2018 Senior Care Guide- Ascension Publications by Crystallsu

1 | THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018

HOW TO HELP SENIORS BEAT LONELINESS

RESOURCE LISTINGS

CARE GUIDE 2018

BLOGOSPHERE

readup WWW.FREEIMAGES.COM

GREAT RESOURCE BLOGS FOR SENIORS, CAREGIVERS

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

ooking for the latest breakthrough in healthcare? Want to connect with a caregiver or just have a good laugh? Here are a few of the best senior blogs that are updated frequently, easy to navigate and generally fun to read.

The Dementia Queen thedementiaqueen.com

Dedicated to dementia care, this blog by occupational and geriatric therapist Sue Paul posts helpful and often humorous tips from 20 years of working with Alzheimer’s patients. The site is organized into tips and resources geared toward promoting independence and decreasing caregiver burden. Dementia is not a part of normal aging, Paul says.

AARP blog.aarp.org

AARP tries to be everything for everyone with a massive blog directory that covers almost any topic of interest to seniors. Find out who’s zooming who on the Scam Alert, find out what’s happening in 11 Things We Didn’t Know Last Week, and read stories of people who made their mark in big and small ways on Legacy. There’s tips on travel, politics

and technology, health, caregiving and the best liveable communities.

Savvy Senior savvysenior.org

Written by senior advocate Jim Miller, Savvy Senior is devoted to older adults and their families who support them. In addition to senior resources and information, the blog responds to readers’ questions and posts a frequently updated Senior Newswire with stories on senior issues that will hit home, such as “Five Things to do After Medicare Enrollment.”

A Place for Mom Senior Living Blog aplaceformom.com/blog/

Specializing in helping seniors and families find assisted living communities and care, A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Blog brings together featured articles on healthy aging, retirement and finance, and caregiving along with inspirational stories and up-to-the-minute senior trends. A recent featured article was titled “Four Lifestyle Choices That Could Save Your Brain from Alzheimer’s.”

The Care Company thecareco.com/ blog/

The solution center for America’s millions of unpaid family caregivers, The Care Company examines elder care and end-of-life issues with skill and grace. Blogger Cindy Laverty aims to empower caregivers to be knowledgeable, confident, strong, compassionate and healthy.

Naked at Our Age betterthanieverexpected.blogspot. com

Straight talk about sex after 60, Naked at Our Age presents senior news, views and events, reader questions, expert tips and product reviews of interest to boomers, seniors and elders.

The 70 Something Blog 70-something.com/ the_70something_blog/

This is blogger Judy Kugel’s personal take on life as a septuagenarian. Both courageous and generous, the blog features postings on her exercise habits, parenting issues, social media posts, family, friends and hobbies. It will

leave you thinking, smiling and returning to see what she writes next.

Marshall Elder and Estate Planning Blog http://marshallelder.blogspot.com

Jeff Marshall is a Pennsylvania lawyer with over 30 years’ experience in estate and elder law. This well-written blog is filled with tools to help seniors protect their financial health and security for themselves and their families. It includes information on estate planning, taxes, long-term care, home care, Medicaid/Medicare assistance, veterans benefits and more.

Time Goes By timegoesby.net/weblog/

This blog is a look at what it’s really like to get older. It covers a range of topics including social issues, work, retirement, age discrimination and ageism, politics, media, health, family, Medicare and Social Security, love and sex, entertainment, humor, grief and mortality, culture and technology — all as related to aging.

PLAQUEMINE MANOR NURSING HOME & REHABILITATION

2 | THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018

“A Guiding Light to a Brighter Tomorrow”

For the past 20 years, Beacon Behavioral Hospital has been the premiere behavioral healthcare provider in the Greater Baton Rouge area. We offer Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) services to adults and seniors for the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood swings and other issues. Our team of professionals are committed to making a difference in your life and are ready to help during your time of need. For more information on how we might help you or a loved one realize a brighter tomorrow, contact the location nearest you.

Intensive Outpatient Lutcher Baton Rouge Houma Hammond Metairie Slidell Bogalusa

225-258-6112 225-810-4719 985-346-0436 985-956-7378 504-581-4333 985-607-0290 985-753-1750

Inpatient Lutcher New Orleans Lacombe Bunkie

225-258-6103 504-210-0460 985-882-0226 318-346-3143

Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances accepted.

THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018 | 3

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE AGING BY SHANNON HEDRICK, MSW

Did you know our aging population is growing at a rapid pace? According to the 2010 United States Census Bureau, 13% of the United States population consists of people over the age of 65. In 2050 it is predicted to double, and people over the age of 65 will consist of 22% of the population. Aging increases the likelihood of having physical conditions, and have more than one physical condition at the same time! This now becomes a risk factor for triggering mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety. The symptoms of mental health are often overlooked or under reported in the aging population. When someone is suffering from numerous physical concerns, doctors appointments can tend to

focus on the physical health aspect, but some symptoms of depression or anxiety should be considered part of the physical condition. People’s mental health needs are just as important as their physical needs. Depression and anxiety can impair ones ability to function in their day to day lives. The good news is both depression and anxiety can be treated successfully in an outpatient setting. Many people who are aging are confronted with normal triggers of depression and/or anxiety such as the loss of a loved one, loss of income, loss of independence, chronic pain, and many more. Common signs of depression in the elderly are feelings of sadness or “emptiness”, decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”, excessive worries, such as finances and/

or health problems, frequent tearfulness or crying spells. Other indicators of depression in the elderly are the feeling of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness, weight changes, feeling restless or irritable, pacing and/or fidgeting, difficulty with sleeping, trouble falling or staying asleep, oversleeping, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decision. The physical symptoms may be pain or gastrointestinal problems that do not respond to treatment. Experts with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggest that you seek professional help if you experience five or more of these symptoms every day for two weeks. It is important to speak with your physician about these signs and symptoms. There are many treatment options for those who suffer

When you walk in Azalea Estates it feels like home

from mental health concerns; medication management, individual therapy, and group therapy are a few of the options. For a variety of reasons group therapy can be a very positive experience for someone struggling with depression. It is comforting for the person suffering with mental health issues to realize they are not alone. During the group sessions the participants not only receive support, but at the same time give support. It is empowering to be able to offer care to others. Often members in group therapy will find their “voice” and learn to advocate for themselves and express their feelings in a healthy manner. This is an important skill for the elderly to learn, giving them the confidence to speak articulately to their healthcare providers regarding their own mental health status. Attending an

outpatient program in a group therapy setting provides a safety net for clients to feel comfortable sharing their progress. It reduces isolation which is important for those who have experienced a tremendous amount of loss. Beacon Behavioral Hospital offers effective treatment programs on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our programs are designed to provide maximum benefit in the treatment of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns by combining psychotherapy with medications. Physicians, nurses and therapists are involved in our treatment programs. If you or someone you know may be suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, call the program nearest you for assistance and guidance.

We Sell & Install Proudly Made In The USA

No other senior community can compare to the lifestyle, features, amenities and outstanding value that Azalea Estates offers each resident. Azalea Estates is conveniently located near the center of Gonzales close to shopping, neighborhoods, churches, hospitals and police/fire stations, providing added peace of mind and convenience for our residents, family members and staff. The very best way to learn about us is to come by and meet us, see our community, have a meal with us, meet our residents and staff, see how much fun we have and how you can make tomorrow better than today.

We invite you to come and experience our Community.

Walk-in Bathtubs! Other Models and Accessories Available

2305 S. Purpera Avenue Gonzales, LA 70737 • 225-644-1028 Lisa L’huillier, Executive Director

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CARE GUIDE 2018

CONTACT US Weekly Citizen Phone: 225.644.6397 Fax: 225.644.2069 Donaldsonville Chief Phone: 225.473.3101 Fax: 225.473.4060 Post South Phone: 225.687.3288 Fax: 225.687.1814 EDITORIAL editor@weeklycitizen.com news@donaldsonvillechief.com news@postsouth.com ADVERTISING cbarrett@gatehousemedia.com mduhe@weeklycitizen.com jwall@weeklycitizen.com jmouton@donaldsonvillechief.com jburns@postsouth.com ONLINE weeklycitizen.com donaldsonvillechief.com postsouth.com.com Senior Care Guide 2018 is created by GateHouse Media LLC, Weekly Citizen, Donaldsonville Chief and Post South parent company, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. ©2018 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED COVER CREDITS

IN BRIEF

Resources to help older smokers quit By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

For older adults who are thinking about quitting smoking, the National Institute on Aging is offering a new web service with videos, worksheets, interactive features, strategies, quizzes and more. “Most older adults know that smoking is harmful, and many have tried unsuccessfully to quit, often a number of times. But stopping smoking is a difficult goal that still eludes many older smokers,” said Erik Augustson, program director of the Tobacco Control Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute. “This new topic, which offers a mix of tips and tools geared to the needs and experiences of older smokers, is an important, easy-touse resource that can benefit those trying

to quit for the first time as well as those who have tried before.” For more information, visit nihseniorhealth.gov/quittingsmoking/ quittingwhenyoureolder/01.html

Wheels with a minimum annual donation of $50,000.

