Senior Home Care Today: Andover and Marblehead Massachusetts

New Blog Address

2010-01-22T19:05:00.003-05:00

Did you think that I stopped publishing my blog? Now WAY....look at my NEW BLOG location and it is updated at least weekly. See you there....

Ten Absolutes of Alzheimer's Caregiving for Andover, Massachusetts Caregivers

2009-12-04T16:50:00.001-05:00

A former employee called me the other day looking for this. We always gave this out to our caregivers. People at the Caregiver Connections Conference in November came back to the Right at Home booth to say that this was the best thing that they had received at the conference. I am not sure where it comes from:

Ten Absolutes of Alzheimer's Caregiving

1. Never argue; instead, agree

2. Never reason; instead, divert

3. Never shame; instead, distract

4. Never lecture; instead, reassure

5. Never “remember”; instead, reminisce

6. Never “I told you”; instead, repeat

7. Never “You can’t”; instead, “Do what you can do”

8. Never command or demand; instead, ask or model

9. Never condescend; instead, encourage or praise

10. Never force; instead, reinforce

Family Caregivers in Andover, Massachusetts

2009-11-30T11:53:00.001-05:00

Are you a caregiver for a family member? In the month of November during National Family Caregivers Month we celebrate YOU! As always, visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need help for an aging senior in your life.

Who are America's Family Caregivers?

Rosalyn Carter said it best: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”. Caregivers are needed for family members of all ages. With appropriate information and support, family caregivers can help their loved ones across the lifespan.

So, who are family caregivers … It's a complicated question and answers may vary depending upon whom you ask. Physicians may give an answer different from social workers and researchers may undoubtedly quote statistics. However, if you really want to know who America's family caregivers are, you need to ask them directly.

Continue reading HERE.

Caring for an Alzheimer’s Patient in Andover, Massachusetts

2009-11-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

Here is a great article from agingcare.com for anyone who has a friend or family member who may be suffering with Alzheimer’s. If you have questions, or need help for a senior loved one in the area, visit us at www.rightathomemass.net.

'Tough Love' - Caregiving For Alzheimer's Patients

It is an understatement to say that taking care of a loved one who is stricken with Alzheimer's Disease, also known as 'AD', is a tough job.

(AD is an illness which results in the progressive loss of brain nerve cells, leading to a gradual decline of mental functions and is the most common cause of dementia).

AD is considered to be among the most stressful illness a family caregiver can face and one of the most physically and mentally exhausting situations in a person's life.

Continue reading HERE.

Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month in Andover, Massachusetts!

2009-11-13T11:41:00.001-05:00

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Below are 10 ways to celebrate. Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need caregiving help in the area.

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month 2009

There are many ways to celebrate family caregivers and to take action and communicate the important messages of NFC Month.

The following are ideas and guides to help you create a successful National Family Caregivers Month in your community:

1. Offer a few hours of respite time to a family caregiver so they spend time with friends, or simply relax.

2. Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up a family caregiver’s day.

3. Encourage local businesses to offer a free service for family caregivers through the month of November.

4. Participate in the National Family Caregivers Association’s FREE national teleclass: Safe & Sound: How to Prevent Medication Mishaps The free one hour teleclass/webinar will be November 12 at 2 p.m. ET. For more information visit: www.thefamilycaregiver.org.

5. Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.

6. Offer comic relief! Purchase tickets to a local comedy club, give a family caregiver your favorite funny movie to view, or provide them an amusing audio book to listen to while doing their caregiving activities.

7. Find 12 different family photos and have a copy center create a monthly calendar that the family caregiver can use to keep track of appointments and events.

8. Offer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for a caregiving family in your community, so they can just relax and enjoy the holiday.

9. A United States postage stamp honoring the more than 50 million family caregivers in America is officially “under consideration” by the U.S. Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee for introduction as early as 2011. Sign the petition at www.thefamilycaregiver.org and ask others to sign the petition letter.

10. Help a family caregiver find information and resources on the internet or to locate a local support group.

Original content can be found HERE.

Understand Caregiver Stress in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-11-08T18:58:00.002-05:00

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 10 million family caregivers. Caregivers tend to experience high levels of stress and anxiety, and it is important to recognize the signs of such stress. Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you have any questions, or need help for an aging loved one in the area.

Coping with Caregiver Stress

Alzheimer caregivers report that they frequently experience high levels of stress. Too much stress can be damaging to both a caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s.

If you experience some of these signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring them can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

Symptoms of caregiver stress

Denial

Anger

Social withdrawal

Anxiety

Depression

Exhaustion

Sleeplessness

Irritability

Lack of concentration

Health problems

Be a healthy caregiver

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important ways to be a healthy caregiver.

Know what resources are available. Adult day care, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and Meals-on-Wheels are just some of the services that can help you.

Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills are necessary. Find information on alz.org or contact your local Alzheimer's Association.

Get help. You are not failing as a caregiver by asking others for assistance. Seek the support of family, friends and community resources. Alzheimer's Association support group meetings are a good source of comfort and reassurance. Or you can join our online community.

Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, lunch with friends or even a golf outing. Take advantage of community services such as adult day care or in-home companion services to care for your loved one while you take a break.

Manage your stress level. Stress can cause physical problems and changes in behavior. If you experience symptoms of caregiver stress, use relaxation techniques that work for you, and consult your doctor.

Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer's change and so do their needs. They often require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Look into care services such as in-home caregiver services and residential care.

Do legal and financial planning. Consult an attorney to discuss legal, financial and care issues. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer's and other family members.

Be realistic. Many of the behaviors that occur are beyond your control and the control of the person with Alzheimer's. Grieve your losses, but also focus on the positive moments.

Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are doing the best you can. Don't feel guilty because you can't do more. Your loved one needs you, and you are there – that should make you feel proud.

Original content found HERE. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_caregiver_stress_lwa.asp

11th Annual Caregiver Connections Conference on November 7th

2009-10-28T12:31:00.002-04:00

The North Shore Alzheimer’s Partnership is sponsoring our 11th Annual Caregiver Connections Conference on November 7th at the Peabody Holiday Inn on Route 1. This is a great event for families of Alzheimer’s patients to attend for information on the latest updates, legal and financial updates, community resources, and support groups. There will be 30 tables of elder care professionals to speak with during the breaks. Please see www.alzheimerspartnership.org for the program. It runs from 8:30AM to 1:30PM.

ALSO, there is a respite room – meaning that you can bring you Alzheimer’s person with you and attend conference knowing that they are safe and being taken care of by professionals. It is only $10 to attend. Please call 781-231-7890 to preregister.3 CEU’s available for professionals for $25. See you there and please come by the Right at Home booth and say hello.

Stay Alert on Alzheimer's Disease in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-10-25T20:26:00.001-04:00

This is a great article for anyone who is affected, or newly affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, and is trying to understand it’s effects on our loved ones. If you need help with an aging senior in the area, visit www.rightathomemass.net.

Stay Alert on Alzheimer's Disease

By: Barbara Rockwell

The term dementia refers to a brain disorder that demonstrates itself in several ways. A person may easily become confused even in known settings, may ask questions repeatedly, or may neglect such basic things as their own hygiene or basic safety issues. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia linked with old age.

The disease is named after German Doctor Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed variations in the brain tissue of a patient of his that died with unusual mental illnesses and dementia. His study guided him to discover anomalous clumps and tangles of fiber in the brains of those patients who were suffering from this same disease.

Thus, whilst it was common for persons who were older and losing their mental faculties to be dismissed as "senile," Dr. Alzheimer was able to pinpoint the actual breakdown in the brain that led to the loss of their mental faculties.

According to the National Institute on Aging varied test conclusions, there are actual brain changes in persons with Alzheimer's disease. They can find out how nerve cells die in areas of the brain that affect memory and basic abilities. It may seem strange, but everything that we do on a daily basis is because of memory.

We remember that we need to take a shower on a regular basis that we need to shut the door behind us when we leave the house. We don't realize that we're doing these things because of memory, and assume that they just happen naturally. But when those memories break down because of Alzheimer's or any other mental disorder, even the most basic everyday functions begin to be confusing or neglected.

In fact, the brain works by a series of connections between nerve endings, all of which are related. For example, the part of the brain that controls speech sends signals to the nerves that spark the muscles and parts of the mouth when we wish to talk. Of course, all of our mental and physical functions work this way.

With Alzheimer's disease, these nerve signals are disrupted or broken. If the brain cannot continue to make connections in the nerve cells that control memory, all the basic functions are disrupted. The brain can't memorize that it just asked a question, so a person repeats it. They can't remember their own children, so they are now strangers. Alzheimer's can be a very frightening and debilitating disease for the patients and the families as well.

Article Source: http://myeldercarearticles.com

Marblehead, Massachusetts Senior Home Care Services Benefits

2009-10-15T15:10:00.003-04:00

This is a great article that highlights the many benefits of home care for seniors! Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need help for an aging loved one in the Marblehead MA area.

Senior Home Care Services Has Many Benefits Over a Nursing Home

By Chuck Parsens

As the United States people age, the focus on the number of looked for services will have to line up with the quality of the care rendered. For many years a spotlight has been placed on how well residents who reside in a nursing home are treated. Some understand that the level of care an individual obtains is dependent on how much family members are involved. Some mature children have trouble with placing their senior parents in a nursing home because of the negative press. Price is also a part in making this choice. An alternative to nursing homes is senior home care services, which allow a person to stay put in their home and receive the level of care that they will need.

Along with determining the price and care, the types of elderly home care services are chosen based on an individual's situation. Insurance companies have sought ways to trim down the costs of hospitalization and therapy services, which has opened the door for service providers who concentrate in giving these services at an individual's home. This reduces health care costs and allows an older adult to remain in their homes. The home care landscape has grown into a cutthroat business, giving greater options for people to choose from.

The advantages of having home care services rather than staying in a nursing home cannot be miscalculated. The intellectual portion of being able to keep some level of liberty can go a long way to improving the excellence of life for numerous elder adults. Most elderly only require assistance with regular, daily activities which may include transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, or bathing. Still, others may require more steady care, depending on their disease and how far it has developed.

A person who receives senior home care services can have more private attention than someone who lives in a nursing home. In a nursing home, a partial number of personnel must attend to a number of different people with varying degrees of needs. Receiving care at home can cost less than it does in a nursing home because of equipment costs that are factored into nursing homes. The annual costs of a nursing home differ by state, but in most cases, the costs far go above and beyond the median income of many older people. Those with Medicare soon find out that it only covers a little portion of long-term care, and that treatment is limited to the sort and number of days. The people that cannot come up with the money to supplement the costs of a nursing home could want to give home care services serious thought.

The topic of elderly home care is very broad in nature and I enjoy looking at all the aspects of it. Feel free to look at my other post about the options of senior home care services for your loved ones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Parsens

Long Distance Care Givers Receive Help with Aging Parents in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-10-10T14:21:00.003-04:00

Living in a different city or state -- miles from aging parents -- can be very difficult. Keeping in touch by telephone and making long trips to help parents or aging relatives with their needs can be time consuming and not nearly as effective as being available full time in person.

Mark Sessions spent two years juggling his restaurant business with multiple daily phone calls to his elderly parents, checking on their needs and answering their questions. Family vacations were spent traveling the 500 miles to his parent's home to personally take care of home maintenance and provide health care visits to their doctor. During his last visit, Mark noticed his father had difficulty walking and his mother was confused as to which medications she was to take and at what time. This alarming change in his parent's condition concerned Mark that his parents' care needs required more than frequent phone calls and vacation visits. Running his business and handling his parent's long distance care was now becoming very challenging.

