Blog Archive
The average person has 4 prescriptions plus many over the counter drugs in their home. Prescription drugs can cause adverse affects in many people and especially in older adults. Older adults tend to be more sensitive to drugs than younger adults because they generally have slower metabolisms and organ functions. As people age, many lose muscle tissue and gain fat tissue, and their digestive systems, liver, and kidney functions slow down. All this affects how a drug will be absorbed into the bloodstream, how it will react in the organs, and how quickly it will be eliminated.
Other conditions can be masked because of they following symptoms: dizziness, constipation, upset stomach, sleep changes, diarrhea, incontinence, blurred vision, mood changes, a rash. It always best to call the doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur.
? Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take.
If you have several doctors, make sure they all know what the others are prescribing.
? Keep track of side effects.
New symptoms may not be from old age but from the drug you’re taking.
? Learn about your drugs.
Ask questions about the drug you will be taking. Your pharmacist is a good source of information.
? Have your doctor review your drugs.
If you take a number of drugs, take them all with you on a doctor’s visit.
? Ask a pharmacist what foods to take with each drug.
Some drugs are better absorbed with certain foods, and some drugs shouldn’t be taken with certain foods.
? Follow the directions.
Read the label every time you take the medication to prevent mistakes, and be sure you understand the timing and dosage prescribed.
? Don’t forget to take your medicines.
Use a memory aid to help you such as a calendar,pill box or a system that works best for you.
Costs can be cut by asking for the generic equivalent, asking for a senior citizen discount or getting free drug samples that have been given by pharmaceutical companies. Buy store-brand or discount brand over-the-counter products. Ask the pharmacist for recommendations.
Try mail order. Mail-order pharmacies can provide bulk medications at discount prices. Use this service only for long-term drug therapy because it takes a few weeks to be delivered. Compare prices before ordering anything.
Before you leave your doctor’s office with a new prescription, make sure you fully understand how to take the drug correctly. Your pharmacist can also provide valuable information about how to take your medicines and how to cope with side effects. Ask the following questions:
? What is the name of this drug and what is it designed to do? Is this a generic or a name brand product?
? What is the dosing schedule and how do I take it?
? What do I do if I forget a dose?
? What side effects should I expect?
? How should I store this drug?
? How long will I be taking this drug?
? Should I take this drug on an empty stomach or with food? Is it safe to drink alcohol with this drug?
You are your best advocate! If you need help ask a trusted family member or friend to assist you.
2-1-1 provides free and confidential information and referral. When you call 2-1-1, a live person who is trained will answer and help you find the resources that you need. Many emergency planning systems count 2-1-1 as a partner in their Incident Command System structure and share the most current information during a crisis or disaster.
2-1-1 was first launched by United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta in 1997 and now reaches into 47 states and the District of Columbia. United Way supports 2-1-1 as the first number to call to connect with health and human services and volunteer opportunities. February 11th as National 2-1-1 Day.
2-1-1 and its goal to contribute vital information that benefits individuals and communities mirrors the mission of the 1,400 United Ways nationwide to better people’s lives.
The essence of 2-1-1 is in its simplicity:
? 2-1-1 is for everyone and can be remembered by everyone.
? 2-1-1 is free and confidential.
? 2-1-1 makes the entire human services sector at every level of government work more efficiently.
? 2-1-1 has proven itself time after time as an invaluable resource in the aftermath of a disaster.
? 2-1-1 is the number to call to give help and to get help.
As of March 2010, 2-1-1 has served over 243 million Americans (81 % of the entire population). 46 states have partial coverage and 34 states have 90%+ coverage. This includes Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis.
For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of services:
Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.
Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
Volunteer opportunities and donations.
2-1-1 Information & Referral Search Using the search is easy once you log in to the 2-1-1 website (http://www.211.org), then in the box where it reads Type in ZIP Code, type in the ZIP code where you currently reside or the ZIP code of where you want to find services then click on the Go button to begin the search.
? The other options are city and state. Filling in as much information as you can will give you better search results.
