer's symptoms, a senior center in Chapel Hill and Durham can help those that may be facing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's.

Fitness Programs. Many senior centers offer not only exercise programs designed for older adults, but they also have equipment onsite for members to use.

Job Placement Services. More and more people are enjoying their careers—or a new line of work—well past age 65. Some senior centers offer help and resources for seniors who are looking for work.

Travel Programs. Some senior centers sponsor trips for members that can be one-day or up to a weeklong venture. These programs often include advance planning of the trip, transportation, stops, meals and sleeping arrangements. So all you or your loved has to do is pack!

Lifelong Education. The older adult years are a great time to pursue hobbies you or your loved one never had time for during the busy work and child-rearing years. These can include painting, photography, music, dancing, computer skills and writing. 

Joint Programming with Child and Teen Groups. Seniors and teens can learn a lot from each other. The same is true for younger children. Some senior centers are offering the chance to bring other groups into their facility for special programming.

Gardening Opportunities. Maybe you’ve downsized and don’t have the room to garden like you used to. Or maybe you never had time to learn about growing a variety of plants and flowers. Many senior centers have gardens right onsite that members tend to.

Getting on after loss
If you’ve lost someone close to you, like a spouse or treasured friend, it’s likely you want to stay home. But as you’re going through the stages of grief, it’s often the best time to reach out to others at a senior center, especially because they’ve likely gone through—or are going through—the same tough time.

Even if you have been around many of the same people your whole adult life, experts on coping with loss think it’s never too late to meet new friends. If you’re not sure where to turn, a senior center, and its participants and staff will welcome you in. Getting involved in activities you are passionate about is another way to cope with the loss you or your loved one faces in life’s later years.

How do I find a good senior center?
Like other services, talking to friends is a good way to find out more about a senior center in your locale. You’re likely to find out about them in advertisements, newspapers and TV. Many senior centers are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and you can find out which ones carry that designation. Also look for senior centers who are accredited by the NCOA, although it they aren’t, it doesn’t mean they aren’t a good choice.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this transition.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

References

‘The Perks of Growing Older,’ by Krisha McCoy, MS and Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD for Everyday Health
‘Return to social life can be fulfilling for suddenly single seniors,’ by the editors of www.4elders.org.
‘Senior Tips for Great Senior Center Activities,’ by Norma Bean for Yahoo Voices
www.bbb.org 
‘Staying Healthy Over 50: How to Feel young and Live Life to the Fullest,’ by the editors of www.helpguide.com 
www.ncoa.org

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Weight Struggles and Senior Adults

By Helen Antipov
While providing Senior Care and Elder Care in the Chapel Hill and Durham area, we are often faced with senior nutrition issues. When it comes to weight and maintaining one’s health, we’ve heard it countless times—eat less and exercise more. But most of the specific information we hear is aimed at younger adults. While the basics of managing weight still apply to senior adults, they tend to gain weight for different reasons and in different ways. And, because many chronic illnesses develop in old age, it can be especially important to avoid being overweight—and especially obese—as we approach the senior years.

Treating and preventing obesity in children routinely gains press attention. But some of the studies also show a significant number of senior adults are overweight, including many who are obese. According to a study conducted by the Journal of American Medicine in 2010, about 70 percent of adults over the age of 60 are overweight or obese. This condition puts them at high risk for developing diabetes and many other diseases. At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we can help you with a meal plan and even help keep healthy foods available to help battle this growing concern of senior nutrition.

What causes senior adults to get overweight or obese?

• As muscle mass decreases over time, fat mass increases. Studies show that high percentage of fat mass in older adults increases the risks of disability, mobility limitations and decreased physical function.
• Many seniors simply continue to eat the same amount of food as they did when they were younger even though they’re less active. That makes it easy for older adults to gain weight without changing anything else.
• Hormonal changes that occur as we age contribute to weight management. For example, we develop a resistance to leptin, a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and expenditure. It’s also believed that aging plays a role in reduced responsiveness to thyroid hormone. These hormonal changes in senior adults can contribute to an increase in fat mass. 
• A change in metabolism in older adults contributes to quicker weight gain and slower weight loss. As we age, our digestive systems work less efficiently, which means less energy from food is burned off as calories while more is stored as fat.
• According to a journal article by Ann Mabe Newman, DSN, APRN, CNE published by the American Nursing Association, there are genetic factors that play a role in senior adult obesity. It’s believed certain genotypes produce a different sensitivity to changes in body fat after over-eating. 
• According to the same journal article, our environment contributes to the chances of putting on weight as we age. Some seniors have less access to exercise and fitness centers, especially those who can offer specialized weight and physical activity programs. Seniors need safe places to walk and bike, and they aren’t always readily available.
• One of the biggest lifestyle factors that lead to obesity in seniors is our society’s growing habit of eating out. Studies show that when we eat out, we consume both more food and more food higher in fat that when we cook our meals at home. 

