Boomers d n o y e &B FairďŹ eld County
December 2017
Holiday Travel Tips for Seniors p10
6 ways to make the
Holidays Special for Home Care Clients p4
HOME CARE for the Holidays
CHEER Plan p8
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
December, 2017
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Wonderful things to do in December Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Festive Holiday Sweater Party
Join us for the lighting of our Holiday Tree. Sing holiday music with the mothers and daughters of SASO (Scholars and Athletes Serving Others) and celebrate with friends, cookies and cocoa. Wear your favorite holiday sweater – beautiful, ugly, silly – all sweaters welcome! Bus Transportation available (please make arrangements for your ride home directly with the transportation office). Date: Thursday, 12/07 Time: 4:30 p.m. Cost: No Charge
Decorate the Senior Center
Many hands make light work! Join in helping decorate the Center for the holidays. We cannot have too many helpers. It’s a big building with a lot to decorate! Donut holes, eggnog and cider will be served! Stop in, share some holiday cheer, and help decorate the Senior Center for the holidays. Date: Tuesday, 12/05 Time: 1:00p.m.
Forgiveness
Letting go of grudges, bitterness and hurt is a difficult thing to do, but doing so provides one with many benefits. Rev. Karen Judd of Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County presents tools to access the positive emotions buried beneath the grudges and grievances and provides a healthier way of thinking to help maximize happiness. Date: Thursday, 12/07 Time: 10:30 a.m. Cost: No charge
Wood Library & Museum’s Annual Gingerbread House Festival
Travel down Lollipop Lane to Gum Drop Street and experience one of the largest Gingerbread House Festivals in New England. Stroll past fairy tale houses and fantasy trains all covered with bright, colorful candy. Gaze upon replicas of historical buildings alongside edible villages, all created by regional artisans and bakers, students. Lunch on your own at Artisanal Bread Company in Manchester. Date: Wednesday, 12/06 Time: 9:00 a.m
Family Holiday Giving Program Fairfield Social Services Continues Gift-Giving Tradition
Fairfield Social Services is once again reaching out to the community to help families in need during this holiday season. Terry Giegengack, Director of Human and Social Services, said, “Our Social Services Department has an annual tradition of providing gifts for families in need. The Family Holiday Giving Program provides the option of donating gift cards in lieu of wrapped presents. The program starts at Thanksgiving, and continues through the holiday season and beyond. Any denomination is most welcome. Last year 130 Fairfield families were helped during the holidays thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and faith-based and community organizations. Fairfield Social Services works together with other local social service organizations to ensure that local families in need are supported during the holidays.” Donations are gratefully accepted during business hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. For more information, contact Eileen Fickes, MSW, Holiday Coordinator, Fairfield Social Services, at 203.256.3170 or EFickes@fairfieldct.org
BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 256-3166 Registration Required for all Programs. Space is limited. www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
6 ways to make the Holidays special for Home Care clients
The holidays are upon us, and as the saying goes, “Tis the season to be jolly.” Unfortunately for many seniors, that sentiment isn’t always true. While the holidays bring joy to many older adults, they can also be a time of loneliness and depression for others. Luckily as home care providers, who have frequent contact with seniors, you have the unique opportunity to make the season a little more merry and bright for your clients. These six ideas for you and your caregivers are simple ways to fill your clients’ holiday with a little more cheer: 1. Decorations Holiday decorations can help a home feel warm and festive. They can also help seniors to recall happy memories from years past and provide them with an opportunity to share those experiences. Decorating is a very social and active event, and it can become a fun occasion for seniors to chat and move around their home transforming it into a bright new space.
2. Visits and Calls Contact with family and friends can transform a lonely holiday into a joyful one. Work with family members to coordinate a visit, or prepare the house to welcome those who are planning on coming. If family and friends live too far away for a visit, it’s a great idea to set up a call or Skype visit with one or more of them.
