Family Update - All is Well

Apparently I haven't posted since Dad's traumatic header down a flight of stairs on August 8th. He and my daughter were attending a birthday party for a long-time friend of Dad's. The party was held in their church basement. As Dad and Deb were leaving, they climbed a flight of stairs and Deb told Dad to wait and she would grab their jackets. While he was waiting, he apparently became dizzy and took a dive down about eight steps, face forward and head down, coming to a stop on the landing.

To make a long story much shorter, he spent three days in ICU and ten days at a rehab center. He has had home health care since that time, mostly due to a large wound on his leg that is slow in healing. He is diabetic and healing this wound is a major consideration. Thankfully, the wound care people are taking good care of him.

David's Visit

The second major event this fall was the visit by my other daughter, Barb, and her son David. You will see his picture in the previous post. They stayed for approximately two weeks, and were missed before they even left the driveway. Texas is a long way from Michigan, and we have no idea when we will see them again. Thank God for cell phones with the ability to send pictures and short videos. We are able to keep up to date on David's growth and his activities.

Dad's 87th Birthday
The third event this fall was Dad's birthday on October 18th. He turned eight-seven-years-old (87). What a milestone. His sister turned 92 on the same dad. We didn't do anything really special, just had a quiet day of football and special dinner, but he did receive numerous birthday cards and phone calls throughout the weekend.

If you haven't had the chance as yet, stop over at the Elder Care Cafe.net and check out what is happening. We are up to 266 posts at this time and still going strong. Lot's of changes there recently in the look of the site, but the same intent - to support caregivers and the elderly - is still of utmost priority. We celebrated our 1st birthday in early August. We had a birthday cake, balloons, and of course Beyer's sugar free pecan ice cream.

Just a quick update. Hope you get a chance to visit us somewhere on the web. We are still here although we don't post as often anymore.

Let us know what is going on in your life. We would love to hear from you and how you are doing with your care giving. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.

Thursday Thirteen Caregiver Blog Site List

On the blogsite Alzheimer's Notes, Mary Emma Allen noted how she found a number of caregivers who have created blogs about their experience caring for a loved one. Caregivers are using blogs to express their own feelings and struggles, to help others cope, and to realize that they are not alone.

Earlier this month, Mary Emma listed a group of blogs maintained by caregivers, and I was very blessed that this blog was included on the list. I would like to thank Mary Emma for all she has done to encourage others who are going through the physical and emotional challenge of caring for a loved one.

If you have time, please visit Alzheimer's Notes and thank Mary Emma for her blog as she has given the rest of us the wisdom and understanding she obtained through her own caregiving experience. Many times, once someone's caregiving time is finished, they choose to move on. Mary Emma has returned to help the rest of us along.

Thank you, Mary Emma, for your concern and your support!

You can read the article at this link ==> Thursday Thirteen.

If you know of any other sites that are written by caregivers, please leave the name of the site in the comment section. I believe it is important that we continue to support one another.

How Powerful Are Seniors?

According to AARP, the Magazine, seniors are very powerful. Here are a few stats from the September/October 2008 issue:

41 percent of American adults are over 50, the highest percentage in U.S. history.

80 percent of Congress is over 50.

Half of the Americans who voted in the 2006 elections were 50+.

People over 55 own 77 percent of all financial assets in the United States.

50+ adults account for 45 percent of U.S. consumer spending, or $2.1 trillion per year.

By 2011 the American 50+ population will surpass the 100 million mark.

Yes, we are a powerful group. Now, let us wisely use our power to make this world a better place.

What can you do today to make this a better world? What have you done in the past?

Online Support for Caregivers

Previously I mentioned caregivers and their need for some type of emotional support. Recently I joined two online forums, both providing an opportunity to communicate with other caregivers.

The first is AARP's online community. I have had several conversations with other caregivers, plus I joined a joke of the day group. That should be interesting. You can reach AARP at http://www.aarp.org/.

The second is on the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) website. They have a wonderful message board with numerous topic threads. They are located at http://www.nfcacares.org/.

Both of these websites also have good information for the babyboomer set. NFCA was created for caregivers and provides a lot of info and support specific to that topic.

Of course, there may be support groups in your area where you can have one-on-one contact, including hugs, but the on-line forums are available 24/7 and can be another handy resource in the caregivers arsenal.

Let me know if you find any others. I'm getting to be quite the joiner.