According to a report by the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles & Riverside, California, there are approximately 3.3 million long distance caregivers in this country with an average distance of 480 miles from the people they care for. The report also states that 15 million days are missed from work each year because of long distance care giving. Seven million Americans provide 80% of the care to ailing family members and the number of long distance caregivers will DOUBLE over the next 15 years.
Long Distance Caregiver Project – Alzheimer's Association LA & Riverside, Los Angeles, CA (May 15, 2002, National Web Seminar by Judith Delaney, MFT, Clinical Coordinator)

The long distance caregiver is a new role that is thrust upon children and younger family members. Families used to live closer together, with children residing and working near their parents. But nowadays family members are more distant from each other. Society, today, is recognizing this. Some caregiver services have tweaked their programs to work as liaisons between long distance caregivers, senior loved ones and local medical professionals.

Professional care managers -- a lso known as Geriatric Care Managers, Elder Care Managers or Aging Care Managers -- represent a growing trend to help full time, employed family caregivers provide care for loved ones. Care managers are expert in assisting caregivers, friends or family members find government-paid and private resources to help with long term care decisions.

They are professionals -- trained to evaluate and recommend care for the aged. A care manager might be a nurse, social worker, psychologist, or gerontologist who specializes in assessing the abilities and needs of the elderly. Care manger professionals are also becoming extremely popular as the caretaker liaison between long distant family members and their aging elder loved ones.

Jacqueline Marcell -- author of "Elder Rage, or Take My Father...Please! How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents" (Impressive, 2000) -- says,

"The most important thing to do is to find a geriatric care manager in the area where your loved one lives. She will have knowledge of all the services in the area and can be your eyes."

Below is a partial list of what a care manager or Professional Geriatric Care Manager might do:

Assess the level and type of care needed and develop a care plan.
Take steps to start the care plan and keep it functioning.
Make sure care is in a safe and disability friendly environment.
Resolve family conflicts and other issues with long term care.
Become an advocate for the care recipient and the caregiver.
Manage care for a loved one for out-of-town families .
Conduct ongoing assessments to implement changes in care.
Oversee and direct care provided at home.
Coordinate the efforts of key support systems.
Provide personal counseling.
Help with Medicaid qualification and application.
Arrange for services of legal and financial advisors.
Provide placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
Monitor the care received in a nursing home or in assisted living.
Assist with the monitoring of medications.
Find appropriate solutions to avoid a crisis.
Coordinate medical appointments and medical information.
Provide transportation to medical appointments
Assist families in positive decision making
Develop care plans for older loved ones not now needing care
“The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning,” National Care Planning Council

Services offered will depend on the educational and professional background of the care manager, but most are qualified to cover items in the list above or can recommend a professional who can. Fees may vary. There is often an initial consultation fee that is followed by hourly fees for services. Health insurance does not generally cover these fees but long-term care insurance might.

In 2002, the AARP published a survey from geriatric care mangers about their fees:

“Respondents were asked how much they charged for their services, which might include: an initial consultation; fees on an hourly or per visit basis; fees for development of a care plan; and fees on a fixed-price contract basis. Hourly fees averaged $74 an hour. GCMs charged an average $168 to develop a care plan. Initial consultations averaged $175. Seven of ten current GCMs responded in the affirmative when asked if they had a statement that listed their fees. ” Written by Robyn Stone, DrPH, Principal Investigator; Susan Reinhard, RN, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator; Jean Machemer, MSG, Research Associate; and Danylle Rudin, MSW, Research Associate of The Institute for the Future of Aging Services, Washington, D.C.Barbara Coleman, Project Manager, AARP Public Policy Institute November 2002

When you take into account the time absent from work and time to find the right care resources for your loved ones, along with the cost of travel expenses to monitor their care, you will probably concur that using a caregiver is money well spent. Add on to this the stress of handling your own life circumstances combined with being a caregiver and you will probably wonder how you could have ever done without the care manager.

A professional or geriatric care manager can be an important asset to all families in elder care situations. Here is an example of how a care manager can help.

Mary is taking care of her aging husband at home. He has diabetes and is overweight. Because of the diabetes, her husband has severe neuropathy in his legs and feet and it is difficult for him to walk. He also has diabetic retinopathy and, therefore, cannot see very well. She has to be careful that he does not injure his feet, since the last time that happened he was in the hospital for four weeks with a severe infection. She is having difficulty helping him out of bed and with dressing and using the bathroom. She relies heavily on her son, who lives nearby, to help her manage her husband's care.

On the advice of a friend, Mary is told about a professional care manager, Sharon Brown. The cost of an initial assessment and care plan from the care manager is $175.00. Mary thinks she has the situation under control and $175.00 for someone from the outside to come in and tell her how to deal with her situation seems ridiculous.

One day Mary is trying to lift her husband and injures her back severely. She is bedridden and cannot care for her husband. Her son, who works fulltime, now has two parents to care for. On the advice of the same friend, he decides to bring in Sharon Brown and pay her fee himself.

Sharon does a thorough assessment of the family's needs. She arranges for Mary's doctor to order Medicare home care during Mary's recovery. Therapists come in and help Mary with exercises and advice on lifting. Sharon advertises for and finds a private individual who is willing to live in the home for a period of time to help Mary with her recovery and watch over her husband. Sharon makes sure the new caregiver is reliable and honest and that taxes are paid for the employment. Sharon enlists the support of the local area agency on aging and makes sure all services available are provided for the family.

Sharon also calls a meeting with Mary's family and explains to them the care needs and how they need to commit to help with those needs. Sharon makes arrangements to rent or purchase medical equipment for lifting, moving and easier use of the bathroom facilities. Medicare will pay much of this cost. Sharon also works closely with an elder law attorney and a financial planner who specializes in the elderly. The attorney prepares documents for the family including powers of attorney, a living will and advice on preserving Mary's remaining assets. The financial planner recommends a reverse mortgage specialist to help Mary and her husband tap unused assets in their home's equity. Some reverse mortgage proceeds are used to pay off debt. The remaining proceeds are converted into income with a single premium immediate income annuity in order to provide Mary adequate income when her husband is gone and she looses one of the Social Security payments.

With the help of the care manager, Mary's life and future have been significantly improved. Her husband as well, if he adheres to the care plan, may end up having a better quality of life for his remaining years.
“The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning,” National Care Planning Council

The National Care Planning Council promotes and supports professional and geriatric care managers on its website www.longtermcarelink.net .

Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need help for an aging loved one in the Marblehead MA area.

As funds dwindle, elders must wait for home care in Marblehead Mass and other areas.

2009-10-02T15:48:00.001-04:00

The Boston Globe just published a story that I think is important information for all seniors and their family members to consider. Especially those families and seniors who have limited resources for home care. Don't wait! Get on the "list". Here's a summary and the link:
Local agencies that serve seniors are warning that state budget cuts will leave many area elders unable to obtain needed home care services.
The state’s 27 elder home care agencies, at the direction of the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs, on Sept. 8 initiated waiting lists for the state’s basic home service, according to Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, an association of senior care agencies.
Jim Cunningham, executive director of Chelsea Revere Winthrop Elder Services, said his agency’s waiting list for home care already has reached 18 to 20.
Read the rest of the story HERE.

Why In-Home Care May be Right for You in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-09-26T14:36:00.001-04:00

Why In-Home Care May be Right for You

I found a great article that talks about the many positive aspects regarding the use of In-Home Care for an aging loved one. If you have any questions at all about Home Care in the area, please visit www.rightathomemass.net.

“In-Home Care is rapidly becoming the most commonly asked for service among today’s aging population. In-Home Care involves a network of service providers who deliver personal care and maintenance right to the home. These service providers handle routine tasks including light housekeeping, meal preparation, errand running, mail sorting and a whole lot more. If desired, they can also provide assistance with personal care. “

Continue Reading the article by clicking HERE.

Newburyport Right at Home Care Networking Event

2009-09-25T11:29:00.014-04:00

The Captain's Lady is waiting to take the Newburyport Health Care networking community out from Plum Island. We had about 80 of our great friends and colleagues.

Here is our fine friend Howard Aronson from Right at Home saying "hi".

Sun starting to go down....seas calm and the bar is OPEN!

Andrew from Angels at Home, the co-sponsor and trusted health care source of Right at Home

Mary from ESMV having a great time!

What a gorgeous night to be out on a boat!

Lynne Nieman is saying it can't be time to go home yet!

Are they actually dancing???

Mary Immaculate in the house.........

Rosaleen Doherty, co-owner of Right at Home is enjoying the night as well.

Thanks to Kim and the entire Angels and Home crew for helping us plan this event! This was so fun and so successful. We will see you at the next one!

Right at Home Care Memory Walkers in Andover October 4

2009-09-23T10:11:00.005-04:00

Howard Aronson,one of our employees is walking the Memory Walk for the Alzheimer's Association on October 4th in Andover. I cannot walk that day with the Right at Home walkers, but I am going to donate. Lynne Nieman will be manning the Right at Home table, so say "hi" if you are up there.

Please walk if you can, if not, please consider donating in the name of a loved one. I have never met anyone who does not know someone (and usually someone close) with Alzheimer's Disease. It makes no sense to have our bodies grow so old, just to have our minds lose their memory. Help fund a cure...Memory Walks are happening all over the country!

Please click this LINK to donate to the Right at Home Walkers or find out more about the walk. Thanks for your consideration.

Keep Aging Parents Safe at Home in Marblehead Massachusetts

2009-09-17T15:31:00.003-04:00

Keeping Mom and Dad Safe at Home

Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents' mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.

This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states,

“Employment of personal and home care aides is projected to grow by 51 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The expected growth is due, in large part, to the projected rise in the number of elderly people, an age group that often has mounting health problems and that needs some assistance with daily activities.” Bureau of labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition

This growing need for aides and services also encompasses

home remodeling services -- making a home more serviceable to the elderly;
safety alert systems and technology;
motion sensors to monitor movement;
telehealth services -- using home-based computer systems for the doctors office or a nurse to monitor vital signs and
even a pill dispenser that notifies when it is time to take medication.

Where do you begin to make sure your elderly family member is safe and managing well in his or her home?

Visit often and at different times of the day and night. Make note of daily activities that appear challenging and where changes might be made to add safety and convenience. Remove rugs that slide -- causing a fall -- and move furniture with sharp edges. Set the water heater at a lower temperature. This will protect their older sensitive skin from scalds and burns. Be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in place.

Bathrooms are a hazard area for the elderly. Grab bars by the toilet and shower are a must to help prevent falls. There are easy to install bars at your local hardware store if you want to do the work yourself. Another item that is good to have is a shower stool or chair.

If you are not sure of what needs to be done, consider hiring a professional. There are companies that specialize in home remodeling and accommodation for seniors. Michelle Graham of Accessible Design by Studio G4 says about senior home remodel projects,

“The main thing we incorporate in all of our projects is a careful study of needs and potential needs that may develop throughout a client's lifespan.”

Keep in mind what future home adjustments might be needed for your parents to “age in place” in their home.

Home safety or medical alert companies provide GPS-based bracelets or pendants to track the elderly at home who tend to wander. Or the companies may provide alarm devices such as pendants or bracelets which allow the elderly to alert someone if there has been a fall or a sudden health-related attack. In the event an alarm has been triggered, a 24 hour monitoring service will alert the family or medical emergency services or call a neighbor depending on previous instructions. In addition there are companies that will install motion sensors in the home to monitor the elderly on a 24 hour basis.