3. Cooking a Holiday Dish Food and the holidays go hand in hand, and the method and activity involved in cooking can help seniors to interact more with their caregivers and to get up and moving. Ask clients about their favorite holiday dishes or treats and help them to make and share it. It may be as simple as a cup of tea or cocoa, but regardless of the simplicity, cooking is a great way to connect more with clients and help them to enjoy the holiday.
4. Small Gifts and Holiday Cards Whether it’s a small treat, a flower, or a simple holiday card, a gift can serve as a physical token of your appreciation. Sending a gift or a sincere note not only shows your clients that you value them, but it can also boost the spirits of seniors who may not receive many other gifts this year.
5. Social Events While your agency may not frequently hold events or activities for clients, you may want to make an exception for the holidays, by holding a small social with cocoa or cookies for your clients. It can act both as a thank you and as an opportunity for clients to meet with other local seniors in similar situations. If you don’t want to plan an event yourself, you may consider researching local events for seniors and encourage your caregivers to take their clients out to attend and enjoy themselves.
6. Maintain Traditions To the degree that your caregivers are comfortable with it, help your clients to maintain their holiday traditions. That may mean playing holiday music around the house, setting up a tree, or attending a place of worship. Perhaps the caregiver could help the client to write and send Christmas cards or to wrap gifts for family members. Assisting with these activities is a great way to help seniors to hold on to bond with their caregivers and to keep their special traditions alive. As you care for seniors this holiday season, spread some holiday cheer by taking the time to do the small things that help them to feel cared for and appreciated.
Source:www.homecarepulse.com
Our Five Senses By Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA President & CEO, RVNA
A recent article by AARP describes how our senses change with age. Hearing can be impacted by normal aging as well as by a lifetime of loud noises. Tiny hair cells in our ears that send signals to our brains don’t regenerate, and this can contribute to brain shrinkage and more than double the risk of dementia. Wearing earphones or headphones around loud noises can help, as can control of weight, blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Hearing aids can also help. As we advance in years, vision also changes. Focusing up close is more difficult, and rates of macular degeneration and glaucoma double between ages 45 and 55. The risk of cataracts triples. To combat vision changes, get regular exercise, adequate sleep, eye surgery for cataracts or other conditions, and treatment for dry eye. The slower regeneration of cells within our taste buds affects the sense of taste as we age. Other conditions such as diabetes, upper respiratory infections and rheumatoid arthritis may also impact taste sensitivity. Stay on top of blood sugar levels, infections and inflammatory bowel disease, treat dry mouth, and experiment with using more complex and intense flavors in food. The sense of smell results from aromas passing through nerve endings high in our noses and then traveling to the brain. These nerve endings can wear out and die off, making food less enjoyable and affecting our ability to smell smoke, natural gas and other dangerous odors. Regular exercise and not drinking excessively can help reduce the loss of smell. The sense of touch can also start to deteriorate in middle age, affecting the ability to detect pain, heat and cold. It can also impact our sense of body movement and make us feel unsteady. It’s good to stay active, wear body hugging clothing to stimulate touch receptors, and enjoy physical affection. For more information please visit, www.ridgefieldvna.org.
Is home for people diagnosed with some form of dementia or memory impairment. Our philosophy of care centers on the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. We understand that each individual is unique and is deserving of dignity and respect. We celebrate their stories and experiences everyday. 1155 King Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 • 203-531-5500 • www.thegreensatgreenwich.com
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Advertiser’s Index
ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20 The Greens at Greenwich........................................................................5 VNA of Hudson Valley........................................................................19 Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2
Boomers
Fairfield County
& Beyond
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PUBLISHER
Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com
•••
Our View
By Nancy Sorbella
GENERAL MANAGER
It is hard to believe that it is December already; a time when we all celebrate in some form, take stock of the year that is ending and prepare for the next. It is a good time to assess our health and wellness needs for 2018. It is critical if you rely on the Affordable Care Act medical insurance that you sign up in 2017 for 2018 by December 15th. This is a shorter sign up window than last year. It is also a good time to get all of your medical visits completed and get your flu shot. At this time, we are reminded to acknowledge and appreciate those who care for us and our loved ones. Many give up their own family time to be with ours. Consider celebrating with them and their families, sharing the bounty of the season with those in need, alone or infirmed. It has been a very impactful year for us here at Boomers & Beyond and we are grateful to our readers, advertisers and friends. We are excited to bring you robust content and information in 2018 so please enjoy the holidays, stay healthy and safe. Get in touch with us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.
