Family « The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

The Social Connection

April 6, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Family, Health, Life, Love

Recent studies have demonstrated that those individuals in loving relationships with spouses, family members or friends were healthier and lived longer than those lacking these connections. Even those with unhealthy lifestyles but close social connections lived longer than individuals with poor relationships and healthier lifestyles. Those with both close social ties and healthy lifestyles lived the longest. As we age we all hope to live a long life that is rewarding and worthwhile with family and friends. No one wants to live with ill-health or alone. Happiness , a sense of meaning and peace of mind are important attributes possessed by individuals who live long lives, and having good relationships is one of the best predictors for longevity. Just as we need food, water and shelter, we need others in our lives.

The MacArthur Study of Successful Aging talked to individuals between 70 and 79 years old and asked them how useful they felt to family and friends. Years later they found that those individuals who had rated their usefulness to loved ones as high had higher survival rates and a lower incidence of chronic illness. Maintain a sense of purpose and stay involved in activities that have meaning. Give your time to others by joining a cause or volunteering. It has also been shown that having a greater sense of purpose is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Close loving relationships have many advantages. When we have others looking out for us they are there to give us advice, assistance and emergency aid if needed. In addition, when we are feeling needed and loved it causes a biochemical change in the body that lowers stress, increases energy, strengths the immune system and extends your lifespan.

Social connections give us something to live for as we age. There are few things that can give us more than happy, loving relationships and good social relationships can increase our longevity and improve our health. Be grateful for your friends, they will help you live longer!

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management serves Bergen, Passaic, Rockland and Orange County with nurses licensed in New Jersey and New York. We help families dealing with various issues related to their elderly loved ones and would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have related to long term care.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Time To Clean Your Kitchen

April 5, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Family, Help, Life, Tips

It is now spring once again and there are so many things to look forward to during this time of year. But, really, who wants to clean their kitchen? Martha Stewart is the only person I could think of! Spring and the upcoming holidays give us all a change to catch up on some spring cleaning. We all know that the heart of the home—is your kitchen.

I found this great tip list on Real Simple Magazine website from this past March 19^th issue.

As you’re cleaning, make a list of things that you need to replenish in your kitchen, from cleaning supplies to basic cooking items. Hand soap, dish soap, paper towel, cooking oil etc. and write it all down.

Give your sink a good scrubbing. Keeping your sink clean is a good way to get inspired to do the dishes instead of leaving them pile up. Fill the sink to the rim with water and pour in a cup of bleach to disinfect it. Scrub the inside of you wink with baking soda to get rid of the extra tough stains. Rinse and finish with a shining spray or wipe.
Empty out you cupboard and drawer, sweep out crumbs and dust and clean any stains with a wet cloth. Keep an eye out for frozen dishes and other kitchen accessories. Donate or throw them away. If you’re up for it, put new contact paper on the bottom of draws or shelves.
Clean the exterior of your cabinets and drawers. You may be surprised at how different your kitchen looks when all the fingerprints have been wiped off.
Organize your pantry. Throw out anything that’s expired, including canned goods, herbs/spices, cereals, cake mixes or just anything that has been in there for too long. Anything that’s been in there longer than a year may have gone stale.
Clean your refrigerator and freezer. Do a thorough cleaning after you have thrown away all expired or unwanted food. If your shelves are removable, take them out and wash them in the sink or dishwasher. Scrub out the inside of your fridge with a wet, soapy cloth. Wipe everything clean with a damp cloth.
De-clutter the front of your refrigerator. Make sure you emergency contact list is up front and visible.
Clean your microwave. To get tough gunk off, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave it on high for a few minutes. Keep doors closed for a couple more minutes to let the steam work on spills, then wipe everything down with a soapy rag. Rinse and wipe dry.
Deep clean floor. Sweep under the oven and refrigerator.
Dust and wipe down walls, baseboards and the top of the refrigerator.
Wash the insides of your garbage cans. Try using a strong bleach-and-water solution. Rinse them out and let them dry outside.
Clean drains and garbage disposal. Run a lemon or cup of white vinegar through your garbage disposal to get rid of any unfortunate smells.
Clean your oven and give your stove top a good scrubbing.
Run your dishwasher while it’s empty. Add a little white vinegar to it beforehand to get rid of any odors. If you have a food trap in the bottom of you dishwasher, clean it out.

I hope these tips above that I have found are useful to you and your family. Happy Spring Cleaning!

Breast Cancer Awareness

October 14, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Education, Family, Health, Life, Personal, Prevention

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you seen all the pink around, from pins to umbrellas, even on the NFL football field? All are joined in the fight to find treatments to eradicate breast cancer. Often there are no symptoms of breast cancer, but signs can include a lump in the breast or an abnormal mammogram. Breast cancer is cancer arising in breast tissue. Cancer is simply a group of abnormal cells that have abnormal growth patterns. Cancer stages range from early curable breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer, where the cancer has spread from the breast into other tissues.

