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A Quarterly Supplement to
OCTOBER 2014
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A Quarterly Supplement to
Contents October 2014
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Do you need the flu shot? The Ohio Department of Aging gives us the scoop.
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6 Ask Kathy Hirko
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Medicare health plans made easy.
Feeling at Home for the 10 Holidays By Anne Schleicher Creating a “new normal� for your aging loved ones during the holiday season.
13 Book Clubs for Seniors 14 Calendar By Sharon Schnall
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Worth Noting
Reasons to Get a Flu Shot Immune systems weaken as we grow older, so getting a flu shot helps older adults stay healthier throughout the flu season. A flu shot especially helps those who are managing chronic diseases avoid compromising their wellness efforts. Three kinds of influenza viruses commonly circulate among people today: influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses and influenza B viruses. Adults 65 and older typically account for more than half (60 percent) of flu-related hospitalizations and almost all (90 percent) of flurelated deaths. The biggest reason people don’t get flu shots is they think they
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don’t need them. Seasonal flu shots keep you healthy and safe along with help prevent spreading the flu to your loved ones. You benefit anytime you get the flu shot, but experience greater protection when the shot is done earlier in the season, such as October. Also, wash your hands regularly, as this is the simplest way to prevent spreading germs. Adults 65 years of age and older have flu vaccine options. They can have a traditional, standard-dose vaccine or a higher-dose vaccine specifically designed to address the age-related weakening of the immune system. The vaccination is a Medicare Part B benefit, which
means there is no copay for eligible beneficiaries. Older adults should speak with their doctor or pharmacist to find out more about simple steps they can take to help prevent the flu for themselves, the people they care about and the best vaccine option. The Ohio Department of Aging promotes healthy, active and engaged lifestyles for all of its constituents, and sponsors chronic disease management programs to remain active and healthier longer. Visit the department at aging.ohio.gov, and the Ohio Department of Health at odh.ohio.gov.
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Hearing Loss and Its Connections to
Quality of Life By John Kandare We know from experience that as we age certain parts of our bodies quit working the way they used to. This is
especially true with hearing. There are 48 million adults with some form of hearing loss in the U.S., including one out of three people between the ages of 65 and 75, and almost 50 percent of seniors aged 75 and older. As hearing declines, so do other parts of the body. As an individual’s hearing loss progresses, so do the chances of getting certain diseases and developing debilitating conditions. Health Issues Rise Due to Loss Audiologists use the term “auditory deprivation” to describe such cases. A typical hearing evaluation measures two main things: the softest levels at which sounds are heard and speech understanding. Often, hearing loss goes undiagnosed or untreated for many years before it’s found. Historically, the average time from initial diagnosis to fitting of a hearing aid is 10 years and only 20 percent of people with a treatable hearing loss actually get fit with hearing aids. While hearing loss has strong correlations with other health issues, even more concerning is that the loss can also lead seniors to isolate themselves from social interaction and eventually develop cognitive decline and dementia. Falls can be very dangerous for older adults and research shows that seniors have increased risk of falling when they have greater hearing loss. There is a greater likelihood for hearing loss when someone has a disease like high blood pressure or diabetes as well. Research shows that hearing loss is two times more common in people who have diabetes than their peers. Remembering Hearing Aids
If an individual has hearing loss and does not wear hearing aids, their speech understanding can get worse and make successful rehabilitation with hearing aids significantly more challenging. Often, a person will only wear their hearing aids when they go to a restaurant or to church and complain about how they do not work for them. A person who only wears their hearing aids in difficult listening environments will
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not see the most benefit from them. The more often a person wears a hearing aid, the better the typical outcome. Receiving Help
Because hearing is tied to other health centers in the body and can have devastating effects on quality of life, it is vitally important to diagnose and treat it. If you know an older adult who has been either struggling to hear or has withdrawn from their normal social circles, encourage them to get their hearing tested. Doctors often test and find hearing loss with people who do not self-report having hearing difficul-
ties, but the loved ones around them do. These individuals usually benefit the most from a hearing test and discussion of their concerns and key challenges. Properly fit hearing aids can not only increase an individual’s quality of life, but also decrease his or her chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s due to social isolation. This gives their loved ones peace of mind and ensures your time together will once again become quality time together. John Kandare, Au.D. is an audiologist at Zounds Hearing, which offers free, comprehensive hearing evaluations in Brooklyn, North Canton and Mayfield Heights offices.