Housing concerns for seniors

America’s older population is in the midst of unprecedented growth, but Help for Meals on Wheels the country is not prepared to meet EatStreet and the housing needs of this aging group, the Meals On according to a report by the Harvard Wheels Association Joint Center for Housing Studies of America recently and AARP Foundation. According announced their to “Housing America’s Older Adults “Serve Up A Smile” — Meeting the Needs of An Aging program to help Population,” the number of adults communities across in the U.S. 50 and older is expected America fight to grow to 132 million by 2030, an senior isolation increase of more than 70 percent since and hunger. A 2000. But housing that is affordable, growing number physically accessible, well-located and of Americans are coordinated with support and services ordering delivery is in too short supply. “Recognizing and takeout food the implications of this profound online. EatStreet, demographic shift and taking an online and immediate steps to address these mobile food issues is vital to our national standard ordering startup, of living,” says Chris Herbert, acting now promises to do managing director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. more than facilitate these orders. As diners order food through EatStreet’s website and app, EatStreet will support Meals On

TORBAKHOPPE/FLICKR | FECHIFAJARDO/FLICKR SHARONTAYLOS/FLICK | LEVICARNEIROJR/FLICKR

WWW.FREEIMAGES.COM

Trainyour

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

lder adults fear the loss of mental abilities more than they fear losing physical abilities, but research shows that mental decline is not inevitable and may even be reversible. Fear of mental decline is often misplaced, said Michael Marsiske, professor of clinical and health psychology at University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions. “While it is true that, on average, older adults can experience losses in areas like memory, concentration and speed, for the most part such losses have little functional consequence,” Marsiske said. “Very often even when we experience declines, we have become so proficient at our daily tasks that we don’t really ‘notice.’ “Many people fear that small memory losses (forgetting the name of someone we don’t know well, forgetting a word, ‘senior moments’) are a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but often this is not the case.”

Cognitive training Enter cognitive training. The brain is like a muscle. The same way physical training improves physical abilities, brain training improves mental abilities, said George W. Rebok, a professor of mental health at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Traditionally, cognitive training was done one-on-one with a trainer or in a group format using guided practice on a set of tasks related to memory, attention or other Rebok said. Training can also “be delivered 6brain col. function, x5

BRAIN MENTAL EXERCISES CAN HELP SENIORS LIVE INDEPENDENTLY FOR LONGER

via workbooks, computer programs and even Internet sites. Many different kinds of cognitive training exist, but most commonly training is aimed at improvement areas like memory, problem solving, attention, reaction time and speed,” Marsiske said. Rebok and Marsiske were part of a team that conducted the National Institutes of Health-funded ACTIVE study that showed with as little as 10 one-hour small group sessions with a trainer, people could boost memory performance for up to five years, and their reasoning and speed of processing for up to 10 years. The results also showed that in addition to increasing cognitive function, brain training improved daily living skills such as taking daily medication, managing finances and preparing meals. Improved cognitive function leads to less difficulty with daily tasks, which allows seniors to live more independently, Rebok said. “More recent analysis of state motor vehicle crash records has suggested, in the ACTIVE study, persons who received training in either speed of processing or reasoning showed an approximately 50 percent reduction in motor vehicle crashes, even 10 years after training,” Marsiske said. Cognitive training also improves a person’s sense of

“Many different kinds of cognitive training exist, but most commonly training is aimed at improvement areas like memory, problem solving, attention, reaction time and speed.”

happiness and well-being, the ACTIVE study found. For example, older adults who played video games such as Wii, PlayStation or Xbox reported higher levels of happiness. A National Institutes of Health consensus panel a few years ago concluded that there were no treatments, at this time, known to prevent dementia. “The search for ways to earlier diagnose, treat and prevent dementia is a major focus of research around the world,” Marsiske said.

