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.

Video Commentary by Nate Murray - Alzheimer's Local Research Study is Underway

For the full article, please visit: HERE

Alzheimer's Clinical Trials

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia affecting millions of Americans.  It impacts many of our clients as well.  Those suffering with it now are using a number of medications, most of which have been in use for several years.  There is a need for new medical treatments to manage and hopefully someday eliminate this disease.  The process of developing these new medications can take years of research and clinical trials.  Visiting Angels is pleased to announce we are giving referrals for clinical trials for investigational medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease in association with Donald S. Marks, MD, a Board Certified Neurologist, specialist in Alzheimer’s disease and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts. 

We are currently seeking participants for a very important study.  Enrollment in this Phase 3 clinical trial is in progress.  By participating in the clinical trial, participants will be part of an effort that may help them improve their mental function. In addition,  participants will provide valuable data that may help others in the future.

To be eligible to participate in the study participants should have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, have previously been on or are currently on a stable dose of Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine), or Razadyne (Galantamine) and be between the ages of 55 and 85.  Participants who are taking Namenda (memantine) are not appropriate for the study. 

If you or the person you care for would like to participate in this clinical trial please contact Nate Murray at 781-834-6355 extension 12.  He can give you further information and begin the process of coordinating your introduction to Dr. Marks.

What's On Your Plate?

What’s On Your Plate?

Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging

MyPlate for Older Adults

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 present a general outline for a healthy diet. But, as you age, some foods may be better than others for staying healthy and reducing your chance of illness. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University created MyPlate for Older Adults as a companion to MyPlate, the federal government’s food group symbol.

MyPlate for Older Adults highlights the unique nutritional and physical activity needs of people as they age. It gives examples of foods that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in each serving. Like the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, MyPlate recommends limiting foods that are high in trans fats and saturated fats, limiting salt and added sugars, and eating plenty of whole grains.

For details about the MyPlate for Older Adults:

http://www.nutrition.tufts.edu/research/myplate-older-adults

http://nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate  . 1-800-222-2225

Don't Throw Momma From the Train!!

by: Nate Murray

We have always seen education as part of our commitment to the community at large. Over the many years that we've been providing services to residents on the South Shore we have become acutely aware of the critical need for good information about resources, management of certain types of problems such as dementia care and help for families who are struggling with the sometimes extreme stress of caring for a family member. 

One of the things that makes Visiting Angels different, is our deep professional roots in human services. We have worked in inpatient hospital settings, transitional care units, nursing homes, outpatient practices, and provided teaching to graduate and undergraduate students and at National and International conferences. Because our Co-founders and Director are all licensed clinical professionals with collectively over 100 years of clinical, rehabilitation, social work, and teaching we've brought our expertise to as wide an audience in the community as possible. 

To accomplish this we created an education series several years ago. The topics we can cover are wide-ranging and include things like “You’re discharging him today?!?” which focuses on dealing with the chaos presented when somebody is discharged from a hospital facility. Another popular topic is “How to maintain memory and brain health”; “I didn't know there was help out there” provides consumers with resources to help them in family care-giving that they may not have known about.  We have several others and can customize presentations for different organizations.  

We offer this as a FREE service to nonprofit organizations serving the public.

2014 Educational Series Topics

Presented by Nate Murray, LICSW and Kim Bennett, LSW

To schedule a presentation for your organization, please contact:

♦   781.834.6355 x 15   ♦ 

Healthy and Fun Strategies for Maintaining Your Memory

New information!   A fun presentation for elders and their family members, including tips to improve your memory, how dancing can keep you fit, and what foods may improve your memory.

You’re Discharging Him Today?

Not to be missed!   You can no longer assume Medicare pays.   This presentation will help you to be prepared, know what questions to ask and where to seek help. In the age of Health Care Reform you must be informed and your own advocate.

I Didn’t Know There Was Help Out There

Bring your questions and needs - leave with answers and support!    Community resources and advice tailored for those who are caring for loved ones. 

Lost in Time – Tips to Manage Dementia

Crucial for caregivers!  

Don’t Throw Momma from the Train!

A presentation focused on managing the frustrations of caring for aging parents. 

