Education

We know the aging population is predisposed to health threats due to their immuno-compromised state. But did you know that seniors with diabetes have an even higher risk?In general, diabetics are more likely to experience severe symptoms when fighting a virus. It is for that reason that it is important for the elderly and the diabetic to practice self-isolation and increased hygiene practices, especially during times like these. To be clear, diabetics are not at greater risk necessarily of becoming infected; it’s just that their complications can be more dire! It is important to be aware of the best way to stay safe and hygienic during a viral outbreak such as the COVID-19 outbreak currently taking place. Diabetics should use some of the “best practices” that are the same as they are for the seasonal flu:

1. Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. A way to keep things interesting is by singing a verse or two of your favorite song to try and make sure you wash for long enough.
2. In between washes, or if water and soap are inaccessible, use alcohol- based hand sanitizer. It should be at least 60% alcohol. Be careful that you don’t only use hand sanitizer, as people tend to become dependent on it, and it is still quite healthy to stick to the trusty water and soap!
3. When sneezing, be sure to direct your nose towards your elbow or a tissue. Coronavirus spreads via droplets so if you sneeze in the direction of an individual, droplets of saliva, or other bodily fluids can potentially infect other individuals.
4. Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. If you do, be sure to sanitize your hands in whatever way is available to you.
5. Be sure to clean your hard surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, and computers regularly with an alcohol- based disinfectant that can kill viruses. Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for multiple hours, and up to a few days.
6. It is less important to try and clean all soft surfaces, as Coronavirus can’t survive in such conditions.

Planning during a time like this is quite important. Be sure to collect as much as you possibly can. Information is arguably more important than hoarding food and supplies for the apocalypse, so make sure you have the contact information of your health professionals, your pharmacy and your insurance provider.There are some items that you should keep in mind and keep on hand, especially if you are being self-contained:

1. It is a great idea to try and secure extra refills on your prescriptions so you do not have to leave the house. Also see if your pharmacy can deliver (Consider that pharmacies and pharmacies may become a bit overburdened!).
2. Try and keep lots of fruits and vegetables on hand to maintain your health, even during this trying time.
3. You may be less active than normal, and you therefore may not pay attention to the fluids you are drinking. Be sure to drink enough water!
4. Lower the risk of exposure when in large public spaces. Try and find an outdoor space where you can walk but minimize human interaction. Stretching your legs and getting fresh air is still very important for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

More than 100 cases of COVID-19 have been identified and diagnosed in Illinois. Containment is key to minimizing spread. If we are going to #flattenthecurve, it is imperative that all members of society, Chicago and beyond take this seriously. Even while we are going through this difficult time, senior living communities, whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Inverness, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and Hoffman Estates, are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your loved ones safe. Senior Living Experts can help you find the best senior living community in the area.

For more information: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.htmlhttps://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/treatment-care/planning-sick-days/coronavirus

When addressing the challenges facing those with Alzheimer’s disease, assisted living facilities in the Chicago area have resources to tackle this health epidemic head-on. From early identification of the disease, to support for the patient’s family, these residential facilities provide well-rounded care, from a holistic perspective, to allow patients to thrive.Know what to expect about Alzheimer’s, including the following important information:

Signs and symptoms.

Alzheimer’s signs of early onset; it is estimated that individuals usually live eight-to-ten years following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, though many may live for as long as 20 years with the disease. The symptoms of dementia may get written-off as normal signs of aging, but should be reported to providers and taken seriously.Early signs of dementia include:

• Short-term memory loss.
• Difficulty adapting to change.
• Mood changes.
• Loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyed.
• Difficulty finding the right words to express one’s self.
• Confusion.

Since this is a progressive disease, there are seven identified stages of Alzheimer’s disease, which measure the rate of decline caused by this terminal condition. The earliest stage marks no decline, while the seventh stage is marked by limitations- including inability to swallow- which typically precede death.

Distinct challenges.

One distinct challenge of Alzheimer’s is being able to identify a problem and early intervention. It is not easy to persuade someone to get help for mild dementia symptoms, which may also be attributed to age or personality. Some symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty expressing one’s self, misplacing belongings, becoming lost, difficulty problem-solving, memory loss, as well as personality changes and withdrawal. As the mild symptoms progress to the moderate stage of the disease, the need for daily support may increase, confusion deepens, and many patients may display suspicion of those around them.

Genetic predisposition.

There seems to be a strong genetic link connected to whether a person will have Alzheimer’s disease during their lifetime. There are both risk genes and deterministic genes present related to Alzheimer’s disease that can predict whether a person is likely to contract this condition. Risk genes indicate a predisposition but not a guarantee that blood-relatives will show signs of Alzheimer’s, while deterministic genes guarantee that the person will develop Alzheimer’s disease at some point.Some other risk markers for Alzheimer’s include:

• Age, as risk increases over the age of 65. Around one-third of individuals over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s disease.
• History of head injury.
• Any type of heart disease.
• Lifestyle, including diet, activity-level, alcohol use, and smoking.

Ethnicity may also play a role in predisposition to this condition. Studies indicate that aging Latinos are one-and-a-half as prone to have Alzheimer’s than older Caucasians, while senior African-Americans are twice as predisposed to dementia-related illnesses.

Resources available.

Fortunately, patients and caregivers don’t have to go it alone. Over five-million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This has created a network of accessible resources, including Alzheimer’s support groups as well as national advocacy organizations, to provide information, education, and empathy to those living with this condition. Work with providers and practitioners to find resources in your community to help not only the patient, but also to provide a caring network to family, friends, and caregivers, who live with the day-to-day rigors that dementia presents.

Caregiver support.

Even with supports in place, care-giving burnout is a very real risk. If you are taking care of someone battling Alzheimer’s, self-care is imperative. Enlist help, take time away, and engage the community in supporting the patient, and preventing compassion fatigue from compromising your efficacy at helping someone you love cope with this disease.Support may also manifest in resources to help family and caregivers adjust to changes caused by the illness:

• Have open, honest communication.
• Elicit information pertaining to the patient’s wishes.
• Engage the patient as often as possible.
• Connect with others in similar positions.
• Take the fear out of the disease by talking about it.

