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!