GENERAL MANAGER
Nancy Sorbella
Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com
••• MARKETING DIRECTOR
Gregory W. Buff
Greg@belsito.com
•••
MANAGING EDITOR
Cathryn Burak
Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com
•••
SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT
Maureen Rafferty Linell MRLinell@charter.net
••• CIRCULATION
Michelle Belsito
Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com
Corporate Information
Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 4 No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.
Next Month Aging in Place Home health care visits healthy hearing options Dispelling the myths of hearing aids Exercise Programs Physical fitness at any age Long Term Care, Memory Care & Assisted Living
Choosing the right option for your aging parent Rehabilitation Know your best options
Glaucoma Awareness Month
Waveny celebrates its veterans Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
December, 2017
Arthur – Air Force
PAGE 7
photos provided
Waveny LifeCare Network recently celebrated our nation’s heroes with a special Veterans Day event on “Main Street” at The Village at Waveny. Serving the “Greatest Generation,” the many veterans among Waveny’s patients, residents, and Adult Day participants were recognized and thanked for their dedicated service. Waveny celebrated with the national anthem and many moving stories of individual military experiences.
Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a non-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.
Left to Right: Charlie – Marines; William – Army
Left to Right: Bruce – Air Force; Andrew – Navy; Richard - Army
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
C H E E R Plan
for managing the holidays with aging parents
The holidays mean different things to different people, but for most of us, they are very much about family. We’re likely to see our aging parents and relatives over the holidays, and if they are lonely, or beginning to have trouble living independently, the holidays can be a difficult and stressful time. If we approach this time with our parents with both a positive and proactive attitude, we can make our visit joyful for all. The CHEER plan stands for: • • • • •
Check Help Empower Enjoy Reminisce
It is a plan that can help you make the most of your time with aging parents and loved ones over the holidays.
1. CHECK on your older loved one’s well-being. If you’re visiting your parents in their home, check their refrigerator and pantry to make sure they’re eating fresh, healthy food. Survey the overall safety of their home, assuring that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have batteries, and that the rooms don’t have fall hazards. If you don’t visit their home, watch for health issues involving chewing and swallowing, mobility and gait, mental clarity and vision.
2. HELP your loved ones stay engaged. Seniors who live alone can suffer from depression due to limited mobility in the winter months. Be inclusive and invite older relatives and family friends to your celebration, offering transportation if they need it.
Older loved ones may need emotional support during this time. Make sure they are comfortable and not overburdened with preparations. If an older loved one seems lonely, take time to listen. Are they missing family members who have passed away or the way things used to be at holidays of the past?
3. EMPOWER your loved one to live independently. While helping is important, it’s also important that our older loved ones have the knowledge, support and tools needed to live independently when our visit is over. If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety, teach them skills that help to compensate for deficits. Also make sure there is a local support system for your loved one, and set them up with resources to help them stay safe at home, such as meal delivery services, mobility devices and medical alarms.
4. ENJOY your time together. After you have ensured that your older loved ones are safe and happy, relax and focus on making the most of the holidays and your time together. Encourage group activities to get your family moving; dance to some favorite tunes or take an evening stroll through the neighborhood to see the lights. By all means be merry, but be mindful that alcohol may dangerously interact with medications.
5. REMINISCE with loved ones. Many of our fondest memories from childhood and youth are episodes from holidays past. Allow older loved ones to get nostalgic and reminisce over the holidays and about the holidays. Even seniors with advanced memory loss retain long-term memories, and may be able to speak vividly about a Christmas more than 50 years ago. Get out photo albums, family videos and holiday music that bring the past to life for elderly people. Source: www.aplaceformom.com
Healthy eating tips for elderly during the holidays
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
December, 2017
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Recipe Makeover This nonstarchy vegetable version of mashed potatoes is lower in calories and carbohydrates and a good source of vitamin C and folate.