Don't forget your parents' community as a valuable resource for helping them stay in their home. Take Margaret Muller as an example. At 82 years of age, Margaret lives alone in her small home. She manages very well with the help of her local Senior Center. The Center's “Senior Companion” program sees that Margaret is taken to the store for groceries and other needs and checks in with her often to see how she is doing. Once a day, the Senior Center delivers a hot healthy meal to her door. Having these services and visits gives Margaret the help she needs and peace of mind that she is not alone.

Neighbors, local church groups, senior centers and city centers are some places to look for assistance. Most of the time there is little or no cost for these services.

Your state aging services unit is a valuable community resource. The National Area on Aging website www.aoa.gov states:

“AoA, through the Older Americans Act and other legislation, supports programs that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities. In addition AoA provides funding for a range of supports to family caregivers.”

Some of the programs the site lists are:

“Supportive Services and Senior Centers

Nutrition Services

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Grants for Native Americans

Nursing Home Diversion Grants

Aging & Disability Resource Centers

Evidence-Based Disease Prevention

Long-Term Care Planning

Alzheimer's Disease Grants

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities”

A few thoughts on hiring home care aides or live-in care givers.

The classifieds are filled with people looking for work as aides to the elderly. Many of these aides are well-qualified, honest people who will do a good job; but, of course, there will be some not so reputable. If you are looking to hire someone, be sure you interview and check references and qualifications. You will be responsible for scheduling that person and doing payroll and taxes as well. Be very sure you hire someone trustworthy, as the elderly seem to trust these helpers more than they should and therefore can easily be taken advantage of.

A professional home care service will eliminate your employment concerns. Professionally-provided aides are usually bonded and service is guaranteed. Home care companies take care of the scheduling and payment of their employees. Home care companies cater to the elderly in their homes by offering a variety of services. The National Care Planning Council lists many of these companies throughout the country on its website www.longtermcarelink.net .

These providers represent a rapidly growing trend to allow people needing help with long term care to remain in their home or in the community instead of going to a care facility. The services offered may include:

companionship
grooming and dressing
recreational activities
incontinent care
handyman services
teeth brushing
medication reminders
bathing or showering
light housekeeping
meal preparation
respite for family caregivers
errands and shopping
reading email or letters
overseeing home deliveries
dealing with vendors
transportation services
changing linens
laundry and ironing
organizing closets
care of house plants
24-hour emergency response
family counseling
phone call checks
and much more.

Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Planning Council states,

“Care in the home provided by a spouse or a child is the most common form of long-term care in this country. About 73% of all long term care is provided in the home environment typically by family caregivers.”

As their caregiver, you can make the difference in the quality of life for your aging parents and if staying in their home is a possibility, you have the resources to make it happen.

Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you have any questions, or need help with a loved one in the Marblehead MA area.

Quality of Death: Inside Out Documentaries

2009-09-14T10:05:00.003-04:00

Last night I was listening to NPR in my car and they had a really interesting piece on Hospice and Palliative Care. It seems this is a series ....a radio documentary if you will. Here is the LINK to the program. The website is very interesting. It gives a map of state ratings for hospice and palliative care. Massachusetts got a C. NH and Maine got an A. I will have to delve further to understand why this is....

The segment that I listened to spoke about the irony that a man had to choose whether to stay in long term care to die, or go home with hospice care BUT he would need private services as well. He could not afford to have private services, so he had to go to long term care. Medicare will not pay for long term care "rehab" and hospice, so it was an either/or situation. This is really tough, as he would have benefited from hospice services. Really interesting discussion....

Understanding Memory Loss in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-09-10T15:55:00.001-04:00

Understanding Memory Loss

What is memory loss?

Memory loss is something we all experience in life. We forget familiar names, we cannot remember where we left our wallets and purses the previous evening, and we can’t remember everything needed at the grocery store without having a list. This type of memory loss is perfectly normal and as we age, such mild forgetfulness may start happening more and more.

Continue reading HERE. Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need help for an aging loved one in the Marblehead MA area.

Prepare for the Care of Aging Parents in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-09-03T15:07:00.002-04:00

Here is a great article for anyone who is starting to prepare for the future care of aging parents and loved one. Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need help in the Marblehead MA area.

Baby Boomers and Aging Parents - Six Tips to Prepare For Their Care

By Katie B. Marsh

Although there is some debate over the exact age range of the Baby Boom generation, the US Census Bureau identifies most Boomers as those who were born between the years 1956 to 1965. In any case, whether you were born within that time frame or fairly close to it, chances are you are beginning to deal with end-of-life issues regarding your elderly parents. Your many considerations run the gamut from the practical to the spiritual and everything in between. So, where do you begin?

Caregivers. Imagine if we ended our lives as babies, completely dependent on a caregiver tending to all of our needs: loving us, feeding us, changing our diapers. Imagine now that we are not as cute as little babies but still have the same need to be cared for gently with love and respect. Who would you want to take care of you in this situation? Who do your parents want to care for them? This question should be posed directly to your parents. Don't assume you know the answer. What they may have said 10 to 15 years ago may not still hold true today as they are closer to facing their mortality.

Finances. As we know, in our society it's considered impolite to ask someone about their finances. Many adult children hesitate to inquire about the exact state of their parents' finances for fear that their parents will think that the real questions is about potential future inheritance money. But it's extremely important to have an honest discussion about finances at this point in life. First of all, you need to know if your parents have long-term care insurance. This is the only type of insurance that pays for future assistance that may be needed in the performance of activities of daily living. And, as the name implies, it helps cover the cost of long-term care usually for an undetermined length of time. Long-term care insurance combined with your parents' net worth, any financial assistance from family, and personal preferences will all factor in to determining where and how your parents live out their final years.

Memoirs. The written word is a way for us to live on beyond this lifetime. Encourage your parents to share their unique stories on paper. My great grandfather actually typed his life story and had it bound in leather and embossed in gold leaf. My brother, sister, and I cherish it and each wish we had our own copy.

Legal Instruments. A living trust is a very important instrument for any family with assets to bequeath. Its main purpose is to avoid probate. Much of a family's estate can be lost through probate; setting up a living trust is a way to prevent such a loss. It is best to hire an attorney to set up a living trust tailored to your family's specific needs.

The next consideration is to find out to whom your parents have given or intended to give power of attorney. Power of attorney assigns power to an individual to act on your behalf to handle all of your legal and business matters in the event that you are unable to do this for yourself.

Lastly, an advance directive is a legal instrument prepared in advance by an individual. It gives health care instructions to your care providers in the event you are unable to conduct such matters on your own. A living will, power of attorney, health care proxy, and Five Wishes are all forms of an advance directive.

Possessions. A Last Will and Testament is the instrument to be prepared by your parents to assign care for their dependents, if any. This can include pets as well. Also, this is the legal mechanism through which they can identify one or more persons to manage their estate and provide instructions for the distribution of their personal possessions. This includes everything from real estate and expensive jewelry to the simplest sentimental items. Funeral and burial instructions can also be outlined here. Although this is a legal document, completing one can give great comfort to your parents, giving them control and certainty over one aspect of their lives.

Final Messages. Encourage your parents to write letters to each of their children if they feel comfortable doing so. Some families even make audio or video recordings of their elders. It can be about anything - a full life story, funny anecdotes, family stories, or loving good-byes to each of their children. My husband's grandmother came to this country from Armenia and she recounted her tumultuous life on CD. He cherishes it and plans to share it with our children when they are older.

Your parents are entering a time of life where many people feel particularly vulnerable. This can be especially difficult for parents who are used to being in charge and may not be comfortable at all with the reversal of roles. Please keep that in mind as you gather information from them and help them create a plan for the future. If done tactfully and respectfully, this time of life can bring you closer to your parents than ever before.

Katie B. Marsh is co-author of The Birth of Dying: A Sensitive Workbook to Help You Broach and Explore End-of-Life Issues with Your Terminally Ill or Elderly Loved One http://BooksForSharing.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_B._Marsh

Senior Fraud Prevention in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-08-29T15:03:00.002-04:00

Senior Fraud Prevention

“Seniors can make easy targets for fraud, whether it’s for unbelievable investment returns or fraudulent sweepstakes prizes. Fraud on seniors can happen by phone, mail, in person, or, less commonly, the Internet (because seniors are online in smaller numbers). It can happen to wealthy seniors, and those of limited means. According to the Federal Trade Commission, studies show con artists are more likely to target senior citizens than other age groups because they believe seniors are more susceptible to such scams. The FTC reports that fraudulent telemarketers direct from 56 to 80 percent of their calls at seniors. The need for senior fraud prevention has become greater than ever.”

Follow this LINK to read the rest of this very informative article. If you have any questions or need help in the Marblehead MA area, visit www.rightathomemass.net.

Baby Boomer Generation Fears Memory Loss in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-08-20T16:46:00.001-04:00

Baby Boomer Generation Fears Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss

“The words dementia, Alzheimer’s and memory loss instills fear of aging in the retiring baby boomer generation. Scientific research now shows that the causes of memory loss can be prevented or delayed. The studies also confirm that memory loss is not a normal process of aging.”

Follow this LINK for the complete article.

Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net with any questions, or if you need help for an aging loved one in the Marblehead MA area.

Safe Home Tips for Seniors to Prevent Accidents in Marblehead, Massachusetts

2009-08-14T17:52:00.006-04:00

Here is a great article with easy tips for keeping our seniors safe at home. Visit www.rightathomemass.net if you need help for an aging loved one in the Marblehead MA area.

10 Easy Ways to Prevent Falls at Home

Safe home tips for seniors to prevent falls and accidents

By Gina Roberts-Grey

According to a new report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about one in six Americans age 65 and older will suffer a fall in the next three months, with about a third of those people sustaining serious injuries, such as a broken hip. The critical takeaway point is that most of these falls are preventable.

About half of the tumbles that seniors experience occur in their homes. It only takes a few simple modifications and improvements to your home, however, to eliminate many of the common hazards that can cause such disabling, even fatal, falls. Armed with the pointers below, you (or a caregiver or family member), along with someone who's handy with a few power tools, can accomplish these safety modifications over the course of a weekend. These adjustments can make your home safer for not only an older person, but also for everyone who steps inside — especially grandchildren who often fail to watch where they're going!

Continue reading HERE.

The Causes of Elderly Stress in Salem, Massachusetts

2009-08-08T17:45:00.001-04:00

Stress and the Elderly

Contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, senior living isn’t always the way it’s portrayed in glossy sales brochures and magazine advertisements. Rather than being a carefree period of life spent on the golf course and traveling around the world, for many of today’s seniors those “golden years” are incredibly stressful times.

What causes seniors so much stress? Change is a huge trigger for stress and seniors definitely experience plenty of change. It can be in the form of declining health, death of friends and loved ones, moving, a bad financial investment, and the list goes on. Here are some other reasons why senior living is stressful.

Continue reading here. Visit us at www.rightathomemass.net if you need help for an aging loved one in the Salem, MA area.

Beverly Council on Aging Seniors Day in the Park

2009-08-06T10:54:00.003-04:00

Go see Lynne Nieman, Right at Home Community Relations Coordinator in Beverly. She is manning (or womaning) the table we are sharing with Oceanview Assisted Living at Lynch Park in Beverly! Music, lunch, great community day...

