Blog

Home

Blog

Financial options

Resource Center

For Professionals

Blog

Breathe Right with Pulmonary Rehab

Northwoods Care Centre - Belvidere, IL - Pulmonary Rehab For many people suffering from respiratory problems, the winter months can not only be more bothersome, but even deadly. Hospitals annually report an increase in admissions of those with COPD symptoms. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), is currently the third leading cause of death in the United States. There are many diseases that fall under this category, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but they all interfere with breathing capacity and in almost every case, are caused by smoking. Some symptoms of COPD are:

Chronic, persistent cough
Increased mucus
Shortness of breath (during physical activity and/or at rest)
Wheezing
A tight feeling in the chest

Though COPD is a progressive disease and has no cure, there are several ways to help improve one's breathing capacity. If you are a smoker, the most important step to take is to STOP SMOKING! From there, seeking pulmonary rehabilitation can be extremely helpful in increasing one's breathing capacity.
Short-term pulmonary rehabilitation can be extremely helpful in improving one's quality of life, if they are suffering from COPDs. Not only do the therapists work on building strength and helping increase the lungs functions, dieticians will also help guide you so that you can avoid foods that can worsen the symptoms. In serious cases, it may be necessary for the individual to undergo pulmonary rehab on a consistent, regular basis. Another important factor to keep in mind is that results might be slower than one would expect or want. A good therapist will encourage, without pushing too hard. Once results are reached, the overall improvement in the quality of daily living will most certainly be encouragement enough to continue rehab.

Do you or someone you know suffer from COPDs? Have you/they undergone pulmonary rehab? What were the results? We would love to hear your comments and others may be able to benefit from your experiences.

Elder Mediators and Family Decisions

As a kid, decisions are usually simple and spur of the moment; what cereal to eat for breakfast, what games to play, etc… The tough decisions are made by the parents. Even as we grow up, our parents are still the primary force behind serious family decisions. So, what happens when the patriarch and/or matriarch become ill or is suffering from cognitive deterioration associated with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s? Roles will undoubtedly change, which often times create a whole new set of problems. Whether it becomes a true power struggle, difference of opinions or denial, the decision making process can come to a grinding halt. As in most disputes, a neutral party can be quite helpful in guiding a family through rough waters. Usually, this falls on the doctors, nurses and caregivers, and more so now, elder mediators.

Though most people respect the opinions of health care professionals, such as their doctor or specialist, these people will seldom have the time or desire to get involved in family disputes and counseling. A mediator can offer guidance on several issues, such as estate matters, end-of-life decisions, caregiver schedules and senior living options. Granted, today’s older population comes from a generation that doesn’t “believe in” counseling. It is also a generation where men had the final say in such matters and often times, the women’s opinions and feelings aren’t taken as seriously as their male counterparts. An experienced mediator can help overcome these obstacles.

As with any services, there will be costs to consider. If legal matters need to be resolved, the mediation can become quite expensive. If it’s just counseling, or therapy, the cost could be lower. If finances don’t allow for a professional mediator, perhaps a respected friend of the family, such as a priest/preacher, or a free, local support group could be consulted. Regardless of whatever options, you and your family pursue, it is important to not lose sight of the real issue and that is the care and well being of a loved one.

We welcome all comments and shared experiences. Have you or someone you know enlisted the help of an elder mediator? What were the results?
Would you or your family ever consider using the services of a mediator?

Alzheimer's and Home Safety Tips

alt There are an estimated, 5 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's disease and over 10 million family caregivers who look after them in a home environment. If you have recently made the commitment to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's at home, there are many things to consider and home safety is in one of the most important.

Because Alzheimer's disease affects each person differently and progresses at different rates for each individual, constant reevaluation will be necessary to determine what precautions you will have to take at home. Keep in mind that changing the home will be stressful for not only the one with Alzheimer's but to you and any others living there as well. What were usual routines will undoubtedly be disrupted. It may take time to strike a balance between safety issues and convenience for you and your family. Even when you think you may have that balance, the disease could progress and you will have to start over. It can and will be frustrating, but being aware ahead of time will help to alleviate some of the stress.
Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Alzheimer's Association, provide information and tips on how to go about making your home as safe as possible. An easy way to start is by using the many "childproof" products that are constantly coming out in the market. This, in no way, should reflect the attitude toward the person with Alzheimer's. They are an adult and should always be treated as such. However, the products out there for childproofing will serve many of the purposes you will require. Here are just a few suggestions, broken down, room by room:
KITCHEN

Install childproof door latches on storage cabinets and drawers that contain sharp items, matches, lighters, cleaning supplies, valuables and small appliances
Install safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch on the stove.
Remove artificial fruits and vegetables or food-shaped magnets. (Or anything that might look edible)
Insert a drain trap in the sink.
Consider disconnecting the garbage disposal.
Remove all throw rugs. (This suggestion, as well others, will apply to other rooms also.)