Cauliflower mashed 'potatoes' Serves 4
Ingredients
Metabolism slows as we get older, which makes it more difficult to control weight gain. Excess weight increases our risk of high cholesterol, diabetes and other health-related problems. It’s important for seniors to continue healthy eating habits during the holiday season. This doesn’t mean they can’t have the occasional treat, it just means they should use caution, such as switching to a smaller plate. Here are a few healthy eating tips seniors can consider:
• Make substitutions – go low fat or fat free. Try whole-wheat rolls instead of white; try simple yams, instead of candied yams. • Skip salt – extra salt can lead to high blood pressure.
• Pace yourself – eating too fast can lead to over-eating.
1 head cauliflower 1 clove garlic 1 leek, white only, split in 4 pieces 1 tablespoon soft-tub margarine, nonhydrogenated Pepper to taste
Directions
Break cauliflower into small pieces. In a large saucepan, steam cauliflower, garlic and leeks in water until completely tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Use a food processor to puree the vegetables until the texture resembles mashed potatoes. Process only a small portion at a time.
• Stick to dietary restrictions – going off a diet during the holidays could spell disaster.
If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender. Be sure to hold the blender lid on firmly with a dish towel. Add a little hot water if vegetables seem dry.
• Walk – go for a walk after a meal. Sitting around can turn carbs into fat storage instead of energy.
Stir in margarine and pepper to taste. Serve.
• Drink water – during the holiday rush it is easy to get dehydrated.
Source:www.belmarrahealth.com
Source:www.www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes
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December, 2017
Monthly Tips for Seniors
l
Lifeline
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Holiday Travel Tips for Seniors
Holiday travel can be a lot of fun no matter what age you are; however, careful planning can help a senior’s holiday travel go a lot smoother.
Before going anywhere, it is always a good idea to check in with a doctor. He or she will decide if a senior is healthy enough to travel. This will also give the senior a chance to get prescriptions ready to bring along on the trip.
Once cleared to travel, consider the following holiday tips for seniors:
• Streamline plans – air travel can be exhausting, especially if you have a layover. A direct flight might be more comfortable.
• Avoid line-ups – thanks to technology, today we don’t have to spend as much time in lines. If possible, get into an early boarding group and print out your boarding pass online at your home. Check luggage with curbside check-in at the airport. • Pack light – over-packing leads to unnecessary weight and burden.
• Carry-on wisely – Make sure necessary medications and documents are in your carry-on bag and not in your suitcase.
• Drink fluids – traveling by plane or car can easily lead to dehydration so drink water when you can.
• Wash hands – public airports and transportation centers are filled with people who can spread germs, so wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of getting sick.
• Rest after travel – after reaching your destination, offer a rest period, such as watching TV or taking a nap.
Source: www.belmarrahealth.com
The Inn thanks First Responders Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
December, 2017
PAGE 11
photos provided
Members from local service organizations including New Canaan’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Fire Department, GetAbout and Police Department recently joined residents at The Inn for a celebration held in their honor. The first responders were thanked for all that they do on a daily basis, and given a warm reception from all of The Inn’s residents and staff. Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in the heart of New Canaan, The Inn is Waveny LifeCare Network’s independent living community, which offers carefree senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas. For more information, or to visit for lunch and a tour, call 203.594.5450 or visit waveny.org.