Although breast cancer is primarily a women’s disease, about 1% of breast cancer does occur in men. Fewer individuals are dying from breast cancer today due to the advances in screening and treatment. The earlier breast cancer is detected the better it is for a patient’s long-term health. For women at normal risk of developing breast cancer, self exams, clinical exams, and mammograms starting at age 40 will screen for breast cancer. For high risk women, earlier screening and additional test, such as breast ultrasound or MRI may be indicated.

Do you do regular self exams? Most cancers are too small to feel and not all lumps are cancers, but self exams of the breast are a proactive way to care for yourself. Risk factors include gender, age, race and family history. First degree relatives including mother, sister or daughter are the most important in estimating risk. Since we can do little about some of these risk factors, regular screening is important. The American Cancer Society recommends breast exams by trained health providers once every three years starting at age 20, and then yearly after 40 years of age. Mammograms are recommended every 1-2 years starting at age 40. Women or men at high risk should have mammogram screening at an earlier age. Obesity after menopause and excessive alcohol intake may increase the risk of breast cancer. Physical activity may lower the risk. Hormone replacement therapy, linked to increased breast cancer, should be limited and given only if medically required.

Coping with breast cancer can be stressful, with increased fatigue being a common problem. It may be difficult dealing with the many changes in your body, such as hair loss from chemotherapy treatments. Cancer may cut your appetite, so good nutrition is very important. There are more than two million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Due to improved screening and awareness, death rates from breast cancer have continuously declined since 1990. It is important to remember breast cancer is a treatable disease and that screening for it enables the detection of tumors at their earliest stages. So do your monthly self exams, get your mammogram when it is due and do not ignore a lump.

Open Enrollment Begins October 1

September 29, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Joanne Jordan, Office Manager | Leave a comment
Tags: Eldercare, Family, Medicare, News, Personal, Tips

During the summer, I received a call from the daughter of one of our clients. She wanted to get a jump on reviewing her mother’s Medicare coverage, as she knew that open enrollment (the annual period in which changes in coverage can be made) would be coming up soon.

In fact, this window of opportunity is coming earlier—and ending earlier—this year. Details on coverage options for 2012 will be available on October 1, and changes to existing coverage may be made between October 15 and December 7, 2011.

Even though our client has an existing Medicare plan in place, her daughter is wise to review the plan each year, especially the Part D prescription drug coverage. Changes in her mother’s medications since last year can have a significant impact on out-of-pocket expenses and may warrant a switch to a different Part D plan to minimize drug costs. For some budget-conscious seniors, having good prescription coverage can mean the difference between compliance with doctors’ orders and being unable or unwilling to continue the care they need.

The daughter of our client was feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the prospect of analyzing all of the plans and making the best selection to meet her mother’s needs. I referred her to our Certified Senior Advisor, who is helping her to understand the available options and make an informed decision.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Course

September 26, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Advocacy, Alzheimer's Disease, Education, Eldercare, Family, Help, Seminar

With a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease being made every 70 seconds in this country, it is important that our healthcare community know as much as they can about working with older adults who have this disease and other forms of dementia. With that in mind, Sophia Heftler, founder of Distinctive Care, decided to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Trainer. She is now able to teach others what she has learned. Distinctive Care is offering an all day course entitled Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 8:30am to 5:00pm. It will be offered at Van Dyk Park Place, 644 Goffle Road, an assisted living facility in Hawthorne, NJ.

The course modules will provide an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Behaviors which are associated with Alzheimer’s, such as repetition, wandering, hoarding, paranoia and hallucinations, aggression and catastrophic reactions, will be covered. Depression, personal care, sleep disturbances and nutrition will also be covered. In order to offer the best possible care of the patient successful, the course will cover activities, environment, staff and family support, as well as diversity and cultural competencies. Spiritual care and end of life issues will also be discussed.

This course is the first step towards becoming a Certified Dementia Practitioner; further information about this process can be found at www.nccdp.org. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided and a professional binder filled with important information will be given to each attendee. The course gives 7 CEU credits for activity professionals; 7 CEU credits have been applied for nurses and social workers.

Stressed Out at Any Age

September 19, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Education, Family, Help, Life, Seminar, Tips

Sophia Heftler, RN, CALA, CMC, CDP® and owner of Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management will be speaking at one of Chilton Hospital’s Life Enrichment Series courses. Join us for an informative lecture on how stress affects our lives as we age on Wednesday, September 21 at noon. Find out how to recognize the negative stressors in our lives, the psychological and medical effects of stress and how to manage stress effectively. Whether you are young in years or young at heart, stress plays a role in all of our lives.

