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Last week, we began highlighting Chicagoland individuals that go out of their way to help those vulnerable to COVID-19. Our #MentionMonday this week goes out to Mark Molinari, the football coach and Architecture and Engineering teacher at Downers Grove South High School, and other teachers in that department are creating face shields for area hospitals and healthcare workers. Pictured is an employee of Edward Hospital, Naperville, Illinois receiving masks.
Here is his letter to friends and family of Downers Grove South High School:
"Tuesday, Scott Parker, Ryan Altenburg, Mike Heinz and I came together to work on developing a prototype for Face Shields. We were able to come together and develop a relatively inexpensive shield that uses all the 3D printers we have South High. We are close to making 80 per day 7 days a week. We have been able to give away over 200 to all across the state and locally to hospitals.Not all health care workers are able to receive a face shield. If you have family, relatives or loved ones that would benefit from these shields, fill out the form. I think its important for District 99 employee families have access to these. Keep in mind we are trying to do the best we can with time and resources please only order what you need. Once the form is completed, someone from our team will contact you when your shield is ready and where you can pick your shields up."
This is what community looks like!--------------------------Keep in mind that there are tons of resources in Chicago, mostly those to help seniors. Here are just some:
We're happy to be surrounded by so many amazing people, including Mark. Interested in How Senior Living Communities are Keeping Coronavirus away? Our friends around Chicago are doing their best to keep seniors safe.
At the very least the extra layer should keep me warm, as it is so cold here in Chicago this week.
All kidding aside, I recently read an article about a recent study the AARP conducted – “The Costs of Long-Term Care: Public Perceptions Versus Reality in 2006” – where they surveyed 1,456 people ages 45 and up. They found out that while 60% said they were familiar with long-term services, only 8% even came close to estimating the average monthly cost of a nursing home ($6,266). Most gave a much lower estimate. I find this to be accurate in real life when I talk to new families.
People were also found to not know who pays for nursing care or for help with ADL’s like bathing and dressing. More than ½ incorrectly believe Medicare pays for assisted living and for extended nursing home care. (Yeah, no.)
They offered up a link to “test your knowledge of long-term care” which can be found here at www.aarp.org/longtermcare.
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When we think of elder abuse, most of us think of financial exploitation. That is the misuse or withholding of an older person's resources by another. I can think of plenty of examples.But we also need to think of other types of abuse that can be going on such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, confinement, passive neglect (caregivers failure to provide life necessities) and willful deprivation (a caregiver that willfully denies medication, care, food etc thereby exposing them to risk of physical, mental or emotional harm.)Elder abuse does not discriminate. Any ethnic backgrounds and social status can be affected as well as men and women. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 cases are even reported.If you suspect abuse, you can be a "voluntary reporter". By law, anyone making an elder abuse report in good faith has civil and criminal immunity from liability and professional disciplinary action.The reporter is NOT disclosed without the written permission of the reporter or by order of a court. Anonymous reports are accepted.The Department on Aging's 24 hour Elder Abuse Hot line is 1-866-800-1409Services are provided though local community agencies - for more information visit the state of Illinois elder abuse site.
Photo by Rene Sibulangcal from Pexels
Aging well and safely is a common goal for everyone, which is why it’s important to understand that living alone increases the risk of death. This increased risk can be attributed to a variety of reasons and can be addressed with some fairly easy decisions.
Studies have shown that living alone can result in a number of physical, mental and health issues that can result in increasing the risk of death. Most researchers conclude that the increased risk of death comes from a combination of reasons.
The focus of senior living facilities is to provide safe housing that accommodates the specific needs of the residents. Senior Living Experts can help you determine what works best for your particular needs while keeping in mind the needs of the future and your financial abilities.
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.(C*C) “Loneliness in Older Persons A Predictor of Functional Decline and Death” by Perissinotto CM, Cenzer IS, Covinsky KE., Archives of Internal Medicine - June 2012(C*CC*C) Journal of American Medicine – JAMA Research HighlightsPhoto by Windsor Senior Living
Assisted living facilities benefit from the hard work of patient transport, which contributes to fewer injuries, increased safety, improved comfort, and overall reduced risk factors. Transporting patients is something that requires skill and physical ability; whether transporting a senior safely to an appointment or helping someone with a mobility issue bathe, this is a task that – if not done properly- can lead to serious injury. Caregivers and individuals that transport patients are often referred to as the ‘feet’ of a facility, and this is an accurate misnomer; visit and browse online resources to find transport professionals, qualified caregivers, and healthcare organizations in your region.
A common reason why seniors stay at home and socially withdraw has to do with transportation hurdles. The obstacles facing many who live with mobility issues or disabilities can confine them to their home and decrease social interaction. It is estimated that over 500,000 seniors never leave their residence because they don’t have a means of transportation. When it comes to a lack of adequate transportation, 31% of individuals with physical disabilities indicate problems getting where they need to go compared to 13% of the general population voicing this same complaint.
