Caregiving

Caring full time for a loved one can be a challenging task, and it takes a special person to get the job done right. Patience and compassion are the two top qualities a caregiver must possess in order to be successful. Caring for someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can be an uphill battle at times. This requires planning on behalf of the caregiver in order to keep from burning out. The following are useful tips on how to remain a hardworking caregiver while maintaining your sanity:

1. Maintain hobbies or interests. Find time to do the things you enjoy. You’ll find that life outside of care giving has a lot to offer. By taking the time to enjoy your interests, you’ll feel motivated to keep caring for your loved one.

2. Join a support group. There are many online and community support groups that offer assistance and a place where you can express your frustrations and concerns. You can find support groups at your local Alzheimer’s Association or other organizations.

3. Respite Services. Take advantage of respite help made available by local nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Sometimes getting away for a short weekend helps rejuvenate your soul.

4. Get plenty of exercise. Even if walking the dog on a daily basis is all you have time for, every bit of physical activity helps reduce stress.

5. Just say "No". Be aware of your limits and don’t be afraid to say "no" when feel you can’t take on the extra responsibility outside of your care giving duties. You’ll thank yourself in the end.

6. Keep a journal. It’s important to express yourself. Keep track of your thoughts and your goals. It also helps to read and ponder past entries to see how far you’ve come.

7. Maintain a healthy diet. Don’t skip meals and don’t consume foods that may cause irritability such as caffeine. You need all the brain power you can get, and by maintaining healthy eating habits, you’ll be a better caregiver and a healthier person as a result.

8. Have a support system in place. It’s important to have family members available for respite care. It’s equally important to connect with friends that you’re able to communicate your feelings with.

9. Take frequent breaks. It is important to prevent both physical and emotional burn-out. Take frequent breaks with the help of your support system and community services such as hospice and home health care agencies.

10. Become an educated caregiver. It’s important to understand the disease or condition your loved one is faced with. Having an awareness of the techniques and strategies designed solely for specific diseases will make your care giving experience less stressful. Be aware of the community services available as well as the benefits through Medicare.

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You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.

Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Most recently, Torey served as Elder Law Director and Paralegal for a Phoenix based law firm where she provided assistance in a variety of areas including long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.

Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://adultcarecentral.com/

10 Tips to Keep a Family Caregiver from Losing Their Mind

Caring for a parent or a loved one is a difficult job. Your duties as a caregiver become increasingly difficult as the miles increase between you and your loved one. The following are a few helpful tips in order to plan ahead in the event your loved one needs your help, as well as ideas on how to become a successful caregiver once your caregiving duties begin.

1. Have a discussion with your loved one. Years before the need for caregiving arises, discuss ideas and thoughts with your loved one. Discuss with them their thoughts on possibilities of relocation, assisted living or nursing home care, and end of life arrangements. Make sure all of their legal and financial needs have been met. Talking with your loved one ahead of time will make them more comfortable with the idea of needing help down the road.

2. Design a "Family Plan of Action". Before the need arises, get the family together and discuss responsibilities and divide them up accordingly. Devise a plan to keep in contact with those members who may be out of state by frequent phone calls, emails or set up a private chat room on the internet for family discussions. Investigate costs for care and travel expenses. Design contingency plans in the event that funds run out, level of care increases, and availability of family is limited.

3. Gather emergency contact information. Make a list of important emergency numbers such as out of town family members, family friends, physicians, attorneys, clergy, etc. To help preserve this list in the event of an emergency, place this list in a zip lock bag and store it in your loved one’s freezer where they keep their ice cubes. Place a magnet on their refrigerator with a note as to the location of this list.

4. Gather important documents. Locate important documents such as social security card, Medicare and/or health insurance cards, legal documents such as living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney, all financial statements including life insurance information and real estate deeds. Inform the family regarding the location of these documents. Keep copies of powers of attorney in the event you need to make health care or financial decisions from a distance.

5. Organize and set up a network. Contact relatives, friends and neighbors who live close by your loved one. Ask them to routinely stop by and visit your loved one, and ask them to contact you if they observe anything out of the ordinary. Find out about community programs that provide services such as meals or transportation, and get them involved. Consider hiring a geriatric care manager to help coordinate the care.

6. Make the most of your visits. Schedule and attend physician appointments with your loved one when you are in town, and keep yourself informed with your loved one’s diagnosis. Meet with members of your network, and ask them detailed questions about their interaction with your loved one.