Assisted living facilities in the Chicago Area.

When patients demonstrate declines earmarked by the seven stages of Alzheimer’s, it may be necessary to make some changes. Talk with the patient about moving to a residential setting that is equipped to address challenges and manage symptoms, including assisted living facilities in the Chicago Area that offer specific resources, interventions, and treatment for Alzheimer’s patients.Visit and discuss treatment options with staff at Senior Living Experts in the Chicago area to determine the best approach for your Alzheimer’s patient. The key to maintaining autonomy and quality of life may lie with a residential setting that is accustomed to the diverse challenges and obstacles facing those living with the disease. Enlist a supportive network of providers, advocates, and caregivers for tools to help the entire family live with Alzheimer’s.

Over the years Mother's Day gifts can become more and more complicated. Mom's change and macaroni picture frames are no longer "acceptable" gifts; but you always want her day to be special.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Senior Moms

One of the biggest things to remember about most mom's is that it's truly not the gift that counts as much as it is the time you give them. Remember that each of these gifts depends upon the health and abilities of your mother, along with their cognizance level.

• Pedicure/Manicure - A great gift for a mom either homebound or in senior living, you can bring a small bag or basket with everything you need for an informal and fun pedicure and/or manicure. A soft massage of lotion can be relaxing to mom or grandma's arthritic hands or feet, a soft buffing of the nails and light painting can make her feel extra special..
• Snack Basket - You can combine both special treats that mom may not be able to get on her own (a favorite cookie or candy) and tuck these treats in with some fresh fruits, fruit cups, and other healthy snacks that she can easily eat.
• Craft Basket - If your mom knits, crochets, or enjoys any type of craft you can put together a plastic container with a lid that's filled with yarn or patterns. There are other types of crafts that seniors can enjoy, depending upon their abilities also.
• Anti-Skid Socks Craft - You and your mom or grandmother can create fun anti-skid socks together while visiting at a senior living facility. This idea is inexpensive, fun, and give you something to do during a visit.
• Bathrobe - A new bathrobe can be a great gift for any senior staying in a nursing home or still living at home. Allowing them to feel comfortable and cozy, a bathrobe can be a great purchased gift.
• Books & Magazines - If your loved one enjoys reading a book (large print if needed or add a magnifying glass to help with the smaller print) then a few books you think they'd enjoy is always a good idea. For those that used to enjoy reading look into audible books that they can enjoy someone else reading to them without the strain on the eyes.
• Games - Books of word games and challenging mind games are always a great way to help keep their minds busy. Whether it's "Word Finds," "Crossword Puzzles" or "Maze Games" keeping their mind active is always a plus.

The Best Gift for Mother's Day

The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of time and for a mother that can mean a simple visit with a small gift of love. Mother's day gifts for elderly moms simply need to come from the heart; with the best gift being creating a memory of time together. Photo by ngocdai86 / Pixabay

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Senior Living Experts offers free services to help you find living conditions that embrace aging safely. Living alone increases the risk of death but accepting a style of living that encourages quality of life as you age can help you live a healthier, happier life

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On Thursday I stopped by the *hopping* Northeast Levy Senior Center, (corner of Lawrence & Damen) which is one of the regional senior centers run by the City of Chicago.  I walked in and was greeted by a very friendly girl at the front desk.  She seems to be the “traffic” director.  She guides you to what you need.I wanted some information on what was happening in the city for seniors and to say hi to my friend Paula who is the executive director there – but happened to be out of the center at a meeting – bummer.Anyways,  they had two tables set up with information on various programs and events going on for Chicago seniors.Did you know they have people there who can help you get through the Medicare Part D maze?  More about that in another post..In the large cafeteria I saw about 70 seniors finishing up and exercise program.  There were also about 15 other seniors in there talking, knitting, etc.  I think they were waiting to take advantage of a boxed lunch.They have a large work out room and I saw 3 ladies busy on the treadmills.Down the hall there was an area with a few tables, which were full of men playing cards!Further down the hall, in another meeting room – I saw about 10 ladies in there taking a class.The only unusual thing I noticed was that  the pictures of Mayor Daley must have been taken when his dad was Mayor...(well not really but he has been in office for 17 years right?) Technically, at 63 years old, the Mayor eligible to take advantage of all the senior centers have to offer.  You only have to be 60!Bottom line was that I saw at least 150 busy, active, social seniors spending a cold but pleasant Thursday in Chicago.More on some of the activities and services I learned about coming up…

Photo from Levy Senior Center Foundation

An interesting correlation is evolving among those that receive memory care in Naperville: Is there a link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s? Many studies show a connection between sleep deprivation and dementia among seniors. Most individuals that live with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia struggle with sleep; since dementia seems to contribute to sleep, could sleep apnea be a sign of an underlying dementia? While researchers continue to seek answers that could lead to more concrete ways to identify those at risk for Alzheimer’s, make sure that your loved one has the resources and providers they need to establish if they are at risk. Senior Living Experts can point toward practitioners in your region that have expertise in this complex area.

Memory Care in Naperville: Is there a Link Between Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s?

assisted living professionals, caregivers, and researchers have been looking to find if a link exists between poor sleep and dementia. Seniors experiencing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease often have a recorded history and documented past of sleep problems, in particularly, insomnia and sleep apnea.Is there a link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s? Researchers in the field chime-in:

Sleep Deprivation

It has been studied and established that short-term sleep deprivation is linked to transient cognitive impairment. If so, does chronic sleep deprivation cause more lasting repercussions, such as dementia? While it has not been shown that sleep deprivation causes dementia, it does contribute to the inability to make, store, and recall memories among older individuals.

Sleep Apnea

Another memory loss study indicates that sleep apnea may speed-up the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. On average, those studied with sleep apnea were diagnosed around five years sooner for the disease than those that do not experience sleep issue. Furthermore, sleep deprivation contributes to the overall risk of dementia, and those with sleep apnea have nearly twice the risk of developing dementia.