Transporting patients is not as simple as showing up with a vehicle; many may require lifts, rails, or other safety measures to ensure injury doesn’t occur. Healthcare facilities assert that transporting any patient is a critical moment in care- and one that should never be underestimated or harried. assisted living facilities typically train and invest resources in providing skill-sets to staff that prepares them for safe transports. Proper patient transport eliminates many hazards and complications that can arise when trying to move someone with a mobility issue or disability:Protects the patient. Naturally, the goal of safe patient transport is to protect the person being transported. Safe handling practice and techniques are taught in healthcare settings to reduce risks to the patient, as well as to familiarize transporters with equipment and devices, such as lifts.Keeps staff safe. Staff can become injured when transporting patients, particularly if protocols are not followed. Injuries leave healthcare settings short-staffed, can drain resources, and cause professional caregivers to leave the field. Devices and mobility aids are as prudent in protecting the transporter as the patient.Curbs caregiver injury. Additionally, many caregivers and loved ones may attempt to move, transport, or accompany seniors with disabilities or mobility issues, which can result in injuries. If the caregiver is not trained and qualified to transport, they should reach out to services and aides in the area for assistance. The risks to caregivers could be life-altering accidents which result in pricey injuries and painful repercussions.Prevents property damage. Anyone using transport devices, like ceiling lifts or vehicle lifts, should be trained thoroughly to avoid any potential damage to the equipment. Comprehensive instruction regarding the utility of lifts and supports will reduce the incidence of damage or deterioration.Reduces overall risks. Seniors and consumers with disabilities are not the only ones who utilize transport; critically ill patients may also require this level of care and support when attending routine appointments, engaging with others, or simply completing ADLs (activities of daily living). Critically ill patients are at an even higher risk of harm from transport, which in some instances, may include death. The chance of infection jumps every time a vulnerable person leaves the confines of a home or hospital setting; make sure that they are transported with the utmost care.
National Patient Transportation Week is an observation each November that pays attention and tribute to those that provide transport, care, and support to individuals living with disabilities. This annual observance recognizes the dedication of those that work in the field of patient care and lauds transporters who contribute to keeping patients safe across the US. This is the perfect time to call out those that support and assist you or your loved one regularly, as well as a great opportunity to dedicate some time and donate efforts to someone living with a mobility issue or physical disability. Make this year’s observance be your cue to give something back.
Do your homework and refer to online resources when seeking reliable and reputable transport services to assist your loved one, client, or consumer get where they need to go. Narrow-down the field of services and practitioners with client feedback, online ratings, and reviews to find professionals in your geographic area to assist in the transport of someone with a mobility issue or physical disability.Let Senior Living Experts guide you in the right direction and help you find qualified patient transport, practitioners, and healthcare in the region. From the comfort of home, review feedback, reviews, and contact information for service providers that will help your loved one maintain autonomy and quality of life. Transport is one piece of assisting seniors with mobility issues and disabilities, and it is an integral one; recognize the dedication that professionals in this field possess by observing National Patient Transportation Week in November.
Retirement communities in the Gurnee area have five tips to help prevent infection that work. These include proper hand hygiene, good oral habits, and immunizations. People get sick; but when an older person catches a cold or gets infected with the flu, it can cause some life-threatening consequences. Preventing infection and the transmission of germs are key priorities among those that work with older populations, as many may have compromised immune systems that could make them especially susceptible to diseases, illnesses, and viruses. Senior Living Experts can help you find practitioners to offer preventative strategies for avoiding illness, and for preserving health and well-being for seniors.
Preventing infection is a group effort, especially in communal living situations. Do what the hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities do to prevent the spread of contagions, germs, and infection- especially during times of healthcare crisis, such as during flu outbreaks.
Wash hands frequently and insist that providers and caregivers do the same; better yet, make sure they wear gloves. Make sure to follow techniques for hand-washing to ensure the prevention of germs and transmission of infectious diseases:
Good oral care and hygiene is directly linked to the prevention of illnesses and infection. Plaque on the teeth can break-free and travel through the bloodstream, blocking arteries leading to your major organs. The result may be a heart attack, stroke, or dangerous blood-clot. There is a common misconception that seniors who wear dentures are excluded from the risks of poor oral and dental hygiene, which is simply untrue. Wash, brush, and soak dentures to prevent bacteria, rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals, and brush the inside of your mouth daily.
Immunizations are key in avoiding infectious illnesses and diseases, like an outbreak of influenza. Retirement communities frequently sponsor clinics and events that offer free or discounted immunizations and vaccines for seniors, which can make these healthcare options accessible and convenient. Regular visits to your doctor will pinpoint immunizations needed to prevent disease, while also sharing with you the risks or potential side-effects.
Sniffling, sneezing, and coughing is inevitable; the problem comes from the transmission of germs from the hands of those that are ill to objects, fixtures, and people around them. Learn the ‘vampire-cough’ technique to avoid spreading germs through the air.Cough and sneeze like Dracula:
Retirement communities suggest avoiding contact with others who are struggling with illness or not feeling well. Furthermore, if you don’t feel well, stay at home and try to contain your germs until it passes. Contact your physician for recommendations and treatment. Retirement communities are screening staff for symptoms daily, which is key, as well as informing visitors of potential infection risk. Keeping infection contained until treated may be the best approach in communal living situations.Also, staff or caregivers that are not feeling well should not be permitted to work or provide services until they receive an endorsement from a medical provider on or off-site. These individuals are exposed to a variety of individuals, illnesses, and bacteria daily; when their immune systems are jeopardized by a virus or illness, they could be contagious to the clients in their care. Retirement communities and acute-care settings have specific protocols in place that do not tolerate sick staff coming into these healthcare environments.
There are times and situations that can cause concern regarding an outbreak or epidemic of an infectious illness. Maintain regular check-ups with your doctor- and make sure those that provide care also get a clean bill of health before working closely with your loved one. An infectious disease or illness can provide life-altering consequences for seniors or others with compromised immunity systems.Senior Living Experts is available online to help connect consumers with the providers, services, and practitioners needed to improve health and overall quality of life. Let their support professionals assist you in finding residential, assisted-living, or acute nursing care for your loved one, or work with them to find caregivers in your area. Use these tips to mimic the protocols of healthcare settings and prevent the transmission of germs and spread of infection to keep your senior safe and well.
