Bring GPS Tools to Eldercare

Friday, February 5, 2010 by Eric Tinsley
A friend recently sent me some information about the use of GPS technology used in eldercare services.  The idea is to bring tracking devices into Alzheimer's care.  Of course this applies to any dementia related care.

One such device marketed by i-Tag identity solutions and is called the "i-Tag-a-long GPS".  It's about the size of a nine-volt battery and can go about a week between charges.  Families caring for aging parents with dementia can use an on-line portal to see their parent's location.  Even more useful, i-Tag is providing the ability to create a "geofence" that will trigger an alert when the device leaves a user defined area.  Alerts can be sent via text, email, or phone.  As an added benefit the device also serves as an alert button - notifying cargivers in the event of a user signaled emergency.  Read more on this use at i-Tag's site.

Information on Sobriety Programs

Friday, February 5, 2010 by Natalie Langley
When we hear of indiviuduals who have alcohol challenges we hear about statistics usually for the general public.  In doing some research I found that approximately 50% of older adults aged 65 and older drink alcohol.  Up to 15% may be experiencing health risks from either the amount of alcohol being consumed or the combination of alcohol use with medications. 

This topic is important because many older adults are on more than one medication and many times those medications should not be mixed with alcohol. 

If you or somebody you know is dependent on alcohol and would like to get more info on how to become sober, please read about the following sobriety programs to get more information:

1.  Contact your primary care doctor - It is essential to communicate with your doctor on the desire to become sober and follow any safety prorcedures to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

2.  Contact the national helpline to assist in locating treatment providers 
1-800-662-HELP (4357) or http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

3.  Other treatment options include:
     a.  Self help groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, www.aa.org)
     b.  Day treatments, outpatient therapy or community based groups
     c.  Counseling

2010 Flu Season for Seniors

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Jean Bandos

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services would like to “highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond… the spread of 2009 H1N1 influenza is likely to continue” into 2010.

Influenza is unpredictable, but it is known that if people are vaccinated, the flu is less likely to spread in the coming months.   Ask your health care provider if you have questions about the flu vaccine for you or your senior loved one.

Symptoms of Flu

Seasonal Flu- All types of flu can cause:

  • Fever
  • Coughing and/or sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headaches and/or body aches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue


H1N1 Flu- Same as seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.
Fever

  • Coughing and/or sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headaches and/or body aches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
In addition to the above symptoms, a number of H1N1 flu cases reported:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
     
If you're a caregiver, speak to your health care provider with any questions about the flu or the flu vaccine for you and your senior loved one. 

My next post will give some of the most important flu prevention tips to keep you and your senior loved one healthy.

Staying warm in the winter

Monday, January 11, 2010 by Natalie Langley
Brrr, it's cold outside and this is a good time to highlight a dangerous concept among older adults during winter - hypothermia.  We all know about the winter damages such as broken bones from falls on ice or slippery snow, however, there is something else to watch out for also.  The cold weather and wind chill also lowers the temperature inside your body, which can be extremely dangerous if not treated quickly.  Signs of hypothermia include:  weak pulse or decreased blood pressure, chilly room temperatures, shivering or stifness in legs, slowed speech, confusion, or sleepiness. 

There are several safety precautions to take to prevent hypothermia:
  • Ask your physician how the medicines you are taking affect body heat.
  • Make sure you are eating enough food to keep up your weight.  Fat keeps heat in your body.
  • Make sure your living environment is set to 68-70 degress. 
  • Sometimes you may need to put on more clothes to help keep warm. 
  • If driving, always start the car and allow it to warm up before driving in the winter   months.
If you suspect hypothermia with yourself or anybody else, make sure to get the person to the doctor or hospital quickly.

Source:  National Institute on Aging

Assistance with heating costs for seniors

Thursday, December 31, 2009 by Jean Bandos
Sometimes it is hard to stay warm if you do not have monies to keep your heat turn up or even on.  If your aging loved one is on a limited income and having difficulty paying heating bills, seniors may qualify for assistance.  State and local energy agencies, or gas and electric companies may have special programs. Another possible source of help is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program supports some people with small incomes who need help paying their heating and cooling bills. Your local area agency on aging, senior center, or community action agency may have information on programs such as these.

Are you worried that your landlord (or that of your parent or other aging loved one) may want to cut off the gas or electricity in cold weather if you cannot pay a utility bill? Many states and cities now have laws to protect you, at least until other plans are made.  Check with your local government about the laws that may apply where you live.

