Monday, March 11, 2013
Walk Like a Penguin
I hope we won't have use for this until next year. But I came across it and thought it might help prevent a fall. This has been a busy year for our clients who used Hanson Services after falling on the ice or snow. It turns out, penguins are our best teachers.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
We Just Call It "Care"
The following is a response to this blog post on the term "Person-Centered Care" . It's from one of my favorite elder care websites: Changingage.org
At Hanson Services, we provide in-home care for adults. We also provide the training and skills one needs to care for an older adult.
But kindness and empathy are as important as physical skills, and have to come from the heart, not a classroom.
Our care is moment-to-moment and one-to-one, based on our client's needs, mood, energy and personality at that particular time.
This has been our philosophy from the beginning. We don't use the term "person-centered." We just call it "care."
-Eileen
"Thank you for posting Martha's story. Her ability to recognize her mother's subtle needs is exactly why a care giver's resume should be secondary to a care giver's heart. At Hanson Services, we provide in-home care for adults. We also provide the training and skills one needs to care for an older adult.
But kindness and empathy are as important as physical skills, and have to come from the heart, not a classroom.
Our care is moment-to-moment and one-to-one, based on our client's needs, mood, energy and personality at that particular time.
This has been our philosophy from the beginning. We don't use the term "person-centered." We just call it "care."
-Eileen
Hanson Caregivers in Class
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
It's Not That Simple......
"often a fall doesn't cause a broken hip; a broken hip causes a fall. That is how fragile an elderly person can be. Administering c.p.r. on someone so frail may not save a life, but could ultimately cause an agonizing death" Maryann Hanson, Founder and CEO of Hanson Services Inc.
You may have seen this story in the news, a nurse refuses to give CPR to a dying woman. On the 911 recording, the 911 dispatcher is heard pleading for the nurse to administer c.p.r. and save a dying woman's life. The recording is disturbing. The nurse sounds so uncaring, citing company policy as a reason to refuse the c.p.r. The woman died without receiving c.p.r. from the nurse.
This brought up a difficult issue that we, at Hanson Services have to face. Is it ever OK to NOT save a life?
The issue came up during one of today's continuing education classes. Hanson Services C.E.O. Maryann Hanson discussed the topic with our caregivers
She explained that many of our clients have DNR (do not resuscitate) orders, and some of our clients are so frail that receiving c.p.r. would crush their bones and cause tremendous pain. "Often a fall doesn't cause a broken hip, a broken hip causes a fall. That's how fragile an elderly person can be. Administering c.p.r. on someone so frail may not save a life, but could ultimately cause an agonizing death."
For a caregiver, whose very nature is to preserve life and provide comfort, standing by and watching someone die is not an option. For that reason, Hanson Services has a policy in place that takes the decision making away from the caregiver and instead allows them to provide the comfort a frail dying person needs most.
Hanson Services caregivers have a support staff available to them 24 hours a day. No one person is left with a life or death decision, and no policy prohibits them from providing comfort to someone who needs it.
The nurse in the news story may not have been wrong to refuse CPR. But there is never an excuse to NOT provide comfort.
-Eileen
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| Maryann Hanson (far right) discussing today's news with caregivers |
You may have seen this story in the news, a nurse refuses to give CPR to a dying woman. On the 911 recording, the 911 dispatcher is heard pleading for the nurse to administer c.p.r. and save a dying woman's life. The recording is disturbing. The nurse sounds so uncaring, citing company policy as a reason to refuse the c.p.r. The woman died without receiving c.p.r. from the nurse.
This brought up a difficult issue that we, at Hanson Services have to face. Is it ever OK to NOT save a life?
The issue came up during one of today's continuing education classes. Hanson Services C.E.O. Maryann Hanson discussed the topic with our caregivers
She explained that many of our clients have DNR (do not resuscitate) orders, and some of our clients are so frail that receiving c.p.r. would crush their bones and cause tremendous pain. "Often a fall doesn't cause a broken hip, a broken hip causes a fall. That's how fragile an elderly person can be. Administering c.p.r. on someone so frail may not save a life, but could ultimately cause an agonizing death."