I’m the youngest of seven kids. Irish/Catholic? How ever did you guess? Our parents lived in their home for about twenty-five years and were seventy-nine and seventy-six. They both survived cancer and at this point, neither of them had a significant diagnosis of any sort. We began to notice though that their days were filled with obligations only, such as doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, car and home maintenance. There was absolutely no fun, no relaxation, and it certainly didn’t look like the “Golden Years”.My dad started to get softly addicted to trying to figure out his computer and the Internet, which fascinated him. Mom was starting to feel that he was occupied only by screen time and expressed to us kids that it was monopolizing his days. As my dad’s gait became worse, we worried about the stairs in the home. The outside home maintenance he insisted on doing himself, even though between the seven of us, we were willing to make a schedule to help.Three out of four of the daughters in the family work for seniors in some capacity. I help seniors in finding senior living and home care options in the Chicagoland area. My sister Eileen is an Elder Law Attorney and Rita is the Sales and Marketing Director for a Continuing Care Retirement Community. The four daughters sort of take the lead on any issues or concerns we have with mom and dad. We collaborate on what to do moving forward and we fill our three brothers in from there. It works well! We’re lucky to have a functioning dynamic in our family where all of us want to work collectively toward the best scenario for our parents.After the seven of us communicating and agreeing that mom and dad needed a change in their living arrangement, we decided to ask them to meet one Saturday afternoon. We started the conversation with some of our concerns such as dad going outside shoveling after a fresh snowfall, or mom taking care of the household duties, but never having any kind of outlet of her own. We talked about the need for socialization that would be at their fingertips, instead of the effort in making plans, which didn’t seem to happen anymore. We talked about the negative effects of too much screen time to dad, and suggested that if given more easily accessible active opportunities, he may take advantage of those more readily.And as the tears started flowing on both sides, we talked about wanting more for them in their later years. Keeping up with day- to- day obligations………..don’t we all hope for more than that in our later years? It was so hard. We all felt sadness, guilt, and as if we just started some sort of grieving process. We did. We felt the loss of what mom and dad used to be capable of and the great memories made in their house. We grieved the fact that we were the children being raised by mom and dad. Now, who is calling the shots? That’s a hard pill to swallow on both sides, I believe. We knew this was the worse, before it could get better.It’s not an easy process and I don’t take for granted that my siblings provide an invaluable support system. But as hard as the conversation was, it needed to be done. Our parents were failing before our eyes. Here are some tips and observances I have noticed over the last twenty years of working for seniors:
Some may even say they are “declining”. A lot of seniors are fearful of falling and being alone, especially at night. However, it’s not often you will hear the senior say, “I think I’m ready to change my living arrangement, can we go look at some senior living communities?” If you hear this, you have been blessed! More often, it’s the adult child bringing up the possibility of changing living arrangements, and you know what? Often times your senior loved one experiences a sense of relief when you say those words.
Oh they won’t act happy, no! They will tell you all of the reasons why they should stay in their home, or all the reasons why they don’t need a caregiver to help them out in their home, but deep down inside, they agree. Here is yet another time when it will get worse before it gets better. The senior may give you the cold shoulder or lay some guilt on you at this point. It’s okay. You have made it this far, so test your armor and keep pushing forward. Most seniors are ready, but they will never tell you that. ! It will get better. I promise.
This way, the staff is familiar with the senior and can detect any changes that the physician should become aware of. Also, it’s important that as the senior’s health status changes, they have become connected to their new home, environment, routine, and staff. Versus waiting until a major health status change to make the move out of their home, now they senior is not only grieving the process of leaving their home, but they’re also grieving their prior better health.
It’s too much all at once. My family’s proactive stance with our parents served us well when eighteen months after their move, my dad was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and Vascular Dementia. Our mom was diagnosed with Dementia as well. So to have gotten these diagnoses was a major blow. But we were so thankful that we took action when we did so that we were dealing with the “new normal” of learning about these diagnoses and how to treat them, versus the diagnoses plus the enormity of moving our parents at the same time.
Take action when your senior loved one is healthy. Do not wait for a crisis. Decisions will be made hastily and that will result in a more traumatic transition for your loved one. Get ahead of any future diagnosis so when/if that time comes, your senior loved one is declining in the comfort of what has now become their home.
Whether we promised our family we would never place them in senior living, or feeling that nobody can take care of them the way family can, or preserving assets for as long as possible are all ways that we may be getting in the way of your loved one realizing their full potential as an aging adult.
If there are no assets owned by the senior, it is true that family may need to collaborate on caring for their loved one in order to keep them at home. When their care becomes too advanced, Medicaid skilled nursing would be the option at this point. The family would want to either apply for Medicaid for their loved one or see an Elder Law Attorney to do it. They may also want to consider pre-planning a funeral with any assets that may be left. As hard as it is to discuss these things, it’s reality. However, if there are assets, sometimes making the decision to transition to senior living while still healthy can protect your financial future.
As I mentioned, my parents were diagnosis free when they first made the transition to their Continuing Care Retirement Community. Because of this, they were able to get what is called a “Life Care Contract”. This means that even as their level of care goes from independent living, to assisted living, to skilled nursing, they will never pay market rate for a higher level of care. They will continue to pay the rate they are currently paying in independent living (barring any yearly increases which 3-6% is normal for senior living). This is a protection of their assets and had they waited until one of them had a diagnosis to make a move, they would not have qualified for this Life Care Contract.