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Looking for holiday gift ideas for seniors? McKnight Place Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing has developed a list of suggestions that may be helpful as you find thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. Gifts to Celebrate Memories There are a number of books and journals available to help record memories and life stories. With questions and prompts to help jog memories and promote sharing, these can provide an opportunity for learning and conversation while creating a treasured keepsake. Look for options including My Life Story – So Far, a journal for collecting life experiences and wisdom, LifeBio Memory Journal that is specially suited for seniors who like to write, or a book for parents or grandparents and children to complete together. Another great memory-focused gift is a personalized item your loved one can use. Have a favorite family photo printed on a mug. Place a cute picture of a grandparent with grandchildren in a frame for display. Have a grandchild write about or illustrate a favorite memory with the loved one. These simple gifts will be cherished beyond measure.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
December, 2017
PAGE 13
Practical Ideas Certain tools can make a big difference in the lives of seniors. If your loved one enjoys reading, knitting, or any other sort of hobby that requires close range vision, a magnifier with LED lights can be extremely helpful. A white noise machine can help provide a calming atmosphere so your loved one can get a good night’s sleep. If your loved one doesn’t get outside much, a sun lamp can help stimulate the body’s natural production of Vitamin D which is great for health and overall mood. Many also love gifts such as comfortable socks, soft bathrobes, and clocks with large numbers.
Entertaining and Pampering Gifts If you would like to give the gift of entertainment this holiday season, there are a number of fun options perfect for seniors. Jigsaw puzzles are always a hit. Larger pieces are easier to pick up and see, and puzzles provide an opportunity for friends to participate in the fun. Decks of cards with large print and cribbage sets are also popular. Consider your loved one’s interests and hobbies – provide yarn for someone who crochets or a gift certificate to the salon.
Quality Time Perhaps no gift is more valuable than your time, so choose an activity you both will enjoy. Enjoy a show together. Join your loved one for lunch or dinner.
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Reading is exercise for your brain: Our December Book List for Boomers The 2018 Farmer’s Almanac, 200th Birthday Edi%on Peter Geiger, Editor Known for weather, interes#ng facts & stories, health, wellness and advice since 1818, celebrat ing 200 years in 2018
The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work & Team with Posi%ve Energy Jon Gordon & Ken Blanchard 10 secrets for approaching life and work with posi#vity leading to fulfillment and accomplish ment. The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Life%me of Sustainable Peak Performance Tom Brady & Jonathan Todd Ross First book by New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady about his unique and revolu#onary approach to sustained peak performance for athletes of all ages and abili#es. Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit and Sexy Un%l You’re 80 and Beyond Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, MD Lifealtering health, exercise, well ness & preven#on content and program designed to enjoy life and live func#onally younger each year. This book is geared toward men but there is a version for women only as well as others.
Power From the Cold: Whole Body Cryotherapy at 110 degrees Winfried Papenfub A powerful physical therapy with las#ng impact on many diseases including arthri#s, fibromyalgia, MS, sports injuries, joint diseases and trauma, and much more. The Rooster Bar John Grisham 33rd year law students realize they’ve been duped by the very law school they’re a$ending and in classic Grisham style plan an escape and expose of the system. Not Your Mother’s Rules: The New Secrets for Da%ng Ellen Fein & Sherrie Schneider Contemporary advice on da#ng for women of all genera#ons in today’s complex informa#on age. Cuba: 101 Beau%ful and Nostalgic Places to Visit Michael Connors & Jorge A. Laserna Classic, authen#c, historic and stunning places to see on a Cuban travel bucket list. photos provided
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
December, 2017
PAGE 15
One of the primary causes of dry skin is the absence of oil glands which is part of the aging process. Changes in the skin are the most apparent sign of aging which is typified by the presence of wrinkles and sagging skin. Some skin conditions are part of the aging process but others might by symptomatic of some other underlying health problem. Dry skin is caused largely because the sebaceous glands slow down as we age and produce less oil which in a younger person keeps the skin soft and supple. A decreased production of oils is more evident in women than in men. This makes it more difficult to keep the skin moist as we age which results in dryness and itching. Another factor which worsens the situation is the thinning of the subcutaneous layer of fat just below the outer layer of skin which provides padding and insulation. Skin disorders among older people are so common that at times it is difficult to tell whether this is due to the normal aging process or because of some other disorder. It is believed that 90% of seniors suffer from some sort of skin condition. The two essentials in preserving your skin at any age and more so as you grow older are to avoid excess exposure to the sun and keep the skin moist and well hydrated always. If you have to go out in the sun make sure you use a good sun block with the appropriate SPF factor on the exposed portions of your skin.