REM Sleep

REM sleep is a critical phase of the normal sleep pattern, and studies show that those who have difficulty reaching REM sleep are more likely to have dementia. These individuals dream less- around 3% less than those enter REM sleep phase without issue.

See a practitioner to determine if sleep apnea is forecasting other symptoms of dementia

It can be difficult to determine if the signs of memory loss, confusion, or irritability are dementia or if they are simply part of the aging process. The best way to assess and diagnose is through a face-to-face visit with a provider that is familiar with the patient, and that has some experience in geriatric practice. Make note of concerning behaviors or changes in mannerisms to relay to your senior’s physician during your next visit.Some things to look for when determining if your loved one has signs of dementia include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Mood instability
• Aphasia or difficulty following conversations
• Change in appetite or weight loss
• Inability to recall events, names, etc.

While there are some behaviors and patterns that follow the natural path of aging, these examples could be indicative of an underlying issue, including Alzheimer’s disease. Make sure to report such instances to your provider, and consider using tips from professional caregivers to help your loved one during this often-difficult time.Some ways that you can help those struggling with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia are:

• Remain calm, don’t yell, and maintain patience. Becoming frustrated will only increase your loved one’s angst and anxiety.
• Let your loved one speak and give them time to find the right words before attempting to help them with what they are trying to say.
• Know that symptoms increase at night, referred to as ‘sun-downing.’ Plan visits, events, and activities earlier, during daylight, whenever possible.
• Try to evoke memories that your loved one may hold on to, such as very long-term remembrances with photos, conversations, and walks down Memory-Lane. This may engage your senior more than talk related to recent events or situations that may not be as firmly embedded in memory.

Above all, remember that you are of little use to your loved one with dementia if you don’t take care of your own needs. Take time to unwind, decompress, and recover from the rigors of attending to those with increasing symptoms of dementia. Avoid caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue by taking care of yourself and setting firm boundaries with those around you.Make sure to find practitioners and providers in the region with experience working with geriatric clients, as well as those with an understanding of dementia. Senior Living Experts can help you find the right physician, caregivers, and facilities to assist when you- or someone you love- is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, preventative tactics and approaches can slow the progression of these conditions, and the right medical resources are literally at your fingertips!

Caregivers and family members of Alzheimer’s patients will have to understand that communicating with Alzheimer’s patients is different than it used to be for them. These tips will help you and your family to move forward in a positive direction.

Changes in Communication Skills

The brain of an Alzheimer’s patient changes and can make communicating more difficult. Here are some common changes that can typically occur:

• Difficulty Keeping Order – A common problem with Alzheimer’s patients is that they cannot keep the order correct when given directions; causing confusion and frustration in everyday tasks that were once easy.
• Inability to Find Words – Finding the right word can be hard for those who suffer from dementia (a common symptom of Alzheimer’s). Common words that typically are used in their everyday vocabulary can become difficult to find in their head.
• Lack of Attention – You may find that your loved one has difficulty paying attention; this is a common problem with those who have Alzheimer’s.
• Understanding – Alzheimer’s patients will often have difficulty comprehending and understanding words because of their inability to fully process words or actions.
• Increased Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to sounds and lights can cause over-stimulation and aggravation; making communicating more difficult.
• Focusing – Blocking out sounds such as a television or other conversations and noises around them can cause a problem with focusing when being involved in conversation.

7 Tips for Communicating with Alzheimer’s Patients

These tips can help you when trying to communicate with your loved one.

1. Make Eye Contact – Keeping eye contact when you communicate may help your loved one focus on what you are saying.
2. Distraction – Try to carry on a conversation in a quiet area to avoid distractions.
3. Use Names – Be sure to address your loved one with their name and remind them of who you are as you talk.
4. Touching – Touching can sometimes be too stimulating for someone with Alzheimer’s but it can also help to bring them back into the conversation that is taking place.
5. Empathize – Try to put yourself in their place and understand how frustrating it must be trying to communicate when things are so confusing.
6. Encourage Them – Encouraging them to talk with you may help them retain the ability to communicate longer into the progression of the disease.
7. Using Other Methods of Communication – Because communicating with Alzheimer’s patients can be difficult it can be beneficial to use touching, writing or other methods to convey a feeling or expression.

Everyone is different when it comes to communicating and you will have to use the methods and techniques that work best for you and your loved one. Just remember that you can enjoy being with your loved one and not necessarily have to talk in order to enjoy each others company. Communicating with Alzheimer’s patients can be very difficult but it can be done if you put in the extra effort. Please contact Senior Living Experts if you'd like more info about Alzheimer's placement. Photo by fsHH / Pixabay

“Complexity creates confusion, simplicity focus.”--Edward deBono

‍Eleven seconds. The National Council on Aging tell us that on average an elderly person suffers a fall in the United States every eleven seconds.  In the four minutes you may spend reading this article, approximately 22 older Americans will have fallen, and unfortunately, almost a third of these falls will directly contribute to their eventual death.

When an older loved one falls, it often starts a chain reaction of questions, decisions and complexity that many of their adult children are unprepared to ask or address. Caregiving, bill-paying, cognitive ability, investment management, insurance coverage, having up to date legal documents in force, and future housing decisions all need to be addressed. The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has only made these decisions more difficult.

This complexity can be overwhelming and stressful—and if not managed well can be costly. The key to managing such a crisis is in taking inventory of the situation, getting all the issues on the proverbial table and building a plan to simplify as much as you can. German-American painter Hans Hoffman explains simplification as follows, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

‍Start by making lists of the key areas of your loved one’s life:  Medical, Financial, Legal, Housing, Family.  Under each heading start with questions or primary concerns you may have.  Include contact information for professionals who are familiar with their situation, so you know where to find it.  What is his/her medical prognosis?  How long will their assets last if care is needed? Is there any long term care coverage?  Who has been identified as the key decision makers for medical or financial issues?  If it is unsuitable to bring them back home, what housing options will be a best fit? If we need additional help, what family or friends can be counted on to be resources?