Nobody Told Me This Would Be SO Hard

A presentation on what to do when caring for an elderly parent becomes overwhelming and stressful.  The physical drain can at times be exhausting and the emotional roller coaster seems constant. You will discover how to access the help you need, reducing stress and creating a workable approach to providing care. 

Compassion Fatigue and Care Partner Burnout

♦ Presented by Kim Bennett, LSW ♦

Men as Caregivers

 ♦ Presented by Nate Murray, LICSW ♦   

Any of these presentations can be brought into an organization singly, or in a series of talks. 

To schedule a presentation for your organization, please contact:

♦   781.834.6355 x 15   ♦   

There is No Age Limit to Surfing the Web

Visiting Angels Offers Computer Training Courses for Seniors ... and now manufacturers are making Senior Friendly Computers!!  

Computers Designed Specifically for Seniors

Posted: 09/10/2013 12:36 pm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/computers-designed-specif_b_3890601.html

Dear Savvy Senior,

What computers can you recommend for seniors with very limited computer skills? I am interested in getting one, but at 76, I need one that's designed simplistically for me.

--Inexperienced Senior

Dear Inexperienced,
There are actually several companies who make and sell computers designed specifically for seniors who have little or no computer experience. Here are some top options to check out.

Desktops
If you're primarily interested in a home desktop computer, the Telikin, which has been on the market for over two years now, is an excellent option.

Ready to go right out of the box, this all-in-one touch-screen computer provides a big button menu that displays all your favorite functions on the screen at all times. By simply touching the menu option of your choice with your finger, you can get instant access to the Web, email, games, video chat, photo sharing, news, weather and more.

Available in two sizes -- the 18-inch LCD touch-screen with a 320-gigabyte hard drive that costs $699, and the 20-inch LCD touch-screen with 500-gigabytes for $999 -- all Telikin computers come with built-in speakers, a Web camera, microphone, wired keyboard and mouse. They even offer "tech buddy" software that your loved ones can download on their computers, so they can access your Telikin remotely to help you when need be.

Running on Linux software instead of the standard Windows or Mac OS, the Telikin is also virus-resistant, comes with a 60-day trial period, a one-year warranty and free tech support.

It's also worth noting that Telikin has a partnership with firstSTREET -- a senior product direct marketing company -- that is also selling the 20-inch Telikin for $999, but have rebranded it as the "WOW! Computer for Seniors."

Another option to consider is the MyGait Elite Computer, which costs $899 plus a $20 monthly service fee. This mouse-operated PC has a 20-inch high-resolution monitor, a large-letter color-coded keyboard, one-click functionality for all pages, a simple zoom feature that lets you magnify your email or Web page up to 200 percent, and an ergonomic trackball mouse that's easy on the hand and wrist.

It also comes with a built in Web camera, DVD/CD player, unlimited storage space, dozens of games and a unique customer service package that guarantees protection against viruses and spam, provides ongoing computer updates, and offers a help line if you ever get stuck or need assistance.

Tablets
If you're interested in something mobile, there are several new senior-specific tablets on the market you should look into like the Claris Companion, which combines a computer, digital picture frame, mobile phone and passive monitoring device into one package.

It has a 10-inch touch-screen with huge text and buttons, amplified sound and comes in a thick bamboo frame that's easy to hold on to, plus a stand that props it up.

It also provides simplified access to email, text messaging, the Web, video chat and photos. Along with exercise videos, medication and other reminders, and gives family members the ability to easily monitor you if you need an extra hand. It even let's you or our loved ones personalize the tablet to handle your specific needs and abilities.

The Claris Companion offers a variety of pricing packages that starts at $100 with a two-year contract, plus a $59 monthly subscription fee.

Another option to consider is the In-Touch Senior Tablet, which is also a 10-inch tablet that provides simple one-touch, big-button access to the Web, email, text messaging, your calendar, video chat, medication reminders and more. The Senior Tablet cost $400.

If you know of someone who would enjoy connecting with loved one's through email, surfing the web for recipes, join in on social media sites or just to play online games; we can help. We offer one-on-one computer instruction to Seniors.  Check us out - Silver Surfers!

The Snowy Blues ....

.... this new post can be found on our News from Nate page.  Check it out and share it with your friends.

