Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Want to give your brain a boost? Try these easy remedies: • Sing. Seniors choirs offer joy and a feeling of togetherness. Musical instruments are appealing and playing boosts brain health. Safe Sauna bathing Researchers say that the heat may activate protective proteins and better cardiovascular functioning, reduce inflammation, offer better sleep, reduce stress, and increase relaxation. • Tai chi. Tai chi is a slow-motion exercise for self-defense and meditation. • Cultivate a positive attitude toward aging. Negative attitudes about aging...
One of the most important roles of a caregiver is to coordinate the medical care their loved-one receives. As medical needs grow, we often need to see specialists, have lab work done, go to therapists, and change care facilities. We would like to assume that our loved-one’s complete medical information is automatically moved from one office to another. This rarely occurs. It falls on the caregiver to ensure that the critical information is received and read by the healthcare provider. Having a binder with all of the medical records tabbed can b...
If you find a loved one asking repetitive questions, becoming more confused and forgetful, you may assume they have dementia, but the cause could be hearing loss. Long-term brain function is impacted by hearing loss. In a recent Johns Hopkins study, those who did have hearing loss suffered more substantial cognitive impairment more than three years sooner than others with normal hearing levels. Dr. Frank Lin found that cognitive diminishment was 41 percent greater in the seniors with hearing problems. Dr. Lin explains that the link between...
A number of people call the Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion and ask me whether Medicare will cover their independent, assisted or killed, living and the answer is “no.” They are shocked and often angry. Most people pay into Medicare through their payroll for all their employment years, thinking that once they turn 65, the coverage will be free. In reality, Medicare has several expenses. High-income earners pay more in terms of copays, deductibles, and premiums, and expect no out-of-pocket maximum. Original Medicare covers oph...
When visiting a doctor or hospital bring along a notebook or tablet and take notes. It is important to ask question of your healthcare provider about the benefits and side effects of medications or procedures. I suggest that you, or a loved one, research the same information on line so that you feel well informed. There are times when a second opinion should be sought, especially preceding a surgery. I recommend you bring along an advocate. Sometimes, it is hard to process so much new information. When a family member or friend comes to an...
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander. Wandering is best described as a tendency to roam or walk around without a clear destination or purpose. For those with Alzheimer’s disease, the destination or purpose of the walk is often forgotten, causing them to become confused or lost. As a caregiver, you are must be concerned about the safety of someone who wanders. There may be no harm in wandering a contained space, but for someone with dementia who gets lost outside, the risk of injur...
Summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. It is critically important that adults particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and other heat-related illnesses know how to safeguard against problems. Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. Older adults are at risk for these conditions, and th...
The state of Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season (June-November.) When there is a warning of a hurricane or other natural disaster, elder-care communities ensure the comfort and safety of their residents. Senior communities have a Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Plan which consists of recommendations from regulating authorities such as the Florida Division of Emergency Management as well as precautionary guidelines and procedures developed from their experience and expertise in hurricane preparedness....
If you or your spouse served in the military, you may be eligible for aid that can be applied to the cost of care services. The VA Aid and Attendance pension was established to provide financial benefits outside the traditional VA residential care system. It specifically helps veterans and their spouses finance daily personal care services if needed. These services include Personal grooming assistance, medication assistance, help transitioning into bed and incontinence management. These are...
Summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. Older adults are at risk for these conditions, and this risk can increase with the combination of higher temperature, individual lifestyle and general health. Lifestyle Risks: Seniors seldom drink enough...
Dehydration is dangerous no matter what your age, but seniors are at a greater risk for dehydration than other age groups. Dehydration happens when you don’t drink enough water. When your body’s water content is too low, it causes damage quickly. Dehydration is especially prevalent on hot days or after vigorous exercise. Mild or moderate dehydration is easy to recover from, but severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention. Risks for senior dehydration include: Diarrhea and vomiting — In addition to losing fluids, your body’s electro...
Nutrition is about eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients it needs. Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies can function. They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Good nutrition is important for energy at every age. It may also help prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. But as you age, your body and life change, and so does what you need to stay healthy. For example, you may need fewer...
Most people notice changes in their thinking and memory as they grow older. Neurologists tell us that some older adults develop dementia, most memory changes are age related and normal. Staying physically active benefits every organ in our bodies - and that includes the brain. Our brains also need a good mental workout. Studies show that cognitive decline can be reduced through a combination of daily activities like using a computer and playing word games. Mental stimulation encourages new...