Cited: http://www.211.org
For our Canadian friends: 211Canada.ca
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), also known as pet therapy, uses animals and handlers to achieve special social, cognitive, emotional and physical goals. Some of the earliest uses of animal-assisted healing in the United States were for psychiatric patients. The presence of the therapy animals produced a beneficial effect on both children and adults with mental health issues. It is only in the last few decades that AAT has been more formally applied in a variety of therapeutic settings, including schools and prisons, as well as hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and outpatient care programs. (cited from (www.healthline.com/galecontent/pet-therapy/3)
The enjoyment of animals as companions dates back many centuries, perhaps even to prehistoric times. The first known therapeutic use of animals started in Gheel, Belgium in the ninth century. Learning to care for farm animals has long been an important part of an assisted living program designed for people with disabilities.
Researchers have found and documented the physiological benefits that occur when a person interacts with an animal. Petting a friendly dog can slow the heart rate and even lower stress level hormones. It is also believed that petting an animal can cause the release of endorphins and suppress the pain response. Schools and libraries are using dogs to help children with reading problems. The dogs are good listeners and the children are less shy when reading to them.
- Stroke victims
- Children with autism
- Addicts
- Psychiatric patients
- Heart attack victims
The way in which AAT is undertaken depends on the needs and abilities of the individual patient. Dogs are the most common visiting therapy animals, but cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and other domestic pets can be used as long as they are appropriately screened and trained.
Patients who are confined may have a therapeutic plan that brings small animals to their bed if the patient is willing and is not allergic to the animal. A therapeutic plan may include a simple interaction aimed at improving communication and small motor skills, or a demonstration with educational content to engage the patient cognitively.
If the patient is able to walk or move around, more options are available. Patients can walk small animals outside, or learn how to care for farm animals. Both of these activities develop confidence and motor abilities. Horseback riding has recently gained great therapeutic popularity. It offers an opportunity to work on balance, trunk control, and other skills.
To learn more
Therapy Dogs International
ASPCA
The most likely foods that can make you ill are often the healthiest foods. We are encouraged to eat more healthy foods during a time when those foods may be the riskiest to consume. According to the Center for Science and the Public Interest (CSPI) study, during 1990-2006 these 10 foods accounted for 40 percent of all food-borne outbreaks. Even though these food are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 50,000 illnesses were reported. Federal officials estimate that for every salmonella poisoning report, 38 cases go unreported.
It is often difficult to track outbreaks back to the source point because so many processing centers take in produce from a variety of markets. There is a push to buy local because of this. More and more communities have Farmer’s Markets where you can buy locally grown food.
Causes of food borne illnesses or food poisoning can come from harmful bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and contaminants such as, E. coli, Norovirus or Salmonella, Botulism, Campylobacter, Vibrio Infections, Listeria, Hepatitis A, B. cereus and Staphyloccus.
Ten riskiest foods
- Leafy greens include romaine, iceberg lettuce, spinach, cabbage and spring mix
- Eggs
- Tuna
- Oysters
- Potatoes used in potato salad that is served in delis or restaurants
- Cheese
- Ice cream
- Tomatoes
- Sprouts
- Berries
What can you do?
Clean: Wash surfaces and hands often
Separate: Don’t cross contaminate, for example, don’t use the plate that the raw chicken is on to serve the cooked chicken.
Cook: Learn to cook to proper temperature
Chill: Refrigerate promptly
To learn about food recalls, alerts and much more about food safety, go to: http://foodsafety.gov/
Caregivers, family members and seniors are all becoming more comfortable using the internet to seek out information. The problem is now that there is so much information. It is important to know where to find research and fact based information.
The following sites are useful not only for information but some can actually help calculate benefits, allow updating of information and applying for benefits. This can be extremely useful and convenient when it is hard for the older person or caregiver to leave home. It saves traveling time, painful moving about and sitting for hours in an office. Another benefit is that it is private and conversations between family members or advisors can take place without the fear of being overheard.
The following ten sites are not listed in a particular order and there are many, many more that could be on the list. These just happened to be ten that I felt would be the most useful
n4a|National Association on Aging
? The National Association on Aging’s mission is to help persons with disabilities and older persons live with choices and dignity in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The site has access to advocacy issues, training, events, programs, resources and publications.
AARP
? This site has helpful information on work, home & garden, relationships, politics, entertainment, personal growth, money, food, travel, technology, health and member benefits.
Medicare
? Medicare.gov is The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare. You can find out if you are eligible, change your coverage and apply online for Medicare. Explanations of the new Medicare and New Health laws plus news about Part D rebate checks are just a few of the news stories that you can read about on this site.