When Your Loved One Resists Care in Salem, Massachusetts

2009-08-01T15:31:00.002-04:00

Here is an article I found that is very helpful for caregivers who are struggling with the loved one they are trying so hard to care for. It offers other ways to look at the behavior to try to understand what our loved ones are trying to communicate to us. If you are a caregiver, and need help with an aging loved one, visit www.rightathomemass.net.

“How many times has your mother refused to change her clothes? Has your father resisted getting out of bed? Has your wife pushed you away when you tried to brush her teeth? Many times a caregiver will be particularly frustrated by her loved one’s refusal to help himself. At times she can’t help but think that the person she cares for "36 hours a day" is going out of his way to make her miserable! The increasing irrationality of individuals with dementia makes it even harder on the caregiver.”

Continue reading article here: http://www.thehomecaredirectory.com/home_health_care/related_articles/when_your_loved_one_resists_care/147/

Taking Away the Keys- A Presentation Regarding Senior Driving from Right at Home Care- Marblehead, Newburyport, and Andover Areas

2009-07-24T11:45:00.000-04:00

I put a presentation on Linked In regarding Seniors, Driving and Taking Away the Keys.

In the wake of so many reported senior driving accidents and fatalities here in Massachusetts, I am posting this presentation with good information for family members. THE PROBLEM is not seniors driving- the problem is impaired drivers driving.

If I just came out of a medical event and my leg had propensity to lose feeling, would you like me driving??? This facet of the conversation is the one we should be discussing...targeting age groups is not it, BUT if you are impaired to drive, you should not be behind the wheel.

Are Caregivers Responsible for Their Parents Debt in Salem, Massachusetts?

2009-07-22T15:35:00.003-04:00

Are Caregivers Responsible for Their Parents Debt?

I’m sure many adult children of aging parents and caregivers think about this question a lot. Recently, this article appeared at AgingCare.com, so I thought I would pass it on! If you have any questions, please visit www.rightathomemass.net.

I was recently asked “Am I responsible for my parent's debt? What if as a caregiver, I recently discovered that my father has several thousand of dollars of debt. Are parent debts transferable?”

Click HERE to read the full article: http://www.agingcare.com/Featured-Stories/133807/Are-Caregivers-Responsible-for-Their-Parent-s-Debt-.htm?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=April+08%2c+2009&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2B-%2BApril+08%2c+2009

Tips for Caregivers After a Loved One Has Had a Stroke in Salem, Massachusetts

2009-07-14T13:39:00.004-04:00

This is a very informative article for anyone who has a loved one recovering from a stroke. If you need help for an aging loved one in the Salem MA area, visit www.rightathomemass.net.

15 Tips Caregivers Should Know After A Loved One Has Had A Stroke

The following is being issued by American Stroke Association:

1. It's better to find out than miss out. Be aware of the medications that have been prescribed to your loved one and their side effects. Ask if your home should be modified to meet the specific needs of the stroke survivor. Ask a doctor, nurse or therapist to clarify any unanswered questions or to provide written information that explains what occurs after the stroke and during recovery or rehabilitation.

Continue reading this very important article here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147785.php

Is it Time to Consider a Caregiver in Salem, Massachusetts?

2009-07-10T14:00:00.002-04:00

I found this article, and decided to pass it on to you. It provides extremely helpful information that may help you with your decision to choose home care for an aging loved one in your family. If you have questions or need help, please visit our website www.rightathomemass.net.

30 Reasons Your Loved One May Need a Caregiver

By Rebecca Colmer

There are approximately 37 million people over the age of 65 and 5.3 million people over the age of 85. Each year millions of older people start requiring some sort of assistance to carry out their routine daily activities. Family members (family caregivers) provide most of the help.

It is not always easy to know when to intervene. It may seem like your loved one is in a gray area somewhere between competency and incompetence.

Your loved one can have a behavior that is not life threatening but still very serious. Making an assessment is the very step.

Here are some clues that your loved one may need some extra help:

1. Disheveled clothes

2. Stained or dirty clothes The same outfit worn everyday

3. Unkempt hair

4. Poor hygiene

5. Bad breath

6. Body odor

7. Having trouble walking

8. Having trouble sleeping

9. Dangerous driving

10. Extreme clutter in the home

11. Can't do light housekeeping

12. Items not returned to drawers or cupboards

13. Clothes strewn about or left on floor

14. Medication bottles left open

15. Medications taken out of original containers and mixed up

16. Not much food in house

17. Spoiled or rotten food

18. Unpaid bills

19. Penalties for overdue bills

20. Unopened mail

21. Put on or lost a lot of weight that is unexplained

22. Signs of confusion

23. Signs of forgetfulness

24. Signs of isolation

25. Signs of depression

26. Drastic mood swings

27. Extreme sadness or loneliness

28. Loss of interest in favorite hobby

29. Stopped doing things they used to enjoy like gardening, reading, going to church, seeing friends

30. Can't cope with everyday stress

If you do not live near your aging parents, ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your parents and notify you if they notice any changes in their behavior.

Even if you determine that your loved one needs some assistance, keep in mind that they may be resistant to your help. Be gentle and compassionate when asking them to accept help.

It may take several tries before they start to accept your help. There is a big difference in offering help and completely taking away all of their independence.

However, if your parent's life is in danger and you can't find a way to intervene, call Adult Protective Services, which is a part of the Department of Social Services. They will send a nurse or social worker to your parent's home to determine the risks and find ways to protect your parent.

The caregiver role is complex and differs for everyone depending on the needs of the care-receiver. Many times, in the beginning, there may only be a few needs, such as providing transportation or helping with shopping or cooking. Over time, needs increase, requiring additional services, until the care-receiver is fully dependent on the caregiver.

Rebecca Colmer is an Eldercare Advocate, Author, Speaker, Publisher, and Caregiver Expert. You can find more caregiving tools and resources at her website:Caregiving Tools

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Sharp_Colmer

Diligence, education thwart scams: From Home Care Assistance in Essex County

2009-07-01T17:34:00.002-04:00

Marblehead - Bernie Madoff-like Ponzi frauds, foreign-lottery-winnings ploys and work-at-home check-cashing schemes: These are just a few of the scams that have made headlines over the past year. Scams and fraudulent business practices that intend to swindle can impact anyone, including the affluent and highly educated, as well as the non-native speaking, the poor and the elderly.

In difficult economic times, scammers continually search for new ways to deceive. Recently publicized scams include individuals posing as bank officials offering to refinance mortgages or to confirm account numbers via the Internet or over the phone.

Anyone with a phone, mailbox, Internet access or front door can be a possible scam target. Scammers prey on the weakness of human nature or a specific demographic group. They understand that most people want a “great deal” or desire to be wealthier and more beautiful. Scams are often targeted to individuals with unique backgrounds and special needs, including seniors.

Scam artists steal more than money for a product or service. They steal a senior’s dignity, trust and self-esteem. Education and awareness are key components of stopping scams and protecting our loved ones.

It has been the experience of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that the elderly are targeted for fraud for several reasons:

Seniors grew up in an era in which your word was your bond, and a handshake closed a deal. They assume that if someone seems nice, they must be trustworthy.
These individuals were raised to be polite, especially if they are showing the time to care. Many scammers prey on their loneliness and desire for conversation.
Seniors have money to spend. Many seniors have retirement savings, own their homes and have excellent credit ratings.
As seniors strive for independence, they have an increased need for goods and services to maintain their homes. They make purchase decisions without the input of others.
Perpetrators use mental or physical impairments to confuse the elderly. Scammers can give one price but demand more money after the service is completed, claiming the senior did not clearly hear or completely understand the price.
Seniors are least likely to report a fraud since they are afraid that relatives will doubt their mental competency. They fear that they will seem foolish since they fell for a fraud.

Most common senior scams, according to the FBI:

Health insurance (“rolling lab” schemes, medical-equipment fraud, Medicare fraud)
Counterfeit prescription drugs (“special deals” or online purchases)
Funeral and cemetery fraud (contracts, refund terms, embalming rules)
Telemarketing (“get-rich-quick” schemes, travel offers, often involving prizes)
Anti-aging products (vitamins, creams, “secret” formulas, “breakthroughs”)
Investment schemes (advance-fee, Nigerian letter, prime bank notes)
Internet fraud (non-delivery of items, credit- or debit-card fraud)
Charitable fraud (non-existent charities)

Things to remember to stop scamming, from Stopseniorscams.org:

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When it comes to a “now-or-never” opportunity, choose “never.”
Keep account numbers, codes and passwords private. Be wary of giving any information out to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Shred bills, junk mail and receipts before discarding them.
Don’t be afraid to report your experiences. If you feel uncomfortable, tell someone.

If you have any questions regarding a company, contact your local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to check its service or complaint record. To find out your legal rights if you or a family member has been a victim of a fraud, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. A number of federal and state laws are designed to protect consumers from unethical business practices, administered by, among others, the Federal Trade Commission or the Postal Inspector.

If an individual has been victimized once, he or she becomes a more likely target for additional scams. You can take precautions to avoid a second incident, including changing the senior’s phone number and making it unlisted. The telephone company can also block all outgoing 900 numbers. In addition, a family member, caregiver or friend can assist seniors with sorting mail and identifying possible scams.

Along with fellow Marblehead resident Jay Kenney, Rosaleen Doherty opened Right at Home on the North Shore in 2002. Since then, they have served thousands of seniors throughout Essex County with home healthcare services, opening a Merrimack Valley office in 2006. Doherty is Certified Senior Advisor and is a member of the board of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, vice president of North Shore Women in Business and on the board of trustees of the Phoenix School in Salem. She can be contacted at Rdoherty@rightathomemass.com. To learn more about Right at Home, visit www.rightathomemass.net, or call 877-500-CARE (2273).

Senior Safety in Salem Massachusetts

2009-06-27T14:41:00.002-04:00

Here is an important article with easy ways to make sure our seniors stay safe at home. If you need help with an aging loved one in the Salem Massachusetts area, visit www.rightathomemass.net.

10 Home Safety Tips for Seniors

People who are 65 and older are at increased risk of a fatal or non-fatal fall in their home.

As people age, they become more susceptible to accidents in the home. Fading eyesight, balance and disorientation problems, and memory loss can all contribute to the possibility of a fall or other home incident.

Here are a few safety tips to keep your loved on safe in their own home.

Finish reading this article here: http://www.eldercarecafe.net/10-home-safety-tips-for-seniors.html

Ease Caregiver Stress in Salem Massachusetts

2009-06-20T12:28:00.002-04:00

Here is a great article I found that I wanted to share. The original article can be found at http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-caregiving.asp#3. If you have any questions, or need help please visit www.rightathomemass.net.

How can social support ease caregiver stress?

Two important contributors to caregiver stress are lack of social support and the caregiver's assessment of the behavior of the patient with Alzheimer's.   

Social and family support. Caregivers who lack sufficient or appropriate social support from family and friends are often put under heightened stress. Family conflicts, isolation and loneliness further exacerbate the stress of caregivers. While social support may not affect the primary stress caused by the disease, it can change the caregiver's response to the illness. Feeling supported by family and friends can improve psychological responses to stress and boost the caregiver's sense of well-being.   

The relentless downward course of Alzheimer's disease can have devastating effects on the structure and functioning of the family as well. The person with Alzheimer's gradually relinquishes his or her previous role in the family, and other family members must step in to fill the gaps. In addition, other family members may not recognize that a husband or wife who acts as a primary caregiver has now lost a major source of social support -- the spouse on whom they previously relied.   