For a caregiver, whose very nature is to preserve life and provide comfort, standing by and watching someone die is not an option. For that reason, Hanson Services has a policy in place that takes the decision making away from the caregiver and instead allows them to provide the comfort a frail dying person needs most.
Hanson Services caregivers have a support staff available to them 24 hours a day. No one person is left with a life or death decision, and no policy prohibits them from providing comfort to someone who needs it.
The nurse in the news story may not have been wrong to refuse CPR. But there is never an excuse to NOT provide comfort.
-Eileen
Friday, March 1, 2013
Do You Have These In Black?
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| Don't be afraid to wear the red shoes.
I can't look at a pair of red shoes without thinking of one of our Hanson Services clients. For her 98th birthday, she wanted a pair of red shoes. She wasn't trying to accessorize an outfit, or pretend to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. She is a woman of style who wears what appeals to her. She wore her new red shoes with unabashed delight and was the belle-of-the-ball on her birthday. At nearly 100 years, she is still the most vibrant, beautiful woman in any room.
The best life lessons come from the most unexpected places. For me, it's our client and the red shoes.
I remember a conversation with the owner of Knuth Shoes. She noted that we Cleveland women have a peculiar way of buying shoes. We are drawn to the red (yellow, orange, blue etc.) shoes because of their beautiful colors. We try them on, admire them, parade in front of the store mirror in them, then we ask, "do you have these in black? I can't wear the bright colors."
I'm guilty. I love red shoes but never wear them. In fact, I have a closet full of black shoes, purchased because they were gorgeous in red.
It's not a lack of versatility. In fashion, red has become a neutral. But red on me is just so bold. I'm not sure I can "pull it off", especially at my age.
What I have learned is that my age doesn't diminish the beauty of the shoes. Instead, choosing to wear the shoes I like, enhances the beauty of my age. I hope (God willing) I will be wearing red shoes on my 98th birthday.
-Eileen
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Is It a Scam?
Probably, (just my opinion).
If you have doubt, it's probably a scam. Click below before you donate to an unknown charity.
www.clevelandbbb.org/charity
The Cleveland Chapter of the Better Business Bureau has a Senior Awareness program designed to help seniors avoid the scams that are so often directed at them. Not all of them are charity scams.
One scam that stands out on BBB's top ten list for 2012, is the "grandparent emergency scam".
This scam is a phone call or email from a loved one who is in danger/trouble, out of town, and needs money right away.
It sounds far fetched, but it actually happened to a Hanson Services co-worker. The co-worker's grandmother received a phone call from a girl who addressed her as "Grandma" and said she was in trouble and needed money. A bad phone connection and Grandma's hearing deficit may have worked in the scammer's favor. But Grandma was savvy enough to make a few phone calls to check the scammer's story. She discovered her granddaughter (my co-worker) was safely at work and unaware of the distress call. No money was sent, and the scammer lost that time.
But, most likely the scammer quickly moved on to another target. Technology and social media make it relatively easy to fool us. Phone devices can alter, voices, caller i-d, and locations. Social media sites provide our loved one's names and photos, even nicknames. The elderly are a perfect target because many do not use or understand social media.
For example, this could be a grandchild's simple post showing a photo with the caption: "me with Nana at the Smith family reunion".
We know that he has a grandmother on the Smith side of the family. He calls her "Nana". We might even get more information like the location and other names of family members in photos. But even that one photo gives a scammer enough information to phone "Nana" in a panicky voice, tell her it's an emergency, and ask for money.
Sadly, these predators use fear and urgency to take advantage of a grandparent's love and affection for their grandchildren.
The Better Business Bureau is working hard to stay ahead of these scams. You can find their latest warnings here:http://cleveland.bbb.org/bbb-news/
-Eileen
If you have doubt, it's probably a scam. Click below before you donate to an unknown charity.
www.clevelandbbb.org/charity
The Cleveland Chapter of the Better Business Bureau has a Senior Awareness program designed to help seniors avoid the scams that are so often directed at them. Not all of them are charity scams.