Social Security Online
The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration. What you can do online:
? Find a Social Security Office in your area
? Forms and Publications
? Read your Social Security Earnings Statement
? Check the Status of your Application
? Read about relevant news topics that may affect benefits
? BenefitsCheckUp
Find and enroll in federal, state, local and private programs that can help you pay for utility bills, meals, health care, prescription drugs and many other needs.
United States Department of Veteran Affairs
? Information on Veterans Services and news updates plus veterans ON-line Application, enrollment and updating information, ON-line life insurance, VA forms and notices.
EyeCareAmerica.org
? Online referral center that provides eye exams and up to one year of care to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Volunteer ophthalmologists provide services often at no 0ut-of-pocket expense for those who qualify.
Administration on Aging
“The mission of the AoA is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of home and community-based services that helps elderly individuals maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.” AoA
? Long-term care planning
? Print and web resources
? Check for benefits
? Find local programs
National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch
If you think you have been a victim of fraud go online and fill out a complaint form. Other information on this site includes:
? Internet fraud
? Scams against the elderly
? Telemarketing fraud
And last but not least, WebMD
WebMD has information about health conditions from A-Z and is useful as a resource but should never replace a visit to your doctor. Other topics that can be found on WebMD are:
? Drugs & Supplements
? Eating & Diet
? Healthy Living
? Mental Health
? Pet Health
In the latest Medicare scam fraudsters attempt to bait unsuspecting diabetes patients with (bait) free diabetes equipment. What they are attempting to do is get your (hook) Medicare number which is the same as your Social Security number.
They have information such as the doctor’s name and address when they call their intended victims. The information may have come from stolen medical records, pharmaceutical companies or medical product suppliers. The calls seem to originate from Florida and state that they are calling from Med-Care.
Question they may ask: What is the maiden name of your mother?
- Be suspicious and do not give any information to the caller. Ask for a call back number then check to see if it matches the number that you have on the back of your Medicare card.
Association of Area Agencies on Aging have been receiving calls about the scams in Indiana and one in California. “AAAs were established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans 60 and over in every local community. By providing a range of options that allow older adults to choose the home and community-based services and living arrangements that suit them best, AAAs make it possible for older adults to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.” http://www.n4a.org/about-n4a/
Another scam that came before this was connected with the $250 ‘doughnut hole’ rebate checks. This rebate is intended to fill the gap in Medicare Part D prescription services. The first batch was mailed out June 10 to approximately 80,000 recipients and will will continue monthly until the end of 2010.
Callers are posing as government workers and are stating that the checks will only be issued after the Medicare numbers are verified. Then there are other unscrupulous insurance agents that are claiming additional policies are needed under the new health care reform.
Facts about ‘donut hole’ rebate checks
- They are automatic
- There are no extra forms to fill out
- No action needed
Precautions to take:
- Never provide your Medicare number or other personal information to an unknown caller
- Don’t buy a supplemental policy tied to the rebate checks unless they are useful but they are not necessary in order to receive a rebate check.
If you feel like you are being scammed call Medicare to make inquiries
1-800-633-4227 or your local Area Agency on Aging 1-800-986-3505
When you are going to visit an elder friend or parent’s house this summer, remember to ask how they doing and where they may need some help. It may not seem that you are caregiver if you live far away but if you have an aging loved one then you are a caregiver.
Kitchen
It is important to clean the cabinets and floors as well as cleaning out the fridge and, while you’re doing that, also check for what kind of food is in there. You can learn whether or not a nutritional, balanced diet is being eaten and if there is an issue with food safety. For example, ask how long the moldy chicken has been there. Use the old saying “when in doubt, throw it out”. Ask about how they are getting their groceries. Perhaps some help is needed.
Medicine cabinet
Check the medicine cabinet for expiration dates on the prescription bottles and any over-the-counter products. Also, match up the different types of medications to the current list that are being taken to make sure that they are being taken correctly. Make note if it appears that your loved one is being over medicated or if it looks like some of the drugs could have a bad interaction. A mixture of drugs can sometimes cause disorientation, fatigue and poor appetite.
Bathroom
- Check shower or bath tub to make sure there is a non skid surface to avoid slips and falls.
- Grab bars should be installed if it is necessary
- Shower chair or bench
- Transition benches
- Tub rails to assist in getting in out of the tub safely
Bedroom
Flip the mattress and check scatter rugs that may be slipping or frayed. Use double-sided tape or remove rugs.
