Talking Turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches I think it is only natural for all of us to think back in time to the way Thanksgiving was celebrated in our homes as children. Some of us remember special times with extended family gathered at a long table or around the house. When I was a kid there was a predictable pattern to Thanksgiving. We grew up living next to my mother's parents who were part of my everyday life. The cooking would begin early and both houses would be full of the smells of onions, sage, thyme, rosemary and all encapsulated in the warm steam created by all the cooking. It was always an exhausting day, filled with both the joys and the craziness that typifies family.

Now when I say craziness, I think everyone knows what I mean.  Families have patterns and dynamics  that interweave all of our interactions. Surely some of these dynamics play out  more positively or more negatively in different family systems.  As of these memories tend to come back, unless they were traumatic,  we usually remember the more positive ones.

Among the siblings birth order  has a lot to do  with the interplay between  parents,  grandparents,  and children.  A friend of mine clipped a page out of a catalog recently  on which  there were three  T-shirts  you could purchase.  The first T-shirt was printed with   'I am the oldest , I make the rules".  The second T-shirt said  "I am the youngest the rules  don't apply to me" . The third T-shirt,  the one most appropriate for me personally said " I'm the middle I'm the reason  we had rules " !

 No matter what your family is like ,  or how widely spread they are  across  the country with the world  I do hope  you have  a marvelous  Thanksgiving day.

Our Fall Speaking Events

                                                     

2015 Fall Community Presentations

October 8              Maintaining a Healthy Brain: Fun and Effective Strategies

10-11:3- AM         Nate Murray and Kim Bennett

                                Hanson COA

132 Maquan Street

781-293-2683

 

October  14          I didn’t Know There Was Help Out There; resources for you when you need them

12:30-1:30PM      Kim Bennett

                                Kingston COA 28Evergreen Street, Kingston

                                781-585-0512 Pre-Registration

 

October 21           Health and Fitness Fair. Come Visit Us!

10AM-2PM           Nate Murray and Kim Bennett

YMCA

75 Mill Street, Hanover

781-829-8585 Pre-Registration

 

October 28           Lost in Time; Effective Strategies for Dementia care at home

12:-1:30PM          Kim Bennett

                                Kingston COA 28Evergreen Street, Kingston

                                781-585-0512 Pre-Registration

 

October 28           When Caregiving Ends; Managing Your Changing Role

7-8PM                    Hingham Elder Services, 228 Central Street, Himgham

Kim Bennett         

                                781-741-1458 Pre-Registration

November 13       Hope Dementia Caregiver Support Group

12:30- 2PM           Kim Bennett

Old Colony Senior Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton

 (800) 242-0246 Pre-Registration

 

November 16       Aging Mastery Program: Healthy Relationships

Noon-2PM             Kim Bennet

Kingston COA 28 Evergreen Street, Kingston

                                781-585-0512 Pre-Registration

 

November 23       Aging Mastery Program: Don’t Fall! A Fall Prevention presentation

Noon-2                   Nate Murray                        

Kingston COA 28 Evergreen Street

                                781-585-0512  Pre-Registration

Nate Answers an Important Question ...

... read his answer on the News from Nate page HERE.

VS.

When Things Heat Up!

Well once again summer has arrived on the South Shore.  FINALLY!   I know that some of us thought it would never come. But the passing of the summer solstice means that we will soon have conditions that will require us to think carefully about our clients as well as ourselves.  

The two most common issues that we need to be aware of are adequate hydration and overheating. As you know, many elders feel cold even on the warmest days. As a result they often will have the windows closed on the hottest and most humid days of the summer. They feel comfortable, but of course it can be potentially dangerous. It is also important in those situations that you, the Caregiver, take care of yourself as well. 

What are the signs of overheating? They are profuse sweating, fatigue, and muscle cramps. More advanced symptoms can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and dark urine. This could be the beginning of heatstroke which is a much more dangerous event. These symptoms include fever, confusion, rapid shallow breathing and even unconsciousness. 

What is first aid for something like this? Have the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the clients feet about 12 inches. Apply cool, wet cloths to the person’s skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. If they are showing more significant symptoms as noted above call 911.