7. Keep a journal. Take detailed notes of your loved one’s care such as their progress, medications, changes in level of care, recent injuries, personality changes, etc. A journal will help keep the family organized, as well as provide helpful information for the physician or other caregivers who might be involved in your loved one’s care.

8. Be observant. Be aware of changes in your loved one’s personality, their appearance such as lack of grooming or soiled clothing. Verify that the mail is being opened and the bills are being paid. Set up a consistent schedule for communicating with your loved one, and pay attention to what they’re "not" saying. Remember, your loved one doesn’t want to give up their independence, and they may not always tell you the truth.

9. Re-evaluate the situation. Assess your loved one’s situation and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as the circumstances change. Don’t hesitate asking for help from other family members, and investigate the potential for placement in a care facility or hiring a full time live-in caregiver if the family and physician deems necessary.

10. Care for the caregiver. Don’t allow yourself to get to the point that you experience burn-out. Get help from other family members, as well as take time for yourself. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily. When caregiving becomes too much for the family, and the level of care is beyond your immediate resources, seek out other options. Don’t let your guilt get in the way of providing the best care for your loved one, even if a care facility or full time caregiver must provide that care instead of you.

Above all, remember to allow your loved one to remain involved in the decision making process for as long as their decisions do not negatively impact their health or safety. Remember to discuss your concerns with their care in a sensitive manner. Your loved one deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Be realistic about the situation, and in addition to looking out for your loved one’s care, remember to look out for your own as well.

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You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.

Torey L. Farnsworth, CSA has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Most recently, Torey served as Elder Law Director and Paralegal for a Phoenix based law firm where she provided assistance in a variety of areas including long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.

Ms. Farnsworth currently owns her own senior care placement business called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families in Arizona. For more information, visit http://www.adultcarecentral.com

Caregiving Across The Miles?Tips for Successful Long Distance Caregiving

I am reminded time after time of the profound effect Angels have on people. Recently, I have been receiving manyemails containing examples of how the Angels are reaching through the veils to assist the elderly. The elderly respond to Angel Paintings with a knowingness of love and illumination that comes from within them. Sometimes the reactions have been as though they are recognizing an old friend.

One example was a client emailing me to let me know of the response of woman who suffered from Alzheimer’s. The responseto the Angel painting that had been commissioned was very profound from my understanding. The woman took onelook at the painting, reached for it and refused to be parted with it and for the rest of the day had to keep it in her lap as she was wheeled around in her wheelchair.

Another email stated:

Sharae,

As you know, your angelic paintings of our Guardian Angels have, from the day we received them, blessed all of our lives in one way or the other. Upon receipt of Marge’s (My Mother) we were all stunned to see the uncanny parallels in what you were given to paint by the angels and what is actual reality. The colors, the subject, the roses!!! As you have learned, she had a stroke 2 years ago and this painting has provided her with an everlasting source of inspiration and hope. She has it hung in her bedroom so that she may look at her angel when she nods off to sleep at night and when she first awakes in the morning. This painting speaks volumes to her and keeps her motivated to continue therapy and to trudge on when all seems lost. She is doing very well! Ray’s (My Father) has also provided him with the strength to not only take care of my mother but gives him the where withall to still take care of himself, his family and his business. He too has his angel next to my Mother’s in that he can see it before nodding off at night and again in the morning when he awakes. I really, honestly, know that these angels; that have been presented to them through you, have helped them more than anyone could possibly imagine. Again, they are a source of constant inspiration and they have provided many wonderful thoughts and actions upon all who see them.

My parents mean the world to me and I thank you from the depths of my heart for being the link to actually seeing their angels. I know that we are not in control of many things that happen to us in life, however, just in knowing … and seeing … that we all do have guardian angels that are there for us, definitely helps to put things into perspective and yields a very positive attitude towards life. How could it not? Sometimes we cannot see the forest through the trees … with the light that you have shined on my family we are not only seeing the forest but we now know that we are part of the whole process of life and take nothing for granted. For each day is a very special one and thanks to you, we know, even when we are “alone” we are never alone.

Once again, thank you with everything in me. And on behalf of my parents I thank you as well.

J. J.
Wilmington, Delaware

I accept there is more to Angelic art than meets the eye. I wonder in what ways this form of art could be used in hospitals,nursing homes, etc.? I know some people would probably react as forcing someone else’s religion on another, but some formof Angel is in every religion as Angels are of no one religion. Angels are for everyone.