Beware claims Caregivers should beware of inflated claims of popular brain-exercise products, Rebok said. Currently a $300 million worldwide industry, the brain training market has skyrocketed recently and is expected to be worth more than $2 billion by 2015, as the baby boomer generation ages. “This business is unregulated, and its claims of cognitive performance improvements often come from producers’ marketing departments, not from science,” Marsiske said. Looking for brain training you can do on your own? Rebok suggests the following: n Challenge yourself intellectually on a daily basis. n Go for a long walk with a friend and discuss a book you’ve read. n Look at a painting, then look away and try to remember everything in the painting. n Memorize the names of the clerks in the local businesses you frequent. n Volunteer. “It’s one way older adults can improve cognitive, physical and social skills,” Rebok said. For more information, check out Experience Corps at aarp.org/ experience-corps.

Trust, Reliability & Sincere Interest Bank with us at Plaquemine Bank & Trust Company where trust, reliability and our sincere interest in you is our priority and mission. We value your business and we value YOU. We want to be your bank!

Bank with Plaquemine Bank and experience personalized service and peace of mind from knowing your money and investments are safe and sound. Complete financial services including: • Premium Club Account • Checking, Savings and Money Market Accounts • Mobile Banking with Bill Pay • Loans • CDs and IRA Trust, Reliabilty and Sincere Interest…

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Locally Owned and Operated

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Skilled Rehab

A Higher Level of Care, in Your Hometown Hospital

Does your loved one need more healing time after a hip replacement? Does your mother need extensive wound care? Has the doctor ordered long-term IV antibiotics for your family member? Does your father require several hours of therapy after his stroke?

What is SKILLED REHAB?

Skilled care, often referred to as “swing bed” services, offers a higher level of care for patients who are not quite ready to return home or to an alternate facility. St. James Parish Hospital can offer patients a low nurseto-patient ratio so that your loved ones get the one-on-one care they deserve. We also have a doctor who rounds daily, several medical departments that can provide on-site tests and treatments, access to specialists and an ER that operates 24/7. Besides the availability of many resources that only a hospital can provide, we are located close to home so that you can visit your loved ones and remain in their plans of care. We also realize the importance of keeping patients both healthy and happy so we offer patients the opportunity to participate in activities such as movie days, bingo games, holiday celebrations and visits to our Healing Garden.

Choose quality and compassion when requesting a facility for your loved ones. To learn more about our skilled services or to speak to a case manager directly, call 225.258.5936. Natalie Louque, RN Case Manager

225.869.5512 | 1645 Lutcher Ave. Lutcher, LA | www.sjph.org Follow Us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/pages/St-James-Parish-Hospital

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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WHEN AN ELDERLY PERSON SHOULDN’T BE living alone JEFF DEMARS, BSW, MCCS, LNFA, LNHA LHCC – Skilled Nursing Facility Placement Specialist

Most families eventually have to deal with a complicated and heartwrenching question: How do I know when an aging relative needs more help than the family can provide? On the one hand, there are numerous 90-year-olds living completely independent lives; on the other hand, there are lots of people in their 70s and even 60s who find they need more help from day to day. This decision may cause families grief. No adult son or daughter wants to admit that a parent who provided life , nurturing and help to the child for so many years is now in need of care that simply can’t be provided in return. Does it make sense to drive back and forth between homes several times daily to make sure your loved one is eating enough, when a nursing facility or assisted living facility would be able to feed him or her on time, every time, every day? Can you afford to take time off from your job to provide the level of care that is needed? How much time, given that the situation likely won’t improve? Are you even able to provide the skilled level of care that is required? Even the healthiest among us are prone to slips, trips, and falls. Most of the time , we can just pick ourselves up and carry on. For older relatives, however, there’s a much higher risk of bone fractures due to progressive loss of bone mass. I know this from first-hand experience, as my very own elderly father fell in his bathroom a little over a year ago, and was down on his bathroom floor for two days because he didn’t have a pull cord to alert others for help in his apartment, and he wasn’t in arms reach of a phone. My elderly father sustained a hip and arm fracture from this fall, and had to undergo surgical repairs, and