And as you’re cleaning out the closet and dressers, you can also be checking on the condition of your their clothing. You might notice that there are dirty clothes which could indicate that it’s getting harder for them to do the laundry.
- Are the washer and dryer are in the basement?
- Is it that they do not feel well enough to do laundry?
It may be time to hire someone to come in to help with daily chores.
Stairs
As you’re carrying cleaning supplies up and down the stairs, you can be checking the condition of the staircase.
- Are there handrails and are they sturdy?
- How are the treads?
- Are they covered with carpeting that is old and slippery?
- How well-lit is the staircase, both at the top and the bottom?
For more information on falls go to:http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html
As we face a heat wave this summer, remember that heat can be a killer and take steps to help you and your loved ones stay cool. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. Furthermore, the National Weather Service asserts that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.“ Centers for Disease Control
Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but being elderly, young (0-4 years of age), obese, having a fever, being dehydrated, having heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, prescription drug use, a sunburn or alcohol use makes a person more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. Call 9-1-1 immediately, if a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
The body’s reaction to exposure of extreme heat occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Normally the body cools itself by sweating but when it is extremely hot this may not be enough. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain and other vital organs. When humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly and prevents the body from releasing heat.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body can not regulate its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106 F or higher within 10-15 minutes.
Warning signs of heat stroke
? An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
? Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
? Rapid, strong pulse
? Throbbing headache
? Dizziness
? Nausea
? Confusion
? Unconsciousness
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder from of heat-related illness that often develops after several days of heat exposure due to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion
? Heavy sweating
? Paleness
? Muscle cramps
? Tiredness
? Weakness
? Dizziness
? Headache
? Nausea or vomiting
? Fainting
Steps to take to cool the body
? Rest
? Cool shower, bath or sponge bath
? Stay in air-conditioned areas
? Drink cool, non alcoholic beverages
? Wear lightweight clothing
? Be a good neighbor and check on elderly residents or those without air-conditioning.
Statistics say that one in five older Americans have been taken advantage of financially according to the elder investor fraud survey that was released by Investor Protection Trust on June 15, 2010. My feeling is that this number may be low because of underreporting. Many older people who’ve been duped are too embarrassed to admit it. Seniors are often the target of crooked individuals but that does not mean that they do not target people of any age.
Swindlers will attempt to appeal to two emotions, fear or greed. Many scams surface during a disaster such as Katrina and currently the BP oil spill. The perpetrator will exaggerate the cost for repairs that need to be done or suggest that they have the answer to cleaning up the oil. The appeal to greed often involves an investment that pays unusually high interest or that promises substantial profits in a short time frame. Can you say Bernie Madoff?
Shady characters who often sit in telephone boiler rooms are not the only unscrupulous characters that will take advantage. People who work for what appear to be reputable companies may try to push inappropriate investments or impose exceptionally high fees. And there are also unscrupulous family friends or family members who may try to take advantage.
Common types of scams
Telemarketers
Simply to hang up after asking to be removed from their call lists. Enroll in the National Do Not Call Registry to prevent many of these calls from occurring again. Request that information be mailed to you before you make any decisions.
Lately, scam artists have captured numbers from credit cards and are looking for another identifier such as your mother’s maiden name or social security number. If they claim to be from your bank then ask for a call-back phone number. Then check to see if the number matches the one on your statement or credit card.
Advertisements
A company that advertises on radio, television or in the newspaper doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s legitimate. Media outlets are under no obligation to investigate an advertiser. The majority of ads for credit counseling, gold coins and buying real estate are bogus. The old adage, “If it seems too good to be true….”
Emails
Don’t believe anything you read in an unsolicited e-mail, and never respond to requests for personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers or your date of birth. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this type of information by e-mail.
? Children, grandchildren, friends and trusted advisers can help seniors avoid financial scams.
- Use the one of the internet search engines to see if the company has a reputation for causing trouble for consumers. Type the name of the company into an Internet search engine along with the word “scam” or “rip-off.”
- Ask to receive information in writing. Review the information together with a trusted friend or adviser before making any decisions.
- Agree to a “$200 rule”. If parents or an elderly friend or relative are going to spend more than $200 on anything that someone else has suggested, they first check with someone they trust.