I finally went to the doctor this morning for my bad cold. My appointment was for 9:30 am and yet I didn’t get home until after 1:00 pm.

I’d asked the doctor to call in my prescription so I stopped at the store to pick it up on my way home. I was standing in line coughing and making people frown at me when I noticed this elderly couple. The woman got out of line and took her husband (he was blind) to sit in one of the chairs that are off to the side. And she started walking away. Well, I’m not paying much attention to them, I just want to get my medicine and go home and get back in the bed. I get my prescription and go to my truck to leave. WHY I SEE THE LITTLE OLD LADY OUTSIDE INCHING ACROSS THE PARKING LOT USING AN OLD UMBRELLA AS A CANE?????????? Geez!

So I pull up next to her and ask her where she was going. She said she had to go to the bank to get some money to pay for the medicine and their groceries. Now keep in mind that the bank is across this busy azz street which accesses the interstate. So?I get out of my truck and help her into the passenger seat. I drive her to the bank. While driving, she tells me that this elderly bus thing picked them up and dropped them off at Safeway and would be back to pick them up at 2:00. WHAT THE HECK?????????

Oh…she’d given her cane to someone “who had nothing” so they could use it and had to use the umbrella until she got another one. *sigh*

Okay?so I take her back to the store?I’m hacking the whole way sounding like a water egress or a crane but there was no way I could leave those two old people sitting out front of the store until the bus thing showed back up. *sigh*

So?..I helped her get her groceries. (IT TOOK FOREVER!!!!!) and then I put her and her husband in my truck and took them home. I stopped at Eckerds and bought her a new cane. It was only $19.99 and she was gonna bust her butt with that umbrella.

Now here’s the sticker. It turns out that they have a son who is a doctor. His azz lives in Ohio. He bought them a house?but they have absolutely no help. NONE! The woman has heart problems and the man is blind and they have to rely on the elderly bus to take them around to doctor’s appointments, etc. I’m thinking to myself?there would be no way I’d let my mama and daddy live like that. I’d either move them to Ohio or I’d move and be closer to them. I mean dang?a doctor can get a job anywhere.

Anyway?you KNOW I gave them my number?and this voice that sounded like mine told them to call if they ever needed something. *sigh*

But listen to this?after I unloaded them and their groceries?the lady tried to give me some money for gas. I was like?ma’am please?my heart would hurt too much if I took something from you. Then she said?well..only God can repay you. How may I pray for you? I said to pray that I have healthy babies one day. And she said?better than that?I’ll pray you have healthy babies whom will take care of you in your old age. Wow. That said a lot.

*sigh* I’m sad for them. Their son sucks.

http://www.MonicaMingo.com
http://www.DragonflySmooches.com

Whos Gonna Take Care of You When Youre Old?

An area of concern that I get asked about the most is finding someone to give the caregiver a break.
Most adult children fall into caregiving as a result of an incident that placed their elder in a crisis situation. After the dust settles and reality sets in often we realize that our lives have changed and this change is often not welcomed.
We find ourselves unprepared for caring for our parent especially when that care is for issues such as dementia, incontinence or immobility.

A period of time goes by and then we begin to feel totally overwhelmed. Most of this feeling can be a result of trying to be ALL to our parent. We find that our life, our family, and our routine has gone by the wayside.
Many caregivers try to provide care single- handedly while neglecting their own needs. It is common amoung caregivers to think that their life has to come second to the needs of their parent. Martyrdom is common.
This thinking often leads to frustration, anger and guilt. We forget that we have a right to live and that balance is necessary in everyone’s life.
There are solutions but they require risk. Many caregivers often fear asking for help because they fear rejection. Admitting that they cannot handle all the caregiving alone is often terrifying. Most wonder why others will not offer to help so they do not have to ask.
Picking up the reins is what will help us regain control of our lives.
Creating a Freedom Plan

1.    Get special instruction to provide the care needed. Ask your doctor for a Medicare Occupational Therapist or a Nurse to instruct you on incontinence care,bathing, a Physical Therapist to teach you how to transfer your parent to the toilet, in/out of the car, set up an exercise routine,etc.
2.    Make a list of all the things that will give you a break. ex: a cooked meal twice a week a sitter 9:00am to noon Tuesday and Thursday play cards with mom every Wednesday afternoon
3.    Join a support team even when you think you do not need it.
4.    Hire a baby sitter to sit with your parent so you can have a night out with spouse or family night.
5.    Plan a Vacation by swapping homes with a sibling.
6.    Hire respite care regularly for you and your family.
7.    Start all this as soon as possible so your parent gets use to different people providing the care.
Keep your needs list current.