The event is sponsored by The Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation and the Health Center at Bloomingdale and is being held at The Collins Pavilion of Chilton Hospital Conference Center 97 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ. Seating is limited so registration is required. There is a $5 fee to attend. Call 973-831-5000.

Driving at an Older Age

June 27, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Driving, Family, Life, Personal, Tips

I read an interesting article in Bergen County’s The Record yesterday. It caught my eye because it was focused on driving and older drivers. I have both a personal and professional interest in the topic.

On the personal side, I visited my 88 year old mother recently. She lives a couple hours away, lives independently and still drives. Although she is still very self-sufficient, she has lost quite a few friends this year and we looked at an independent/assisted living facility together. Somehow I insisted that she drive with reasons like “I’m too tired,” “I’ve been driving all morning” and “my car is almost out of gas and we don’t have time to stop.” I’m not sure she believed any of them, but she drove the half hour to our destination. Thankfully, I was quite comforted by what I saw. She exhibited the traits that an older driver has like limited lane changing, keeping to the lower side of the speed limit, and totally concentrating on the task.

Not every older driver is unsafe behind the wheel but there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating an older driver. We’ve had to deal with this many times with our older clients at Distinctive Care in Ridgewood. As geriatric care managers, we need to make recommendations to the family when we see an older adult that could pose a hazard to themselves or others while on the road. Thankfully, we have had help with driver rehab programs and doctors that are willing to report an unsafe driver to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

New Jersey is a difficult state to live in without a car, however we have been able to put together programs with other ways of handling errands and getting to events and doctor appointments. Our care plans often include information on online ordering for groceries and many other needed items and low cost transportation services targeted to seniors. And for those who are still able to drive, there is help through AAAExchange (for testing) and CarFit (for car adaptation to reduced physical abilities).

Validation Therapy

June 15, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Joanne Jordan, Office Manager | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Education, Family, Help, Therapy, Tips

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend another one of Sophia Heftler’s continuing education programs, this one on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care. She is certified to teach this program by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). I would highly recommend it for any health care professionals who care for patients with dementia.

Among many points covered was the importance of using validation therapy, versus reality orientation, when dealing with a client with dementia. It is better to “enter their reality” and show empathy and respect for their feelings than to continually try to correct them. If we can help a person identify and describe the feelings behind difficult behavior, we acknowledge and validate their thoughts and feelings. By allowing negative thoughts to be expressed and respected, and then redirecting the conversation toward a more positive outlook, the interaction will have lasting beneficial effects.

In our rushed world, I am sometimes quick to set the facts straight when my parents are confused about something, instead of trying to understand the concerns which lurk behind their statements. Now I have a refreshed determination to apply the validation approach to them, as well as other older adults I encounter.

Five Wishes Presentation

June 13, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Care Plan, Education, Family, Help, Life, Love, Seminar

Many people have never heard of the easy-to-complete, comprehensive, legal document that is available to them through Aging with Dignity. Aging with Dignity is a national non-profit organization with a mission to affirm and safeguard the human dignity of individuals as they age and to promote better care for those near the end of life. This seminar will teach you how to give your family the greatest gift of all, The Five Wishes, which once completed, will communicate your wishes regarding health care and maintaining dignity during times of serious illness. It gives you a way to control something very important–how you are treated if you get seriously ill. It is the first living will that talks about your personal, emotional, and spiritual needs as well as your medical ones.

This important topic will be presented by the owner of Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management, Sophia Heftler, RN, CMC, CALA, CDP(R) in the auditorium at Bergen Regional Medical Center, NJ, 230 Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 6 – 7:30 pm. Because a light dinner will be provided, it is important that you RSVP. Call to reserve a spot at 201-967-4098. This is a free presentation offering valuable information that everyone should have.

Baffled

June 8, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Joanne Jordan, Office Manager | Leave a comment
Tags: Family, Health, Life

Despite how much we know about the human brain, there is still so much to be learned.

My dad has suffered from a seizure disorder since his stroke, which occurred two and a half years ago. We have struggled to control these seizures with medication, with only partial success. The frequency of his seizures has been reduced, but we haven’t succeeded in preventing them.

Over time, however, we’ve noticed a very strong correlation between his seizures and his cognitive abilities. Dad has exhibited some decline in cognitive function since his stroke. The seizures he’s had are physically exhausting and upsetting to witness. But strangely enough, once he recovers from the residual fatigue, my Dad’s cognitive function seems to return to his normal baseline. It’s as if someone pressed a reset button in his brain.

To date, I’ve found no explanation for this from his doctors or any other resource. We’re left with more questions than answers.