One scam that stands out on BBB's top ten list for 2012, is the "grandparent emergency scam".
This scam is a phone call or email from a loved one who is in danger/trouble, out of town, and needs money right away.
It sounds far fetched, but it actually happened to a Hanson Services co-worker. The co-worker's grandmother received a phone call from a girl who addressed her as "Grandma" and said she was in trouble and needed money. A bad phone connection and Grandma's hearing deficit may have worked in the scammer's favor. But Grandma was savvy enough to make a few phone calls to check the scammer's story. She discovered her granddaughter (my co-worker) was safely at work and unaware of the distress call. No money was sent, and the scammer lost that time.
But, most likely the scammer quickly moved on to another target. Technology and social media make it relatively easy to fool us. Phone devices can alter, voices, caller i-d, and locations. Social media sites provide our loved one's names and photos, even nicknames. The elderly are a perfect target because many do not use or understand social media.
For example, this could be a grandchild's simple post showing a photo with the caption: "me with Nana at the Smith family reunion".
We know that he has a grandmother on the Smith side of the family. He calls her "Nana". We might even get more information like the location and other names of family members in photos. But even that one photo gives a scammer enough information to phone "Nana" in a panicky voice, tell her it's an emergency, and ask for money.
Sadly, these predators use fear and urgency to take advantage of a grandparent's love and affection for their grandchildren.
The Better Business Bureau is working hard to stay ahead of these scams. You can find their latest warnings here:http://cleveland.bbb.org/bbb-news/
-Eileen
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
60 Years!
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| Edward and Maryann Toth celebrating 60 years of marriage |
It was sunny and 45 degrees according to official records, but Maryann Toth swears it was much warmer on Valentine's Day, 1953. It was her wedding day, and she needed only a shawl over her wedding dress to keep warm. (My parents agree. It was their wedding day too!)
Broadview Heights Mayor Samuel Alai went a step further to recognize the Toth's sixty years. He proclaimed February 14th, 2013, "Edward and Maryann Toth day".
The proclamation was a surprise for the Toths, and the highlight of the annual Broadview Heights seniors Valentine's day party. Each year, on Valentine's day, the mayor invites couples to renew their wedding vows.
Edward and Maryann joined more than a dozen other couples to stand before Mayor Alai and once again vow to love, honor and cherish each other. But before anyone would say "I do" the Toths were invited to step forth to receive the honor.
The weather wasn't quite as warm as it was on their wedding day, but Maryann and Edward Toth will remember this anniversary for another kind of warmth. It's the kind that comes from a community marveling at 60 years of love and commitment.
Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Toth! We, at Hanson Services wish you many more happy, healthy years together.
-Eileen
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| Broadview Hts. Mayor Samual Alai officiating Valentine's Day 2013 |
Future of Healthcare
".......almost every sober analysis of our current health care environment suggests a need for better care for the chronically ill at home and in the community. " STEVEN H. LANDERS, MD, MPH
When Dr. Steve Landers and his wife Allison moved from Cleveland to New Jersey, Hanson Services lost a great advocate for quality home care. Dr. Landers helped us fine-tune our in home care and assessments; providing tips and tools to see beyond the obvious. (He shared a story about a patient and spoiled food, that made me want to check the expiration labels in every refrigerator I see.)
Dr. Landers recently contributed to the Cleveland Clinic Medical Journal's latest publication. The link is below, along with Dr. Landers introduction. It's good to know he is still connected to Cleveland, and always passionate about quality care at home.
-Eileen
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/online/journal/supplement/home-health/
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/online/journal/supplement/home-health/
When Dr. Steve Landers and his wife Allison moved from Cleveland to New Jersey, Hanson Services lost a great advocate for quality home care. Dr. Landers helped us fine-tune our in home care and assessments; providing tips and tools to see beyond the obvious. (He shared a story about a patient and spoiled food, that made me want to check the expiration labels in every refrigerator I see.)