Continue to jot down questions when they come to you so that when you have the chance to speak to their doctor, attorney, financial planner, insurance agent, Realtor®, care advocate or senior housing advisor, you are ready to get the answers you need.

Separate any documentation you can find into files for financial matters, insurance, legal and housing.

‍For finances, consider consolidating multiple accounts with one firm. Not only does it simplify record keeping, but also likely saves on account fees and limits your required interactions. Also, by organizing and consolidating with a single firm, the future estate settlement after death will be much easier to process. Look into setting up direct deposit and automatic bill-pay wherever possible to simplify the day-to-day financial management.

Review insurance policies so you have awareness of what is covered. Understand the “triggers” for a long term insurance claim (if a policy exists) along with policy exclusions.  Determine whether or not a life insurance policy might have an accelerated death benefit option available to access life insurance proceeds while the senior is still living to help pay for care.

Review the estate planning documents, with an attorney if necessary, to review powers delegated to whom under the medical and financial powers of attorney, as well as wishes that were noted in any advanced medical directives about desires for life sustaining measures.Geriatric Care Managers can help with building a care plan to optimize the return to health and set expectations for rehabilitation, therapy, and assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL's).

Finally, meeting with a Senior Advisor can provide resources on bringing care into the home if necessary or vet the myriad of independent living, assisted living, memory care or continuing care retirement communities that might meet your health care needs location and budget.The prospect of managing this unfamiliar scenario may seen daunting, but by taking an organized approach to addressing needs and concerns and involving experienced, trusted professionals that have been through similar experiences many times with other clients, you can avoid the complexity that results in increased stress and unnecessary expenses.

‍For more feedback and to help identify gaps in your loved one’s living transition, take this Living Transitions Assessment and receive a customized report with steps to consider.

It can be said, without much question, that one of the biggest fears when we are searching for a place for our senior loved ones to live and be cared for is elder abuse. Let Senior Living Experts help you make the right choice.

Elder Abuse Statistics

A recent study focused on the number of injuries and possible abuse cases that occurred in certain New York City facilities; deciphering the differences in those with special needs such as dementia care and the stages of their dementia. While the study was small it brought attention to the fact that elder abuse can and does happen.

• According to StasticBrain 9.5% of the elderly will experience some type of abuse
• Abuse is more prominent in those with dementia*
• Abuse becomes more prevalent as dementia worsens*
• Statistics may be grossly underestimated due to the difficulty of obtaining information and doing research on those with dementia; along with the probable hidden violations that go unreported.
• Inability to communicate, impaired judgment, and the impaired memory of dementia patients makes them an exceptionally highly targeted group.
• Less than 1% of those abused were recorded on the patient records in nursing homes*
• According to the NCEA 47% of those in a research group who had dementia were abused by their caregivers.
• Psychological abuse is the most common type of abuse seen among the elderly with dementia; with over 88% of those studied being abused psychologically.
• Physical abuse affected nearly 20% of those in the 2010 NCEA Study of abuse of adults with dementia.

Elder Abuse Specifically in Nursing Care Facilities

Abuse can occur anywhere, but concerns are high when looking for the right facility to care for your loved one. Not only do you want to be sure that the facility can accommodate the needs of your loved one but you must be certain that they are as safe as possible.

• According to statistics from NORS nearly 8% of complaints they addressed dealt with abuse
• Abuse by caregivers and staff are not the only type of abuse experienced; as abuse by other residents of nursing care facilities has become noticeably more common*
• Financial exploitation is another form of abuse that occur, even in nursing care facilities
• According to StatisticBrain 36% of nursing homes have been in violation of elderly abuse laws

Let us help you find the safest place for you or your loved ones to live, without fear. There is no question if elder abuse occurs but when it occurs and where; using professionals to find the right home for your loved one can help you rest more easily.*NCEA Abuse of Adults with Dementia Photo by  JSchley / Pixabay

The holidays are quickly coming upon us, so Senior Living Experts would like to share some holiday tips and ideas for seniors in order to make it fun for everyone!

Holiday Tips and Ideas for Seniors – Chicago Outings

It can be difficult to take senior family members out during the holiday season; especially with winter weather to deal with. Besides a holiday care package, taking your loved one out for some time outside of their living facilities is another great way to enjoy the season!These ideas may help you find a way to get them out and enjoying the community.

1. Holiday Events Calendar for Chicago – Find out what’s going on in the Chicago area with this online events calendar. Take notice of the free events, such as the annual Downtown Oak Park Winterfest that offers a variety of free events on December 3rd along with the option of purchasing a $20 ticket to the Cookie Walk. If you’re from the Oak Park area or live nearby check out their man other December events for the holidays here.
2. Music Therapy – The benefits of music are amazing and can work wonders on the mind and body. Locally, every Friday at Millennium Park there will be free Christmas Caroling at Cloud Gate so bundle up and enjoy the fresh air and sing-a-long. You can also enjoy music at home to create an atmosphere of calmness and serenity.
3. Christmas Lights in Chicago – Everyone loves to see the beautiful light displays during the holidays. This guide to the holiday lights in Chicago is a helpful resource. You can also take short trips around your neighborhood (using your car or transit systems) to see the lights in the early evening. Keep trips short and remember that blinking lights could be confusing to some dementia patients.
4. Holiday Tours – Prices vary to fit nearly every budget and include everything from helicopter tours to a holiday light tour via the trolley. This guide provides some great ideas for everyone, young and old.

Special Note: Remember to choose the outing that fits the abilities of your loved one best and always inquire about any special needs, such as wheelchair accessibility and places to rest if your loved one can walk but has limits.

Holiday Tips and Ideas for Seniors - Safety

Safety should always be considered when you are planning an event or special times with your senior loved one. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

• Holiday Lights – Solid lights are best because when lights blink, flash, or look as if they are moving it can cause problems with seniors. Those with dementia can become confused with the blinking; while the non-solid lights can also cause loss of balance for anyone, including seniors who are at risk for falling.
• Candles – Using LED flameless candles are the safest and best option. Today’s LED flameless candles are affordable and come in a variety of options. Realistic looking candles provide the ambiance and look of a real candle without the dangers. Many even come with a remote now so you don’t even have to get up to turn them off and on.
• Holiday Clutter – During the holidays our house can suddenly appear to look like it blew up! Be careful of holiday clutter. Gifts, decorations, extra cords, and other clutter can cause falling hazards and also confusion in those with dementia.