Here are some home remedies to help seniors cope with dry skin and keep it under control.
• Avoid long and hot baths and excessively hot water.
Long, hot baths tend to dry out the skin and are best avoided. Confine your bath to lukewarm water of no longer than 10 minutes or even less. If your skin is very dry bathe every alternate day only.
Home remedies to treat dry skin in seniors
Like many other things our skin also changes as we grow older. Skin in fact is the most significant marker of aging. How skin changes is determined by various factors which include diet, lifestyle and certain personal habits like smoking. To an extent your genes have a role to play as many skin conditions are hereditary. The most common skin problem as we grow older is flaking dry skin which affects 75% of seniors aged 65 and over. Dry skin becomes itchy, a condition which bothers several seniors. Sometimes the skin becomes cracked and in extreme cases can also become infected and bleed.
• There’s nothing that ages skin in the elderly more than
dryness. There are many soaps available specially designed to cleanse and moisturize dry skin. A glycerin-based soap is particularly recommended. When the skin is moist apply a moisturizing cream all over particularly in dry areas. What you should be looking for are products containing lanolin, oil and petrolatum. Use a moisturizer as often as needed to prevent the skin from drying out. Getting moisture back into dry skin is the best way a senior can slow the skin aging process.
• Make a few changes in your diet to avoid foods which are
likely to dehydrate your body. Examples of foods and beverages to avoid or control are alcohol, caffeinated beverages and spicy dishes. Increase the amount of water you drink. Your target should be eight glasses or more per day.
A humidifier is a good way to add to the moisture in the air and reduce another cause of dry skin. Install a humidifier in the room which humidifies the environment and keeps it at a comfortable level. You can buy a portable model which can be shifted from one room to another.
Source:www.allseasons-homecare.com/
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Medication Management Devices
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
On average, someone age 65+ takes an average of five medicines a day. Medication systems help aging parents stay on track — and let family members know if they aren’t. With Reminder Rosie, the adult child, user-parent or professional caregiver programs the talking clock to say whatever they want. It might be, “Dad, it’s time for your green and orange pill. Don’t forget to take them with a cracker! I love you!” It’s also handy for a middle-of-the-day, “Hi, Mom, just thinking about you!” Micheline Stabile’s 87 year-old aunt is in independent living outside Pittsburgh. Until Stabile began leaving her reminder voice messages, she would often forget to go to the dining room for meals. “If it wasn’t for this clock, my aunt would be in a nursing home.” MedMinder is a digital pill dispenser. An adult child fills the medicine tray, then programs the schedule online, and can check whether Dad has complied. At pill time, the dispenser flashes — and a version that will unlock as well. Forget? The gadget beeps, and will be followed up by a prerecorded message in a family member’s voice; Still not taking them? They get a call and the child is notified. CareZone is a free app you set that buzzes the phone when it’s time to take pills. You can share medication and other important information. The coolest feature: Take a photo of a pill bottle, upload it, and it gets transcribed and added to the medication list.
Here is a sampling of some of the cooler aging technology out there today, providing independence to our parents, and valuable peace of mind for us as caregivers…
Newest Gadgets and Apps for Seniors
S.O.S. Safety Devices
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are getting more sophisticated. Medic alert-like pendants and wristbands can be pressed during an emergency to alert professionals and/or family members. Some companies like GreatCall and MobileHelp have mobile PERS that work anywhere, not just in your house — and include fall detection. If the PERS senses a fall, it alerts a call center even if the user hasn’t pressed the button.