Dr. Landers recently contributed to the Cleveland Clinic Medical Journal's latest publication. The link is below, along with Dr. Landers introduction. It's good to know he is still connected to Cleveland, and always passionate about quality care at home.
-Eileen
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| Dr. Landers on the air with WCLV's Bob Conrad during a remote broadcast at Hanson Services |
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/online/journal/supplement/home-health/
Medicine’s future: Helping patients stay healthy at home
President and CEO, VNA Health Group, Red Bank, NJ
Home-based care will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the health care system as the United States seeks ways to provide cost-effective and compassionate care to a growing population of older adults with chronic illness. “Home health care,” a term that refers more specifically to visiting nurses, therapists, and related services, is currently the prominent home care model in this country.
Home health services were developed around the start of the 20th century to address the unmet health and social needs of vulnerable populations living in the shadows. Today, there are more than 10,000 home health agencies and visiting nurse organizations across the country that care for millions of homebound patients each year. With the onset of health reform and the increasing focus on value and “accountability,” there are many opportunities and challenges for home health providers and the physicians, hospitals, and facilities they work with to try to find the best ways to keep patients healthy at home and drive value for society.
There is a paucity of medical and health services literature to guide providers and policymakers’ decisions about the right types and approaches to care at home. Maybe this is because academic centers and American medicine became so focused on acute institutional care in the past half century that the home has been overlooked. However, that pendulum is likely swinging back as almost every sober analysis of our current health care environment suggests a need for better care for the chronically ill at home and in the community. It is important that research and academic enterprises emphasize scholarly efforts to understand and improve home and community care so that the anticipated shift in care to home is informed by the best possible evidence, ultimately ensuring that patients get the best possible care.
The articles in this online, CME-certified Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine supplement address contemporary topics in home health and other home-based care concepts. The authors have diverse backgrounds and discuss issues related to technology, palliative care, care transitions, heart failure, knee replacement, primary care, and health reform. Several articles share concepts and outcomes from innovative approaches being developed throughout the country to help patients succeed at home, especially when returning home from a hospitalization.
The articles should improve readers’ understanding of a wide range of initiatives and ideas for how home health and home care might look in the future delivery system. The authors also raise numerous yet-unanswered questions and opportunities for future study. The needs for further home care research from clinical, public health, and policy perspectives are evident. Health care is going home, and this transformation will be enhanced and possibly accelerated by thoughtful research and synthesis.
I am incredibly thankful to my fellow authors, and hope that we have produced a useful supplement that will help readers in their efforts to assist the most vulnerable patients and families in their efforts to remain independent at home.
- Copyright© 2013 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/online/journal/supplement/home-health/
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Don't Call it a Bib.
Notice we do not call it a "bib". Our education director, Laura Hazen, suggests we use the word "napkin" instead. Bibs are for babies, and older adults suffer enough indignity when their personal care items carry the same labels as an infant's. Think of adult "diapers" and adult "daycare". There must be a better label for both.
Laura came up with idea to call the bib a "napkin" while she cared for her (now deceased) mother. Laura said she would even put a "napkin" on herself to create more normalcy for her mother at mealtimes.
"Bib" is certainly not a negative word. Some of the best meals are enjoyed while wearing a lobster bib. But when that word becomes a reminder of yet another diminishing ability, it needs to be replaced.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hospitalization May Be 'Tipping Point' for Alzheimer's Decline
Hospitalization May Be 'Tipping Point' for Alzheimer's Decline
To me, this headline is frightening. As I write this, my father who has Alzheimer's, is on day 3 in the hospital because of an infection. My family is with him, and there are no signs of the delirium mentioned in the news article. Also, he is supposed to go home today. But I can't help wondering what happens when family can't be there or there is no family. Would a familiar caregiver fill the same role?
Maryann Hanson's suggestion is (if possible) to avoid the hospital in the first place. She mentioned a physician who advised her to evaluate what the hospital would do for an elderly person that can't be done at home, and ask how a hospital stay would affect the quality of life.