Why is it more dangerous for seniors to be overweight or obese?

According to the American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, while weight-related chronic diseases lead to high rates of mortality in people of all ages, the risk of dying from weight-related disease increases as people age. Additionally, it’s proven that older adults who struggle with obesity also have higher rates of depression, especially those aged 60-74.

The lungs of obese patients decrease in size, making it easier to develop respiratory problems. Because, as we grow older, we naturally lose about 20 percent of our skin’s dermal thickness, older adults who are overweight and obese can develop pressure sores much more easily.

Being overweight or obese as a senior adult can cause and/or exacerbate serious conditions such as type-two diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. 

For all these reasons, some studies show over-weight and obese senior adults are more likely to need nursing home care.

What should seniors do to avoid obesity?

The facts about seniors with obesity are scary. But, unlike many signs of getting older like wrinkles and greying hair, avoiding obesity is controllable. Even though genetics play a role in our weight and our ability to lose it, there are a variety of things older adults can do to maintain a healthy weight.

• If you or your loved one is struggling with weight as they get older, you should focus on not only modifications to eating and exercise, but also developing community support with others committed to maintaining a healthy weight. 

• Routine physical activity, even in the very old or frail elderly is shown to help avoid obesity and its related chronic illnesses. Older adults who struggle with weight should focus on physical activity designed to preserve muscle and bone mass. Both the American Society for Nutrition and the North American Association for the Study of Obesity recommend routine physical activity that includes stretching, aerobics and strengthening exercises.

• Talk with your doctor about the effects of your prescription drugs on weight management, and get advice on the best way to address it.
• Believe it or not, getting enough sleep helps you burn more calories. Because of certain hormone changes that occur when you don’t get enough sleep, you crave more food but feel less full. A lack of sleep also contributes to sleep-deprivation, and that leads to craving high-energy foods, which are often sweet or salty.
• Protein leads to healthy muscle development, but if certain sources of protein, such as meat, are harder to eat, focus on other, softer sources of protein like yogurt or eggs.
• Consult a dietician or your doctor before losing weight. For a number of reasons, diets that are recommended for younger adults can be dangerous and counter-productive in older adults. Don’t rely on weight-management tips you used when you were younger unless your doctor says it’s OK.
• If long exercise sessions are too much, adjust your physical fitness activity to short intervals throughout the day. For example, you can gain as much physical benefit from three 10-minute exercise sessions than one for a total of 30 minutes.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this transition.  We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us online.

^{References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data Brief Number 106, published September 2012
“How much physical activity do older adults need?” published by the Centers for Disease Control and Management, www.cdc.gov, September 2013.
“Older Adults and Obesity—is Dieting the Answer?” by Lindsey Getz for Today’s Dietician, Volume 15, No. 8, page 44.
“Weight Loss After 40: Why it’s So Hard—and What Works,” by Melanie Haiken, Senior Editor, Caring.com.
“Obesity in Older Adults,” by Ann Mabe Newman, DSN, APRN, CNF for The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, Volume 14, No. 1, Manuscript 3.
“How to Prevent Obesity,” by the editors of www.StanfordHospital.org on behalf of} 

Senior Care and Elder Care in Durham and Chapel Hill: Signs of Fraud Against Seniors.

By Helen Antipov

Dealing with Senior Care and Elder Care in Durham and Chapel Hill and issues of fraud. According to the FTC, nearly 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year. Seniors continue to be a rapidly increasing segment of the population targeted by con artists. In fact, financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they are now considered to be “the crime of the 21st century.” And this crime against seniors is not always one that is perpetrated by strangers. Over 90% of all reported abuse of seniors is committed by someone in their own family. Shockingly, financial abuse such as depleting joint checking accounts, promising but not delivering care in exchange for money or property, and even outright theft is most often committed by the senior’s own adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and others. And it’s not just wealthy seniors who are at risk. Low income older adults are commonly targeted as well.