October 2014 Aging Answers
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Helping to Improve Memory Loss A treatment offered at Eliza Jennings is bringing hope to older adults living with dementia and their families. SAIDO Learning® is a non-pharmacological treatment that has been shown to improve the symptoms of memory loss and dementia among individuals with cognitive impairment. Older adults participating in SAIDO Learning are more engaged in daily activities, socializing more with family members and caregivers, and eating better. Many are enjoying a renewed optimism for life and daily living. In 2011, Eliza Jennings partnered with Kumon Institute for Education to become the first site in the U.S. to conduct an exciting research trial to examine the results of SAIDO Learning when provided to residents of one of
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Eliza Jennings’ communities for older adults. The results of the trial indicated measurable improvement in cognitive function. SAIDO Learning has been practiced for more than a decade in more than 1,600 nursing facilities across Japan, showing stunning results in over 18,000 older adults. The SAIDO Learning method involves a caregiver (called a “Supporter”) trained to work with two older adults (called “Learners”) by engaging them in a series of precise, yet simple, arithmetic, writing and reading exercises. Learners progress through a planned succession of scientifically developed worksheets suited to their individual needs. The sessions are conducted five times per week and last 30 minutes, in order to stimulate the prefrontal cortex
of the brain. Most notably, the result is an improvement in cognitive function. Through SAIDO Learning, we can do more than just care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias — we can now treat the symptoms without the use of drugs and set goals for improvement. Eliza Jennings, the recognized expert in innovative aging services, offers SAIDO Learning at each of its communities, including the assisted living community at its Retirement Campus at The Renaissance in Olmsted Township, and Eliza Jennings Assisted Living Community at Devon Oaks in Westlake. For more information about SAIDO Learning at Eliza Jennings, please call 216-325-1266.
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‘New Normal’ for the Holidays
Creating a
Being flexible and communicating your relative’s (and your own) needs can make the season brighter for everyone. Aging can bring changes to many family traditions. Your parent or grandparent might live in an assisted living or skilled care facility, and can’t be part of holiday events like she or he once was. For many older people, the holidays are bittersweet. Don’t be afraid to adjust your traditions. Communication with family and those involved in your relative’s care will help you avoid more holiday stress. Loved Ones Away From Home
Residential facilities have busy activities departments whose job is to provide socialization each day of the year, even during holidays for those who are unable to go home. “We have special holiday meals that we invite families to,” explains Robin Hanna, director of life enrichment at St. Mary’s of the Woods in Avon. “We bring in entertainers and school kids to do crafts, sing carols and decorate cookies.” Hanna says families are welcome to decorate residents’ rooms. Many share events like school recitals on devices like an iPad. It’s a good idea to call ahead if more than one person will be visiting at the same time. That way staff can find a setting that will allow for a comfortable visit. If you’re feeling overextended and unable to visit, find others who can help.
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Home for the Holidays
In many instances, you can still include your relative in some part of your holidays at home. “Nursing home residents have the right to leave the facility for holidays, overnight stays and other ‘leaves’ without creating any disruption in their care or services,” says Sam McCoy, vice president of elder rights for the Akron/Canton Area Agency on Aging. When you make this decision, “You have to make sure it’s your loved one’s needs being met, not just yours,” explains Dr. Lori Stevic-Rust, a clinical psychologist who is director of senior services at Lake Health and president of the Lake County Council on Aging. “Don’t do it just because that’s the way it’s always been done.” Planning ahead is best for all involved. “Give the staff at least a few days’ notice, especially if it’s going to be overnight,” McCoy says. “This gives them time to organize medications, clothing and personal care items.” Pam Turos, a social worker with the Greater Cleveland chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, suggests asking the staff to pick out a nice outfit for your relative and get her hair done. “She’ll receive a lot compliments and will feel special,” she says. When bringing a person with dementia to a holiday event at your home, adult children can brief other family members on the older person’s limitations and behavior, says Stevic-Rust. “You might have to say, ‘Don’t be offended if Grandma gets upset because it’s too noisy,” she says. This is particularly important now that many families have four generations.