An experienced caregiver at home can watch for early signs of an infection, so that an antibiotic can be started before the infection becomes an emergency. Good care at home also means the patient will likely be eating well and taking in enough fluids.
-Eileen
To me, this headline is frightening. As I write this, my father who has Alzheimer's, is on day 3 in the hospital because of an infection. My family is with him, and there are no signs of the delirium mentioned in the news article. Also, he is supposed to go home today. But I can't help wondering what happens when family can't be there or there is no family. Would a familiar caregiver fill the same role?
Maryann Hanson's suggestion is (if possible) to avoid the hospital in the first place. She mentioned a physician who advised her to evaluate what the hospital would do for an elderly person that can't be done at home, and ask how a hospital stay would affect the quality of life.
An experienced caregiver at home can watch for early signs of an infection, so that an antibiotic can be started before the infection becomes an emergency. Good care at home also means the patient will likely be eating well and taking in enough fluids.
-Eileen
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Hospital Readmission Study Supports Care At Home
We could have saved them the trouble. A team of researchers concluded that caregiver support at home (family or otherwise) decreases the rate of hospital readmissions among the elderly. Their findings are documented in www.AdvancesInNursingScience.com.
Our findings at Hanson Services, aren't scientific, but come the to same conclusion. Self-care supported by family and/or our caregivers leads to recovery instead of readmission to the hospital.
More than just physical support, our clients benefit from the social support of having someone who is invested in their well-being. We are communicators when our client can't speak, or is too tired to talk; we are a means for doctor visits, note taking, and medicine runs; we are cheerleaders for clients struggling through rehabilitation; and we are dog walkers, pet feeders, and litter box changers when needed. We also facilitate a good night's sleep, by being awake and alert just in case we are needed.
Rest and peace of mind are crucial for recovery. At least that's what we believe at Hanson Services. We don't have scientific data and a study to back us up, but millions of hours caring for hundreds of clients counts for something.
-Eileen
Our findings at Hanson Services, aren't scientific, but come the to same conclusion. Self-care supported by family and/or our caregivers leads to recovery instead of readmission to the hospital.
More than just physical support, our clients benefit from the social support of having someone who is invested in their well-being. We are communicators when our client can't speak, or is too tired to talk; we are a means for doctor visits, note taking, and medicine runs; we are cheerleaders for clients struggling through rehabilitation; and we are dog walkers, pet feeders, and litter box changers when needed. We also facilitate a good night's sleep, by being awake and alert just in case we are needed.
Rest and peace of mind are crucial for recovery. At least that's what we believe at Hanson Services. We don't have scientific data and a study to back us up, but millions of hours caring for hundreds of clients counts for something.
-Eileen
Monday, February 4, 2013
The 99 cent Hamburger
The funeral of a Pennsylvania man made national news because the entire funeral procession went through the drive-thru of a Burger restaurant. The restaurant was a favorite of the deceased, and the family wanted to honor his favorite hamburger with one final burger run. Everyone in the procession got a hamburger, including the deceased who was buried with his.
The story reminded me of one of our Hanson Services clients who also had a favorite burger and burger restaurant. Maryann Hanson mentioned him in one of the radio ads on WCLV 104.9 FM offering a "99 cent Hamburger" run as one of our services.
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The story reminded me of one of our Hanson Services clients who also had a favorite burger and burger restaurant. Maryann Hanson mentioned him in one of the radio ads on WCLV 104.9 FM offering a "99 cent Hamburger" run as one of our services.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Where is Maryann?
Maryann Hanson, being interviewed by WCLV's Bob Conrad
On January 1, 2013, (after fifty years on the air) WCLV 104.9 FM became a non-profit, listener supported, radio station; thus eliminating the need for advertisements.
One would think the lack of commercials would be a welcome change for the listeners. But it appears Maryann's colorful 30 and 60 second scenarios about elder care, are missed. Listeners, who became our clients, say Maryann spoke to their specific needs as if she knew them, and her ads brought them a sense of comfort and normalcy.