To find out about assistance in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) who will provide information on the assistance programs.  Visit them online at http://www.n4a.org/  or call 800-677-1116.

Remember stay warm, keep your thermostat set above 65 and have a plan if you lose power.  Caregivers, make sure to check on your aging loved one.  You may also ask neighbors, friends, and family to help.

To learn more about winter safety, please see my last blog entry by visiting my blog here.

Winter safety and staying warm

Monday, December 28, 2009 by Jean Bandos
It is very important for the older adult to know his/her surroundings and prepare for the winter months.  Changes in the older adult that accompany aging make it harder for them to know when they are getting cold.  It is also harder for the body to warm itself. So for safety’s sake, it is very important for the older adult to pay attention to the weather and how cold it is going to get.  Caregivers should help their aging parents and other aging loved ones follow the tips below.

General tips for the older adult from the American Geriatric Society are:

1. Stay indoors when it's very cold outside, especially if it's also very windy; and keep indoor temperatures at least 65 degrees
2. If you have to go outside, don't stay out in the cold or the wind for very long
3. Wear two or three thinner layers of loose-fitting clothing. (They are warmer than a single layer of thick clothing.) Always wear:
  • a hat
  • gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer) 
  • coat and boots
  • a scarf to cover your mouth and nose and protect your lungs from very cold air
4. Stay dry; wet clothing chills your body quickly
5. Go indoors if you start shivering- it's a warning sign that you're losing body heat.
Know the warning signs of hypothermia: lots of shivering; cold skin that is pale or ashy; feeling very tired, confused and sleepy; feeling weak; problems walking; slowed breathing or heart rate. Note: Don't rely on shivering alone as a warning sign, since older people tend to shiver less -and some, not at all-as their body temperature drops. Call 911 if you think you or someone else has hypothermia.

In my next blog, I'll post information on finding assistance for seniors who may have trouble paying their heating bills.

Visit the AGS foundation winter safety page here.

More iPhone Apps for Tracking Personal Health

Monday, December 28, 2009 by Eric Tinsley
This past week I got a handful of comments about a Wall Street Journal article titled "Your iPhone Just Called: Your Blood-Sugar Is High".  Pretty neat concept, but the article really doesn't talk about the future convergence of in home heath monitoring/diagnostic equipment with personal health information repositories, as the title might imply. 

Instead the article focuses on something much more accessible today - the use of mobile devises to view and even update personal health information.  One family cited in the article actually uses such an application to help in caring for aging parents.   The iPhone application in question is Polka.  Polka, like nearly all the applications mentioned in the article, uses a central web application to house the personal health record.  Polka is primarily and personal tool, but the "team" tools allow some sharing of information across a team or family in the case of senior health care. 

Most of the applications mentioned in the article, including Polka, have a strong bias toward disease management.  This is certainly an important issue in geriatric care.  Polka also has some more holistic tools including over all well-being.

For easy reference, here are the products mentioned in the article with hyperlinks to their web sites:

Caregiving and the holidays

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 by Jean Bandos
Caregiving is always a challenge - especially remembering to take care of yourself.  During the holidays, it is so important to take care of yourself.  Today, I’m sharing a few tips for caregivers of someone with cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s.

How do you take care of your aging loved one and still enjoy the holidays? The National Institute on Aging has many tips to assist you, especially during this holiday season. Some key tips are to:
  1. Keep or adapt family traditions that are important to you. Include the person with Alzheimer’s Disease as much as possible
  2. Recognize that things will be different, and have realistic expectations about what you can do
  3. Encourage friends and family to visit. Limit the number of visitors at one time, and try to schedule visits during the time of day when the person is at his or her best
  4. Avoid crowds, changes in routine, and strange surroundings that may cause confusion or agitation.
You can also visit my previous blogs on caregiving and the holidays:
Caregivers' plans for the holidays
Caregiver stress and the holidays

Or, if you'd like to read about a caregiver's experience and hear her advice, read Karen Kelsey's blog post: Christmas and caregiving.

If you notice a change in cognition in your aging loved one this holiday season, or worry about their mobility, safety, or health, please contact their health care provider or a professional geriatric care manager for advice.

My Health Care Manager advances the Tools for Eldercare

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 by Eric Tinsley

SCANSThe Research and Development team at My Health Care Manager has rolled the latest release of our SCANS(TM) application into full production. 