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s
By Anne Schleicher Smaller gatherings are better for people with dementia. Have only immediate family at an event if your loved one is likely to become confused or agitated.
With Alzheimer’s patients, try to meet them where they are mentally; even a toy might have a lot of meaning. Ask staff for suggestions, including what not to get. Planning for the holidays will set your compass for self-care as well. “The number-one rule, you have to take care of yourself, before you can take care of anyone else,” Turos adds.
Before Holiday Festivities
“There are several ways to involve them in holiday traditions, like cooking and gift wrapping,” says Turos, who has cared for two family members with Alzheimer’s disease. This can be done days or weeks before an actual holiday, with just you and your relative. “I even took my grandmother shopping, but to smaller stores,” Turos says. Playing holiday music can reconnect those with memory loss to fond memories. Keep gifts simple, sentimental and practical. Write your loved one a letter on special paper about how much he or she means to you. Have a new print made of a favorite photo or put together a photo album.
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Keeping Pets and Older Adults Safe In Their Home Here are some simple tips to minimize health risks when caring for a pet. By Dr. Anna M. Van Heeckeren at One Health Organization
As many of you know, pets can be a very important part of keeping an aging loved one engaged in a happy life. There are many benefits of having a pet. However, pets are an added responsibility that involves making sure they are fed and have water, and have an opportunity to go out for walks or use the kitty litter pan. An unhealthy pet may lead to health problems for older adults (and other higher risk individuals). Does this mean you need to get rid of the household pet? No. It just means you need to know the three simple ways you can support your aging loved one so they can live safely at home with their pet. Vet Up: Make sure your loved one’s pet is seen at least once a year by a primary care veterinarian to keep current on parasite control and essential vaccinations. This is the best defense for preventing diseases that can accidentally be spread from the pet to the owner or young children, pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions. This also helps the pet live a long and healthy life with the least amount of pain and distress. Pick Up: Pick up pet waste promptly. Even if a pet is allowed outdoors, waste needs to be cleaned up from the yard (best if cleaned up immediately) and discarded properly. Many tools out there can help pick up pet waste without the need to bend down and get close to the waste. It’s recommend double bag-
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ging the waste before placing it in the garbage can for proper disposal. Keeping the home clean and tidy is also necessary. Wash Up: Wash hands after handling pet waste (and before handling food or eating). For example, my grandmother had dementia, and I saw that she did not remember that she needed to wash her hands after disposing of her dog’s waste. The benefits of her having the dog far outweighed any potential drawback, she just needed extra support to live safely with her pet. Responsible pet care is essential for healthy living. The day-to-day needs of a pet to stay happy and healthy may require special considerations. If you or your loved one needs extra support in caring for a pet, many people can help. While you may be inclined to consider a typical pet owner, it might not be the best choice. There are people who have the credentials as a professional pet sitter, pet groomer, animal behaviorist, veterinary technician, pet waste manager or others who can support the specific needs of any pet. Understanding what each of these professionals do can help preserve the special bond your aging loved one has with their pet and gives you peace of mind that you don’t have to have the added extra worry of what to do with their pet in times of crisis. For more guidance than is given here, please see the accompanying One Health Organization ad at left.