I have nearly 50 of those radio ads, which I will post on the website and here in the blog. In the meantime Maryann Hanson and Hanson Services will continue to support WCLV's classical music programming as a donor and underwriter. One of these days I will get her to share the story of who convinced her to record her own ads and why.
-Eileen
Friday, January 25, 2013
Hospice Plus Hanson Equals Comfort
"The family requests donations be made to hospice..." Open an obituary page in any newspaper, on any day, and chances are you will see at least one of these type requests. Hospice care often means so much to those who have needed it, their gratitude cannot be measured with words alone.
I honestly don't know how hospice workers do what they do. I feel the same way about caregivers.
Providing care for another human is not an easy job. When that human is in the process of dying, it can be unbearable. Yet, these kind people chose, even volunteer, to walk into the most painful of circumstances and offer care.
Our Hanson caregivers often team with hospice when care is needed at home. Hospice providers bring us in when there isn't enough care available at home. The combination of Hospice and our caregivers has made many passings peaceful, comfortable and even beautiful.
One passing that comes to mind was of one of our elderly clients who wanted to die at home, with his family present, and a view of his gorgeous gardens. We worked with Hospice of the Western Reserve www.hospicewr.org to fulfill his wish.
The hospice nurse kept his pain at the delicate level of comfort without making him so sleepy that he couldn't enjoy his family. Our caregivers were there around the clock taking him to and from the bathroom, feeding him, bathing him, and arranging his room so he could see family photos at all times, and of course his garden. The hospice nurses watched carefully for signs that his human life was coming to an end. The family was able to gather at his beside, hold his hand and send him, peacefully, to his afterlife. It was exactly what he had wanted.
Our caregivers grieve. How could they not? Often, we are the recipient of last words during late night conversations, or provide the hand to hold, and prayers to say when our client is scared. But we couldn't do this without help from hospice. Their medical expertise is beyond what you could learn from a textbook or science. Sometimes "they just know" what is happening. I believe, that like a caregiver, they are called to this field. Their presence in this world makes other's lives better.
-Eileen
I honestly don't know how hospice workers do what they do. I feel the same way about caregivers.
Providing care for another human is not an easy job. When that human is in the process of dying, it can be unbearable. Yet, these kind people chose, even volunteer, to walk into the most painful of circumstances and offer care.
Our Hanson caregivers often team with hospice when care is needed at home. Hospice providers bring us in when there isn't enough care available at home. The combination of Hospice and our caregivers has made many passings peaceful, comfortable and even beautiful.
One passing that comes to mind was of one of our elderly clients who wanted to die at home, with his family present, and a view of his gorgeous gardens. We worked with Hospice of the Western Reserve www.hospicewr.org to fulfill his wish.
The hospice nurse kept his pain at the delicate level of comfort without making him so sleepy that he couldn't enjoy his family. Our caregivers were there around the clock taking him to and from the bathroom, feeding him, bathing him, and arranging his room so he could see family photos at all times, and of course his garden. The hospice nurses watched carefully for signs that his human life was coming to an end. The family was able to gather at his beside, hold his hand and send him, peacefully, to his afterlife. It was exactly what he had wanted.
Our caregivers grieve. How could they not? Often, we are the recipient of last words during late night conversations, or provide the hand to hold, and prayers to say when our client is scared. But we couldn't do this without help from hospice. Their medical expertise is beyond what you could learn from a textbook or science. Sometimes "they just know" what is happening. I believe, that like a caregiver, they are called to this field. Their presence in this world makes other's lives better.
-Eileen
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Hope for Parkinson's
Bio medicine and neuromodulation may sound futuristic, but to anyone affected by Parkinson's they may mean relief is just around the corner.
A Northeast Ohio company has exciting developments in the biomedical world, that will help diagnose and treat Parkinson's.