Happy Holidays from Senior Living Experts

Senior Living Experts hopes that your holiday season is filled with loving memories. We hope these holiday tips and ideas for seniors will help make your holidays safer and happier.Photo by fabiencambi

March is National Healthy Sleep month. We’re going to focus on healthy sleep habits for seniors and how finding the right Chicago assisted living facility can encourage healthier sleep habits.Part of our purpose here at Senior Living Experts is not only to help seniors find living facilities that fit their needs; but to help seniors and their families learn be informed about issues that can focus on living a quality filled life.

Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits for Seniors

Our sleep needs change as we age. As infants sleep is constant; however, as adults our sleep needs become more stable. As we age we find that there are a number of reasons why healthy sleep habits for seniors are harder to come by:

• Alzheimer’s – Common problems with sleep often occur in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Many become confused between days and nights, others wake often throughout the night, and many have anxiety that can keep them from a restful night’s sleep.
• Medication – Often seniors face a number of ailments and diseases that require taking medication. The side effects of many medications can cause problems with sleep.
• Improper Diet – There are a number of foods that can cause problems with your sleep, especially as we age. Spicy foods can cause heartburn or acid reflux at night. Caffeine is known to keep people awake and seniors often spend hours sipping cups of coffee throughout the day. Reader’s Digest offers this article on 16 Foods that Help You Sleep.
• Inactivity – Being less active results in being less tired. This can often cause you to have problems falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Chronic Pain – A number elderly suffer from aches and pains. Whether the pain is constant or intermittent pain can cause problems sleeping; often keeping one from falling asleep or waking one up throughout the night.

These are just a few reasons why seniors may have problems sleeping.

5 Ways Chicago Assisted Living Facilities Can Help Promote Healthy Sleep Habits for Seniors

1. Special Memory Units – If your loved one has Alzheimer’s we can help you find memory units that specialize in caring for those with dementia and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. When living in special units designed for those who have dementia (both non-Alzheimer’s & Alzheimer’s type) they can focus on keeping them active during the day to help avoid confusion between night and day.
2. 24 Hour Nursing Staff – Some Chicago assisted living facilities offer a 24 hour nursing staff. While some medications are necessary & their side effects cannot be changed there is the ability for the nursing staff & sometimes facility physician to address sleep issues created by medication.
3. Food Services – The ability to have meals prepared is one of the many specialty services that you can look for when deciding on a senior living facility. You can choose to remain somewhat independent by preparing some of their own meals or take advantage of a full meal service. The best part is meal services can help you get the nutrients needed to help encourage healthy sleep habits for seniors.
4. Therapies – Many senior facilities have on site therapists to offer a variety of therapy sessions to residents; helping them to stay active and moving safely. The increased action is also beneficial in making you feel invigorated during the day while helping to increase tiredness at night.
5. Pain Management – More and more senior living facilities are incorporating pain management into their care. This can include a number of non-pharmacological pain management techniques and therapies that can help decrease & manage pain better.

Make the Choice to Take Charge of Your Sleep Habits

Our free services can help you find the most comfortable types of senior living to fit your needs. Don’t worry about unhealthy sleep patterns and problems that make sleep evasive for you or your senior loved one. Contact us today to set up an appointment and help us make sure that you live a life that promotes healthy sleep habits for seniors.Photo by Neville Wootton Photography

A free caregiver conference!‍

Friday, November 16, 200710:00 am to 2:00 pm

‍Advocate Christ Medical Center Auditorium (Use Imaging Center Entrance)

4440 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn

(Entrance and free parking at 43rd & Kilbourn - follow signs to Imaging Center)

Are you overwhelmed from the demands of your parents, relatives and friends?  When combined with the financial and emotional stress of caring for your children and spouse, working full time and planning for your own retirement, this can create a crisis situation for families.  Learning how to balance the competing demands on your time, attention and finances now, can save you headaches in the future. Attend the free panel discussion on planning for the future and an education fair.

To register call 800-323-8622 and ask for 1Mo4 (I have NO IDEA what that means)

‍Panel Discussion

10 am - noon

‍Experts from the fields of law, social service, medical and ethics answer the question, "What are the 3 most important things a caregiver needs to know?"

‍Lunch and Keynote Speaker

Noon - 1 pm

‍Hear author, Maya Hennessey share her experience as a family caregiver.  Maya is the author of "If I Only Had This Caregiver Book" and brings insight and humor to the caregiver experience.  Free lunch will be provided.

‍Educational Caregiver Fair

1pm - 2 pm

‍Care providers will be on hand to help you think about what you need to know as a family caregiver and introduce you to options available.

Space is limited, please call to reserve your seat.  FREE RESPITE is available, please inform the operator that you need this assistance.This conference is brought to you by the National Family Caregivers Association, Chicago Department on Aging, Age Options, Advocate Christ Medical, Rush University

Thanksgiving is one of those family holidays that always reminds me think of my grandmother.   For those of you who will have the honor of seeing one or more of your grandparents today – make it a point to spend a little extra time with them instead of watching football.  You will cherish those times and those conversations.  Ask them questions about their past.  Ask them how they used to celebrate Thanksgiving. What is their favorite Thanksgiving memory?  Do they have any special recipes that should be written down now?The first Thanksgiving after my grandmother died was very difficult.  I always wish I could have had one more.

Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels

You may have seen a lot of information about the Mediterranean Diet in the news lately. Senior Living Experts is celebrating International Mediterranean Diet Month with the world as we learn about how this lifestyle could be the answer to preventing dementia and disease.

The Mediterranean Diet

Our services help Chicago seniors find the best fit for their living needs for living to age safely, healthy, and as well as possible. Part of our goal is trying to keep seniors living an active lifestyle and eating well.