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Book Clubs for Seniors
By Sharon Schnall
Go Beyond Review and Discussion
The monthly drive from her job in Akron to the Regina Health Center in Richfield is one that Mary Popio welcomes. For five years, Popio has led a book discussion with a group of center residents, representing ages 60s through 90s, held at the center’s assisted living and nursing home campus. “These people are readers. They have incredible perspective to bring,” says Popio, a librarian with Library Express Delivery Service (LEDS) with the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
and talk,” she says. “The socializing is very important.” Terrano joined the Solon book club two years ago, and was previously a member of three book clubs in Massachusetts where she lived before returning to Northeast Ohio. She joined these clubs in 2008 following the deaths a year prior of her husband, mother and aunt. Before joining those clubs, she was devoted extensively to caregiving duties and later with settling family affairs. Moderating the Best Discussions
Continuing Learning Experience
Certainly, book clubs are engaging, bringing together a diverse group of people, ready to talk about likes and dislikes concerning the selection. However, the value and benefits go beyond the book review. “It’s a continuing learning experience. You meet people. You meet new people. It gets you out of the house,” says Barbara Terrano, 81, a member of a book club run by Solon branch staff of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. “Sometimes after book group, two or three of us stop for lunch in the snack shop (of the center) and sit
The materials are important. Barbara Wilson, a public service assistant with the Brook Park branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, routinely orders 10 large-print books, 10 regular-print books and three CD format or audio books for the Brook Park branch club, recognizing there are some who can only read largeprint and others who prefer audio listening. However, member participation is a hallmark of book clubs. Skilled moderators strike a balance among discussions about the book itself; participant reminiscing, particularly with a member-
ship that brings collective living history and life experience; and quite simply, general asides and digressions. After reading “A Secret Gift,”’ by Ted Gup, about his family’s Depression-era life in Canton, “They commented on what their parents did to save money or how they did not have fruit at Christmas,” Wilson says. “They got emotional. The book was personal. It wasn’t just facts.” With some personal timelines dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, senior members of book clubs bring history to life. While club members enjoy memoirs and historical fiction, contemporary works are among the notable selections. For example, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison” and “The Hunger Games” were past discussion generators of the Regina Health Center’s book club in Richfield. “There’s always someone who will come up with some insight that the rest of us did not pick up on,” Wilson says. Sharon Schnall is based in Northeast Ohio.
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Event Listings October, November & December Monthly The Mended Hearts Greater Akron Chapter #59 (Heart Disease Support Group), 1-2 p.m. Second Tuesday of every month Chapters invite healthcare professionals to present valuable information and answer questions. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron. Contact Glenn Reeder, 330-688-4418 or Jim Patterson, 330-334-1236, MendedHearts.org. Cleveland Clinic’s Supper Club at Euclid Hospital. Supper Club features bingo and dinner on the second Thursday of each month. Reservations required, call 216-448-1210. $5 payable at the door. Life Goes On (Amputee Support Group), 7-8 p.m. Last Thursday of every month, free. Health professional staff facilitates the meeting with community speakers lending their expertise. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron. Contact Herbert Neal, 330-572-7300. Life After Stroke (Stroke Support Group), 10 a.m.-noon, second Friday of every month. Provides a forum for stroke survivors and their families to share ideas and solve problems. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron. Contact Dr. Cathy Torcasio, 330-686-4455 or 330-572-7300. Caregiver Support Group, free, last Saturday of every month. This gathering provides a time
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for caregivers of parents/grandparents/children to connect and talk about their experiences and Westbay Rehab and Care Center, 27601 Westchester Parkway, Westlake, 866-824-8174
Mondays and Tuesdays Open Gym, Mondays, 6-7 p.m., Tuesdays, noon-1 p.m. All ages, physical abilities or experience levels are welcome. Passes must be purchased in advance — no drop-ins please. Lyndhurst Campus, 1950 Richmond Road. Call 877-331-9355 or email Lifestylemed@ccf.org. Visit my.clevelandclinic.org.
Thursdays Parkinson’s Group Exercise Program, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., free. Exercise program to help ease the daily struggles of Parkinson’s. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron. Contact Kelly Rutan, 330-572-7300.
October 2 Medina Hospital Health Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic’s Healthwise Connection and PNG (Professional Networking Group) specializing in senior services.1000 E. Washington St., Entrance A, Medina, 330-725-1000 my.clevelandclinic.org
October 3 Summit Senior Expo at Summit Mall, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Exhibits, health screenings, flu vaccinations, music, dancing, bingo, the Price is Right game show, food and a lot of fun. 3265 W. Market St., Akron
Fall Wellness Expo, 9-11:30 a.m. UH Bedford Medical Center Senior Network. Solon Senior Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway, Solon
October 2 Parma Senior Wellness Expo, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This expo provides resources from Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. UAW Local 1005, 5615 Chevrolet Blvd., Parma
October 15 Healthy Cooking Series: Soups, 6-8 p.m. Join Center for Lifestyle Medicine’s Chef Perko as he teaches how easy it is to make some fall favorites. Registration required, $35 for class and dinner. Cleveland Clinic Lyndhurst Campus – Kitchen, First Floor East, 1950 Richmond Road, Lyndhurst, 216-448-8500
October 9 Amputee Support Group, 23:30 p.m. TriPoint Medical Center, 7590 Auburn Road, Concord Township. To register, call 800-454-9800 or visit lakehealth.org.