SCANS is a one-of-a-kind decision support and knowledge management system specifically designed for geriatric care management.  The system provides families help with aging parents through comprehensive best practice information in 40 geriatric care categories.  This information is made available to Health Care Managers and other advisors working as licensees or directly for My Health Care Manager.  This information is support with an extensive list of practical, hands-on tools to help seniors living independently or in a senior health care setting. 

Version 1.4 introduces a major productivity advance - Point and Click Care Planning.  This feature improves productivity and saves money for clients.  At the same time it also improves quality and consistency. 

More new features include:

  • Care Plan report delivered in consumer language
  • 136 new tools in SCANS
  • Medical Support Information database powered by Healthwise
  • Automatic logo branding of SCANS tools for all affiliate and partner
  • Full integration with Navigator

The Hits Just Keep on Coming...Navigator 1.12

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 by Eric Tinsley
Navigator 1.12 is here! 

The latest version of Navigator has gone into full production use.  Navigator is My Health Care Manager's case management system which supports our Geriatric Care Managers and the care managers at our Licensees in assessment, planning, tracking, and implementation of well-being support for families caring for aging parents. 

This is an exciting new release including the following new features:
  • Introduction of next generation Care Planning supporting a direct SCANS(TM) interface, identification of key findings and intervention, outcomes tracking, and more.
  • Care Plan Reporting
  • Improved Assessment Summary Report
  • Client Portal Care Plan Review
  • Client Portal Improvements
  • Past Assessment Reporting
  • Menuing improvements and more

Herbal Supplements

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 by Natalie Langley

Part of healthy aging is making sure you are getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins in your diet.   One way individuals are getting the appropriate nutrients and vitamins in their diet is to take herbal supplements.  An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties.  Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that people take to improve their health.  They can be tablets, powders, teas, or extracts.  While many herbal supplements may be helpful, they can cause health problems if they interact with other medications you are taking. 

Before beginning an herbal supplement:
1. Always talk to your doctor first before starting any new medication or supplement
2. Always follow the recommended dosage – never take an increased amount that the label says
3. Consult your doctor if you have side effects

Your doctor may be cautious about embracing many herbal supplements.  This is because there have been very few controlled studies done on herbal supplements.  However, a growing number of doctors are working to better understand herbal therapies to help you make an informed decision about your health care. 

When looking at purchasing herbal supplements, take these points into consideration:
1. Buy only single herb products.  Do not buy supplements that are mixtures of several herbs with unknown amounts of each
2. Beware of claims that sound too good to be true.  There is no herbal supplement that can address a wide range of health concerns
3. Be extremely cautious about herbal supplements manufactured outside the U.S.

Avoid taking herbal supplements if:
• You are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications
• A proven medical treatment is available for your medical condition

Source:

National Institutes of Health
http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Science Fiction or Advanced Geriatric Care Management

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by Eric Tinsley

Sometimes you think all the "predictions" of science fiction really will come true.  Well here's more support for your case.  GeckoSystems International Corp. announced limited trials of a "Mobile Service Robot" called Carebot.  Really... "carebot". 

This little guy can navigate through the home on it's own; provide assistance caring for aging parents with medication reminders, monitoring vital signs, delivering supplies, and other simple tasks.  The system works thought independent computers and software that work together to deliver coordinated activity.  GeckoSystems has gotten a bit cheeky by calling these  GeckoSavants(TM).  Each functional area has a "geckoname"  like, GeckoNav(TM), GeckoChat(TM) and GeckoTrak(TM).

This version of the Carebot is not likely to replace a geriatric care manager or other caregiver any time soon, but GekoSystems has been solving some of the most difficult challenges to making robot helpful in the home.  For example, Navigating independently in crowds or narrow spaces is something we take for granted, but it's actually a major challenge for a machine. 

I'm looking forward to Carebot II.
 


The Time Machine of Alzheimer's

Saturday, November 28, 2009 by Karen Kelsey

Most current research suggests that caregivers should interact with older adults with Alzheimer’s in “their” world to minimize anxiety and frustration.  This means not correcting them when they tell you they went to work today, drove to the store or had a conversation with their Mother.    It does no good to remind them that they haven’t worked in 40 years, driven a car in 5 years or spoken to their Mother in 20 years.  For these events are still very real to them, as the past has become their reality.