The truth is, the staff who choose to work in senior living communities are a different breed. They genuinely enjoy the seniors they work for everyday and consider them to be like family. There is real ownership taken of the happiness and dignity that the residents are made to feel on a daily basis. So when family visits, they are seeing the best in their loved one. Most often when I call my parents, they aren’t home. This is a good thing! They are busy doing activities from after breakfast until 3:30pm when “Jeopardy” comes on! Even sometimes in the evening, they are downstairs watching entertainment of some sort.
This has become their home. A home that just so happens to have any kind of activity at your fingertips available all day everyday. A home that serves them great meals so this is no longer a chore of moms. A home where they have met new friends and meet up with them for dinner, card games, and swimming dates. Make sure you are not in the way of your senior loved one experiencing their Golden Years to the fullest. They will love their new lifestyle. It may take some transition time, but they will love it. Oh, and remember the cold shoulder you may have gotten? That will eventually fade as well.
I often suggest to my clients to get your senior’s doctor involved. Calling up the doctor and asking for assistance in bringing up the subject at the next appointment or if you choose to bring it up, having the doctor site reasons why he/she is encouraging a lifestyle change. A lot of seniors view their physicians’ opinions as extremely valuable and rely on their guidance. So, having the doctor help support you can be a great tool to take at least some of the weight off of your shoulders.
Another option is to work with a Geriatric Care Manager, Nurse Practitioner, or Senior Counselor to help your loved one hear concerns of yours, but through an unrelated third party. We know that we often get the brunt of any anger our loved one may have once they know your proposed plans for them. However, when the information is coming from a third party, it may come across as more objective and your senior may take it and truly contemplate a change.
AARP in a December 2011 article listed the “6 Signs of Caregiver Burnout” as feeling furious one minute and sad the next, catching illnesses easily, snapping at everyone, not exercising, no social life, and being the one and only go-to caregiver. According to an article written by S. Zarit in 2006 titled, “Assessment of Family Caregivers: A Research Perspective”, estimates show that about 40%-70% of caregivers have significant symptoms of depression and one quarter to one half of these caregivers meet diagnostic criteria for Major Depression.
Caregivers have the hardest job in the world, in my opinion. They can’t do it forever and they can’t do it alone. At some point, assistance needs to be brought into the home via caregiver service or the seniors’ living situation needs to change. A lot of guilt surrounds the concept of “giving up” and changing the seniors living arrangement instead of charging forward with the hardest job in the world. But who is this really helping? The senior is not being socialized, not enjoying their lives. They feel safe at home, yes, but if they are still on this earth, than there is life to be lived! So go live it! Even if it’s different and more limited than in the past, there are still friendships to be made, new hobbies to try, new freedoms to experience that home cannot give the senior.
Take “giving up” out of the equation and replace it with “giving more”.
At home, there comes a point where you’ve done all you can do. The access to personalized care, activities, three meals a day, housekeeping services, and transportation is ready and waiting to be taken advantage of to the fullest extent by the senior. At some point, the caregiver needs to hand the baton to the senior living community that is well equipped in its’ physical plant to safely allow residents to navigate their apartments, and has the loving staff who make sure residents are happy and well cared for on a daily basis. There is strength in numbers and more support that a community provides. Give more doesn’t mean the caregiver gave up.
When we raise teenagers, we hear the term “tough love” a lot. It means that what we’re about to do or say to the child won’t be well received, but we are confident that one day, the child will realize it was all out of love. It came from the heart. It was not easy, but it was for the best.
At some point, the roles reverse in life. It’s a strange feeling. Giving tough love to your parent or senior loved one is no different. It comes from a place in your heart that wants to protect the life of a person that you love so much. A little tough love certainly never hurt anyone. The outcome is usually a very good one. Getting there may be bumpy, but the end result which is happiness, safety, and dignity for our elderly loved one is worth every uncomfortable, strange feeling during the process.
My good friend, Jill Herrmann, called me about two years ago thinking it was time for her mom, Adele, to consider a move. Adele was in a large home about a half hour from Jill, so it was a bit of a trek to get to her. Adele’s passion is to dance! She travels to Indiana from the Chicago area every Wednesday to go to a dance they have there! Even though Adele is definitely a mover and a shaker, Jill could see the signs of dementia in her mom and knew they needed to get ahead of a further decline.Reluctantly, Adele toured several communities with Jill and I to find the right fit. They found a Continuing Care Retirement Community for Adele that allowed her to choose all of the finishes in her apartment and she was also able to keep her beloved dog. When Adele first moved in, she felt like an outcast. She felt that friendships had already been made and wasn’t sure where she fit in. Jill and I knew in just a short time, with Adele’s larger than life personality, she would soon be running the ship!I’m proud to share this latest text with you that I got from Jill over this past weekend. It reads: “Hello Sunshine, I had to tell you this! Last night, Adele told me that she hated to admit it, but I was right about her new community. She loves it and the people are so wonderful. She has made so many friends. She told me that she loves the interaction everyday! I can’t tell you what a relief it was to me. I cried of joy! Thank you my friend. “Anything worth anything in this world is not always easy to get, but happiness, no matter the age, is worth fighting for every time. The conversation is not an easy one to have, and it may sting for a while causing sadness and grief. But as you can see from Adele’s story, and the fact that my parents are always out and about doing something new everyday, the transitions seniors make turn out to be very worth the challenges. Our seniors deserve the best that the world has to offer. Age is a number. Life is to be lived to the fullest. The answers are out there. Have the courage to seek them and hold your senior loved ones hand all along the way. They’ll see the light eventually, and when they’re ready, they’ll turn to you and say, “Thank you for loving me the way you do.”