• Mediterranean Diet Foods – Common foods include fresh vegetables, fruit, healthy oils, and fish. It embraces the lifestyle common to most that live in the southern area of the Mediterranean (Greece, Morocco, Italy, Turkey & the Middle East).
• The Beginnings – It wasn’t until 1993 that this type of eating became well known. It’s been an accepted, healthy option in the medical community since.
• In the News – NBC news recently focused on the fact that the diet being promotes brain health. Newest confirmations are that the diet can actually help deter normal shrinking of the brain as we age.
• Fighting Against Degenerative Diseases – As we age our immune system weakens; leaving us more prone to various diseases. This article from The Sun discusses the most recent & updated information regarding how the diet may help stave off these diseases.

5 Basics of the Diet

1. The Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid – This food pyramid visually explains the foods incorporated into this style of eating. Just like the original food pyramid created by the USDA the smaller, top area are items you eat less of and the larger bottom area indicates healthy options you want to include more of in your diet.
2. It’s a Lifestyle – What we need to remember is that any “diet plan” that is worth looking into should encompass an entire lifestyle. Eating the foods on the plan is just a part of a lifestyle; as shown by the bottom row of the food pyramid. Being active and social is a large part of following the Mediterranean lifestyle.
3. The Food – The diet is focused on heart healthy foods, high fiber foods, beans, fish, fresh fruits & vegetables, and even up to 40% of calories coming from healthy oils. Limited foods include sweets, processed foods, red meats, cheese, and no more than 4 eggs a week.
4. Focus on Taste – There is a focus on creating amazing flavor in the recipes associated with the Mediterranean diet. Fresh herbs and healthy oils help to add delightful flavors to a variety of foods in recipes from wonderful places.
5. The Health Benefits – Research and studies have proven the health benefits of following the diet. A small sample of the benefits include:
6. Anti-Aging
7. Heart Health
8. Inflammation Reduction
9. Age Related Diseases
10. Brain Health
11. Cancer Fighting
12. High in Anti-Oxidants

Join Us in Eating for Your Health

Choose to make the changes needed to increase your chances of a longer, healthier life. You deserve to enjoy your life as you age and this could be the answer for many of you, at any age.The Mediterranean Diet lets you enjoy foods that can include helping you fight against some of the negative effects of aging while enjoying a variety of fast & easy recipes.‍

Mom is struggling at your childhood home, so you’ve started your senior living search. There are so many new terms- what do they all mean? Growing up, you had only heard of nursing homes and now you seem to be at a loss for what might be the best option for mom. This is a crucial decision as mom is so important to you and her quality of care and life are very surreal concerns of yours.

Why Do We Call Them Nursing Homes?

Since the mid 1980’s the senior care industry has become acutely aware of the needs of the aging, as they are dynamic and not one size fits all. An explosion occurred in the types of facilities that are offered to those searching for an assisted living solution. These options include hybrid, hospitality, housing, and health care. Since then, the options for assisted living have only become more and more abundant. This may sound overwhelming, but Senior Living Experts exist for this exact reason; we aim to best aid the aging population in all of Chicagoland, from, Barrington, to Schaumberg, to Highland Park.

Two Major Differences

Let's unpack and shed light on the different options available for senior living. First, let’s consider what the major differences are between assisted living and a nursing home:

1. The services and care provided. For example, you may need a 24-hour nurse, or respiratory services.
2. Physical structure that your loved one might live in. Different facilities have different price points.

It is very important to note that assisted living facilities have evolved over time to fit the needs of their patrons and to make them feel more at home. There are even senior care professionals and specific designers whose job is making sure that your loved ones are being heard, listened to, and cared for.

‍Lastly, remember: care is not one size fits all. There are options that have differing levels of care, differing communities, differing costs, different living cultures, and even have varied services such as memory care. In short, the options for assisted living are abundant and we are here to help you do your due diligence to make your loved one feel at home. Knowing even these basics will aid you in finding the best assisted living facility for someone you love.

The senior living advisors at Senior Living Experts in Chicago are all planning on attending an 8 hour education course created by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners in July.We are looking forward to becoming even more educated on how to work with people with dementia and their families.Since it is such an amazing opportunity and the trainer is someone who was my first trainer when I entered the industry in 2003.  Rachelle Blough is an amazing wealth of knowledge and a great teacher.  So I thought I would spread the word about this class in case any of our colleagues in senior living in chicago would be interested in attending!Here are the details:Wednesday July 22nd 8:30-5:00pm there will be a 8 hour education course held in Lake Zurich , IL : ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA CARE SEMINAR created by www.nccdp.orgThis course includes interactive sensitivity exercises, group discussion, video media, sharing of best practices and so much more.  This course makes the participants eligible to apply with the www.nccdp.org to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner within 30 days of the course and an application will be provided in this class. Facilitated by approved instructor : Rachelle Blough C.A.D.D.C.T , C.D.P, C.T.R.S.For further information on location and how to register & to secure attendance please visit www.rachelleblough.com.There is limited availability remaining. Approximately 10 spots. Rachelle's contact information is on her site should you have any specific questions for her.

In December the CDC, along with the health care industry, brings awareness to the importance of hand washing as a way to decrease your risk for getting sick. Senior Living Experts wants to remind you of the importance of clean hands for both you and those you are in contact with daily.

Hand Washing is Important to Those in senior living facilities

No matter what type of senior living facility you may live in, it's important that everyone there be aware of the importance of washing their hands regularly. Seniors' immune systems weaken with age; even if you are otherwise healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.

• Ask - Ask your caregiver and senior living personnel to please wash their hands if they haven't done so. It's important that they practice washing their hands before and after touching you or common areas as a way to reduce spreading of germs.
• Housekeeping - If you live in a senior care facility where you have housekeeping offered or done for you, ask them to be sure to clean the surfaces every time they come. This includes wiping all counters, cleaning floors, kitchen, and bathroom with a germ killing cleaner. This AARP article addresses all natural, germ killing cleaners and techniques.
• Nature's Vaccine Companion - We recently discussed the importance of seniors being vaccinated for the flu and even pneumonia. However, combined with getting your vaccines that are recommended, washing your hands is the perfect companion to helping kill the germs that cause the flu, colds, stomach viruses, and respiratory viruses.
• Dining/Eating - It's extremely important that the proper food preparation techniques are used when making your food. You should also always wash your hands before eating anything.