intensive rehab. This could have been prevented. Often, the homes we live in when we are in our 60’s and 70’s are no longer safe when we reach our 80’s and 90’s (or if we have multiple medical comorbidities in our 60’s and 70’s). Stairways, serpentine hallways, slippery tile and tall shelving units present potentially dangerous situations that must be negotiated daily. Also, large yards with uneven terrain, poorly lit rooms or small bathrooms in the home or an apartment of an aging loved one may give family members good reason to be concerned. When it seems like a relative is spending as much time at a medical facility as he or she is at home, advanced care options need to be explored. The risks of accidents, infections or disease-related episodes can be vastly diminished by making sure a loved one will have the level of professional care that is needed. Whether it’s due to advanced age or the presence of dementia, a noticeable drop in personal hygiene, appearance or social habits may be a sign that a loved one should be placed in a higher level of care, such as an assisted living or advanced-care facility. As Louisiana’s ONLY Skilled Nursing Facility Placement Specialist, we are steadfast in our mission to help those in need to get the best possible placement experience that will address their concerns. We do this by asking the right questions in our initial preadmission assessment so that we can obtain the most appropriate information necessary for finding the most beneficial care for those in need. As Skilled Nursing Facility Placement Specialist, our philosophy begins with an appreciation for those people with whom we work, and our authentic wish to help them with the most appropriate placement. We know that people who are seeking placement

“Serving the people since 1885” PROMPT DELIVERY SERVICE Transfer Prescrptions are always welcome!

undoubtedly feel lost in one way or another, uncertain about what the future holds and confused about where they should be looking for answers. Without having words to accurately describe what is wrong, many individuals feel hopeless in their search for solutions. We are dedicated to taking away this sense of hopelessness and, instead, instilling a sense of confidence in knowing that the level of care they need is available to them. When working with professionals, we recognize that they have the knowledge and wherewithal to find appropriate placement options for their patients / clients outside of the care they offer. However, we also recognize that they have many patients / clients to address, so we strive to help them easily find access to various level of care options through a collaborative process. We work closely with all local hospitals, and other healthcare entities in order to ensure that we understand the needs of their patients / clients so that we can find them the most appropriate placement that will be of most benefit to them.

Our Compassion and diverse collection of healthcare and long-term care experience allow us to serve as an asset to both our professional health care team such as hospital discharge planners and case managers, and those who are in need of professional placement, and a level of care that is most appropriate for them. The following are placement options, and level of care models that the SNPS Team specializes in, and our on-site assessment & placement services are a FREE Community Service Offering: Traditional Nursing Home Care Skilled Nursing with Rehab To Go Home FOCUS Group Home Supportive Housing and/or Assisted Living Mental Health Facilities Please feel free to contact the following to learn more about, and/ or access the services from the LHCC - Skilled Nursing Facility Placement Specialist: Mandy Henry, LNFA (225) 281-0488, Email: mhenry@lahcc.com

Let us take care of all of your pre-planning needs.

Most prescription plans accepted. Pharmacy Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sunday, Closed

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23460 Eden St. • Plaquemine,LA 225-687-3546

Dynamic Therapy Sherie Callihan, PT Physical Therapist

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THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH â&#x20AC;¢ Thursday, March 1, 2018 | 7

Plaquemine Manor.... Our home includes these amenities

Beautifully Appointed Private Suites Chapel for Religious Services Theatre Beauty Salon Rehabilitation Unit

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8 | THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018

FAMILY INTERACTION

underoneroof More are embracing multigenerational living By Melissa Erickson

More Content Now

ne of the biggest trends in senior housing, multigenerational living, is nothing new. Rather, it’s a throwback to the way families lived decades ago and that people are again embracing. Multigenerational living is where two or more generations live together under the same roof or closeby in granny flats, adjacent housing or even the house next door or down the block, said John Graham, emeritus professor of marketing and international business at the University of California, Irvine, and co-author of “All in the Family: A Practical Guide to Successful Multigenerational Living.” Aging parents and boomerang children are fueling the uptick in this housing model that offers a variety of social and financial benefits. While it’s not for everyone, the ability to care for each other and the cost savings make this way of living something to consider.