Three Keys to Aging in Place

A growing number of aging senior citizens consider staying in their homes a priority. In the last few years a new term as emerged identifying those who desire to stay put.

The term? Aging in place.

Recent studies show approximately twenty-five million U.S. households are headed by someone over sixty-five. That number will grow as the leading wave of aging boomers arrives on the scene. With eighty-five percent wanting to remain in their homes, the challenge to do so will increase.

The following three factors are key in making that happen.

1. Physical and mental health. To age in place, seniors must be able to care for themselves. Families can prepare ahead of time by obtaining physical and mental examinations to determine what needs may arise and what services are required, if any.

Assess what community services are available. Often nearby family and friends are able to lend a hand. Public transportation, senior citizen centers, and programs such as Meals-on-Wheels quite often are available. Paid or unpaid caregivers can provide much needed assistance.

2. Financial Health. Especially vulnerable to forced moves are the low to moderate-income elders. Unable to pay for upkeep or expensive repairs on a house, many people must move in with other family members or make other less desirable living arrangements.

Experts say mortgages should be paid off prior to leaving the work place in order to reduce the likelihood of future financial stress. Some may consider an alternative course of action such as a reverse mortgage. Make sure to discuss options with a trusted financial advisor.

3. Physical condition of the home. If possible, make sure the senior’s home has been properly maintained. Homes are in constant need of upkeep and as people age, they will not be able to do the work themselves. Addressing as many needs as possible will assure a pleasant living experience.

Sometimes people know their needs ahead of time and are able to remodel. For example, removing steps and adding a ramp will make the home wheelchair accessible if health concerns warrant. Widening doors and adding grab bars to the bathroom will help the handicapped senior live alone. Remodeling a home to make it handicap accessible should be a priority.

Many people desire to remain where they feel a sense of warmth and comfort. They are familiar with the neighborhood and may still be active in the community. Their home is comfortable, convenient and feels safe. Strong memories and traditions are difficult to leave.

Helping people age in place will contribute to healthier, safer, and happier lives for millions of older Americans. Using wisdom and preplanning may allow many more of our aging population to remain in their homes.

10 Items Caregivers Should Know About Their Loved One

Life has a way of coming at us when we least expect. As caregivers, we never know when our loved one will have an emergency situation, or we are asked for important information we may not have at hand.

After an unexpected health crisis sent my father to the hospital last year, I found just how important preparation was in keeping myself calm during a very trying situation. Taking time to gather the following information about your aging parent will greatly enhance doctor and hospital visits, planned or unexpected.

1. Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all doctors, including medical, dental, podiatrist, optometrists and pharmacists. They may be able to provide detailed information regarding your parents' medical history.

2. Birth date and social security number. Many computerized medical facilities now use a patients social security number and/or birth date to access pertinent files.

3. List of allergies. Knowing when a parent may have an allergic reaction to medications such as penicillin or codeine can prevent serious side effects.

4. Medical conditions and health history. Physicians like to know of preexistent health concerns such as diabetes or heart problems. Especially helpful to include are the major medical conditions of your loved one's parents, brothers, and sisters.

5. List of medications. If possible, have your parent carry a list of their medications including over-the-counter products such as aspirin, daily vitamins, cold or sleep medicine, or herbal remedies. Some doctors have their patient bring the medications with them to routine office visits for review.

6. Insurance information. Include name of provider and policy number. If possible, copy the front and back of all insurance and Medicare or Medicaid cards. Make sure you know what kind of coverage they have.

7. Prior surgeries, medical procedures and tests. Provide dates and results of x-rays, CT scans, MRI's, and medical implants such as pacemakers.

8. Lifestyle habits. List any known drug, alcohol or tobacco use or addictions.

9. Durable or medical power of attorney, advance directive, living will. Know what legal documents are in place and where they are kept. If your loved one becomes temporarily or permanently disabled, who has authority to make necessary decisions?

10. Community resources. If possible, gather information regarding adult day care, assisted living facilities, and long-term care options. What resources are available for delivery of meals, in-home nursing care, household assistance, or transportation. Hiring someone to clean house, mow the lawn, or provide snow removal where necessary greatly aids the elderly when they are no longer able to perform those tasks.

Gathering the above information will not only help you and your loved one prepare for an emergency, but should give you a sense of peace knowing everything you need is at hand.