There are a number of signs that point to the need for looking into the many senior living options available to you for an aging loved one. However, finding the perfect fit isn't always easy; which is why Senior Living Experts can help make your decision easier.
It has been my experience that too many families wait until thereis a crisis to consider assisted living for their loved one. When acrisis happens, the senior is usually frail and unable to takeadvantage of all the benefits assisted living has to offer.
Many families tell us the wished they would have moved their loved ones sooner.
What are some signs that it is time to seriously consider assisted living?
Difficulty performing daily activities:
Memory loss:
Medication concerns:
Lack of Socialization:
Fear:
Safety concerns:
Patricia Grace is one of the many passionate elder care advisers that I follow on Twitter. I recently ran across this article of hers and had to share as it is such a common question I get when people find out what I do. Here is the beginning of the article:Making the decision to move a parent or loved from their home intoan assisted living, retirement or nursing community is never an easydecision. If you find yourself questioning the safety of your parent(s)living alone then perhaps you and your family should consider thefollowing:• Are you concerned your loved one might wander off and not find their way home?• Are you unable to provide daily social interaction with your loved?• Are you getting frustrated and angry caring for your loved one?Ifyou answered yes to these questions then the time might be right tomove that elderly person to a senior housing community. Although makingthe decision to move a loved one can be very emotional and difficult,once it has been accomplished it can lead to an improved quality oflife for everyone involved.Talking about making changes in your loved one's life and discussing the number of senior living options available can be a difficult but important conversation and we can help find the option that's right for you.Photo by kimheimbuch0 (Pixabay)
“Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” has practically become part of American culture at this point, but sometimes medical alert systems aren’t enough- that’s why you’ve moved your elderly parent to a senior living community. Part of the reason is the fear of falling, as falling for seniors can often be detrimental, leading to broken bones and long healing times, so avoidance is key. Senior living communities here in Chicago, from Artis, to Brookdale, to Presbyterian Homes take steps by ensure the health and safety of their residents.
When working with elderly in senior care one of the most important things to know is a resident's history, this includes their medical and cognitive history, as well as if they’ve ever fallen in the past. Knowing if a resident suffers from symptoms like vertigo can be key in keeping the appropriate living environment to fit their needs. Also being aware of what medications residents take and their side effects is good for fall prevention. Cognitive wellness also plays a role in falling diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s can greatly affect balance. Parkinson's specifically has a symptom of postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) which can lead to falls. Knowing falling history can also be helpful in assisted living facilities so staff can try to avoid past problems.
Another helpful way a senior living facility avoids falls is preventative exercise and workout plans that focus on a resident's core muscles. Exercises that emphasize balance are key and many can be done inside without gym equipment.
Tripping can often lead to a fall for seniors so avoiding tripping hazards is important to senior care facilities. One way to do this is by minimizing clutter in residents' rooms and walkways. Staff should be attentive to fallen items and displaced furniture. Adding grippy flooring in areas is also helpful. Marking any step or ramp incline brings awareness to seniors on the obstacle and helps them ask for assistance if needed.
Hand and guard rails are also useful tools of avoidance. Many senior care facilities are careful in the placement of these by placing them in key areas like by beds, toilets and bathtubs can help seniors maintain their balance in tough situations. In long stretches of hallway rails are also useful to help with fatigue when walking by giving residents a place to hold for stability.
As we age our eyesight often declines too, so by having areas well-lit it helps to improve senior's awareness of their surroundings which can help them reduce trips and falls. Proper bright lighting is both cost effective and easy. Key areas such as communal spaces, bedrooms, and hallways should always have good lighting.
Another key aspect to fall avoidance in assisted living is adequate staff and aids. Residents should always be able to contact staff via call buttons or other tools. Having friendly staff available and ready to help and assist reduces the chances of a senior trying to do something on their own with the potential risk of a fall or injury.
When looking into senior living in the Chicagoland area these 6 tips are a necessity for any facility to avoid falls for the wellness of your loved ones. Whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Inverness, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and Hoffman Estates, safety should be a top priority while you age!
Scleroderma patients benefit from assisted living facilities with mobility support and continuity of care, as well as monitoring organ function. Around 300,000 people in the US struggle with scleroderma. Females with scleroderma outnumber men around four-to-one. All ages can be afflicted, though this condition raises additional health concerns and complications for seniors. Diagnosing can be tricky, but most individuals with this health condition are diagnosed by age 55. The symptoms and signs of scleroderma require medical intervention, and assisted living is a viable and practical option.
While there is no cure for scleroderma, there are interventions that can detect issues and predict complications. These approaches can also contribute to making the individual more comfortable. These interventions might include a regimen of medications, physical and occupational therapy, and surgical procedures, according to your provider’s recommendations.
Those living with scleroderma may notice some difficulty with mobility and movement, as this can become limited as the skin becomes swollen or tight. Joints and muscles may feel stiff, making it more challenging to walk and complete basic tasks. Scleroderma patients may also contract Raynaud's disease, which can cause permanent damage and possible infection to the fingers and toes. This may require surgical amputation in severe cases. assisted living staff can help patients recover after surgery and provide the physical therapy needed to return to their normal routine. Adaptive devices may help individuals with mobility, such as walkers or canes, but also with simple strategies such as larger-handled utensils which can make a world of difference when eating.