Proper Hand Hygiene

Whether you live in senior housing, are in a healthcare facility, or living at home with a caregiver to help you there are some basics they should know.

5 Moments for Hand Hygiene

When you are a part of a health care scenario it's important to understand the times when hand washing is most important. According to John Hopkins these are the 5 moments when it's important for seniors or anyone that lives in a healthcare facility of any type.

1. When you enter the room (apartment) and when you leave
2. Before and after using gloves
3. Before and after touching any equipment (especially used equipment)
4. After performing anything invasive or that involves bodily fluids
5. Before and after transporting someone from one area to another

Using a hand sanitizer is not the same as properly washing your hands; however, it can be used when hand washing is not an option. This information about when and how to use hand sanitizer is very helpful.

Wash Your Hands Right

There are some basic rules to follow when washing your hands. Use these techniques for the most effective way of killing germs.

According to the CDC this is the right way to wash your hands.

1. Wet Your Hands - You can use warm or cold water. Wet your hands and apply soap. (This article from TIME Magazine discusses the newest findings on using anti-bacterial soap)
2. Lather - Rub your hands together to lather them up. Be sure to lather the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. (Use a nail brush to ensure you get under your nails for a good cleaning!)
3. Scrub for 20 Seconds - Don't rush scrubbing your hands. Sing or hum "Happy Birthday" two times to make sure you scrub long enough.
4. Rinse - Rinse your hands in running water with your fingers pointing downward for the final end of the rinsing. This technique helps to ensure that the soap and germs run off.
5. Dry - Dry your hands with a paper towel, air drier, or use a clean hand towel. The Mayo Clinic published research that shows using disposable paper towels is the most sanitary way to dry your hands.

Senior Living Experts joins the nation this month as we recognize the importance of hand washing as another way to live a healthier lifestyle.

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‍Photo 1 by red.raleigh

National Influenza Vaccination Week occurs December 4-10, 2016. Senior Living Experts would like to take the time to remind you how important it is to get your flu vaccine.

Q&A’s About National Influenza Vaccination Week

Remember, those who live in senior living facilities or work with seniors should always be vaccinated. If you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility, make it a point to get vaccinated yourself. Getting vaccinated will help you be able to stay connected with them throughout the holidays and flu season; reducing your risk of getting the flu.Q. Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine? A. Everyone! – It may sound like a broken record each year but the truth of the matter is that there are very few people who shouldn’t get the flu shot. The CDC offers these recommendations for the small amount of people who shouldn’t be vaccinated:

• Infants (anyone under 6 months)
• Those with egg allergies (in some cases)
• Anyone who has or had GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome)
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to the vaccine

Q. They say “high-risk people” should be sure to get the shot. What qualifies a person as “high-risk?” A. The CDC lists high risk people who should be certain to get vaccinated here. This list includes:

• Anyone 65 and older
• Those with certain chronic health issues; including any auto-immune disease, heart health issues, those who live in long-term care facilities, those with chronic health issues, diabetics and more. Click the link above to see a more comprehensive listing.
• Anyone who works in the health care field

Q. Where can I get the flu vaccine? A. Your doctor is the best option for getting your flu shot; however, you can find where shots are being given throughout your town via the flu finder box below.

5 Flu Facts

1. You can spread the flu virus easily – One of the main reasons for National Influenza Vaccination Week is to remind us not only to get our flu shot; but, to remind us how easy it is to get the flu. You can spread the flu to others up to 6 feet away when you sneeze and cough!
2. Even healthy, young people can get the flu – Many think that because we focus on seniors getting their flu shots each year that this means a young, healthy immune system won’t get the flu. Anyone, any age, and in any physical shape can get the flu.
3. There are ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu – While getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu; there are other ways to help reduce your risk. This free online poster from the CDC helps remind you how to reduce your risks.
4. You don’t have to have symptoms to spread the flu – You can spread the flu virus starting 1 day before you begin to experience symptoms. This is one reason why the virus spreads so quickly; because even if you try to stay away from others before you’re “sick” you may already have the virus.
5. Symptoms of the flu – People often ask what the difference is between the flu and a bad cold. This article on “Is it a cold or the flu?” will help you determine if your symptoms are most likely influenza.

Will You Stay Flu Free?

Senior Living Experts hopes that you can stay flu free this season! Take National Influenza Vaccination Week as a reminder of how important it is to stay healthy & flu free!Photo by William Brawley

Placing a loved one is already a difficult task considering they are going to a place you are not familiar with yet. To help ease this discomfort, it is important to look into the staff-to-resident ratio. This number determines how many employees are taking care of a resident at a particular time.

‍What Does This Mean?

‍In senior living, residents are placed into various levels of care depending on their personal care needs. Some residents need very little assistance during a 24-hour period, or they may only need bathing assistance a couple of times a week. Whereas, other residents may need multiple staff interactions per day for their care needs. The staffing ratios in a senior living community are based on how many residents are in each particular level of care.

If the majority of residents are in a high level of care offered by the senior living community, the staffing ratio will be higher. However, if the majority are in low levels of care, the ratios are adjusted to meet the needs of the residents.

Make sure that while you are looking at the staff-to-resident ratio, you only account for the staff that will provide personal care assistance to your loved one. It’s only direct care staff that you should be asking about, for example, nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants.

It’s important to ask if there is 24-hour nursing in a senior living community because a qualified medical staff member can determine if a resident concern is emergent or if it only requires a call to the doctor. The nurse determines if it is an emergency or not. Our goal is to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations for seniors, and having a nurse 24/7 gives you more of a chance to avoid that hospitalization.