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to our Blog and Facebook Contest winner ... Lynn Hayes.  Lynn you have won a $50 gift card to Amazon.com.  Thank you for joining our Facebook page and following our blog.  We will be in touch with you shortly.  Again, congratulations!

Visiting Angels Raises $100,172.57 for Alzheimer's!

Deb Durocher, the  National Team Leader for Visiting Angels announced that Visiting Angels exceeded our goal in the 2013 Alzheimer’s Walk.  We raised $100,172.57.  Visiting Angels was a national sponsor and offices such as ours across the country all contributed to making that goal.  THANK YOU! 

Please Vote for Our Team!

Event Organizers

Plymouth Philharmonic

Visiting Angels

South Shore Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services

Please vote for our team!   On February 8^th we will again be participating in a dance competition that will help bring much needed services to the South Shore.   The Dancing with the Angels dance competition is part of an event that will raise money for important 501c3 organizations here on the South Shore, organizations that make our community stronger.

All proceeds raised from this event will support:

The Special Needs Emergency Fund:  This fun was established to help elders in the communities served by Old Colony and South Shore Elder Services who cannot afford basic necessities, such as food, clothing, shoes, fuel, medicine and shelter.  All monies go directly to the purchase of goods and services.  The goal is to make sure that elders in our communities live safely and with dignity.

The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the region’s leading cultural institutions.  Through live performance, innovative educational outreach programs and strong community partnerships, it makes music accessible to communities across the South Shore. 

Our dance team, Visiting Angels Quinto Tiempo, has been working hard for 6 weeks preparing for this competition.  Support for these non-profits is partially raised through dance team “votes”.  Please help us reach our personal goal of $2500 by sponsoring or voting for our dance team at this competition.   100% of your vote is tax-deductible.

Please click on this link to vote for the “Visiting Angels Quinto Tiempo”.

https://cloud.bidpal.net/Portal10/bpe192787/catalog/items.html?itemType=6

Thank you and please give as generously as you can.

Help us make the South Shore a better place to live and work.

Help us connect communities through music and dance.

Please support this spectacular event.

Thank you!

Spread the Word! Chance to win a Prize!

To help spread the word about our new BLOG and our terrific FACEBOOK page we've decided to have an on-line contest.  

Follow our blog by email by signing up for email updates on the right side-bar and leave a comment below.  "LIKE" us on Facebook and you will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card!

That's right ... we'll pick one of our followers to receive a $50 Amazon gift card.  The drawing will be held on Friday, February 14th ... Valentine's Day ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

So spread the word, tell your friends, family and neighbors ... let everyone know there's a chance to win! 

**Contest limited to United States residents only**

** You must follow our blog by email, leave a comment and "Like" us on Facebook to be eligible**

*** Comment Moderation has been Activated.  Your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.  Thank you.***

Visiting Angels ... Most Desired Agency!!

Caregivers Rank Visiting Angels, Senior Helpers as Most Desired Agencies

by Alyssa Gerace on JANUARY 9, 2014 in NEWS

Visiting Angels and Senior Helpers have been named the most desired home care agencies for females and males to work for in 2014, respectively, according to myCNAjobs’ first quarter Caregiver Trend Report.

The study ranks the top five home care companies where male and female caregivers want to work, compiled by surveying thousands of professional caregivers. This particular edition of the study also highlights key retention factors and highlights the differences between what’s important in the workplace to men versus women. 

“Job stability and learning opportunities were reported as the most important retention factors for males while job stability and the hours/shifts available were the biggest driver for women,” said Brandi Kurtyka, Chief Executive Officer of Chicago-based myCNAjobs, in a statement. 

myCNAjobs, a HealthcareResearch.org company, compiles its information by directly gathering self-reported responses from caregivers who anonymously provide feedback through a survey. 

About 40% of respondents were under 30 years of age, while another 42% were age 31-50 and 18% were 50 or older. Seven in 10 reported wanting to work 36 or more hours a week, and if they don’t get the hours they want, nearly 40% plan to get multiple caregiving jobs, while 38% reported plans to seek work at a hospital or senior care center that would offer the hours they want. 