Seniors with scleroderma may develop pulmonary hypertension, which causes the blood vessels in the lungs to shrink and narrow. This manifests in shortness of breath, which at times, may require oxygen. When this persists, it can cause permanent lung damage and breathing issues, that could require a lung transplant in some isolated instances. Staff at assisted living residences can provide respiration as needed, as well as provide some different types of respiratory therapy that could increase and improve oxygenation and the ability to breath.Patients with scleroderma that are experiencing edema, or swelling and fluid build-up, may also experience breathing difficulty that can be improved with interventions that target the swelling. This might include prescription medications, elevated legs during sleeping, and a low-salt diet.
Scleroderma can wreak havoc with the organs, including your kidneys and heart. Symptoms of kidney failure include headache, vision trouble, edema, shortness of breath, and inability to urinate. Congestive heart failure is a risk of the scarring that scleroderma can cause around the heart. Symptoms of inflammation around the heart include chest pain and difficulty breathing due to fluid build-up. assisted living facilities have on-site medical personnel to keep residents comfortable while assessing their organ function regularly.
Scleroderma can cause difficulty swallowing, in addition to breathing, which brings about the need for personal support with activities of daily living, or ADLs. Staff at assisted-living facilities can help with eating, drinking, and prevent the risk of aspiration, which could lead to pneumonia especially in older populations. Heartburn is another common side-effect of the esophageal issues that scleroderma may cause; assisted-living staff will make residents more comfortable when experience these symptoms, and may be able to plan a diet that is non-acidic and that doesn’t cause heartburn to flare-up.
Scleroderma is a long-term, often-progressive illness that can get worse over time. The facilities and staff at Senior Living Experts provides a holistic solution to scleroderma symptoms that can improve quality of life. Symptoms may manifest and exacerbate which speaks to the need of a continuum of care, as varied situations crop-up with scleroderma, such as dental problems. As scleroderma causes facial skin to tighten, this can decrease the size of your mouth, which makes taking care of your teeth more challenging. Dry-mouth is another symptom, which increases the propensity for periodontal disease and decay. It is important to be vigilant when it comes to predicting and treating scleroderma symptoms.Senior Living Experts has a lot to offer seniors with scleroderma, including these five daily functions. Ongoing assessment is key when treating scleroderma patients, since this is a long-term, often progressive medical condition. Contact Us for more information related to senior residential care facilities for support and treatment of advanced scleroderma, for the support and medical intervention needed to take back your life.Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scleroderma/home/ovc-20206014
https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/scleroderma.pdf
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176357.php
http://www.scleroderma.org/site/PageNavigator/patients_whatis.html#.WTVlYWjyvIV
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331197-overview
Senior Living Experts prides itself as a means for seniors to find the best living style for senior independence. For some it can mean finding non-medical in home care; while others prefer assisted living facilities.
Our goal is to help you find the best option to fit your needs. As it is explained here focus is on many different areas; while trying to find the best way to keep seniors independent. Let’s compare in home care and assisted living.
Non-medical home care is sometimes referred to as caregiving, in home care, or home care assistance. The main points of this type of lifestyle are listed below.
In most cases assisted living is referring to living in senior facilities that offer various degrees of help to the residents.
You can see our local average price listings for the Chicago area; but remember we can provide services beyond just Chicago.This listing provides average cost information for non-medical in home care services by state.This listing provides average cost information on assisted living by state.
National Senior Independence Month is a time to celebrate the options we now have as we age. Only you can decide what gives you the most independence, along with safety and affordability.Senior Living Experts is here to offer anyone free assistance in finding the best option for aging in the right place for you. We want seniors to not only embrace senior independence but understand the options available as you age well no matter where you choose to do it!Photo by brenkee (Pixabay)
There is no question that declining with age is common and can affect both physical and/or mental decline. However, as we see the numbers of aging adults increase drastically we can also see that aging in and of itself has changed through the generations.
First let's all agree that we are all different and there is no "typical" standard for aging. We all age differently; however, some factors may be acceptable as a part of declining with age.
ARCD refers to how our minds change with age; in particular the cognitive declining with age that many can experience. Some changes are acceptable; while other changes are often brushed aside as "just typical aging" when they are not typical aging, especially when it affects your overall quality of life.
Our bodies decline with age; however, how quickly our bodies decline can often be controlled with a proactive lifestyle to age healthy.
Photo by brenkee / Pixabay
"My grandpa moved in last Thursday and is loving it. He says they treat him like a king. If only we could have convinced him of that sooner."
I just received this email from a granddaughter I was working with over the past few months. It was a long hard road to get the whole family on board. In fact, it was one of the daughters who was holding on to the idea of having her father stay in his home more than the man himself. He was tired of caring for the big house. Plus, it had lots of stairs that he just could not get up and down anymore. The first call to me was triggered because he had fallen in the kitchen and laid on the floor for almost a day before he was found.
Now he is living in a brand new construction building not far from his original home. He has his own apartment and gets three hot meals a day.
More importantly he is getting attention and love from staff and other residents. (He is a big flirt and the ratio is in his favor...)
Not that his family didn't give him attention, but they can't cater to him 24 hours a day like many of the buildings I work with. As a person who used to work in one, we love to do it and thats why we are there.
Don't wait until its too late to enjoy all these lovely communities have to offer. I hate to see someone stay isolated and unsafe in their home, or even worse, go straight from home to the hospital to a nursing home.
