The Dreaded Diagnosis
February 27, 2009 at 8:30 am | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | Leave a CommentTags: Alzheimer's Disease, Care Plan, Cognitive Ability, GCM, Help, Medication, Tips
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, you are not alone. There are currently over 5 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and a new diagnosis is made every 72 seconds. It is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and can result in loss of memory, loss of ability to think and speak clearly, loss of ability to perform activities of daily living and changes in behavior.
The disease progresses at different rates and continues for the remainder of a person’s life. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, there are some treatment options available that can slow the progression of symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to increase the person’s chance for longer term independence. Once you have the diagnosis you can start doing all the things possible to make a difference. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference because, despite the fact that there is no cure, there are prescription medications that can help slow the progression of symptoms, improve the ability to perform everyday task and to maintain independence for as long as possible.
Alzheimer’s Disease drug therapy is working if there is an improvement in symptoms, if symptoms do not change, or if the symptoms of the disease worsen more slowly. There are currently four medications available for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. They include Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne and Namenda. You should talk to your doctor to see what treatment is best for you or your loved one.
The Care Managers at Distinctive Care always include non-medical interventions to their Client’s care plans. These include:
Making dietary changes to include lots of rich, dark vegetables, and fruits, which may help protect brain cells. Ensuring adequate nutrition is also important. You can encourage your loved one to eat well by offering healthy snacks, reminding him/her to eat full meals and providing finger foods for those who have difficulty sitting still through a meal.
Staying physically active is important because the more active your loved one stays, the better his/her health may be, with maintenance of strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.
Remaining socially involved can help reduce stress which may help to maintain healthy connections between brain cells.
And mentally stimulating activities such as reading or working on puzzles may help to strengthen brain cells.
In the Week of a Geriatric Care Manager
February 26, 2009 at 10:35 am | Posted in Megan Milchman, GCM | Leave a CommentTags: GCM, Personal, Weekly
Monday: A visit to M, she has had some bleeding. Phone calls to her urologist are in order. I manage to get an appointment for her to see her doctor on Tuesday. In the mean, time I fill her medi-minders and try to get her to relax – her blood pressure is rising from her anxiety. She feels much better when I tell her I got the appointment for her tomorrow.
I send an email to her niece to let her know what is going on and that everything has been handled, and we will be seeing the doctor.
Later in the day I meet up with my boss to meet a new client of ours, A. She is very pleasant and is happy to be working with us. I sit at the table and we go over her medication, filling medi-minders. Everything is written and handed to her Aide.
Tuesday: A trip to an Assisted Living facility where G lives. We moved him there a few weeks ago and he is doing much better, and is much happier than he was. I bring him some clothes that he left at his previous place and a shower chair. He tells me how grateful he is to have a Geriatric Care Manager like me, and that no one has ever cared for him like this before. Everyone at the facility tells me what a wonderful person he is.
I take M to the doctor, where she becomes very anxious and her blood pressure begins to rise again – it takes a lot to calm her down, but she feels much better after she sees her doctor and he tells her not to worry. He prescribes antibiotics for her UTI and tells me to call on Friday so that he knows how she is doing. We leave the doctor, I fill her medication and take her home and fill the medi-minders letting the Aide know how long she will be taking them and when.
Emails and phone calls to the family members to let them know everything has gone well.
Wednesday: A visit to MA to go over her meds and meet with her and her Aide to see how their first week together has gone. She tells me that she is happy to be home and that everything is going great with her new live-in. That this morning they both went to Mass for Ash Wednesday and she is grateful that she had someone who would take her.
A visit to P, she lives a long term care facility. I review her chart, to see if any changes have been noted in her diagnoses, medication, or to see if the doctor has run any tests. Everything seems to be going well, no changes have been noted.
Visit with GI, who has recently been moved to the same facility. She is doing much better than she was and has gained 4 lbs in the 2 weeks she has been there. The Family is very happy to hear this.