“It’s human nature to live like this. Multiple generations living together is the way people have always lived. Our 50-year experiment with the idea of living as a nuclear family has failed. Physiologically and psychologically, humans are designed to live this way.” Not a new trend

“Treating You Like Family”

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A record 57 million Americans, or 18.1 percent of the population of the United States, lived in multi-generational family households in 2012, double the number who lived in such households in 1980, according to the Pew Research Center. Multigenerational housing has been steadily gaining in popularity over the past three decades and spiked during the Great Recession of 2007-09. Since then, multigenerational housing has continued to grow at the same pre-recession rate, according to the Pew study. Multigenerational living appeals to people across gender and racial lines, the Pew study found. While the traditional model of a multigenerational house would seem to include a grandparent rejoining the family, today more recent college graduates are returning home. In 2012, roughly one in four adults age 25-34, or 23.6 percent, lived in multigenerational households while 22.7 percent of adults 85 and older did. Many people say the rise in multigenerational housing was brought on by the downturn of the economy, but Graham disagrees. “It’s human nature to live like this. Multiple generations living together is the way people have always lived. Our 50-year experiment with the idea of living as a nuclear family has failed. Physiologically and psychologically, humans are designed to live this way,” Graham said. As an example, Graham shared the story of one family: The grandmother lives in a granny flat, or an additional separate dwelling on the family’s property. One of the

house rules was that the granddaughter needed to bring her grandmother her mail every day. “It encourages social interaction between the generations and is also an easy way to check in on granny and make sure she’s doing OK,” Graham said.

Making it work For multigenerational living to be successful, house members have to be flexible and like each other at least enough to work things out. “You have to expect some friction. Not everything is going to be easy,” Graham said. Not surprisingly, “a lot of conflict happens in the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the house and where most of the action takes place,” he said. For that reason, Graham suggests separate kitchens and entrances if possible when sharing a home. If you’re considering sharing a home with other generations of your family, here are a few things to consider. n Have a discussion on neutral ground for initial conversations and monthly follow-ups to monitor how things are going. n Treat everyone like the adults they are (seniors and adult children) and include nonresident siblings in the conversation. n If finances allow, consider a new home with extra features such as an accessory apartment with a separate entrance and kitchen. Many other types of housing exist to fit multi-generational needs. n Create a cohabitation agreement. If you’ll be living together you’ll need rules and arrangements that will evolve over time. “Consider it a trading of services, though of course money is involved, too,” Graham said.

THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018 | 9

YOUR life YOUR legacy…. Plan to make it RIGHT!

Ourso Funeral Homes serving our communities since 1939

Planning now will provide peace of mind – for you and for those you love. • Losing a loved one is one of life’s most stressful events. • Prearranging your funeral eases the stress and guesswork for your family and ensures that your final wishes are honored. • We plan for important life events, such as weddings, major purchases, college education for our children and retirement. • We insure ourselves against things that may never happen, including vehicle accidents, house fire, personal injury and medical emergencies. • Doesn’t it make sense to plan for the inevitable? To learn more, call one of our Pre Planning Advisors at

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10 | THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018

HOME CARE

AGINGINPLACE Options for at-home care

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Living in your own home can be a challenge when you need help caring for yourself. For a growing number of aging and ailing Americans, living at home is made possible by having someone come to the home to provide care. Aging at home offers seniors financial, physical and social benefits. “We always make an effort to keep people in their homes when it’s appropriate. It’s less expensive, provides more freedom and keeps people from being exposed to infections in institutional settings,” said Dr. Eric Weil, director of the program that manages high-risk Medicare patients at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

think about the kinds of help you might want in the near future. You can get almost any type of help you want in your home — often for a cost.

At-home options Aging in place, defined as the ability to stay in one’s home or current living situation in the years ahead, is the preference of about 90 percent of people who say they intend to continue living in their current home for the next five to 10 years, according to a survey by the National Council on Aging. Of this group, 85 percent are confident in their ability to do so without making any significant modifications to their home. The options for home care are home health care and private duty care. They have two different purposes. Home health care is a temporary service that brings nurses and therapists into the home to provide treatment. It’s intended for people who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery with the goal of helping them get better and regaining their independence. Home health care is covered by Medicare. Private duty care provides the kind of long-term, day-to-day help that some people need to remain in their homes. Care can be available for a few hours a day or around the clock if needed. Medicare does not pay for private duty care, but some long-term care insurance policies do. Planning ahead is key to aging at home but can be hard because you never know how your needs might change, said Vicky Cahan, spokeswoman for the National Institute on Aging (nia.nih.gov), which offers a helpful tip sheet on the subject. The first step is to