Great Lakes Neuro Technologies already has a diagnostic tool that doctors can use to monitor a patient's motor symptoms from the patient's home. Now they are studying technology that can finetune DBS (deep brain stimulation) to alleviate symptoms without causing side effects.
To read more, go to the website: www.glneurotech.com
A Northeast Ohio company has exciting developments in the biomedical world, that will help diagnose and treat Parkinson's.
Great Lakes Neuro Technologies already has a diagnostic tool that doctors can use to monitor a patient's motor symptoms from the patient's home. Now they are studying technology that can finetune DBS (deep brain stimulation) to alleviate symptoms without causing side effects.
To read more, go to the website: www.glneurotech.com
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Elder Care
Ugh! If just thinking about word "Elder care" has you turning gray, take a deep breath.
Since 2008, I have met with hundreds of adult children, grandchildren, spouses, friends, nieces, nephews and siblings of someone in need of elder care. Every one of them was stressed.
Many were stressed to the point of tears because their best efforts were not working. But guilt and frustration became comical when I asked them to step back and look at the big picture of what they are asking of themselves.
One person trying to provide 24 hour care for another person is impossible. It isn't a "one-person" job.
Think of all the offers of help that come in when a new mom has a baby. We worry that she's not getting enough rest with the frequent feedings and diaper changes. We bring food and babysitting offers to help her through the rough months.
Take that new mom (or dad) age her by 30 yrs, so she may be dealing with her own health problems. Then make that new baby a fully grown adult with "new baby" needs. Add a second baby (another parent) and add the ability to argue with, throw guilt at, and walk (or drive!) away from you. Do you seriously think you should be able to handle elder care alone?
The word itself can mean so much. A search of elder care on the web can send you into more confusion. Decide what it is that you need.
Before you search, ask yourself a few questions.
What is the primary need? Think of the toughest part of the day. Do you lie awake, worrying about falls on the way to the bathroom, or, with dementia, wandering? Maybe it's the morning hours. It's hard enough to get yourself up, bathed, dressed, and fed, let alone another person or two.
The day might be more manageable if you can sleep at night. Or the night might be more tolerable if you know help is coming in the morning. When do you most need a break?
What is your greatest concern? Identify what you worry about most. If you live out of town, you might feel better having someone "visit" and report back to you.
What would be ideal? If it doesn't involve a magic wand or a time machine, you can probably come close to ideal. (By the way, "ideal" is not one person 24 hours a day. Live-in care can invite more problems than you have right now.)
When your need for "elder care" is broken down to specific needs, your are more likely to find what you need with less frustration (and no tears!).
I invite you to call me, or anyone of us at Hanson Services for help identifying your needs.
-Eileen
Since 2008, I have met with hundreds of adult children, grandchildren, spouses, friends, nieces, nephews and siblings of someone in need of elder care. Every one of them was stressed.
Many were stressed to the point of tears because their best efforts were not working. But guilt and frustration became comical when I asked them to step back and look at the big picture of what they are asking of themselves.
One person trying to provide 24 hour care for another person is impossible. It isn't a "one-person" job.
Think of all the offers of help that come in when a new mom has a baby. We worry that she's not getting enough rest with the frequent feedings and diaper changes. We bring food and babysitting offers to help her through the rough months.
Take that new mom (or dad) age her by 30 yrs, so she may be dealing with her own health problems. Then make that new baby a fully grown adult with "new baby" needs. Add a second baby (another parent) and add the ability to argue with, throw guilt at, and walk (or drive!) away from you. Do you seriously think you should be able to handle elder care alone?
The word itself can mean so much. A search of elder care on the web can send you into more confusion. Decide what it is that you need.
Before you search, ask yourself a few questions.
What is the primary need? Think of the toughest part of the day. Do you lie awake, worrying about falls on the way to the bathroom, or, with dementia, wandering? Maybe it's the morning hours. It's hard enough to get yourself up, bathed, dressed, and fed, let alone another person or two.
The day might be more manageable if you can sleep at night. Or the night might be more tolerable if you know help is coming in the morning. When do you most need a break?