Dehydration is the real danger in hot weather. Some of these symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion. They include increased thirst, a dry or swollen tongue, headache and confusion. The best way to avoid dehydration is prevention. Make sure that your client and you are consuming enough fluids. Consider sports drinks which contain electrolytes and decrease the likelihood of developing dehydration. Remember our clients especially if they have dementia may not realize they are thirsty. So you may want to encourage them and remind them to drink. Obviously keep in mind any restrictions they may have.

I hope you all have a great summer.  

Nate

Need a Break?

“Angel Beach Days”

Need a break from caring for an elderly loved one this summer?

Our "Angels Beach Day" gives an entire day of comfort so you can go to the beach or boating.  Let our professional, skilled Angels provide companionship, meals, medication reminders and personal care while you get a day to relax and enjoy some worry free time.

An entire 8 hour day is only $199

Visiting Angels is the most trusted name in private home care.  We have been providing South Shore families with the best in-home senior care for over 14 years.  Call us today at 781-834-6355 to make an appointment for your FREE in home consultation.

You can book days from June 5 through September 30 but the offer expires July 1, 2014 so…..

Book your Angel Beach Days today!

Angel Beach Days can be scheduled in advance anytime from June 5th through September 30.  Regular weekend differential and cancellation polices apply.  See your service agreement for more information.

                                                           

Happy Anniversary VA of the South Shore!!

5 Spring Cleaning Safety Tips for Senior Citizens

Posted by Elizabeth Bemis  

Does your kitchen look like a display ad for gadgets and counter-top appliances? Does all of the excess furniture lying around your living space look like it should be in a yard sale?  If you answered “yes” or even a reluctant “no”, then it’s time to freshen up your home. Spring is the season of renewal, so get caught up in the fever and throw out the junk and re-organize your space! For seniors citizens and their caregivers, these five spring cleaning tips are for safety first.

1. Check the Medicine Cabinet

Are medications labeled and stored in their proper containers? Do you have old prescription drugs mixed in with the new? These common practices in homes pose potentially dangerous health hazards.  Whereas some medications still retain their potency after expiration dates, many do not and should be disposed of. Old liquid antibiotics, drugs comprised of organic ingredients and those requiring refrigeration should be safely discarded.

Be sure to store medications in a cool, dark, dry place; the bathroom does not fit that category. A better place is an airtight plastic container on a shelf in your closet.

2. Clean Up Clutter

Trips and falls are likely to happen when you accumulate too much “stuff”. Reduce the risk by removing unnecessary and obstructive items (including furniture) from your regular walking path and place them in storage. Make maintaining a clear walkway in every room of the house or apartment a top priority.  And either tape carpet edges or throw rugs to the floor or get rid of them entirely.

In the kitchen, remove infrequently used appliances off the counter, organize cabinets, create front row spaces for frequently use items, and clear out the refrigerator and pantry of stale food.

3. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

In case of an emergency such as a fall, an attempted burglary, or a kitchen accident, do you have important numbers on speed dial? Know who to call in an emergency and have your phone programmed, accordingly.

If you reside in an assisted living community, be sure you understand how the emergency response system works.  Just like when you were living in a neighborhood, look out for others and know who to go to for help.

4. Never Try to Move Heavy Objects or Furniture on Your Own

For seniors with reduced strength or mobility challenges, doing household chores may seem like a monumental task. Never try to move furniture or heavy objects on your own.  Don’t stand on a chair or ladder to clean hard to reach spots or change light bulbs. Use cordless cleaning tools and lightweight equipment which are easier to use. Try the newer, more efficient technology tools on the market designed to make modern household cleaning a breeze.

5. Monitor Your Smoke Alarm System, Fire Extinguisher and Emergency Kit

Periodically check your smoke alarm system and carbon monoxide detectors; run a test to ensure batteries for detectors are functional.

Every home should have at least two handheld fire extinguishers (one in the kitchen for sure).  Check the expiration date and remind yourself to monitor the device every once in a while.

Emergency kits should be assessed often and restocked in the Spring and Winter. General contents may include: a flashlight and spare batteries, thermometer, Band-Aids, scissors, tape, triple antibiotic ointment, wound care dressings, allergy and digestive medications, protein bars, a current medication list and names and phone number of family or friends to contact list in an emergency.