Services available The National Institute on Aging offers the following tips on services available to help you age at home: Personal care: Is bathing, washing your hair or dressing getting harder to do? Maybe a relative or friend could help. Or you could hire a trained aide for a short time each day. Homemaking: Do you need help with chores like house cleaning, yard work, grocery shopping or laundry? Some grocery stores and drug stores will take your order over the phone and bring the items to your home. There are cleaning services you can hire, or maybe someone you know has a housekeeper to suggest. Some housekeepers will help with laundry. Some dry cleaners will pick up and deliver your clothes. Meals: Worried that you might not be eating nutritious meals or tired of eating alone? Sometimes you could share cooking with a friend or have a potluck dinner with a group of friends. Find out if meals are served at a nearby senior center, church or synagogue. Eating out may give you a chance to visit with others. Is it hard for you to get out? Ask someone to bring you a healthy meal a few times a week. Also, meal delivery programs bring hot meals into your home. Money management: Do you worry about paying bills late or not at all? Are health insurance claim forms confusing? Maybe you can get help with these tasks. Ask a trusted relative to lend a hand. Volunteers, financial counselors or geriatric care managers can also help. Just make sure you get the referral from a trustworthy source, like your local Area Agency on Aging. If you are familiar with computers, you could pay your bills online. Check with someone at your bank about this option. Some people have their regular bills, like utilities and rent or mortgage, paid automatically from their checking account.

SAFETY

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Keeping in

SHAPE Exercise is the best way to prevent falls

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

s the U.S. population ages, more seniors are experiencing head trauma, hip fractures and even death from accidental falls. Simple workouts and regular exercise may hold the best protection against falls in older people. The simple training exercise of catching a weighted medicine ball can improve balance and may help prevent falls in the elderly, according to research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In another study, published in the Cochrane Library, a repository for independent healthcare information, researchers found that exercises that include some balance and strength training for seniors effectively reduced falls.

The effects of falls Falls are the leading cause of injury death among those 65 or older. In 2009, more than 20,000 older adults died from fall injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2010, more than 2 million older adults were treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal falls, and more than 600,000 of these patients were hospitalized, the CDC reported. Falls are not only traumatic for seniors and their families, they are costly. In 2010, the direct medical cost of falls was almost $30 billion, according to the CDC. Leading a sedentary and inactive lifestyle weakens the body and makes falling more likely, health experts say. When people stop exercising as they get older it leads to poor muscle tone, decreased bone mass, and loss of balance and flexibility. Working to build muscle, stamina and balance can go a long way to keep seniors on their feet. Older adults may also be on medications with side effects that may cause them to

lose their balance, or they just might not be able to see things as well as they once did, leading to trips and falls. “Lifting weights, or doing any exercise that uses body weight for resistance, can build muscles and increase stability in older adults,” says Dr. Tony Hampton of the Advocate Medical Group in the Chicago suburbs. “Seniors should consider gardening and other activities that keep the body limber and in motion as a prevention against falls. Exercises such as yoga or tai chi can be especially helpful.”

“Seniors should consider gardening and other activities that keep the body limber and in motion as a prevention against falls. Exercises such as yoga or tai chi can be especially helpful.” Other safeguards Beyond physical conditioning, there are dozens of other ways to prevent falls. “Ask your doctor to review your medications to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness,” Hampton said. “It’s also important to have an annual eye exam to make sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date.” The CDC also recommends making homes safer by reducing trip hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways and improving lighting. Also, Hampton said, “Seniors should always check with their doctor before beginning a regular exercise program.”

THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018 | 11

RESEARCH SHOWS NEW LINK TO DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION By Kyla Saldivar, BC-HIS

Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s A research study conducted at the University of Washington’s Department of Medicine looked at 100 cases of Alzheimer’s disease compared to the general population. The researchers found that 83% of those hospitalized for dementia had hearing loss. More importantly, once fit with hearing aids, 33% were classified with less severe dementia. Another study from 2011 by John Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging found a similar link. The common symptoms and warning signs of Alzheimer’s include: • Memory loss

• Disorientated with time/place

• Poor/decreased judgment

• Changes in mood or behavior

• Misplacing things

• Changes in personality

• Language problems

• Loss of initiative

• Difficulty with familiar tasks According to the Fischer Center for Alzheimer’s Research, many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be caused by other impairments, such as hearing loss. The Michigan chapter of Self- Help for Hard of Hearing is advocating an evaluation of the hearing should be required prior to any diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

If a loved one is displaying symptoms of not remembering dates or appointments, withdrawal, personality changes and inappropriate responses to questions, one of the first steps is to have their hearing evaluated.