When talking about improving social support, the quality of the support is much more important than the number of people who are available to the caregiver or the frequency of contact with members of the caregiver's social network. Family conflict about how and where it is best to care for the patient can be can be very stressful for the primary caregiver. Many caregivers feel resentful of other family members for not providing them with the kind of help they want, although they may not know how to ask for that help or accept help when it is offered.   

Caregiver appraisal. Another source of stress is sometimes referred to as caregiver appraisal. If the caregiver misunderstands the cause of the patient's behavior and interprets it as intentional rather than due to the illness, the caregiver may react with anger, feel rejected or become depressed. If other family members do not understand the disability of the patient, they may criticize the reactions of the caregiver rather than be supportive.   

Caregiving, in and of itself, can become tedious, frustrating and isolating. An important aspect of helping the Alzheimer's caregiver is to make caregivers and other family members aware of the availability and value of formal support. Caregivers can benefit from formal support services such as in home respite or day care programs for the patient and support groups for themselves in conjunction with the informal support of family and friends.

Later Stage Dementia Care Guide in Newburyport

2009-06-17T13:33:00.003-04:00

Hi families....at our Alzheimer's Partnership meeting the Alzheimer's Association in MA announced they have caregiver guides FREE for family caregivers. It is a beautiful book for families with a lot of great information. To get your copy call the Helpline or go to their website. 800-272-3900. This is available to all families in the MA and NH chapter region

PS This can only be distributed to caregiver families.

There’s No Place Like Home For Growing Old in Salem MA

2009-06-13T18:21:00.001-04:00

“The stairs are getting so hard to climb.”

“Since my wife died, I just open a can of soup for dinner.”

“I’ve lived here 40 years. No other place will seem like home.”

These are common concerns for older people. And, you may share an often-heard wish—“I want to stay in my own home!” The good news is that with the right help you might be able to do just that.

Click on the link below from the National Institute on Aging to read more. The tips there will help families know what to do first, the kinds of help available, where to start and what the costs are. If you have any further questions, or need help with an aging loved one in the Salem Massachusetts area, visit me at www.rightathomemass.net.

Here is the link: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/stayinghome.htm

Know the Difference Between Hiring Private Caregivers and Using a Home Care Agency in Salem Massachusetts

2009-06-06T12:09:00.001-04:00

I found this article in the Wall Street Journal and decided to pass it on to all of you. If you are considering hiring home care services, it's important to know what the family's legal and financial responsibilities are when it comes to private caregivers. Ultimately, in may be a better option to hire a home care agency. See link to the Wall Street Journal article below, and as always if you have questions or need help in the Salem MA area, please visit our website www.rightathomemass.net.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123742280124379005.html

5 Great Ways to Pay for Home Care in Salem MA

2009-05-30T13:56:00.001-04:00

1. Privately paying for long-term care means paying for care out of your own income, investments, savings and assets.

2. Long-term care insurance will pay for in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. This is the most appropriate and needed form of insurance protection available to us today. Long-term care insurance should be termed “lifestyle” insurance (it’s NOT nursing home insurance!). If your vision of your later years includes sitting at home in your own recliner, with your own remote control, watching your own TV….well, you should be planning for that future with long-term care insurance.

3. Reverse mortgages (Home Equity Conversion Mortgages) have become one of the most popular and accepted way of paying for many different expenses, including the cost of long-term care. Reverse mortgages are designed to keep seniors at home longer. A reverse mortgage can pay for in-home care, home repair, home modification, and any other need a senior may have.

4. Government assistance should be a last resort when considering how to pay for long-term care. This type of assistance refers to relying on the Medicaid system. Medicaid will pay for long-term care for seniors who cannot afford to pay for care themselves. Keep in mind that Medicaid is an under-funded and over-burdened system, therefore Medicaid resources are limited. This means that in many areas Medicaid beds in nursing homes are difficult to find. Families may end up driving long distances to visit their loved ones. Traditionally, Medicaid resources for in-home care are extremely limited, which means most seniors who apply for Medicaid end up in a nursing home type setting. The Deficit Reduction Act 2005 makes qualifying for Medicaid even more difficult for most families. Planning ahead is really the only viable option for families today.

5. VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: The Veterans Administration has established a pension program whereby your purchase of personal care and attendant home services may be paid for through your acquired pension. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran who has served at least 90 days or more on active duty with one day beginning or ending during a period of war, and you are in need of assistance at HOME due to your disabilities, you may be eligible for VA's non-service connected disability pension.

Brought to you by www.rightathomemass.net.

Andover Caregiving - Right at Home

2009-05-27T16:54:00.002-04:00

Check out Howard Aronson, our Merrimack Valley Community Relations Coordinator and the Right at Home, In Home Care booth at the expo at the Andover Senior Center tomorrow. This comes from their Boomer Venture program, so it is for all you Boomers who are taking care of frail parents.

May 28: Caregiving Expo.

A trade show event featuring numerous organizations providing elder services, including 50-plus communities, visiting nurses, assisted living, nursing home and hospice care. Hosted by the Town of Andover and the Andover Senior Center. Special time: 5:30-7:30PM.

When is a Good Time to Consider Home Care in Salem MA?

2009-05-22T21:21:00.002-04:00

Here’s a great link to an article that is helpful to anyone considering starting elder care, home care, or geriatric care management services for an aging loved one.

Just click on the link below, and as always if you have questions or need help, please visit our website at www.rightathomemass.net.

My Mother’s Memory is Failing…..

http://donigreenberg.com/2009/02/28/dear-j-mother-memory-something/

Elder Care North Shore: Hospice of the North Shore and Attorney Susan Wall in a CEU/ Networking Event

2009-05-15T22:22:00.005-04:00

As part of our ongoing educational series, Right at Home, In Home Care and Assistance of Salem and The Bertram House of Swampscott are pleased to present:

Hospice of the North Shore and Attorney Susan Wall in a CEU/ Networking Event Aging with Dignity

Presented by Hospice of the North Shore

This program will provide professionals with insight into national statistics/trends as well as their own personal and societal views towards aging in order to better serve their clients. By having increased insight, professionals can dispel myths and negative stereotypes about aging. This program illustrates keys to successful aging as well as the professional’s role in helping our elder’s age with dignity.

Advanced Directives

Presented by Attorney Susan Wall

Ms. Wall is a partner at Stern, Keilty, and Wall, LLC located in Salem, MA. She has been practicing law since 1988 and is a well known speaker who educates attorneys, social workers, health care professionals, and elders on the legal rights of the elderly.

1 CEU for Nursing, Social Work, and Case Management
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Bertram House of Swampscott
556 Humphrey Street
Swampscott, MA

Registration/refreshments 4:30 PM

5:00-6:00 PM program

Space is limited so please reserve your spot by contacting:

Lynne Nieman 978-744-5151
Or
Lnieman@rightathomemass.com

To view the invitation click on this link:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15489349/Event-Right-at-Home-Home-Care-Salem-Massachusetts

Eye Disease and Cognitive Impairment?

2009-05-15T19:12:00.001-04:00

Age-related Eye Disease May Be Associated With Cognitive Impairment

ScienceDaily (May 15, 2009) — Older adults with low scores on tests of cognitive function, including thinking, learning and memory appear more likely to have the early stages of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, according to a new report.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—the leading cause of visual impairment in industrialized nations—has long been thought to share a common pathway with Alzheimer's disease, according to background information in the article. First, both conditions involve similar changes in the brain and eye, including the buildup of protein fragments known as beta-amyloid. "Second, clinical studies suggest that AMD and Alzheimer's disease share similar vascular risk factors, such as hypertension [high blood pressure] and cigarette smoking," the authors write. "Both AMD and Alzheimer's disease have been linked to an increased risk of stroke."

Michelle L. Baker, M.D., of the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and colleagues assessed 2,088 individuals age 69 to 97. Participants underwent cognitive testing, retinal photography for the detection of AMD and an extensive assessment of artery disease and its risk factors (including blood pressure, smoking status and body mass index).

After controlling for age, sex, race and the center at which they participated in the study, the one-fourth of individuals with the lowest scores on one cognitive test were twice as likely to have early-stage AMD as were individuals with higher scores. However, there was no association between AMD and scores on a second cognitive test, dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

"In conclusion, we found an association between low cognitive function and early AMD in this older population," the authors write. "These data, along with others, provide further support that AMD and cognitive impairment may share similar complex pathogenesis [development] and risk factors."

The research reported in this article was supported by contracts from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, with additional contributions from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Additional support was provided by a grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and by the National Heart Foundation.

HBO Alzheimer's Project

2009-05-11T13:01:00.003-04:00

The HBO Alzheimer's Project started last night!! 54% of all Americans have been touched by Alzheimer's Disease. In the future, it will be more. The more we understand, the more we can walk our road ahead or help a friend walk theirs!

Lynne Nieman and Howard Aronson from our Right at Home offices went to the opening here in Boston last month....hopefully, this will be On Demand for more to see.

Optical Health and Cataracts

2009-05-02T11:34:00.002-04:00

Optical Health and Cataracts
Q. What's the 'scoop' on cataracts?

A. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light or an image on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In a majority of cases, cataracts are related to aging and are very common. According to the U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI), by age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

To receive a sharp image, the lens in the eye must be clear. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image will appear blurred. The lens primarily consists of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the amount of light that reaches the retina. Protein clumps are responsible for most age-related cataracts. Once the clouding becomes severe enough, blurred vision will result.

The symptoms of a cataract include cloudy or blurry vision, faded colors, the appearance of halos around lights and increased glare. Poor night vision, double or multiple images in one eye or frequent changes in your eyeglasses or contacts may also be indicators of cataracts.

The risk of cataracts increases with age. Other risk factors include certain diseases such as diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. The NEI recommends an eye exam through dilated pupils every two years for those 60 and older. For more information check out www.nei.nih.gov/health/risk.asp.

Alzheimer's Marches On....Sad

2009-04-25T09:13:00.002-04:00

On Thursday we got the news that my fun loving uncle passed away and walked the last mile of Alzheimer's Disease. My aunt was an unfailing caregiver. She brought my uncle to family gatherings up until a month ago, when he took a bad turn. My uncle and aunt were so great to us growing up. They vacationed with my family every summer in East Durham, NY (the Irish Alps) . My grandmother lived with them so we spent all of our holidays at their house.

I went to another aunt's 80th birthday this fall, and my uncle was at the party. At the beginning of the party I went to greet him and I saw total recognition in his face (he didn't recognize me in our previous few meetings). He called me "kid" and asked me how I was doing. I told him that I was great. Right before I pulled away he grabbed my jacket and in a strange moment he told me that they were going to send him away soon. I was taken back, but I replied, " Oh-no, Uncle _____, we are going to keep you around for a while." and I tried to keep the moment light. That was the last time I saw him and I am grateful that we had our last moment of recognition. He was an ever-presence in my childhood and I know my parents and my whole extended family will miss him. My deepest condolences to his son and his wife, my aunt and his grandchildren.

Alzheimer's takes our loved ones in pieces. I have never met anyone whose life was not touched by this disease. My thoughts and prayers are for those who continue to live with an Alzheimer's person and have to live minute to minute. I hope that they get a minute of peace in their day, an extra grain of patience and a little bit of rest.

Saturday Boston Globe Article

2009-03-30T12:50:00.002-04:00

Did anyone read the Boston Globe article on Saturday regarding home health aides and concern about financial and other abuse? What the Globe failed to make clear was that this is the PCA program where disabled people (or elders) hire the worker themselves and the state reimburses them. We have always thought that this program was fraught with risks. It seems that these abuses have escalated.