March is National Kidney Health Month and Senior Living Experts would like to share information to help you determine how Chicago assisted living facilities could help you promote better kidney health. Your kidneys are extremely important organs that do more than simply remove toxins from your body.
The services we provide can be exceptionally helpful if you are dealing with kidney function issues. Finding you a senior living facility that understands how to deal with kidney health can make big difference in your quality of life.
There are a number of ways that finding the right assisted living facility can help you maintain kidney health; especially if you are at risk or already battling kidney disease. Living with help around you can make a world of difference in your quality of life.
You can sign up today for a free subscription of Kidney Living by The National Kidney Foundation. You can also read past issues or just enjoy each issue online. Check it out here!
Senior Living Experts can make it happen! Whether it’s dealing with kidney health or other health issues, it’s time to take charge of your life and find the place that fits your needs.(C*C) According to the NIDDK – NIH “Your Kidneys and How They Work”Photo by TheArches
Are you helping care for a parent, spouse or other loved one?The Chicago Department on Aging Caregiver Advisory Council and the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center - Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (say that three times fast...) are your are your hosts for this FREE upcoming event.
Friday, May 25th, 2007
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Feinberg Pavilion
251 E. Huron, 3rd Floor Conference Room A
Chicago, IL 60611
Admission is free and REDUCED parking available. Also - free RESPITE services are available. Topics will include: Managing Caregiving Stress Understanding Difficult Behaviors Caring for a Loved One with Parkinson's Disease Memory - What's Normal and What Isn't and much more...As usual there will also be free resource tables where you can speak to an expert one on one. I will be hosting a table on ... of course... senior living options in Chicago! Stop by and say hello!
Usually when someone calls me looking for senior living I simply ask them what the situation is and let them talk. (and talk and talk if necessary!). Many times I can glean most of the information I need to determine what the current level of care will be and what they might be looking for in a senior living building.
However, I don’t always get the WHOLE story so it is up to me to probe to make sure we make the right choice. Some of the other questions I might ask or you might ask yourself are:
1. Is the senior driving? (And should they be driving?)
2. How is their memory? Are they wandering and unsafe? Confused? Repeating the same stories or
questions over and over? Forgetting to eat or dress or take medications?
3. Is the person ambulatory? Do they use a cane, walker or wheelchair and do they need help
transferring out of a bed or chair or off the toilet?
4. What is their age? Some buildings are age restricted.
5. Can they bathe on their own? Do they currently bath with assistance in a tub where as a walk in
shower with shower seat might allow them to bathe independently?
6. How are their eating habits? Are they diabetic? On any special diets? Are they skipping meals or
failing to make meals and losing weight?
7. Can they manage their own medications from order, to picking them up to taking them on time?
Do they just take pills or are they also using eye drops, patches and injections?
8. Can they dress themselves? Are they wearing the same clothes all the time, even if dirty or are
they not even changing out of their sleepwear? Are they grooming themselves? How is their
hygiene? Is the hair and makeup still getting done or have they given up. Do they need a shave?
Are they caring for their teeth properly?
9. Are the incontinent? Bladder or Bowl or both? Are they managing it or does a caregiver have to
help them change or notify them they have had an accident?
10. What social activities do they enjoy or did they once enjoy?
After asking that many questions I not only get a much clearer picture of where they might go to get the best care for them, but it also helps the family to think of issues they may have been ignoring.
It’s the answers to those questions that help us determine if independent living, assisted living or supportive living would be best. It also helps us determine the cost involved. For example, if I had found out the person was diabetic and needed assistance with injections, then that would require a nurse in the building 7 days a week to do the injection. Either they move into independent living and hire a nurse to come in a do it (very expensive) or they choose an assisted living building that has nurses on duty at least 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, nurse administered medications will cost more than just having a medication care manager remind you to take your pills.
Photo by Pixabay.
One of my dear friends, Daryl Isenberg has thought up another way to record your advance directive decisions. Literally. She will record them.
She can walk you through 30 minutes of advance directive training and then a 30 minute digital camcorder interview that can be stored on DVD.
She says "This on-camera record of your end-of-life care wishes will inform and empower the person you trust to speak for you if you can't speak for yourself. It can put to rest difference of opinion among well-meaning family and physicians. This recording can [also] open the discussion you continue to have with significant people in your life."
Daryl studies survivorship in life-threatening illness support groups and holds a PhD in counseling psychology from Northwestern University.
I met Daryl when she was first considering an assisted living residence for her mother Sylvia. I eventually got to know Sylvia better when her mom moved into the community where I worked. She is dearly missed by all of us. Daryl is a caring, helpful and warm person. The kind of person I am glad to have as a friend.
To learn more please feel free to contact me personally via email, (click on the "me") and I will put you in touch with her.
Photo by Pixabay/Pexels
This article is published by Elizabeth Kaydanovsky a Chicagoland-based Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She can be contacted at elizabethleah.com.Are you starting to explore senior living options for a loved one? If this is crossing your mind and you are starting to do research, it’s time to have an open and honest conversation with your elderly mother or father. Change can be scary. There are so many questions, moving parts, emotions, and research involved in making a decision for the future that affects the entire family, and while Senior Living Experts can help find the best place for them, your loved one must be willing to go.Transition can be taxing physically, emotionally and mentally, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be if done right! This requires honest conversations, discussing non-negotiables, research, and manageable action steps with your senior parents.