Agree, never argue. Divert, never reason. Distract, never shame. Reassure, never lecture. Reminisce, never say "remember..." Repeat, never say "I told you..." Do what they can do, never say "You can't..." Ask, never demand. Encourage, never condescend. Reinforce, never force. Patience and encouragement are essential when caring for loved ones. While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose...
No one likes a dirty house, where stuff is chaotically piled on top of each other just like in a flea market. The situation isn’t helped by the fact that retirees can turn into ‘hoarders’, filling every free space of their home with old junk because ‘it might come in handy one day’. Many older folk tend to hold on to useless items that may become room obstacles, which increase their chance of tripping and falling. Dirt and dust buildup and other unsanitary living conditions may also have serious health consequences. Hoarding tends to get worse...
Seniors living at home may forgo exercise. They may have limited access to the proper equipment and fitness programs and lack motivation. Senor communities offer a full range of gym equipment. They also offer a wide variety of classes such as chair exercise, yoga, weight lifting, dance etc. Daily on-site opportunities to improve mobility, strength and overall wellness make a world of difference. In a senior community, the support of friends may be a motivator as well. We all know that regular exercise is good for your heart and for weight...
Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses, 65 years and older, may be entitled to a tax-free benefit called Aid and Attendance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. They must have served some time in active duty. The benefit is designed to provide financial aid to help offset the cost of long-term care for those who need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. The benefits are quite significant. The single veteran may earn approximately $2000 per month. The...
There will be a joint venture between the Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the Pride Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, July 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a networking Happy Hour will be held at Watercrest Senior Living, 1501 Glendon Parkway, Winter Park, Florida 32789. The party will be held 'alfresco' (dining in the fresh air) in the dining/pool side area, with a contingency plan for moving inside if there is rain in the forecast. "Watercrest Senior Living is a gorgeous, well-run, luxury...
While most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible, official records show that home injuries are the biggest reason for adult hospitalization, especially for women. These staggering numbers are contributed to by household chores such as cooking, tinkering and cleaning. It goes without saying that the elderly are a bigger risk because of their frail health. One fall could be fatal for them, which is why they should be extra careful when doing chores. Hiring a home companion...
The instinct for many older people is to stay at home as long as possible. Even if a person at home has visitors, he or she may still be alone most of the time, especially if he or she no longer drives. The cost of hiring a driver on top of living expenses may amount to more than the cost of senior living. Reliance on others when you want to go someplace may be quite challenging. When someone makes the move to a senior community, he or she will be offered scheduled bus trips to the supermarket,...
Being a part of a caring community, whether it’s family, friends or an organization, is known to reduce stress. When determining whether it is time for senior living, ask yourself or family member the following questions: • Are you frequently socializing and connecting with others? • Are you exercising regularly? • Are you eating fresh, nutritious meals? • Are you setting goals and enjoying a sense of purpose? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to consider senior living. While most seniors face major adjustments w...
At the Orlando Senior Help Desk of the Jewish Pavilion, we are frequently asked to recommend a home care company. There are a few things to consider such as years of experience. Ideally, the caregiver you hire has worked with other individuals with similar medical condones. You want a home companion who has had good training and continuing education. There are many personal attributes that are imperative such as warmth and compassion, attentiveness, patience, good communication skills etc. Agencies should be checking the references and...
Getting extra support at home can be a terrific source of relief. Agencies offer companion care such as CNA’s (certified nurse’s assistants or HHA’s Home health aides.) Normally, these individuals take a brief course on how to care for someone. Another option is skilled health care providers who have had years of schooling such as nurses and physical therapists. Normally, Medicare and Medicaid pay for some home care after a hospital visit. Most home care providers will assist with transportation, cleaning, cooking, bathing, toiletry, perso...
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient's other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not...
Adult Day Care Centers are designed to provide care and companionship for older adults who need assistance or supervision during the day. Programs offer relief to family members and caregivers, allowing them to go to work, handle personal business, or just relax while knowing their relative is well cared for and safe. Adult day-care programs encourage socialization and may delay or be an alternative to institutionalization. There are two types of adult day care: adult social day care and adult day health care. Adult social day care provides...