A visit to R and a trip to his doctor. We wanted to check his weight, we’re not sure that he is eating. He lives alone right now and the family is worried about him. The doctor doesn’t find anything unusual, but you can tell that R is depressed, he misses his honey he says. I take him home and adjust his medication changes which the doctor made. We are planning a trip for an Assisted Living on Friday, hoping to find somewhere he can be social and take his beloved cat. The family is concerned and wants me to visit twice a week for now.
Thursday: Spent the day with Follow ups on my clients that I have visited throughout the week, making sure that they are doing well.
Seeking an Alzheimer’s Disease Specialist
February 25, 2009 at 8:30 am | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | Leave a CommentTags: Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Ability, Help, Specialists
While many cases of Alzheimer’s Disease are initially diagnosed by the patient’s primary care physician or general practitioner he or she may refer you to a specialist for further testing and evaluation. A specialist may conduct specialized tests including: physical sensation exams, balance tests, a brain scan and a neuropsychiatric evaluation.
Specialists that are available to properly diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease include:
Geriatricians who are physicians that specialize in the treatment and care of older adults.
Neurologists are specialized physicians trained in diseases of the nervous system, which includes Alzheimer Disease and related conditions.
Psychiatrists have experience in dealing with depression, psychosis and other psychiatric disorders.
Geriatric psychiatrists specialize in treating behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s Disease including agitation, depression and hallucinations.
Clinical neuropsychologists specialize in the evaluation of memory loss, cognitive changes/abilities, behavioral changes, depression and the development of a plan for Alzheimer’s Disease care and treatment.
Making the Most of Your Doctor Appointment
February 23, 2009 at 10:02 am | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | Leave a CommentTags: Doctor's Appointment, Help, Tips
When the Geriatric Care Managers of Distinctive Care accompany their Clients to doctor appointments they are well prepared to discuss the Client’s condition, treatment options, medications, co-morbidity and a wide range of other discussion points to ensure that the visit is a fruitful one. The information garnered at the appointment is then prepared in a written report for the primary caregiver with the Client’s permission. Since not everyone has a Care Manager, I would like to share with you some important information to help you make the most of your doctor’s appointment.
One important thing to remember about your doctor’s appointment is that it will probably be brief so it’s important to be organized and prepared so you are able to things that are important to you and for you. This will help you to address the all the issues that prompted you to make the appointment in the first place.
Be sure to write down a list of symptoms and concerns as this can help the physician prioritize those issues that will be addressed during the visit. Be specific when you write down your symptoms. For example if you are having pain, list the location and the intensity of the pain on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being the most severe and how long it has been that way.
Make a list of the medications you are taking, their dosages and the frequency that you are taking them. Be sure to include any over the counter drugs and supplements. Be prepared to advise the doctor whether or not any prescription medication regime you are taking is working. Also advise the doctor of any adverse side effects you may be having that might interfere with you continuing to take the medication. Let the doctor know if you are cutting any medication in half to save money or if you have stopped taking any prescribed medications. Write down your allergies to drugs and any other allergies you may have.
Bring a list of questions with you to ask the doctor and take notes when the doctor answers them.
Be prepared to discuss your “feared diagnosis”. Often patients may suspect they are suffering from a particular disease based on their symptoms. With such an abundance of health related information available in books, magazines and the internet, at times irrational fears may develop. It’s best to discuss these fears openly with your doctor.
Keep the focus on you and try to avoid too much small talk…remember your time with the doctor is limited. You should also be realistic and should consider scheduling a follow-up appointment to discuss your concerns.
Another thing you may want to consider if you get anxious or flustered in medical settings is that it may be helpful to bring someone along for support and to help you get the most out of your appointment.
I hope this information is helpful and that you’ll use it when you go to your next doctor appointment. If you have any questions or would like to have a Care Manager accompany you to your next doctor appointment in Rockland, Bergen, or Passaic county feel free to contact us at: info@distinctivecare.net or 201-857- 5283
Our First Support Group Meeting
February 17, 2009 at 8:00 am | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | Leave a CommentTags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, News, Support, support group
Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management’s first caregiver support group meeting was a success!