Honest Communication (AKA the Taboo of Senior Living)
Effective change starts with honest communication, always! So many subjects are taboo or delicate and many avoid bringing them to light with the people that matter most to them.Conversations about assisted living and senior living can be triggering with your elderly mother or father, but again – they don’t have to be. If you create an honest, safe space to talk, your parents will be so much more open to exploring solutions. It requires a partnership, a place where both parties have equal input and most importantly listen to each other. No parent will shun the conversation if you approach them with compassion, care, and genuine love. Be honest with your family member about why you’re considering a senior living community. Ask them to express their feelings, fears, and non-negotiables as you navigate this process.
Non-Negotiables
Your parents are entitled to their list of non-negotiables – in relationships, in work, and definitely in senior care. Their list can start out as long as they want just to get all their thoughts on paper. Then together, you can go through and highlight top priorities. What remains are the non-negotiables. And be open and agile in conversation with your senior – again, listen to them. Their list of non-negotiables may not be what you expect, but you should respect it regardless. Always keep in mind that this is their transition, and they’ve soul-searched for what is most important to them. Now the goal is to take this final list and reference it throughout your research.
Research
Any successful decision requires thorough research. Hard facts make transition much less scary – when you know what to expect, you pop the bubble of the unknown (or at least substantially minimize it). Cross-reference your non-negotiables to what an assisted living community recommended by your Senior Living Expert offers – present facts, numbers, and available amenities to your senior and give them some space and time to think. Look through the website together and get their initial feelings and reaction.The next step is physically exploring the senior living community together. Keep in mind that your family member may change his or her mind once they see it (and that’s okay! There are other options). Know that their thoughts and feelings are valid. This is new, unchartered territory for them, and therefore can create resistance or pause. Change requires baby steps.
Baby Steps
Successful change only happens through manageable action – baby steps. Take as small of steps as your elderly parent feels comfortable with. Meet them where they are and guide them at their pace. Do not pressure or delay their timeline – go as fast or slow as your parent, grandparent, or family member needs. Keep in mind that they know themselves and they also do not want to cause you any unnecessary worry or stress – they are doing the best they can. Always assume positive intent as they navigate a decision that will affect the rest of their life, and be a source of strength and support throughout.Transition can be a really positive space to be in – it requires you to get real, honest, and take action towards what you truly want, and your Expert is there to help. To make it seamless, your loved one needs support, understanding, love and actionable steps that feel safe and comfortable – this approach can make it a beautiful experience.
As we are battling the dog days of summer, make sure that you and your senior loved ones are beating the heat safely with these tips and tricks!
Heat stroke affects those 50 and older more than any other age group. It’s important to keep seniors safe during the hot summer heat, so we're reminding you with these tips for beating the heat safely.
There are a number of reasons why living in a senior care facility can be a better option for beating the heat safely.
Senior Living Experts can help you find a safe place for the seniors in your life so you don’t have to worry about weather extremes. Beating the heat safely isn’t a problem if you let us take care of you!Photo by stux / Pixabay
What’s should you look for in a community? As our loved one’s age, we may find the need for additional care for them to remain happy and healthy. Moving your loved one into any senior living community is a big decision for every family, so here are a few things you should look for when moving them into a memory care community.
One of the top priorities for those who suffer from memory related diseases is a safe and secure living environment. This is carried out in a couple different ways first being 24/7 on site staff for residents. This is beneficial in memory care communities because things can be quite confusing for those with Dementia and Alzheimer's, so it really helps to always have care staff present. Doors and entrance ways are also closely monitored to make sure no residents accidentally wander off. Easy to navigate floor plans along with lots of natural light are also great for those with memory related diseases. If your loved one enjoys the outdoors you may look for a community that has good enclosed outdoor space.
Diseases and people both change and progress with time so do their needs. When initially moving your loved one into a community they may have early stage dementia and be somewhat independent. That may change over time as the disease progresses and you want a community that will be very flexible with these changes. Care plans can also be changed due to non-Alzheimer's related reasons such as mobility and when this happens you want a community who will adapt to care for your loved one.
Many memory care communities often have care staff that have undergone additional training, or are specialized in caring for those who suffer from memory related illnesses. When looking for a community, you want to find one with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Another good thing to look for a care staff that values continuing education to keep up with the most recent dementia care techniques. When moving your loved ones into a community the staff there will be the ones, they may engage with the most so it is especially important to make sure you think your loved one can thrive under their care.
No one knows your loved ones as well as you do. When you visit different communities, it is important that you ask questions and get answers. The staff is there to best take care of your loved ones and they want to help you find the right fit. If your loved one has certain habits or needs, you should bring these up to their potential caretakers. This is a big decision and will most likely be the final home for your loved ones so take your time and visit multiple communities before you make the choice.
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Regardless of your choice, your mom is good hands. For example, Brookdale, which has a little under 10 communities in Chicagoland, offers a private companion, trained staff 24 hours a day, personal assistance, and so much more. Whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Naperville, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and the City of Chicago, senior living communities care options for your loved ones. Contact us to get in touch with a certified advisor who knows your area.
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Your expert advisor will accumulate information necessary for proper placement, such as your needs, location, and budget.
We provide numerous recommendations based on the details provided. Our goal is to combine your needs with our knowledge of senior communities.
Your advisor will accompany you on tours so your search can be as thorough as possible. We want what’s best for your loved ones just as much as you do.
After a choice has been made and your loved one has moved into their new home, we will continuously check in to make sure everything is going well.
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Together, let’s begin the journey to finding the home that will enhance the life of your family.
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