“In a market plagued by high turnover and little loyalty, being recognized as a top employment destination for caregivers is a big deal,” said Kurtyka. “The companies on the list are being honored as it’s a reflection of their commitment to caregivers and delivering a positive caregiver working experience.”

Access the full Q1 2014 Caregiver Trend Report. 

Written by Alyssa Gerace

Original Article can be seen HERE.

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Person With Alzheimer's

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Person With Alzheimer’s .......By Marie Marley from the Alzheimer's Reading Room 

To Read the Original Article Please Click HERE

Yesterday afternoon I walked into Mary’s spacious room. Mary is a woman who has few visitors and whom I’ve volunteered to spend a little time with every week. I greeted her, complimented her on her beautiful turquoise sweater, and shook her hand. 

Then I sat down at her little table that was overflowing with books, photographs, the newspaper and other items she wants to keep close at hand. I started off by picking up a small framed photo of Mary with her husband and three children – two sons and a daughter. 

“Tell me about your daughter I said,” using an open-ended question because they have no right or wrong answers. That’s a tip I picked up from The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care by Virginia Bell and David Troxell.

“Oh, her name is Connie,” she told me. “She has four children – two boys and two girls.”

She continued by giving me several details about Connie and her family. I then picked up a photograph of Mary and her twin sister, Bernice, and she told me about how they took piano lessons together when they were children. After a few minutes I asked her if her daughter ever played a musical instrument.

“I don’t have a daughter,” she said matter of factly.

“Oh,” I countered, picking up the family photo again and holding it out for her to see. “You just told me you have a daughter. Here she is.”

Mary’s face fell and she said very quietly, “I guess I do have a daughter.”

I immediately felt sorry for her embarrassment and was disgusted with myself for having pointed out her mistake. I realized I’d just broken one of the cardinal rules for interacting with a person who has dementia. I’d just read it in The Best Friend’s Approach that very morning: “Let the person save face.”

When relating to a person with Alzheimer’s there are many guidelines to follow. I’m going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don’t tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don’t argue with them, 3) Don’t ask if they remember something, 4) Don’t remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don’t bring up topics that may upset them.

Don’t Tell Them They’re Wrong About Something: To let the person save face it’s best not to contradict or correct them if they say something wrong. There’s no good reason to do that. If they’re alert enough, they’ll realize they made a mistake and feel bad about it. Even if they don’t understand their error, correcting them may embarrass or be otherwise unpleasant for them. 

Don’t Argue With the Person: It’s never a good idea to argue with a person who has dementia. First of all, you can’t win. And second, it will probably upset them or even make them angry. I learned a long time ago, when caring for my beloved Romanian soul mate, Ed, the best thing to do is simply change the subject – preferably to something pleasant that will immediately catch their attention. That way they’ll likely forget all about the disagreement. 

Don’t Ask if They Remember Something: When talking with a person who has Alzheimer’s it’s so tempting to ask them if they remember some person or event. “What did you have for lunch?” “What did you do this morning?” “Do you remember that we had candy bars when I visited last week?” “This is David. Do you remember him?” Of course they don’t remember. Otherwise they wouldn’t have a diagnosis of dementia. It could embarrass or frustrate them if they don’t remember. It’s better to say, “I remember that we had candy the last time I was here. It was delicious.”

Don’t Remind the Person that a Loved One Is Dead: It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to believe their deceased spouse, parent or other loved one is still alive. They may be confused or feel hurt that the person doesn’t come to visit. If you inform them that the person is dead, they might not believe it and become angry with you. If they do believe you they’ll probably be very upset by the news. What’s more, they’re likely to soon forget what you said and go back to believing their loved one is still alive. An exception to this guideline is if they ask you if the person is gone. Then it’s wise to give them an honest answer, even if they will soon forget it, and then go on to some other topic.

Don’t Bring up Other Topics That May Upset Them: There’s no reason to bring up topics you know may upset your loved one. If you don’t see eye-to eye on politics, for example, don’t even bring it up. It may just kindle an argument, which goes again the second guideline above. You won’t prevail and it’s just likely to cause them anger and/or frustration.

So there you go. A few guidelines for visiting. I hope these will be helpful to you in visiting your loved one and enriching the time you have together.