ANYTIME ANYONE asks if you need anything go right to this list and ask them to choose what ever they feel they can do. You will be amazed how often people will sign up to help when you are clear on your needs.
Author:Alice Endy

MORE RESOURCES:
RELATED ARTICLES

It happens somewhat slowly in the beginning, maybe with a small cough that gets worse as time goes on. It might simply begin with absent mindedness which is totally out of character, followed by total memory lapses. What do we do when our parents eventually need taking care of after they have spent so much of their adult lives taking care of us? What precisely is a child’s responsibility to them? Is it self-centered to relocate them into an assisted home? And which siblings should shoulder the responsibility? These are questions which plague families whenever a parent happens to become sick.

It is certainly very normal for feelings of guilt and even occasionally depression to happen to you because of a deteriorating parent. But happily there are some good associations that do offer expert advice on coping with these problems. And there are specialists in this arena who can work with you to help you through the hard times.

Local hospitals, hospices and nursing homes usually have such names and numbers to assist you in this regard. If your dad feels certain that someone has broken into the house just to steal his chocolate when he has in fact eaten it himself, do not argue with him or say that his theories are irrational. Just calmly acknowledge how he feels and make him feel safe and loved. Do small things to alleviate his fears like simply letting him see you lock the doors or secure the windows at night before going to bed. If you get an unsatisfactory attitude from his physician, take him to a geriatric psychiatrist for further examination.

Erratic behavior is one of the earlies warning signals of dementia. If your mom starts cussing at the dinner table in front of the kids just because her steak is a bit undercooked, correct her calmly by teaching her the appropriate behavior: "Excuse me, my steak is a little undercooked, can you put it back on the grill for me please?"

Never resort to bad language yourself, as this will just perpetuate the unwanted behavior. If you feel yourself losing your own temper, take a few deep breaths until you are able to control your emotions. If you are being verbally assualted then it may be best to detach from being called offensive names. Give 3 warnings, use the silent treatment and then just walk away if the behavior goes on.

This can be one of the touphest problems to cope with, particularly for a very stubborn parent. Driving is so commonly related to having freedom and yet if you get reports that your dad is passing stop signs or driving on the wrong side of the street you have to deal with it. If you take his keys away from him, he may resent you, so it may be best to take a more indirect approach.

Take him or her for a "normal" checkup to check his vision, then ask the physician for a note expressing that the patient should not be driving anymore. Send the letter to the DMV requesting that his license be taken away. This may take a few weeks, but when the DMV takes away his license, be sympathetic and do research on transportation for seniors in the area, which is usually inexpensive and efficient.

For further information go to http://www.pharmaceutical-grade-fish-oil.biz/fish_oil_research.htm and find out some additional facts about aging and the possible effect of fish oil on Alzheimers.

Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher. For more info. visit http://www.omega3fishoil.org/

Caring for Aging Relatives

Wheelchairs come in every shape and size with sufficient options that you can find the wheels you like to take you where you want to go with the assistance you need. To enhance the comfort and convenience of your journey, choose accessories tailored to provide the best support for your activities and your health concerns.

A manual powered wheelchair is a good choice if you have reasonable upper body strength, but electric wheelchairs are preferred by people with upper body impairments. A manual chair could be suitable for years, but increasing age, pain, or fatigue might make it clear that it is time to switch to a motorized chair and save the wear and tear on your body. If you are an active sportsperson, you’ll want a lightweight manual; if you live in an area with rough terrain, you’ll need wheels and tires that are up to the job. For people whose problem is simply limited ability to walk or stand for long periods of time, motorized scooters are probably the preferred choice. Once you have considered your needs and made your chair selection, check out the wonderful choice of wheelchair accessories that can change your ride from good to great.

The Perfect Cushion is a Necessity not a Luxury

A good seat cushion for your chair is too important to be considered a luxury item and you should find one that fits your requirements exactly. A good cushion can save you not only from pressure sores but also from the incorrect posture that can generate a variety of back and neck problems. If you have a neuromuscular disease, respiration, circulation and swallowing are also concerns that need to be addressed by correct posture, which means being supported by a good cushion.