The Globe did not mention that if there was an agency managing these employees then the client would have some measure of protection. There would be background checks in place and supervision. There would also be professional insurance to protect the client. The Globe seems to be calling for more oversight in the program and a departmente created at the state. Massachusetts doesn't need anymore overwhelmed departments. They should allow disabled people to use the state home care program if they are so concerned. Here is the link...Do you have any thoughts?

Some days are better

2009-03-27T13:54:00.002-04:00

Having a day....

2009-03-26T20:04:00.000-04:00

Some days it is not easy to be the owner of a home care agency....

Just Came to my Email- Senior Housing Resource

2009-03-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

A new edition of the 12-page booklet entitled, “Senior Housing – What You Need to Know” is now available through the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and SNAPforSeniors.

The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration and The Center for Medicare Set-Aside Administration generously sponsored the printing of this booklet in recognition of the crucial role that knowledge plays in the important decision making process of selecting senior housing.

The booklet is intended for distribution to seniors, their families, friends and advocates as a primer outlining the factors one should consider when thinking about a move into senior housing.

You may order a quantity of the booklets at no cost to have on hand for distribution.

The companion to this educational booklet is the NAELA Senior Housing Locator, a comprehensive, objective Web-based decision-support tool including more than 60,000 listings of senior housing communities, a home health directory with quality indicators and resources to help consumers and professionals simplify the process.

If you have any questions or feedback please e-mail SNAPforSeniors or call 206-575-0728 x2013. We look forward to continuing to provide you with resources and tools that empower you to effectively serve your clients.

Sincerely,
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and SNAPforSeniors

Fun Night Part TWO- A Night in Provence (or Beverly, MA)

2009-03-15T18:40:00.009-04:00

Eileen Berman and Stephen (continuing to entertain) are discussing French food by the wines.
Heather from Essex Park and Lisa Furtado from Right at Home are chatting it up in the top picture.

Dinner is served!

Fun Night- Eurostoves

2009-03-15T18:23:00.008-04:00

NO, Francine and Lynne did not have to go get a rooster for our Night in Provence cooking class, but I just saw that picture and I thought it would be funny. Right at Home and our terrific referral sources had a great night of cooking, eating and drinking at Eurostoves last week.

Phyllis from the Atrium baked dessert with her colleague Ruth and Sharyn Russell.

Below we see the crew from New England Rehab and Stephen Spano and Lynne Nieman from Right at Home. Stephen chose to spend his time entertaining the hard working cooks!

AARP Launches Online Content for Caregivers

2009-02-13T11:16:00.001-05:00

Gail Sheehy, author of the best-selling book Passages, has joined with AARP to launch an online community for caregivers. Sheehy has been traveling around the country to film the stories of families in different phases of the caregiving journey. She also interviewed experts, including staff from Family Caregiver Alliance, on the best resources for caregivers. Sheehy will be a major contributor to the new caregiving portal on AARP's website which features interactive Web casts, personal blogs and online chats. For more information, visit: AARP.

Bathing Without A Battle

2009-02-07T14:11:00.002-05:00

This week Beacon Hospice was in my office speaking about the Bathing Without a Battle, a bathing program for dementia clients. It focuses around figuring out how to achieve cleanliness without causing anxiety in our patients....I just bought the video to check out with our staff.

http://www.bathingwithoutabattle.unc.edu/

Right at Home Leadership Council

2009-01-30T16:08:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure of spending a few days on a cruise with the Right at Home Leadership Council last week. This group consists of the top 18 Right at Home franchises in the country. Jay and I spend time with our peers exchanging information about the different regions in the country and how we can all better serve the seniors in our respective areas. They are a great group of people and it really is a pleasure to work with them. Senior care can be a competitive undertaking and it is so nice to meet with people that all have the same concerns and serve their marketplace with integrity.

Ho-Ho-HO from Right at Home

2008-12-23T14:50:00.001-05:00

Lynne Nieman, Joanna Pena and Lisa Furtado wish you a wonderful Holiday Season

December Wishes and Your Support Nurse

2008-12-23T14:37:00.003-05:00

You all haven't seen me in a bit, because I have had one of those antibiotic resistant bugs! Blogging has not been high on my list of things to do, but there have been some developments lately. Right at Home has partnered with Your Support Nurse nationally and our location is one that is piloting this program. Your Support Nurse is an awesome Geriatric Care Management service that can be used all over the country for families to get an assessment of their elder's situation in an objective fashion. The family gets a nurse case manager to work with them on the phone and on email. A local nursing company does the house assessment and physical assessment of their loved one. After all of this, the family and the Nurse Case Manager develop a care plan for the future.

They may be working with Right at Home, but they are not affiliated. If a loved one needs assisted living or another LTC facility, they will objectively tell them that. My Support Nurse was founded by Dr. Dan Tobin and is based on his research that concludes that elders with Case Management in their lives is safer and is in a better position to age in place than one that reacts to crisis. Dr. Dan just wrote a book called That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine and has done a tour of Border's nationally. I have met him personally and he is a very caring and understanding guy. So check them out if you need a case management resource.

Lastly, Happy Holidays to all of our Right at Home friends and families. Thank you for being part of our lives.

November is National Home Care & Hospice Month

2008-11-12T13:24:00.002-05:00

Did you know that? I think about what we do from where I sit, and I think about what a gift it is to help people stay in their homes. People get to face, what they need to face...but if it is a health problem, and they can live with it in their homes with assistance, Right at Home can help them to live out that dream. Isn't that awesome?

Fuel Assistance For Seniors

2008-10-30T10:34:00.002-04:00

Even though our oil costs have dropped, the only good thing that we have coming out of our financial crisis, our seniors may still have trouble paying those heating bill this winter. Here are some resources that came from the MA Council for Home Care Aide Services

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR MA RESIDENTS
High home heating costs will be a concern for all Massachusetts residents this winter, but even more so for home care aides and their families. The following is a list of programs in Massachusetts designed to help pay for fuel, weatherize homes, and assist with heating system repairs. Please share information on these resources with your staff.

• Massachusetts Fuel Assistance - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay their heating bills. Both homeowners and renters in MA may apply for this program. For more information or to find out if you qualify, call the Massachusetts Heat Line at (800) 632-8175 or log onto www.massdhcd.com/fuel.
• Citizens Energy Heat Assistance Program - Citizens Energy also provides financial assistance to MA residents who cannot afford their heating bills. The Oil Heat Program gives a voucher of 100 gallons of free oil per heating season to low-income families and elderly residents. The Citizens Energy Distrigas program gives a $150 credit to eligible households who heat with natural gas. For more information on these programs, call (617) 338-6300 or visit Citizen’s Energy at www.citizensenergy.com.
• Good Neighbor Energy Fund - The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides heating and utility cost assistance to individuals who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for most fuel assistance programs. To request assistance, call (800) 334-3047 (if you live in the 508, 617, 781, or 978 area codes) or (800) 262-1320 (if you live in the 413 area code).
• Utility Arrearage Program - The Utility Arrearage Program helps MA households pay overdue utility bills, prevent utility shutoff, and restore utility service that has been shut off. Contact (800) 392-6066 or log onto www.massresources.org.
• MassSAVE - MassSAVE is an energy saving program for MA homeowners and renters which offers tips and information about free home energy assessments, energy-saving products, loan rebates, and other incentives for energy-saving home improvements. To learn more, contact MassSAVE at (866) 527-7283 or visit their website at www.masssave.com.

Caregiver Connections- November 1st

2008-10-18T07:35:00.004-04:00

Please spread the WORD!

The North Shore Alzheimer's Partnership is sponsoring our 10th annual Caregiver Connections conference for Alzheimer's caregivers. This is a great morning of information to help families and resources for them in the community. This is an event that gives families tools to work with today and a glimpse of the future. We have great speakers this Year.

Use the link above for more information. It is November 1st from 8:30 to 1:30. It is only $10 and there is FREE respite care onsite for your Alzheimer's loved one- staffed by a nurse and CNA. CEU's are available for professionals.

What is next for this country?

2008-10-11T13:12:00.002-04:00

I just looked at my IRA account....some pretty bad news in there! I just feel the need to spout off a little this afternoon.

After our current presidential administration was elected to a second term by the margin of a little county in Ohio, I thought...gosh, we deserve what we get after this election! Who knew it would be as disastrous as this? We have seen the dilution of every institution or public owned entity we have ever known.......financial markets, retirement, physical infrastructure, public education, healthcare and the list goes on and on.....

As a society, I think that we have adopted an attitude of "you're on your own, baby"...I think we all feel like we are out here on our own, without a caring or solid society underneath it all. I don't know what the silver lining is to these thoughts (and as a generally positive person I can usually see one), and I don't really want to get too morose. Who knows, maybe after the crash of it all, our society will start to focus that which is really important-supporting families, healthcare for everyone, education, bridges that don't fall apart...etc., etc

Fun Night Number 2- Lobster Fun

2008-09-27T08:27:00.002-04:00

Right at Home was back at it with Fun Night Number 2! This invitation only event is our way to thank those in the community that work with us for all their efforts in caring for our seniors! We spent a beautiful sunset listening to cool Beatles music down at Winter Island in Salem and eating a gorgeous Lobsterbake provided by Ken Rothwell of Salem

Many "old timers" from Fun Night Number 1 came and enjoyed the fact that they did not have to cook their own dinner!

We see Geriatric Care Manager, Sharyn Russell and Rosaleen Doherty, owner of Right at Home digging into the those awesome crustaceans! Also at that table we see JPC Support Services Judy Citron, her guest from Transitions and Deb Coddington from The John Bertram House in Salem. Then we see Jay Kenney, owner of Right at Home listening to the band and enjoying the company of Susan Haas from Grosvenor Park and Sue Anderson and Erin Higgins from NE Rehab.

The Right at Home crew is represented by Lisa Furtado and Lynne Nieman. Enjoying the Corona is Heather from Essex Park and Donna Gambale from Rosewood.

Sue Busiek and Nancy Rubin from BaneCare are in deep conversation. Karen and Christina are representing the best scheduling team on the North Shore! (that would be Right at Home)

Everyone loved the Beatles music provided by Kevin Levesque and friends. Rosaleen and Donna Gambale have resigned from their current positions and are becoming Groupies for the band!

Joanne Sanchez from Peabody Glen and Susan enjoy a laugh! Look at the NE Rehab faces....I think this says it all! We had a really laid back night...eating, drinking and enjoying the gorgeous night! Thank you to our awesome bartender and server from Ken Rothwell!

Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease- Cool New Resource

2008-09-26T16:44:00.001-04:00

The Copper Ridge Institute, affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University, is a leading provider of dementia research, care and education. The Institute has developed the first training resource of its kind for caregivers, providing a step-by-step method for caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Available as a DVD and webcast, the FREE program (www.alzcast.org) recreates many of the daily situations that caregivers may encounter and provides coaching for each of these activities based on best practices developed by The Copper Ridge Institute.

In the arena of Alzheimer's disease the overwhelming emphasis has been on finding the cure. Little emphasis has been placed on researching effective care and teaching best practices for persons with memory impairment. The Copper Ridge Institute has taken a leadership role in the care arena. Fourteen years of clinical work and collaboration has enabled the Institute to establish a program of care and treatment that brings dignity and a quality of life to those persons and families struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease is a breakthrough program that will help many of us faced with the daunting and emotionally charged task of caring for those we love with dementia. www.alzcast.org

Memory Walk is THIS SUNDAY!