December, 2017
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Sensors like BeClose, Evermind and Lively attach to objects your parent uses most: the bed, a toaster, the bathroom or front door or a favorite chair, for instance. You remotely determine what circumstances merit notification (if Mom hasn’t made her coffee by 10 a.m., for example).You can check their activity on your smartphone. Rose McDermott, a university professor in Providence, Rhode Island, used BeClose to check on her mom 3,000 miles away. Lively is a multi-talented smart watch! It’s a PERS, a medication reminder, pedometer and clock. (Lively also offers separate sensors you can buy with the watch.) Pamela Wood Browne’s 88 year-old mother, who lives 15 minutes away near Greenville, South Carolina, uses a Lively watch and sensors. “Short of living with her, it’s a glimpse into what and how she’s doing,” says Browne. Manny Santayana, 59, shoots for a more direct approach: six cameras via Comcast’s Xfinity placed around his 85 year-old mother’s home in Pennsylvania. She lives alone and has Alzheimer’s. From his own home in Florida, or on the road, the salesman checks on her throughout the day. From his iPhone, Santayana can make sure the help is punctual and his mom is safe. Twice, Santayana’s mother opened the front door and got locked out. An alert notified him; he could also see it on his screen.
Care Coordination
Siblings or adult children may live far from each other. Care coordination devices and apps are one way to solve, “Who’s on first?” and keep everyone informed. Others on the care team, from a professional caregiver to physicians, can also get on the same web page for updates and information. Making Care Easier is a website for offering help (asking for it), storing information, sharing resources, perusing joint calendars, tracking caregiving expenses, organizing and managing tasks, and purchasing products (i.e. grab bars and walkers). There are checklists to share with family members and caregivers. Another care sharing tool is CaringBridge primarily used during a health crisis. Family and friends log on to get progress reports and sign up for assignments. The iPhone and iPad app synchronizes to a website.
Socializing
One way to keep loneliness at bay is to interact with others — even if it’s on a screen. Take grandCARE. With a large touch screen, residents at home or in long term care have video chats with family, get the news, play games, check the calendar, visit websites, send instant messages, and share photos. More features: grandCARE offers sensor monitoring, medication prompts and telehealth device recording (weight, pulse, glucose). Caregivers can connect to a website portal from any Internet-connected device. Perhaps the most ingenious social engagement tool is GeriJoy. Often used by those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, it’s a touch screen tablet that “talks.” Tap the screen and the snoozing virtual dog or cat “gets up”; chatting back and forth begins. The trained staff operates and speaks through the screen remotely. He knows the person’s interests and might ask if they’re looking forward to a football game that day, or how they slept. Family can fill in faraway staff on something happening that day or have them reminisce about the person’s past.. While it isn’t a substitute for care, it can supplement it when you can’t be there.
Source://www.aplaceformom.com/
Aces High at Waveny Casino day PAGE 18
December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County
Waveny LifeCare Network’s residents, short-term rehab patients and Adult Day Program participants enjoyed a high rolling day as ‘Main Street’ at The Village – the nonprofit organization’s assisted living community – was transformed into a casino. The day began with a game of Pokeno and a Rat Pack Review singalong. Aces were high as everyone tried their hand at Roulette, BlackJack, Wheel of Fortune and other games of chance, and all winnings were exchanged for prizes at the end of the day. For more information on Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which is available with flexible days and free local door-to-door transportation provided throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org. photos provided
The Viisiting Nurse Association of Hudson Va alley fam mily of organizations - provid ding home health services since e 1898.
VNAHV delivers the best quality professional in-home nursing and rehabilitative services to residents of Westchester and P t Putnam C Countie ties.
Ourr carefully screened and d New Yo orkk State-licensed aides off offer a wide range of services to o help you u maintain your independence. ndence.
(914) 666 - 7616
/
Our family-center centered approach allows you to focus on wh hat matters most - quality of life and time spentt with ith your loved l d ones.
VNAHV V.or .org
Corporate Address: 540 White Plains Road, Ste. 300 Tarrytown, NY 10591 Ta
Putnam Addr A ess: 20 Milltow wn Road, Ste. 101 B ewster, NY 10509 Br
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December, 2017
Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County