The staff-to-resident is significant, as it determines how much personalized care a resident will receive. There will be someone there to take care of emergencies, health complications, and increase the frequency of social interactions. The staff is also there to create relationships with the residents and make sure they are socializing daily. ‍

Visiting a Senior Living Community

‍It may be a good idea to visit the community to get a feel for the staff-to-resident ratio. An important factor to consider while visiting a community is the time that you choose to go, as the number of employees on staff differs throughout the day. Have the director of sales and marketing at the community explain how the staffing ratios work so that you feel comfortable.

‍The Importance of Timing

‍In a residential apartment, there are several emergency pull cord locations. A resident can use the pull cord when they need assistance. However, the assessment done by the nursing staff prior to a resident having moved in hopefully will have anticipated a resident’s needs throughout the day. For example, if a resident typically uses the bathroom at various times a day, the goal of the staff would be to assist the resident prior to them having to even use the pull cord.

Locate the evening staff-to-resident ratio as well. Typically, through the night, the residents don’t need as much hands-on care so the ratio is lower.

An appropriate amount of staff, based on the levels of care in the entire community, will ensure that any unforeseen emergencies are taken care of swiftly. The staff will accommodate resident needs which also includes socialization and keeping the residents happy and healthy.

Keep in mind that activities staff, therapy staff members, dining staff and administrators all take part in a resident’s day as well.

‍We Can Help!

‍Senior Living Experts is here to help you determine which communities are the best fit for your loved one. We can help you break down the staff-to-resident ratio to ensure that you have a good stance on how your loved one will be taken care of in their new home.

Give us a call at 773-302-2015 to contact one of our advisors. They will be here to help you with your search!

Every November our nation takes the time to recognize and appreciate the continuous work provided by family members for Family Caregivers Appreciation Month. This year’s theme is “Take Care to Give Care” and focuses on caregivers making sure they learn how to keep themselves well while attending to their loved ones. Senior Living Experts wants to share in saying "thank you" to those who have given so much as unpaid caregivers.

Why Family Caregivers Appreciation is Important

The fact of the matter is that caregiving is a full time job that, as a family member who steps up to the plate, can often feel like nobody notices. Choosing an assisted living option is one of the best ways to keep from caregiver burnout as the sole provider of care for your loved one.Here are some facts about family caregivers that may boggle your mind...

Family Caregivers by the Numbers

Many of these numbers are provided by this 2015, stand-alone research report provided by the AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving.

• Nearly one-third of the nation is comprised of family caregivers (approximately 29%)
• More than 65 million people are unpaid caregivers according to the Caregiver Action Network statistics page
• Children are also caregivers, with 4 million children helping with the care of a family member
• The average total hours of care provided is 24.4 hours per week in 2015; while 23% provide 41 plus hours a week
• Spouses are affected the most time-wise; providing an average of 44.6 hours of care per week for their husband/wife
• Nursing tasks are becoming an increasingly difficult necessity for family caregivers with 57% taking on the tasks typically provided by skilled nurses

Finding the Right Senior Living Can Help Family Caregivers

It is important to recognize that those providing the majority of unpaid caregiving for their loved ones need a break. Because the focus on this year’s National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month is “Take Care to Give Care” we want you to understand how Senior Living Experts can help make your life as a family caregiver easier.

• Help with ADLs – Living in the right senior living facility can help with providing help with Activities of Daily L Family caregivers who remain in their homes without seeking some type of help will have to provide assistance/care for more than 50% of the typical ADLs for their loved one.
• Focus on the Caregiver – This article in the Chicago Tribune talks about how taking care of themselves helps caregivers of stroke patients live a happier life. It’s safe to say that this focus on the caregiver applies to all family caregivers being happier when they make sure that their own needs are being taken care of also. This is one reason why finding the right senior living facility can be extremely helpful to ensuring that the main caregiving needs are handled by a staff; leaving the family caregiver time to spend enjoying life’s moments instead.
• Family Stress – Finding the right senior living housing is imperative to reducing family stress. If you have the right living situation to provide care for your loved one, you will be less stress. You will also be less inclined to feel obligated to make daily visits to care for your aging parent(s) and let the senior living place of choice do their job.
• Safety – Providing senior living facilities that are designed to provide safer conditions will help you rest easier as an unpaid caregiver to your loved one. Knowing that they are in an area designed to address the specific needs of aging and safety will reduce everyone’s stress.
• Financial Stresses – The economic stresses of family caregiving can become overwhelming. Choosing senior living that is affordable for your specific budget can reduce the constant financial stresses you will be faced with while trying to provide in-home caregiving yourself.
• Trained Care – As mentioned earlier, many family caregivers are being forced to perform tasks that are typically associated with having skilled nurses or trained professionals perform. These tasks can include dealing with incontinence and adult diapers, proper bathing, dispensing medications, transporting and more.

When Seniors Care for Seniors

Senior caregivers tend to be less likely to have the help of other caregivers; especially trained, paid, professional caregivers.

1. It taxes the health of both seniors & can result in risky conditions.
2. It can become financially overwhelming.
3. Seniors will often not ask for help because of pride.
4. Spouses may try to hide conditions of their spouse for fear of them being torn apart (this can be addressed with certain options of senior living).
5. Staying “at home” is not always the right choice or the best choice; but, finding the “right home” can be!

Senior Living Experts understands how important it is for family caregivers to feel comfortable with the choices they make for their loved ones. We are here to help not only honor them during Family Caregivers Appreciation Month but to help them find the best options in taking care of themselves and their loved ones.Photo by katrena (Pixabay)

Yesterday I read an article in the paper about a study done at Tufts University in Boston. It found that if you have a high level of DHA, a fatty acid found in fish, it reduces your risk of dementia by about half.   It went on to say that those in the study that had the highest levels of DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in case you were wondering) consumed fish two or three times a week.

I can’t stand fish.  And if I do eat it, maybe two or three times a year it coated in beer batter and deep-fried.  So the cooking process has to out weigh any benefits the fish might have given me!

Dr. Ernst J. Schaefer, the lead researcher for the study thinks the same benefit can be realized by taking a fish-oil supplement but that requires more study.  So I guess in the meantime, I am going to try to find the non-fishiest fish-oil supplements I can!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

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