2008-09-16T15:47:00.004-04:00

We are on THE MOVE!

The Memory Walk is the number one fund raiser for the Alzheimer's Association. This year, we merged two walks and our area will be walking at Brickstone Square in Andover. Lynne Nieman will be there with the Right at Home booth giving out information about Alzheimer's home care! Drop on by to visit her...

Please support us in our fight against time! Today we all know someone with Alzheimer's. As America ages, we will all have a frightening number of friends and loved ones that have this disease. Remember, Alzheimer's can run it's course over a 20 year period. With the baby boomer generation aging, what will the number of Alzheimer's people in US? Tick ....tock

Hey! Are you an RN that wants to job share?

2008-09-15T13:20:00.004-04:00

I have a position for a RN home care supervisor coming up in the next month or so to work with our home health aides out in the field to orient and supervise them in our client's homes. You need to really love working with elders and the paraprofessionals. This is a great opportunity for a community nurse who loves working for a great agency that always tries to do it RIGHT!

The days will be 1/2 day on Wednesday, plus full days on Thursday and Friday. Check out our job description on CareerBuilder!

We work with private and state clients. My office team is terrific and great to work with. If this is you, then please contact me in the office -978-744-5151. -Rosaleen

Video Games Keeping Seniors Fit

2008-09-05T09:47:00.003-04:00

As the owner of a home care agency, many times I can be found in the senior centers across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. The Eagle Tribune just published an article on the newest phenomenon I have been seeing...Wii in the senior center! I have seen the seniors playing bowling as well as other games in the centers. It is keeping them social and moving! Whatever works to keep our seniors engaged is great!

SBAR Training

2008-08-21T21:30:00.003-04:00

We had an awesome CEU program in our Haverhill office by a nurse practitioner named Sue Jamison from Educational Solutions for Long Term Care on SBAR communication. It was really interesting. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment and Resolution. It is a system for health professionals to have precise and consistent communication with each other to relay a client's condition or a concern. The training helped us all to think about what needs to be communicated NOW to solve a client's problem. It seemed awesome for a facility, but I can definitely see how it could be applied to home health care. We may try to find a way to take this idea and create an in service for our aides on communication.

Lazy, Hazy Days

2008-08-12T19:08:00.003-04:00

I had a lot of fun today delivering ice cream sundaes to the seniors that receive Meals on Wheels in Marblehead. North Shore Elder Services provided them to the senior centers and my Rotary Club delivered them. Everyone was home and I think they were all looking forward to their sundae. What a fun thing to do on a summer afternoon!

Light Exercise Prevents Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Elderly

2008-08-06T11:10:00.003-04:00

I saw an article today on Forbes.com regarding another benefit of exercise for people over the age of 65. A sedentary lifestyle is killing Americans as a whole, but even a little bit of exercise can have a big benefit. The Forbes article states that light to moderate exercise -- just walking a few blocks or even dancing -- can help prevent the abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation in the elderly. Other than heart rhythm, it is known that exercise can help with weight issues and blood pressure. Check out the Forbes article here.

Meet Right at Home at Beverly Senior Day

2008-07-16T14:31:00.004-04:00

Come see Right at Home at the Senior's Day in the Park on August 7th! Right at Home is thrilled to be one of the sponsors of the event. There will be a big band, presentations by state and federal dignitaries, and an award of Senior of the Year. This is the biggest event for the Beverly Council on Aging and we hope you can come visit Lynne Nieman at the Right at Home booth. There is a BBQ chicken lunch and an ice cream social. We hope to see you there!

More Pictures of Fun Night...

2008-06-30T11:08:00.013-04:00

Lisa Furtado of Right at Home plating the salads...

Sharing the fruits of our labor....

Here is Audrey Connelly, Francine Dawicki and Nancy Rubin taking a little break from the hot stove...

Erin Higgins and Nancy Hardin are preparing the main course...

Stephen Spano is preparing our vegetarian options for the evening....

Salem elder care is well represented here by Deb Coddington and Lynne Nieman of Right at Home

Marta Sturm is making the pizza and Francine is preparing the bruchetta.....

Oh What a Night...Fun Night That Is!

2008-06-27T13:23:00.017-04:00

Right at Home, In Home Care and Assistance had our first Fun Night for our local elder care network here on the North Shore. Jay and I were thrilled at the turnout. It was such a great event because almost 30 of us were able to mingle and leave work behind. It was a so much fun for all of us at Right at Home. Our invited guests have already sent us emails telling us it was the best networking event they were ever at!

We held the evening at Eurostoves in Beverly, who sells high end appliances and runs a large commercial kitchen. The theme was a summer Tuscan Dinner. The invited guests worked in different teams to create the most delicious dinner. The menu consisted of grilled California pizza appetizers, bruchetta, grilled sirloin, summer tilapia with vegetables, vegitarian risotto, and grilled summer vegetables. The dessert was a berry creme brulee that ended up to be the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

We can see here that Mary Niemi from Hospice of the North Shore is really having FUN! We also had people join us from Brooksby Village, Renaissance Gardens, Ro sewood, W oodbridge Assisted Living, New England Rehab in Danvers, Stephen and Francine from The Law Offices Spano and Dawicki, the John Bertram House in Salem, the Marblehead Council on Aging and Sharyn Russell Geriatric Care Management.

Stephen Spano, Joan Tobin and Marta Sturm look like they are enjoying the food and drinks!

Lynne Nieman from Right at Home and Cyndi Chapper are having a great time learning how to cook all those wonderful dishes!

Chef Lars was a real task manager! He showed the ladies how to pan roast the sirloin and fillet the fish! Here he is demonstrating his stovetop skills!

We will add more pictures in a day or so! Save the date for September 18th 2008 for our next FUN NIGHT~

Haven't heard from me in a while...

2008-06-09T14:41:00.004-04:00

I have no excuse...busy I guess. The North Shore Alzheimer's Partnership met and we are working on the Caregiver Connections Conference on November 1st. We have confirmed that Dr. Peter Morin from the BU Center for Alzheimer's will be the keynote speaking about Managing Challenging Behaviors. He is also on staff at the Bedford VA Hospital. We are very excited about him being with us. The conference looks like it will be shaping up pretty well.

It is HOT out there! If you are taking care of an elder, please make sure that they stay out of the heat of the day and that they stay hydrated. I love the heat, but I know that many of our seniors are in older homes that heat up terribly and they may not have air conditioners. Stay cool!

POP's Concert In Marblehead this Weekend

2008-05-15T14:42:00.004-04:00

I wanted people to know that the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is sponsoring a POP's concert at Abbott Hall in Marblehead to salute our Veterans on Saturday May 17th. This is going to be a great night and tickets are on sale for $25 and $35 at the Marblehead Reporter office and the Arnould Gallery. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Rotary International and Veteran's charities.

Sandra Day O'Connor talks about Alzheimer's

2008-05-15T14:12:00.004-04:00

In today's Boston Globe, ex-justice O'Connor told the Special Committee on Aging in the Senate that more attention needs to be focused on research for this disease. She has become one of the most prominent Alzheimer's caregivers in today's world, next to Nancy Reagan. She states the statistics that we have 5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's and it is poised to skyrocket to 16 million. The statistics show that one of the fastest growing age groups in America is those over the age of 80, yet one in every two people over the age of 85 are diagnosed with this disease! This is a health crisis that we cannot ignore, yet we don't seem to have the inclination to really bring Alzheimer's to the front burner.

She talked about the 10 million people who are taking care of relatives or friends with dementia. The loss of income and the added stress to these caregivers is intense. The article says that the Alzheimer's Association values this unpaid care at $89 billion.

Whenever I talk to someone about Alzheimer's- they have a loved one or someone close who is living with the disease. I have a relative living with Alzheimer's- DO YOU?

Falls Killing as Many Seniors as Vehicular Accidents!

2008-04-10T15:27:00.006-04:00

Fall prevention, fall prevention, fall prevention......that is something that we stress over and over with our home care aides at Right at Home. I was forwarded an article from The Boston Globe yesterday titled

Fatal falls soar among the elderly in Mass.

In 2006, there was a drastic rise in the number of deaths that the Department of Public Health saw among the elderly in Massachusetts. It has been said that almost 25% of all elders that take a fall will die as a direct result of that fall. We have had two former clients that fell (not when we were working) and died from the fall. It is heartbreaking for the families, because they really did not understand the full impact a fall could have on their loved one, outside of broken bones or a stint in rehab. It is happening in long term care facilities, at home, outside....anywhere. Because of various conditions, including mascular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, blood pressure changes and many, many others elders are falling because they are attempting to do their normal activities, but they do not sometimes understand how limiting their physical condition can be. Please keep your elder safe. Have someone come to the house to do a safety evaluation, get rid of throw rugs, keep an elder's glasses by their bed, etc.

Having in home supportive care can help, because when an elder needs to move, an aide who is trained in ambulation assistance and fall prevention may be there for the moment that an elder feels weak. And even if an elder does fall, in long term care or at home, it is imperative that someone is there to get them up. I have heard of cases where people have been alone at home, and they couldn't get up. They were cold and suffering for hours. This is not a well repeated Lifeline commercial (I've fallen and I can't get up!). This is very serious and it is a VERY good idea for someone to have Lifeline. The only downside is that the elder needs to be aware to press the button or have the short term memory to remember.

If there is a fall, Right at Home aides are trained to call 911 to have EMT's come and help them. An aide should NEVER pick up an elder by themselves. This could lead to both of them falling.

Fall prevention is the one of the keys to elder safety.

Merrimack Valley Alzheimer's Conference

2008-04-04T12:19:00.004-04:00

The 20th Annual Merrimack Valley Alzheimer’s Conference is slated for Saturday, April 26, at the Wyndham Andover Hotel in Andover, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The educational conference, designed for family members and professionals caring for people afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia, is co-sponsored by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and Merrimack Valley Azheimer's Partnership. The conference will also feature vendor displays of products and services that help and support Alzheimer's patients and caregivers. To register or for more information call 978-946-1321. (believe it or not there is no web link that I can send you to).

Please visit Lynne Nieman at the Right at Home table to learn about our Alzheimer's support services in the Merrimack Valley.

Interesting Alzheimer's Article

2008-04-04T12:02:00.006-04:00

I was forwarded a link to a the New York Times website for an article that they did regarding Alzheimer's called Zen and the Art of Coping with Alzheimer's. It is very concise, and sometimes depressing, but what it talks about the current thinking on the attitude of the adult caregiver. It talks to the technique of being "OK" with seemingly irrational behavior and jumbled conversation. It also speaks to the technique of redirecting an Alzheimer's person when they are following a tangent that could be disagreeable or potentially dangerous.

The depressing piece was about the drug companies and how the Alzheimer's drugs have a very marginal effect on the disease, but desperate families will try anything to slow down the progression of the disease. It also noted, that the current political climate is not showing any commitment to bringing more resources to the Alzheimer's and dementia table. With the aging of the baby boomers and the continued growth in the Alzheimer's population, this is a train that the politicians will not be able to avoid for long.

My father once said that he did not want to outlive his mind after seeing the effect of the Alzheimer's on a close family member. Our bodies are more healthy than any generation of people has ever experienced. How do we keep our minds healthy? There are suggestions, but there is no silver bullet. There is no supplement or drug that can help us avoid Alzheimer's. All we can do as a society, right now, is to love the Alzheimer's people we know, and meet them where they are at- because they have lost the ability to meet us.