My Mother’s retreat into the past affects everything about her life.  She is appalled that a BLT is $6.95 on a lunch menu.  She doesn’t understand why my Father hasn’t come back from a business trip.  She tells medical personnel she is 45.  When I am with her, I feel like I have stepped through the door of a time machine that has set the clock back by decades.
Stepping back in time helps me connect with my Mother.  We have lively conversations about her job and shopping trips and she glows with pride when I compliment her new hairstyle.   I don’t overload her with too much information or share plans in advance.  I respond from my place within the time machine, where my Mother is much younger and I am much older. 

My Mother’s birthday is coming up.  My sister and I have planned a celebration with her friends from her memory care neighborhood.  We will have a cake with her name written in sugary icing, balloons, party plates, favors and presents.  It will be reminiscent of birthday parties from within the time machine, when the joy of turning a year older with family and friends was all that mattered.  
 

Alzheimer's Disease - Information for the Holidays

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 by Jean Bandos
Holiday time is often an extremely difficult time for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease.  The Alzheimer’s Association has prepared a special Web page with helpful tips to make the holidays less stressful for caregivers and family members.  If you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease, make sure to take care of yourself as well during the holidays.  Caregivers often experience increased stress during the holidays, which can affect your well-being, and your ability to care for your aging loved one.  Make sure to ask family and friends for help with your caregiving duties, and maybe even investigate respite care.  A geriatric care manager can help you find caregiving solutions, and your health care provider can help you find ways to remain healthy and well during the holidays.

You can also visit my blog from last year on Caregiver Stress and the Holidays.  It includes some more tips to maintain your own well-being, and also a quiz for caregivers. 

If you notice changes in your aging loved one over the holidays, a qualified professional with gerontology experience - such as a geriatric care manager or your loved one's physician - can help.

Caregiving... with a little help from my friends

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by Karen Kelsey

I just returned from a wonderful weekend spent with four friends from college.  We have been friends ever since we pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma in the mid seventies, some 30 years ago.   We live in four different states and cherish our yearly “girl’s” weekend.  Throughout the year, we keep in touch by cell phone and e-mail.  However, there is nothing like being together, sipping wine and sharing family news, career challenges, and our love of new shoes.  Discussing the pros and cons of reaching the half century mark always comes up too.  Among us you will find wives and widows, mothers and stepmothers, and daughters of aging mothers and fathers. 

In years past, our conversation revolved around our children.  We looked to each other for advice and support as we coped with the terrible twos, middle school independence and aggravating adolescents.   Something different happened this year.  Caregiving was still a topic of conversation, but centered on our parents, rather than our children.    We are all caregivers, with a parent or parents that are facing issues common among older adults:  chronic illness, medication management, cognitive decline, financial concerns, fall risk, and driving conflicts.   

Each one of us expressed concern and a willingness to help.  We wanted to help our parents remain independent and honor their wishes.  Yet, we had so many questions!!!  All weekend long, we discussed and debated how best to help our parents.  Without realizing it, we became a caregiver support group and were comforted by sharing our concerns, ideas and strategies with dear friends.  We have continued the support by raising issues, asking questions, and providing updates via group e-mails.   We haven’t yet joined the facebook revolution, but have formed our own informal eldercare exchange network to help us cope with our aging parents. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a caring group of friends.  Their support has helped me through all stages of life and continues to prop me up when I’m concerned about my Mother and how best to help her.  I encourage every caregiver to find either an informal or formal support group.  Talk to your friends , neighbors and colleagues about caregiving.  My guess is you will find someone else who is an active caregiver.  Also, explore formal support group opportunities offered by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, local hospitals and/or assisted living and long-term care facilities.

New Release of Navigator!

Monday, November 23, 2009 by Eric Tinsley
Another new release of My Health Care Manager's case management system - Navigator -  has gone live.  This release included an infrastructure upgrade along with a new look (icons, screens, menus and so on) and nine change requests for user enhancements.

Navigator is the tool used by geriatric care managers at My Health Care Manager and our licensees to collect assessment data, develop care plans, implement changes, and track results for seniors.  It also provides ready access to key personal health and care planning information through an on-line  portal to authorized family members caring for aging parents.