What is your greatest concern? Identify what you worry about most. If you live out of town, you might feel better having someone "visit" and report back to you.
What would be ideal? If it doesn't involve a magic wand or a time machine, you can probably come close to ideal. (By the way, "ideal" is not one person 24 hours a day. Live-in care can invite more problems than you have right now.)
When your need for "elder care" is broken down to specific needs, your are more likely to find what you need with less frustration (and no tears!).
I invite you to call me, or anyone of us at Hanson Services for help identifying your needs.
-Eileen
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Cold Weather and the Elderly
As the temperatures drop, the risk rises for injury and even death among the elderly population. It's a good time to be a "nosey" neighbor if you know someone who is at risk. Here are a few suggestions:
Check the thermostat. We began care for a client with dementia, after she had turned on the air conditioner instead of the heat. She nearly froze to death. Even those without dementia, may worry about a high heating bill and keep the temperature dangerously low, or supplement with another heat source that puts them at risk for a fire.
Check the Refrigerator. (If they will let you. This was always a battle with my mother.) Whether it's the "depression mentality" to never throw food away, or the inability to see the expiration date, many people will have a refrigerator full of old food. Make sure they have a good supply of food that is easy to prepare. I like a company called "Simply EZ" that delivers food at a reasonable cost. It can be frozen and heated later. "Meals-on-Wheels" is also a great option for those who have trouble using a microwave or stove.
Check the Windows and Doors. This sounds crazy, but make sure they aren't open. I visited an elderly client who didn't realize her side door was open. It was literally snowing in her kitchen. She had no idea that the door was open or for how long. (Accumulation was less than an inch, so I'm guessing it was for an hour or so.)
Check the Pathways. The sidewalk, driveway, porch, stoop, and inside hallways, should all be clear and maneuverable. Emergency Services, and the mail carrier need to safely reach the house, and the resident inside needs to safely reach the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and outside doors.
Cold weather can be isolating for the elderly. Even those who don't need your help, will likely appreciate a visit. Sometimes a "nosey" neighbor becomes a much appreciated friend.
-Eileen
Check the thermostat. We began care for a client with dementia, after she had turned on the air conditioner instead of the heat. She nearly froze to death. Even those without dementia, may worry about a high heating bill and keep the temperature dangerously low, or supplement with another heat source that puts them at risk for a fire.
Check the Refrigerator. (If they will let you. This was always a battle with my mother.) Whether it's the "depression mentality" to never throw food away, or the inability to see the expiration date, many people will have a refrigerator full of old food. Make sure they have a good supply of food that is easy to prepare. I like a company called "Simply EZ" that delivers food at a reasonable cost. It can be frozen and heated later. "Meals-on-Wheels" is also a great option for those who have trouble using a microwave or stove.
Check the Windows and Doors. This sounds crazy, but make sure they aren't open. I visited an elderly client who didn't realize her side door was open. It was literally snowing in her kitchen. She had no idea that the door was open or for how long. (Accumulation was less than an inch, so I'm guessing it was for an hour or so.)
Check the Pathways. The sidewalk, driveway, porch, stoop, and inside hallways, should all be clear and maneuverable. Emergency Services, and the mail carrier need to safely reach the house, and the resident inside needs to safely reach the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and outside doors.
Cold weather can be isolating for the elderly. Even those who don't need your help, will likely appreciate a visit. Sometimes a "nosey" neighbor becomes a much appreciated friend.
-Eileen
Monday, January 14, 2013
For anyone planning to remodel or build a home: Caring.com has a great article on the small changes (doorknobs, hallway width, faucet handles etc.) that make a home attractive, and more livable at any stage of life. It's called "Universal Design."
Design that's equally appealing to all users
What it meansWherever possible, universal design creates spaces that can be used by everyone equally and that are appealing to all. UD doesn't stigmatize any one group of users -- like those obvious wheelchair ramps tacked onto the fronts of older homes, for example.
click the link below to read more....
www.caring.com
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