Alzheimer's Conferences North of Boston

2008-03-21T15:04:00.004-04:00

Lynne Nieman and I are co-chairing the North Shore Alzheimer's Partnership Annual Conference- Caregiver Connections on November 1, 2008. We have worked on this conference for several years so we look forward to assisting the Partnership in making this a conference a success for the the caregivers in the area.

On Saturday April 26th, the Merrimack Valley Alzheimer's Conference is being held at the Wyndham Andover on Old River Rd. in Andover. It will run from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. I went to this conference for the first time last year and found it to be very good. It is put on by the MV Partnership and Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. The registration deadline is April 22nd. If you have questions, you can call Janice Boyd at 800-892-0890 Ext 1321. Right at Home will be getting a table there so please come by and say hello!

Right at Home News- February 27th

2008-02-27T11:13:00.003-05:00

I was waylaid in Florida because of last Fridays snowstorm, with my little kids and had to spend 3 extra days in the sunshine.....too bad for me! The Right at Home management staff and care staff did an outstanding job of manning the ship while I was away.

I always think about our local elders in these snowstorms. Our clients have Right at Home caregivers to help them get around or to do errands for them. Other elders in our community just get stuck at home, or make unsafe attempts to shovel or walk our uneven sidewalks (Marblehead, where I live can be especially treacherous for winter walking). If you have an elderly neighbor, please stop over to see if there is anything that you can do for them. Even if it is picking up milk when you are out, it can mean the difference in that person's day.

Other news at Right at Home finds Lynne Nieman, our Community Relations Liaison, being brought down temporarily with a medical condition. We miss Lynne here at the office and we hope to see her back meeting our clients and their families very soon.

Does Managing Bills for Your Loved One Drive You Crazy?

2008-02-12T16:26:00.000-05:00

Many of our adult caregivers are managing bills for their elder relatives with or without truly having a Power of Attorney. Sometimes, an elder client must give away managing their affairs, not because of dementia or confusion, but maybe eyesight is failing or there are organizational issues. We have been recommending a local company to help our clients in this area. The company is named Commonwealth Cash Management. They offer a professional daily money management service to get those bookkeeping tasks done. Their Personal Cash Management services encompass personal bookkeeping, recordkeeping, bill paying and investment data aggregation services. Each customer is assigned a dedicated CCM Client Assistant who works with the customer/caregiver, operating within a system of institution-quality checks and balances. The Client Assistant is available to make personal visits on a schedule of the person's choosing, and the frequency of your contact with CCM is always up to the client. This company is based right here in Salem, MA and the founders KC Kommoss and Jeff Plakans have extensive experience offering financial services right here on the North Shore. Our adult caregivers always have WAY too much on their plates. When they look for local cash managers, there is not much choice up in this area. Sometimes individuals will "bill pay" for elders, but they are not real companies and they open up the elder to fraud or as the victim of horrible mistakes. Using a professional company for Daily Money Manage, only makes sense. We here at Right at Home understand that if our clients use a professional service, then they have some level of protection. Sometimes we see Geriatric Care Managers getting involved with money as conservators. These services can run upward of $100 per hour just to get the bills done and the accounts reconciled! That is crazy! My article on the 7 Questions has been featured on their partner Newsletter. Be sure to check it out! Happy Valentines Day!

Wings Cares Women's Expo

2008-02-05T15:12:00.000-05:00

I am speaking on March 8th at the Salem Waterfront Hotel for the Wings Cares North Shore Women's Expo. Wings Cares stands for Women in Networking Giving Support. Proceeds from the event are being donated to Art for Life Foundation, here on the North Shore. This group funds programs to help children in hospitals through art.

This is the first time that this event is being held and I think it will be very interesting. The topic that I am speaking on is Caring for an Aging Parent. The attendees are businesswomen on the North Shore who are balancing careers, kids and possibly other responsibilities, like taking care of their parents. People are always so baffled when they are thrown into the process of adult caregiving. It is almost like we feel that "this will never happen to me!"

I hope that I can give them a little direction in the time that I have allotted. The other topics are financial, balance related and political topics. It should definitely be interesting and it is GREAT to have it in Salem!!

What You Need to Know Before Hiring an In-home Caregiver for an Aging Adult or a Disabled Adult

2008-02-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

Right at Home Provides Seven Key Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision

Recent studies estimate that 24 million caregivers, or about 16 percent of the population, provide care to adults ages 50 years or older in the United States. These people feel unprecedented pressure to find immediate assistance as they try to balance their own career and family with the care needs of their loved one. In the process, many unknowingly create a risky situation for everyone involved.

More and more families, in an attempt to save time and money, are hiring “underground” caregivers—those caregivers who are not affiliated with a company or professional organization that provides proper caregiver management and training. In fact, most underground caregivers are hired by families without a background check and thorough pre-screening process. Family members doing the hiring may not even know if the caregiver has legal status to work in the United States and are unaware of the ramifications of doing so. Moreover, most families are unaware of their responsibilities regarding employer taxes, insurance needs and provisions of workers compensation.

Many states have or are passing laws to protect families and against senior caregiver “horror stories”. In the meantime, Right at Home urges families to give the process of hiring a caregiver careful consideration. Right at Home encourages families to ask the caregiver agency or the independent caregiver the following questions at the start of the hiring process:

Seven Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring In-home Caregivers:

1. What happens if the caregiver becomes ill or isn’t available? In other words, can the agency or the independent caregiver make immediate arrangements to provide continuous service to the person in need?

2. Who has legal responsibilities for social security and federal and state taxes, as well as unemployment insurance?

3. Is the caregiver legal to work in the U.S. and can the agency or the caregiver provide legal documentation of the caregiver’s status?

4. If the caregiver is injured, who is responsible for medical and other costs, such as unemployment and workers compensation insurance? Remember: Many homeowner insurance policies specifically exclude such injuries via clauses called domestic employee exclusions. This means the homeowner can be held responsible for the medical costs of an injured independent caregiver.

5. Have all proper checks been completed including a criminal history background check, a state abuse registry check, and have prior work references been contacted? A reliable agency will have completed these before hiring the caregiver. Families who hire caregivers not associated with an agency should conduct these procedures at their own expense.

6. Is the caregiver bonded and insured to cover any injury to the client, damage or theft? In addition, when an agency says it is “bonded,” family members should be sure to ask if their bond covers both injury and damages related to the caregiver working in the home.

7. Assuming a family member is not available to supervise paid caregivers at all times, what kind of documentation will be provided to substantiate the completion of services? In other words, what kind of proof will the family have that their loved one is actually receiving the much needed care for which the family is paying?

If a potential caregiver doesn’t have the time or resources to answer these important questions, it’s probably best to seek out a professional home care agency that takes responsibility for background checks, taxes and insurance liabilities. At Right at Home of Salem, we have the resources to take those precautions in order to provide peace of mind to those we serve. An important part of providing highly personalized and flexible care is making sure the family is protected, too.

About Right at Home

Right at Home offers in-home supportive care, personal care, home health aide and nursing assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised RN field staff supervisors. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s Web site at www.rightathomemass.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving e-newsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to www.caringnews.com.

Right at Home Leadership Conference

2008-01-17T18:30:00.000-05:00

Jay and I are out at the Right at Home Leadership Conference in Cancun, Mexico. The conference is a collection of the 15 most successful Right at Home owners in the US. We are very proud to be in this group. We have spent the day with Alan Hager and the other senior management at Right at Home to talk about the current issues with our home care agencies and how to make them better.

This group of people is so knowledgable and committed to client care. I don't think there is any group of home care agency owners that has such a wonderful support system. This is the reason why Right at Home continues to be the most caring and innovative home care group in the the US. We have been talking about Right at Home University, the system we use to educate our caregivers and the Care Rewards system we use to reward our caregivers for giving wonderful, quality care. When Jay and I went to this conference last year, we learned so much from our peers, which translated into better home care for our clients. I suspect that 2008 will be the same! Adios!

Rosaleen in Salem Gazette and Marblehead Reporter

2007-11-13T16:35:00.000-05:00

I was installed as the Second Vice President of North Shore Women in Business and there were a few really nice write ups.

I have always served the group, however now I see that I will definitely have more work!! This is a great group for me to talk with women about adult caregiving and issues that they may be facing with aging parents.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Connections Update

2007-11-07T08:40:00.000-05:00

The conference last week was amazing. Despite the threat of a nor'easter, the Holiday Inn in Peabody was full. The speakers were amazing. The one thing that all the medical professionals talked about was the holistic (meaning many approaches) treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It was clear that the medications of today can slow the disease from it's path, but they all talked about diet and exercise as being part of the treatment. They all spoke about how leaving an Alzheimer's patient in front of the TV all day just adds to the progression of the disease and loss of skills.

They also talked about how changing an Alzheimer's patient's environment too much (going between children's homes), though might sound like a good idea to you and me, can be confusing and dangerous for the Alzheimer's person because they cannot do "new learning". Keeping things predictable is important. Dr. Paul Raia calls this Habilitation Therapy. This link is to a good article on the subject.

Joanne Koenig-Costa, the author of Learning to Speak Alzheimer's, gave the wrap up address. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when a longterm, care partner/spouse talked about her end-stage Alzheimer's husband and how their relationship now works when he can no longer talk or communicate. She talked about how love still exists. No one could have laid out the heartbreak of Alzheimer's disease to a family better than someone who has walked the path with a loved one and is now facing the end.

The one sad thing about the information is the prediction that there will be 14 million people in the United States with Alzheimer's disease in the year 2050 if we don't have a cure. Living longer is great, but the price we may have to be to do that is very steep. The grief that it may give our families is tremendous, because Alzheimer's does not last just a year....it can progress for up to 20 years.

One of the most beautiful things about our conference is the message that care partners need to take care of themselves first! The speakers kept giving the example of the airplane oxygen masks and how we should put ours on FIRST, then help the other person. Please find a support group if you are a care partner. You can find one through the Alzheimer's Association.

Caregiver Connections- November 3rd

2007-10-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

Right at Home is very involved in the North Shore Alzheimer's Partnership's Caregiver Connection every year. This is a wonderful educational event for people who are caregiving loved ones who are living with dementia and Alzheimer's. This year we have wonderful speakers, including Dr. Paul Raia from the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Wayne Salzman from Lahey Clinic, and Dr. Lewis Hayes from AllCare Hospice.

Our families have gotten tremendous resources and comfort knowing that they are not alone in their caregiving struggles. It will take place at the Holiday Inn on Route 1 in Peabody. Pre-registration is recommended because we were full last year. Call 781-281-7890 to register. The cost is $10 for families and $20 for professionals and the hours are 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Parade Magazine Piece About Adult Caregiving

2007-10-02T08:32:00.001-04:00

Did anyone see the piece that Parade Magazine did last month on Adult Caregiving? I thought that it did good job of bringing to light the difficulties that so many of my families are faced with and were not entirely prepared to deal with. It talks about how caregiving can even be life threatening. It states that between 40% and 70% of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression and depression often leads to a neglect of the caregivers own physical and mental health. It also stated a financially devastating fact- over a lifetime, family caregivers sacrifice and average of more than $500,000 in total income. The conclusion to the article is that we all need to spend more time thinking about what we will do when and if we become a caregiver, because the federal government is basically leaving middle America to "figure it out". States are actively trying to support caregivers through many innovative programs and companies are trying to help their employees that may be caregiving an adult. It is a situation that we all have some exposure to, but it doesn't seem that we have any one answer. There are good links in the article that I will add to my blog.