The group seemed to come together very well and it was an open and caring place to discuss the challenges and rewards of providing care for a loved one. The meeting is at the First Presbyterian Church on Shuart Lane in Ramsey, NJ. Caregivers from both nearby towns in Bergen and Rockland County are welcome to attend. The group is facilitated by Barbara Siembieda, MS, Geriatric Counselor and co -faciliatated by myself, Sophia Heftler, RN, CALA, Geriatric Care Manager. We have both been through the facilitator training offer by the Alzheimer’s Association. I have many years experience in working with Clients who have varying degrees of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. It’s very exciting to be able to help caregivers to better understand the disease, its challenges and its rewards.
Welcome to all those who are considering joining. Take the first step and contact Barbara at Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management in Ridgewood, NJ at 201-857-5283.
Seminar for Older Adults
February 16, 2009 at 11:50 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a CommentTags: elder law, GCM, Medicaid, Medicare, reverse mortgage, Seminar, Tips
Your Money. Your Way. At Home
A special event for Seniors concerned about the economy, depreciating home values, shrinking stock portfolio’s and skyrocketing health care costs is being held.
Come hear the latest trends from three knowledgeable Professionals that will discuss the recent changes to HUD government Reverse Mortgages, Elder Law and Estate Planning and Health Care/Medicare changes in 2009:
Sophia Heftler, RN, CALA, GCM, Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management
Theresa Cannon, Sun West Mortgage Company,Inc., Reverse Mortgage Specialist
Kimberly A. Paton, Attorney at Law
DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
TIME: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Complimentary Dinner
PLACE: Biagio’s Restaurant, 299 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ
Politically Correct
February 12, 2009 at 4:34 pm | Posted in Mark Heftler, Admin | Leave a CommentTags: Ageism, Terms
It had to happen sometime – political correctness is slowly entering every facet of our lives. Recently, it entered the field of the elderly.
Scratch that – according to a joint effort by The International Longevity Center and Aging Services of California, the term Elderly is one they’d like to see phased out.
Use this word carefully and sparingly. The term is appropriate only in generic phrases that do not refer to specific individuals, such as concern for the elderly, a home for the elderly, etc. In other words, describing a person as elderly is bad form, although the generalized category “elderly†might not be offensive. (Suggested substitutions include “older adult” or simply “man” or “woman” with the age inserted, if relevant.)
Gone are the days where young whippersnappers could feel safe uttering words like “biddy,” “codger,” “coot,” “crone,” “fogy,” “fossil,” “geezer,” “old goat,” “prune,” and “vegetable.” The study even reports that using the word “home,” when in reference to “an old age home,” is a risky venture. While the facility may in fact be their long term domicile, and home, it’s still harkens back to “the old age home,” which is condescending.
“Senior Citizen” and “Grandmotherly” are also out. I always thought grandmotherly sounded nice. And I can’t help but wonder if this means we’ll be seeing changes in the verbiage of “senior citizen’s discounts” and that sort of thing.
Well, only time will tell if this actually sticks. Just don’t be caught being ageist, and don’t say we didn’t warn you!
RFID Networks to Fight Alzheimer’s
February 6, 2009 at 8:15 pm | Posted in Mark Heftler, Admin | 2 CommentsTags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, News, Personal, Prevention, Study, Technology
Interestingly enough, the blog article I wrote regarding the Elder Gadgets at CES has garnered a fair amount of interest, and led to increased blog traffic – clearly, there are some elder-oriented individuals out there who are interested in technology, like myself! So, for today, another article about technological advances being used in the geriatric field.
The University of South Florida is testing a system of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips on bracelets in conjunction with strategically placed receivers to track elderly resident in facilities. By monitoring their patterns, the researchers hope to be able to diagnose the onset Alzheimer’s in their patients. Sudden veers, long pauses, and a tendency to wander are all indicators of dementia. By spotting these early on, the researchers hope to be able to implement preventative measures for their patients and residents, stopping the disease before it has time to take hold.
In other news, for those who have been following our blog and perhaps have actually met me, I just wanted to say I was accepted to Seton Hall Law School today, and should be starting there in the fall of this year. Yay!
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