As a caregiver, how do you protect your senior loved one from falling victim to scams? Protecting your senior comes down to four key actions: being aware, being careful, doing your homework, and asking for help if you find that your senior has been the victim of a financial crisis. Here are the ten most popular scams targeting seniors according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) followed by some practical but important ways to protect him or her, and also next steps to take if you discover that fraud has occurred.

The top ten scams targeting seniors include:

• Health Care/Medicare/Health Insurance fraud. There are endless varieties of this scam aimed at getting the personal information of seniors by scam artists who promise bogus services for elderly people and then use the information to bill Medicare and the n pocket the money.
• Counterfeit Prescription Drugs. This is most often perpetrated via the internet when seniors search for better prices on specialized medications. Not only is there danger of paying for meds that will not help the senior’s medical condition, but victims may purchase unsafe substances that can cause harm.
• Funeral and Cemetery Scams. Scammers read the obituaries and take advantage of the grieving widow or widower by claiming the deceased owes an outstanding debt, and then extorts money to settle the false claim. Another scam perpetuated by disreputable funeral homes preys on the unfamiliarity of family members with the considerable costs of services by adding unnecessary charges to the bill.
• Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products. There is big money in the anti-aging business and many older people seek new treatments and medications to remain looking youthful. Scammers sell senior bogus homeopathic remedies that do nothing.
• Telemarketing. Scammers commonly use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older people. Seniors make twice as many purchases by phone than the national average. With no paper trail or face-to-face interaction, these scams are incredibly difficult to trace. To add insult to injury, once a successful deal has been made, the buyer’s name is shared with other scammers who are on the prowl for easy marks.
• Internet Fraud. Seniors who are not computer savvy can be easy prey for scams that cause computer viruses that open information on the user’s computer to scammers.
• Investment schemes. Because many seniors find themselves planning for retirement and managing their savings after retirement, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of seniors. They can range everywhere from pyramid schemes like the one that Bernie Madoff perpetrated, to complex financial products that many economists don’t even understand.
• Homeowner/Reverse Mortgages. The reverse mortgage has mushroomed in recent years. Unsecured reverse mortgages can lead property owners to lose their homes when perpetrators offer money or a free house somewhere else in exchange for the title to the property.
• Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams. Here scammers inform their mark that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes and need to make some kind of payment to unlock the prize. Often, this scam involves having the senior deposit the fake prize check into their bank account. The prize amount shows up in their account immediately and takes a few days before it is rejected. In the meantime, the scammers collect money for supposed taxes or fees on the prize as the victim has the ‘prize money’ removed from their account as the check bounces.
• The Grandparent Scam. This simple scam involves a call to an older person by an imposter grandchild who asks for money to resolve an unexpected financial problem. The money is usually paid to Western Union or MoneyGram which don’t always require identification to collect.

You can help protect your senior and reduce their risk of financial abuse by making him or her aware of the risk of elder financial abuse. Avoiding isolation by staying involved with friends, family, and community activities throughout their lives is likewise helpful. Seniors should also include safeguards in their durable powers of attorney to help prevent those being misused by their agent is another way to secure his or her assets. Refusing to engage with anyone who calls or comes to the door selling anything or looking for donations is another good practice. Using direct deposit for checks will ensure that they go right into their accounts and are protected. And finally, never giving credit card, banking, Social Security, Medicare or other personal information out over the phone unless he or she initiates the call is a good way to maintain the integrity of this very private information.

If your senior falls victim to fraud, immediately call his or her bank and/or credit company, cancel any debit or credit cards linked to the stolen account, and reset the personal identification number(s). There is help for suspected elder abuse as well. Every state operates an Adult Protect Services (APS) program, the ‘911’ for elder abuse. If you suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, call the Eldercare Locator toll free at (800) 677-1116 to find your local offices.

^{References “Senior Fraud: A campaign aimed at older Americans to keep them from becoming victims of fraud and identity theft,.” National Crime Prevention Council, www.ncpc.org/newsroom/current-campaigns/senior-fraud.
 “Savvy Saving Seniors®,” National Council on Aging, www.ncoa.org
“Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors,” National Council on Aging, www.ncoa.org}