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment for Drug Coverage

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Jean Bandos
Just a reminder that the open enrollment period for Medicare drug coverage began on November 15.  For quick information, The Alzheimer’s Association has posted on their site a page dedicated to the Medicare Part D Drug Benefit. This site can assist caregivers, family members and you find plans that best address the needs of the older adult.   All prescription drug plans have changed in some way,  with many including increases in premiums and cost-sharing to be paid by the Medicare beneficiary. If you or a loved one use find the best plan to meet your needs, a geriatric care manager or other professional can help. Learn more about Medicare by visiting the Medicare site.
For additional information visit my past blogs:

Medicare Enrollment Nov 15 - Dec 31

Saturday, November 14, 2009 by Jean Bandos

It is that time of year… Medicare health and drug coverage open enrollment begins on Nov 15 and ends on Dec 31.  With all the news on revamping America’s health care, you may have missed the announcement from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that seniors or other people with Medicare (and their caregivers and/or family members) can begin to review their 2010 coverage options through  Medicare’s improved online tools.  Medicare Health Options Compare and Prescription Drug Plan Finder is located at www.medicare.gov

Remember, caregivers, if your loved one is a Medicare beneficiary, they are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage, regardless of income, health status, or current prescription expenses.

There are two types of Medicare plans that provide prescription drug coverage:

1) Medicare Prescription Drug Plans - These plans add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, and certain types of Medicare Health Plans.
2) Medicare Health Plans  - Some of these plans cover both health care and prescription drugs.

For caregivers and seniors that prefer to get information over the phone,

  • Contact a Medicare customer service representative at toll free 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  • OR contact your local State health insurance Assistance Program office (find the number online at http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx) or other health advocacy agencies for free personalized counseling.

Medicare's customer service is available 24-hours a day and 7 days a week. English and Spanish-language customer service representatives are available.

A 2010 Medicare & You handbook for seniors and their caregivers, also available on www.Medicare.gov, will be mailed to the homes of all eligible beneficiaries this month.

Medicare can be complicated, and a qualified geriatric care professional can help you figure it out if you're a caregiver.  If you're a veteran (or a caregiver for a veteran) you can also see my previous blogs, which include Information on Veterans Benefits and Part 2: Additional Information on Veterans Benefits.
 

Getting a Second Opinion

Friday, November 13, 2009 by Natalie Langley

Have you ever went to a doctor and they told you something about your treatment
option(s) that you were unsure with or didn't agree on?  If you ever feel this way, you are entitled to and should get a second opinion.  A second opinion is when a physician other than your regular physician gives their view about your health condition and how it should be treated.  Part of healthy aging is knowing and understanding your health care and treatment options and a second opinion will allow you be more informed about your health care. 

When should I get a second opinion?
You should consider getting a second opinion if  your physician tells you that you need surgery to make a diagnosis or treat a health problem that is not an emergency.  It is always up to you, the patient, to decide if and when you will have surgery.  However, if you need surgery immediately, do not wait for a second opinion.  This would include appendicitis, accidental injuries, blood clots, aneurysms, etc.  

Preparing your visit for a second opinion:
Before your appointment with the second physician, you should:
  1. Have your medical records sent to the second physician.  This will inform the physician of what has been discussed and any tests that have been performed.
  2. Call the second physician's office before your appointment to make sure they received your records
  3. Have a list of questions on paper you want to ask and take them with you to your appointment.
  4. Ask somebody close to you to come to the appointment with you. 
What should I do if the first and second opinions are different?
If the second physician does not agree with your regular physician you may want to discuss your condition more with your first physician.  Getting a second opinion does not mean you have to change doctors, it is up to you which physician you choose to see.  The final decision is up to you and should be made with all the facts. 

Palliative Care for Terminal Conditions

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Jean Bandos

In my blog on Nov 9th, I discussed the end-stage dementia issues and raised the question ‘Is dementia a terminal illness?’  When faced with terminal illness, seniors and their caregivers often choose palliative care.  Today, I’ll discuss that further.

What is a terminal condition?

In most states, a terminal condition is a status that is incurable or irreversible, and in which death will occur within a short time.  There is not a precise, universally accepted definition of “a short time,” but in general it is considered to be less than one year.  When looking at the hospice benefit, it will define “short term” as six months or less.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to treating serious illness that focuses on the physical, psychological, spiritual, and existential needs of the patient.  Its goal is to achieve the best quality of life available to the patient by relieving suffering, by controlling pain and symptoms, and by enabling the patient to achieve maximum functional capacity.  Respect for the patient’s culture, beliefs, and values are essential components.  Palliative care is sometimes called comfort care or hospice type care.

For more information: go to Caring Connections which is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is a national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life, supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Caregivers and seniors can find them online at www.caringinfo.org.

Caregivers and seniors can also visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) home page at http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm.