Life « The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Older Americans Month

May 18, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Health, Help, Life, News, Support

Each May we celebrate the contributions and achievements of older Americans. The 2012 theme for Older Americans Month is, “Never Too Old to Play.” This theme encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active, and involved in their own lives and in their communities. Older Americans are living longer and are more active. Since 1963, communities have celebrated Older Americans Month organized by the Administration of Aging through the Department of Health and Human Services. While there is a vast network of programs for older Americans, many still struggle everyday to stay healthy and make ends meet. Many seniors cope with multiple health conditions and find it difficult to pay for food, utilities and other basic necessities on a fixed income.

To maintain good health, it is important to do something active each day. Older Americans should select activities that they enjoy but also maintain their strength, balance, flexibility and heart health. Activity helps older Americans maintain a healthy weight, prevent or control illness, sleep better, reduce stress and depression, improve balance and feel their best. Being active has also been shown to improve memory.

The theme, “Never Too Old to Play,” is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to play games together. Younger children or teens can play games with older relatives, neighbors and friends or they can volunteer to play games at area nursing homes. Games can include card games, such as Uno or War and board games, like Monopoly, Clue and Scrabble. Other activities they can participate in are trivia games, video games such as Wii games, bowling, cooking, swimming, going to the movies or a concert, or taking a walk.

Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for older adults and to thank them for their contributions to our communities. Interactions with older Americans enrich the lives of everyone involved. As part of Older Americans Month, get involved with at least one senior and enjoy an interaction which will ultimately benefit both of you.

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.

National Women’s Health Week

May 17, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Advocacy, Health, Life, News, Personal, Safety, Tips

May 13^th-19^th is National Women’s Health Week. It is a very important week that women really need to look deep into, taking some personal time and care for one’s self. This week-long health observance was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week promotes women making their health a top priority. It will also encourage women to take the following steps to improve their mental and physical health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Women need to:

Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings: mammograms and pap tests, a colonoscopy, and cardiac testing.
Get active and start a regular exercise program. Regular activity can help prevent unhealthy weight gain and also help with weight loss.
Eat Healthy: eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat versions of milk, cheese, yogurt and other mild products. Incorporate of fish, skinless poultry, lean red meats, beans, eggs and nuts. Avoid saturated fats and Trans fats. Low sodium and no added sugar are very important to follow in a women’s diet.
Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or helmet when riding a bicycle.

With National Women’s Health Week, we remind women everywhere that they need to visit the doctor, make sure their screenings are up to date, and just take time to think about their own health.

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

National Nurses Week

May 11, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Advocacy, Life, Love, Nurse's Week, nurses, Personal

National Nurses Week is celebrated each year from May 6, known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale the founder of modern nursing. National Nurses Day was first observed in 1954. The year marked the 100th anniversary of the nursing profession pioneer Florence Nightingale’s mission to treat soldiers during the Crimean War. It wasn’t until the early 1990′s that the recognition of nurses’ contributions was expanded to a week-long event each year.

The 2012 theme of National Nurses Week is “Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring.” Nursing is a profession encompassing dedicated individuals with varied interests, strengths and passions. Nursing offers many opportunities. Nurses work in emergency rooms, schools, clinics, doctors offices, rehabilitation centers and home settings. Nurses have many roles. They care for the sick, they are advocates for their patients and they are educators. Nurses work to make a difference everyday to countless patients, their families and their community. They are dedicated, compassionate and professional.

Nurses have been ranked the most trusted and respected profession in America since 2001. Nursing is the largest of the health care professions and continues to grow. The education level of nurses has increased significantly over the past three decades and the work force has become more racially and ethnically diverse. More men also are choosing nursing as a career. To celebrate nurses week hold a special celebration or reception to recognize nurses in your community, place an article in your local newspaper about National Nurses Week and the value of nurses, sponsor a community event such as a coloring or writing contest for school children where they acknowledge their favorite nurse, send a greeting card, or just say “thanks.” National Nurses Week is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank a nurse who made a difference in your life. In addition, as nurses we should take the time to celebrate all the good we accomplish as nurses and celebrate our profession!

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

Caregiver Burnout

May 4, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Caregiver, Caregiver Burnout, Health, Help, Life, Love, Personal, Prevention

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Caregiver burnout can occur when caregivers do not get the help they need or if they try to do more than they are able. Caregivers who are burned out may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression. Symptoms of caregiver burn out include withdrawal from friends, family and loved ones; loss of interest in activities; irritability; changes in appetite and weight; changes in sleep patterns and emotional and physical exhaustion. A caregiver will face disruption in work and social life, sleep habits, exercise routines, household management and financial situations.

Some have described the caregiver role as a “roller coaster ride from hell.” Each day brings new challenges, demands and adjustments. Caregivers are often so busy caring for another that they neglect their own needs. They may place unreasonable demands on themselves and may even become sick themselves. Many individuals are confused when they are forced to take on the role of caregivers. It can be difficult for one to separate their role as a caregiver from their role as a spouse or child. Many are additionally frustrated by a lack of money, resources and skills.

To prevent caregiver burnout:

Find someone you trust and talk about your feelings and frustrations.
Set realistic goals. Accept you may need help with caregiving.
Be realistic about your loved one’s disease, especially if it is a progressive disease such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Do not forget about yourself because you are too busy caring for someone else.
Stay healthy by eating right, getting enough exercise and sleep.
Talk to a professional such as a therapist, social worker or clergy member.
Take advantage of respite care services.
Educate yourself. The more you know about the illness, the more effective you will be in caring for the person.
Join a caregiver support group.
Accept your feelings. It is normal to have negative feelings, such as frustration and anger.

Remember you need to balance your caregiver role and personal life. Prevent burnout by recognizing problems you may encounter. Reward yourself for the positive differences you make in your loved one’s life. Do not stress over the things you did not get done, or can not change. Focus on the good things you do and acknowledge the reality that being a caregiver is filled with stress and anxiety. The best way to be an effective caregiver is to take care of yourself.

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

An Aspirin a Day

April 20, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Eldercare, Health, Life, Medication, Personal, Prevention, Safety

Aspirin is used to reduce fever, relieve mild to moderate pain from muscle aches, headaches or toothaches, and reduce pain and swelling in those with arthritis. Doctors prescribe aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. Nearly a third of middle-aged Americans take aspirin daily, mainly in the hope of preventing a heart attack or stroke. More recently individuals have begun to take aspirin to lower their risk of cancer. New studies suggest that aspirin therapy can decrease one’s risk of many cancers, including colon, esophageal, breast and prostate cancer.

Other research studies, though, demonstrate aspirin is not for everyone and sometimes does more harm than good, particularly in the elderly. Aspirin is a medication and all medications have side effects. Aspirin may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and heartburn. More serious side effects of aspirin include hives, rash, swelling of the eyes, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, bloody vomit, bright red blood in stools or black, tarry stools.

It has been demonstrated that there exists a potential for life-threatening bleeding in people over the age of 70 years who take aspirin daily, which may be greater than the heart disease protection it may offer. The benefit of aspirin therapy in individuals with heart disease is clear, however, and those taking it under a physician’s supervision should not stop.

The benefits of aspirin in older individuals without heart disease is uncertain.

Age is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, with the thinking that the benefits of aspirin would be greater in the elderly than those in other age categories. The elderly, though, also have an increased risk of bleeding from aspirin use. Even low dose aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

So daily aspirin might not be for everyone. Many individuals decide on their own to take an aspirin a day. Aspirin therapy should be prescribed case by case depending on the individual’s risk factors and family history. Consult with your doctor to decide if the benefits of aspirin therapy outweigh the risks and if you should be one of those taking an aspirin a day.

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

Why Just Drink Plain Water. Try Sparking Water Instead.

April 12, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Health, Life, Tips

I decided to look into the facts about carbonated water (seltzer or sparkling water). You may have swapped out your daily soda for sparkling water, or you just like to drink something that has bubbly stuff because plain water can is too boring -I wanted to see how healthy carbonated water really is.

Fizzy water is not only refreshing, but it also can hydrate your body as well as regular old water. Carbonated water is created (or exists naturally) by dissolving carbon dioxide (CO2) in water. This creates carbonic acid, which is more acidic than regular water; it falls more in the range of apple or orange juice, but is much less acidic than stomach acid.

You may have heard that carbonated water can cause erosion of tooth enamel, but not to worry, because the damage is minimal; and one would have to drink huge amounts of sparkling water in order to wear away enamel faster than it’s renewed. But, in a 2001 study the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation showed that sparkling mineral waters showed slightly greater erosive potential then water. Soda, on the other hand, contains phosphoric acid, which can definitely rot your teeth. I also know from speaking with a doctor years ago, that soda can cause calcium loss from your bones and lead to osteoporosis. No studies have been found to back this up from drinking sparkling/carbonated water. Actually, I read that drinking it may even help keep calcium locked in your bones.

I really like flavored sparkling water; while many varieties are enhanced with natural fruit juices, others contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. So be careful reading labels and avoid unnecessary calories. Some mineral water or club soda can also contain high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure. But, they do make sodium free seltzer that is a good substitute.

The other real health concern with drinking carbonated water is the aggravation of irritable bowel syndrome due to the release of CO2 which could cause bloating and gas. So if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, it may be best to limit or avoid drinking any carbonated beverages. If not, carbonated water is a good way to increase water intake and is also a very refreshing way of diluting the calories in high calorie beverages like juice and white wine. My son’s favorite drink is cranberry juice diluted in seltzer. He loves it!

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

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!

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!

Gastrointestinal Infections on the Rise

March 30, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Health, Life, Personal, Prevention, Safety, Tips

The majority of gastrointestinal infections typically involve diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps and those infected make a full recovery after a few days. Increasingly, gastrointestinal infections are responsible for more deaths in the United States, particularly in the elderly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that deaths from gastrointestinal infections more than doubled from 1999 to 2007. The majority of those deaths were due to the bacterium, Clostridium difficile. The second leading cause of death from gastrointestinal infections was due to the norovirus. Individuals most often contract Clostridium difficile in hospitals and nursing homes, and in most cases occur primarily among those taking an antibiotic. C. difficile bacterium has two forms, an active infectious form that cannot survive in the environment for prolonged periods and a nonactive form that can survive in the environment for weeks and even months. This form cannot cause infection directly, but when ingested can transform into the active infectious form. The spores can be found on bedpans, toilet seats, furniture, linens, telephones, stethoscopes and floors. It takes bleach or other strong disinfectant to kill the spores. The disease is spread by the fecal-oral route, which makes hand washing after using the toilet so important.

Since healthcare settings are responsible for so many cases of C. difficile, it is important for surfaces to be cleansed with bleach and for healthcare workers to wear gloves and gowns when dealing with infected patients to prevent spreading germs to others.

Individuals with C. difficile can have a high fever, severe diarrhea and abdominal pain which can lead to dehydration and disturbances in the electrolytes in the body. Increasingly, C. difficile has become virulent and drug resistant. Since the overuse of antibiotics can cause C. difficile, all antibiotics should be used prudently. Using antibiotics without an accurate diagnosis or proper reason should be discouraged.

The norovirus causes a highly contagious infection. It is sometimes called the winter vomiting illness and spreads rapidly on cruise ships, prisons, dormitories, hospitals and nursing homes. Symptoms include vomiting, watery diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, tiredness, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may be more severe in elderly patients. Individuals with the norovirus who are unable to replace their fluids and develop signs of dehydration will need medical care. As with C. difficile, norovirus infections can be prevented using good hand hygiene.

In the past few years, researchers have found deaths from gastrointestinal infections have leveled off. Doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, hospitals and nursing homes need to continue to take responsibility for preventing gastrointestinal infections as the majority of all gastrointestinal infections occur in healthcare settings.

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

Great Benefits From Walnuts!

March 29, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Health, Life, Memory, Research, Tips

Last week as I was driving in my car and listening to a news station on AM radio. During a commercial break, Dr Oz came on to advertise California Walnuts. He spoke about how wonderful they are for your health and how he eats walnuts with just about every meal. This is what Dr Oz states about walnuts “They are, in my mind, one of the best foods around. Walnuts are portable, healthy and satisfying, and they provide the body with plenty of Vitamin E, manganese, copper and omega-3 fatty acids.” I usually never really pay attention to Dr Oz, because he is all over the place with medical information and I think he is too extreme on many issues.

I have done a blog on high fiber foods and spoke about almonds, so I figured I’d focus on walnuts this time. I have been reading many interesting articles that speak of wonderful facts and even research studies that have been developed for elderly people to see how walnuts are so beneficial in their diet.

The study that I read about was conducted by researchers with the Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University in Boston.

They used rats in this study to test their memory and motor skills. The rats were fed a mixed diet containing two, six or nine percent of walnuts in their diet, or no walnuts at all. The study found that in aged rats, the diets containing two or six percent of walnuts were able to improve age-related motor and cognitive skills, while the nine percent walnut diet also improved in memory. The study stated for comparison, the six percent walnut study diet was equivalent to eating about seven to nine walnuts daily.

I also read that walnuts have also been shown to help reduce stress and help with sleep. A 2010 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that individuals whose diet was supplemented with walnuts or walnut oil had better responses in stressful situations. Walnuts contain melatonin in a bio-available form. Melatonin is a hormone which is involved in inducing and regulating sleep and is also a powerful antioxidant. Walnuts sound like a like the perfect snack for getting a natural good night’s sleep. Other studies have found that walnuts may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Enjoying just 4 walnuts a day significantly increased blood levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA is a longer-chain omega-3 fat and is found in cold water fish, but is not found in nuts, which contains the shorter-chain omega-3 fat, ALA. But, a study confirms, our bodies can make EPA from the ALA provided by walnuts, which are the richest source among all the nuts. A recent study, was published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, showed that even a very simple change in diet by adding walnuts, can have very beneficial and long-lasting effects on one’s health.

Increasing your body’s supply of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids couldn’t be any easier, by just adding a few walnuts to your morning cereal, your evening salad or a handful just before bedtime for a healthier you. Dr Oz would have to agree to this.

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