Hearing Loss and Depression In 1999, the National Council on Aging published a unique, large scale study on the impact on untreated hearing loss. The study found that those individuals with hearing loss who did not use hearing aids were almost twice as likely to experience depression as those who were treating their hearing loss. When mild depression, characterized by withdrawal, mood changes and short temper are exhibited, a hearing evaluation is recommended as part of the evaluation battery. The average individual waits at least seven years, according to hearing industry statistics, to do anything about their hearing loss. A simple hearing test today could make life brighter for you and your family!

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12 | THE WEEKLY CITIZEN ~ DONALDSONVILLE CHIEF ~ POST SOUTH • Thursday, March 1, 2018

This season’s deadly flu

things to know now

Flu severity by the numbers • In December 2017 health agencies in 47 countries published a study in the medical journal Lancet concluding that a severe flu year kills nearly 650,000 people worldwide, while a mild one kills just under 300,000. • Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in mild years, influenza kills about 12,000 Americans, and in severe years about 56,000 Americans die of the illness.

BIGSTOCK

By Barbara Feder Ostrov Kaiser Health News

he nation is having a terrible flu season, one of the worst in recent years. Flu is widespread in 46 states, according to reports to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nationally, as of mid-December, at least 106 people had died from the infectious disease. In addition, states across the country are reporting higher-than-average flu-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Hospitalization rates are highest among people older than 50 and children younger than 5. In California, which is among the hardest-hit states, the virus struck surprisingly early this season. The state’s warmer temperatures typically mean people are less confined indoors during the winter months. As a result, flu season usually strikes later than in other regions. Health experts aren’t sure why this season is different. “We’re seeing the worst of it right now,” said Dr. Randy Bergen, a pediatrician who is leading Kaiser Permanente-Northern California’s antiflu effort. “We’re really in historic territory, and I just don’t know when it’s going to stop.” (Kaiser Health News, which produces California Healthline, is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) Here are five things you should know about this flu season: It’s shaping up to be one of the worst in recent years.

The H3N2 influenza A subtype that appears to be most prevalent this year is particularly nasty, with more severe symptoms, including fever and body aches. Australia, which U.S. public health officials follow closely in their flu forecasting — in part because their winter is our summer — reported a record-high number of confirmed flu

precautions may spare you 4. Basic and your family from days in bed.

U.S. flu experts say they won’t fully know how effective this season’s vaccine is until the it’s over. But Australia’s experience suggests effectiveness was only about 10 percent. In the U.S., it is 40 to 60 percent effective in an average season. Vaccines are less protective if strains are different than predicted and unexpected mutations occur.

As much as possible, avoid people who are sick. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Masks aren’t particularly effective in keeping you from catching the flu, although they may help keep sick people who wear them from spreading their germs further. If you are sick, cover your cough and stay home from work if you can, Bergen said. Remaining hydrated, eating nutritious foods and exercising can also help strengthen your immune system. Because elderly people are so vulnerable to the flu, some nursing homes and assisted living facilities may limit visitors and resident activities, depending on the level of illness.

3. You should get the flu shot anyway.

mistake flu symptoms for 5. Don’t those of a common cold.

This season’s flu vaccine is likely to 2. be less effective than in previous years.

Even if it is not a good match to the virus now circulating, the vaccine helps to ease the severity and duration of symptoms if you come down with the flu. Children are considered highly vulnerable to the disease. Studies show that for children a shot can significantly reduce the risk of dying. High-dose vaccines are recommended for older people, who also are exceptionally vulnerable to illness, hospitalization and death related to the flu, according to the CDC. “Some protection is better than no protection,” Bergen said, “but it’s certainly disappointing to have a vaccine that’s just not as effective as we’d like it to be.” Shots may still be available from your doctor or local health clinic, as well as at some chain drugstores. Check the Vaccine Finder website for a location near you.

The hallmarks of flu are fever and body aches that accompany cough and congestion, Bergen said. If you feel as if you’re having trouble breathing, or if your fever can’t be controlled with medication like Tylenol, check with your doctor. It’s even more important for patients to see a doctor if they have a chronic medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, or if they are young or elderly. Kaiser Permanente doctors now are being advised to prescribe antiviral drugs like Tamiflu — given as a pill or, for kids, an oral suspension — even without a lab test for influenza, Bergen said. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, however, Tamiflu supplies are running low. And Bergen cautioned that these medications are only partly effective, reducing the time of illness by just a day or two.

T O DAY ’ S W O R KO U T

Lunging combo move benefits everyone By Marlo Alleva