BEDROOM

Use a monitoring device (similar to those used for infants) to alert you in case of a fall or possible wandering in the night.
Remove portable space heaters.
Be cautious when using electric blankets, heating pads, etc...

BATHROOM

Do not leave a severely impaired person in the bathroom alone.
Remove the locks from the door.
Install grab bars near toilet and in the shower/tub.
Set the water temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding.

LIVING ROOM

Clear electrical cords from all areas where people walk.
Store all remote controls out of sight
Do not leave a person with Alzheimer's alone in a room with an open fire in the fireplace.

As I mentioned, these are just a few of the items that need to be considered when making your home safe. The more precautions you take in advance, the more freedom the person with Alzheimer's will have. This will aid in their well being and mood and will eliminate some of the stress of worrying about possible accidents.
For a complete list of safety tips, as provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services; National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Aging, contact the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at 1-800-438-4380 or visit www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers

Do you have any tips for making your home safer? Please leave comments here and share your experiences.

Beware of the Con Artist

alt For years, the media, politicians and businesses have been heralding the aging of the "Baby Boomer" generation. The effects of a larger-than-ever senior population in America has been much discussed and debated;from national health care reform to culture changes within senior living communities. Unfortunately, there is another group that is undoubtedly looking forward to taking advantage of this social change and they are the con artists.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a webpage dedicated to informing and educating the public on scams and fraud. Though anyone can fall victim to these crimes, the FBI has discovered several reasons why seniors are targeted most often.

Older American citizens are most likely to have a "nest egg", own their home and/or have excellent credit; all of which a con artist can tap into.
Individuals who grew up in the 1930s, '40s and '50s were generally raised to be polite and trusting. Though 2 very positive personality traits, they can be used against the person by a con artist.
Older Americans are less likely to report a fraud because they may not know who to report it to, are ashamed at having been scammed or may not even realize they have been been defrauded. There are also many cases in which the senior is afraid that family members might judge them as not having the mental capacity to take care of their own lives.
When the crimes are reported, the victims tend to make for a poor witness. The simple fact that memory is affected as we age, is a positive for the con artist. The fact that the victim might not realize they have been scammed for weeks or months, also makes it harder. It would be hard for anyone to remember small details after such a lengthy time has passed.
Finally, when offered products that promise to increase cognitive function, virility, physical conditioning, anti-cancer properties and cure alls, senior Americans are the target group most likely to be interested.

Knowing these reasons can help you or a loved one from making a bad decision or trusting the wrong person. Of course, you don't want to get to the point where you don't trust anyone and are paranoid of all strangers. By knowing ahead of time, the tricks and phrases that con artists use, you will be able to more easily identify a scam if you are confronted with one. Senior Series, a partnership between Ohio State University Extension and Ohio Aging Network professionals have compiled a fact sheet to help prevent becoming a victim of fraud and scams.

BEWARE of any program/offer that seems to give you something for nothing. It is sounds too god to be true, it probably is.
NEVER give your credit card number over the phone, unless you have made the call yourself are dealing with a reputable company that you have done business with before. Some cons will ask for a credit card number as verification for a "free gift".
DON'T give out your personal information such as your address, phone number, bank information, Social Security number to anyone over the phone or in person that you have not contacted yourself.
THINK about deals that have been offered to you. Give yourself 24 hours to think it over and/or discuss with someone else. This could be time well spent.
AVOID being pressured by "act now" sales tactics. If it truly is a good deal today, then it will be a good deal tomorrow. Many con artists use this technique because they get an immediate payoff and then disappear.
ASK for written information on any products/services you are considering. Ask a friend or family member to read it over as well.

If you think you or someone you know is a victim of fraud, it is important that you notify the authorities. As mentioned above, many of these crimes go unreported due to fear of losing one's independence, embarrassment and even not knowing who to call. If in doubt, your local police department can provide their services or refer you to the appropriate organization. Unless these criminals get reported, they will continue to freely prey on the senior population.

If you or someone you know has experienced fraud or attempted cons, PLEASE share your stories with us. Not only they can provide valuable tips in preventing similar scams but they also lend support to those out there may have also fallen victim to this crime and give them the courage to speak out.