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speaker Jane Ehrman, M.Ed., CHES, to learn effective and easy ways to enter a state of peace to benefit your health and well-being. Cleveland Clinic’s Lyndhurst Campus - First Floor West Auditorium, 1950 Richmond Road.
Lake County’s Annual Walk for White Cane Safety Awareness Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn what it’s like to walk without sight. Meet and learn about service dogs. Proceeds benefit the visually impaired children and adults of Lake County. Willoughby Municipal Pool, 36900 Euclid Ave., 440-479-2163
October 14 Wellness Free Speaker Series: This is Your Brain on Peace and Calm, 7-8 p.m. Join
October 16 Community Health Lecture: Facts Concerning Prostate Cancer, 6-7 pm., ongoing free lecture series. Presented by Lake Health Urologist Zurab Davili, MD. To register, call the West Medical Center, 36000 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, at 800-454-9800 or visit lakehealth.org.
October 17 Celebration of Life Gala, 6-11 p.m. The Village at Marymount will host its fifth annual gala at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Heights. Ticket info, call 216-332-1751 or thecelebrationoflifegala.org.
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Send your event listings to: calendar@NortheastOhioParent.com October 17 Medicare Check-Up Day, 10 a.m. Unbiased information about Medicare and the Plan D prescription drug benefit from the Lake County Council on Aging. Bring a list of your prescriptions. Register by calling 440-9446010. Wickliffe Public Library, 1713 Lincoln Road, Wickliffe, wickliffe.lib.oh.us. Sweet & Savvy Presentation: Medicare A to Z, 1 p.m. Medicare Updates and 2015 changes. RSVP by Oct. 10. The Gables of Hudson, 5400 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330653-9170
October 22 Center for Functional Medicine: Dr. Mark Hyman and screening of film “Fed Up,” 5:30-7:30 p.m. Concerned about heart disease, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer’s? Dr. Hyman will share his thoughts, answer questions and invite you to join the Fed Up Challenge. Free, registration required. Richard E. Jacobs Health Center, 33100 Cleveland Clinic Blvd., Avon, 216-448-8500
my.clevelandclinic.org/Documents/ Wellness/CIM/womens-wellness-retreatbooklet.pdf.
November 13 Annual Caregiving Conference & Luncheon, What Works: Effective Methods for Improving Caregivers’ Quality of Life. Featured speaker: Laura N. Gitlin, PhD. Sessions in evidence-based programs, awards, lunch and a caregiver panel. Benjamin Rose Institute, 11890 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, 216-791-8000, benrose.org/education. Senior Craft Night, 10 a.m.-noon. Make a mini album. $5 donation. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Medina County Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road, Medina, 330-721-6932, medinarec.org
December 2 Grandparenting Today, 7-9 p.m., free. Designed to help prepare grandparents for
their new role before and after the birth of a grandchild. Topics include: childbirth and infant care today, and a safe home environment. To register, call 216-844-4000. University Hospital Landerbrook Health Center, 5850 Landerbrook Dr., Cleveland.
December 4-6 Christmas Extravaganza, 11a.m.- 4 p.m., Lavish holiday decorations, over 55 Christmas trees, wreaths, ribbons, garlands and more. Lake County History Center, 415 Riverside Dr., Painesville Township, Lakehistory.org.
December 8 Caregiver Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m. This group provides education and emotional support for those who are helping someone with cancer. Stewart’s Caring Place: A Cancer Wellness Center; free for those touched by cancer. 2955 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-1772, stewartscaringplace.org
Stroke Survivor Support Group, 6-7 p.m. TriPoint Medical Center, 7590 Auburn Road, Concord Township. To register, call 800-454-9800 or visit lakehealth.org.
October 23 Knowing the 10 Signs, 6:30 p.m., presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by Oct. 19. The Gables of Hudson, 5400 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-653-9170
October 24 Know Your Numbers Heart Event, 8 a.m.noon. Get heart screenings and learn more about heart rhythm disorders and peripheral vascular disease. TriPoint Medical Center, 7590 Auburn Road, Concord Township. To register, call 800-454-9800.
November 6-16 Women’s Wellness Week Retreat in Captiva Island, Fla. Join experts from Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine at Women’s Wellness Week. Visit October 2014 Aging Answers
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