1. Foam cushions are the least expensive, are lightweight, and are available in a variety of densities. You can also cut and trim them if pressure problems develop. They will, however, lose their shape eventually, which, in itself, can create pressure problems.

2. Air floatation cushions will give you even pressure distribution and some models can be inflated to the exact height needed. You can purchase them as single-chamber cushions or dual-chamber cushions that allow the sides to be at different heights. They are lightweight and waterproof, but can, however, develop leaks or punctures. The pressure should be checked regularly.

3. Gel cushions are particularly comfortable and distribute pressure very evenly. They are heavier than foam or air, however, and it is important to check these products to make sure the design you are considering will not allow the gel to push out to the sides and cause the cushion to lose its shape.

A Wheelchair Ramp Gets You to Where You Want to Be

We’ve come a long way, baby, from the days when it was difficult or impossible for wheelchair riders to gain entrance to most public buildings. There are now ramps, enlarged doorways, at least one large stall in most public restrooms, and areas in the parking lot designated for handicap parking. There are older buildings, however, that have not yet made accommodation for mobile chairs, and, of course, most private homes are difficult to access with a wheelchair. You will need to travel by car or van on occasion, which means you need some kind of ramp, lift, or hoist to use with the vehicle, and a lift in the home may be necessary for a wheelchair user to access an upper floor. Fortunately, there is a wide range of new and used lifts, ramps and hoists, and you should be able to find a suitable product among the many wheelchair accessories available for any situation you encounter.

The term “permanent wheelchair ramp” is self-explanatory; “semi-permanent” means that it is assembled using bolts, which, of course, can be loosened so that the ramp can be moved and used elsewhere. A portable ramp can be folded or rolled up and will have some kind of carrying case – one model has suitcase handles. Ramps can have such safety refinements as side rails and non-skid tracks. You can select portable ramps that are suitable for use with thresholds only or for use with minivans. Van ramps are less expensive than lifts, fold in half, and are stored vertically.

Wheelchair lifts will have either electrical or hydraulic operating systems. Hydraulic lifts have the advantage of working even when there is a power outage, and they will provide a smooth and fluid ride. Electric lifts are cheaper, are quiet and comfortable, and can be fitted with automatic door openers and even telephone jacks. Make sure you choose one that has a battery for use in case of emergency. Stair lifts are very convenient and popular for home use and for accessing ordinary cars, and are easy for one person to operate. Automotive lifts can be quickly assembled and taken apart.

Other Wheelchair Accessories Provide Additional Comfort and Convenience

Wheelchairs provide independence and mobility, and, with the right wheelchair accessories, will maximize comfort, convenience, safety, and quality of life. These items might include:

1. Mounting systems for communication devices and laptop computers

2. Restraint systems for securing your chair in order to transport it in a car or a van

3. Adjustable hand controls and driving controls

4. Support aids:

* to help in sitting upright

* to prevent slipping from side to side

* to support the head

* to elevate the legs

5. Wheelchair locks and covers

6. Protective pads for arms, elbows and legs, and gloves for the hands and cushions for the back

7. Voice activated wheelchair controls

Take Advantage of Easy Online Shopping

Compare costs and find the best price for the right product online. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp and accessories, or equipment for adapting your chair for growth or loss of body strength or mobility, the Internet can be your best source of product information and cost comparison. Technology is always changing, and there are new products available to make your life easier every year, no matter what medical problems you have. Order replacement parts for your chair, such as batteries, tires, and wheels, as well as new or old and familiar products with confidence from the convenience of your home. We can help keep you independent and on the move with wheelchair accessories that are just right for you.

About the Author
Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing information and moneysaving tips to consumers who are in the market for a http://www.lifts-scooters-wheelchairs.com/” target=”_blank.

The Right Wheelchair Accessories Will Ease Your Life and Your Journeys on Wheels

Q: Six months ago we placed my mother in an assisted living facility. She gets along fairly well, but we thought she would get involved with all of the activities. Instead she complains that she is very lonely, and won’t participate. Do you have any suggestions?

A: There may be a number of reasons your mother doesn’t participate in the actives offered.

You may want to step back a bit and assess your mother’s situation. Ask yourself a few of these questions

1. What kind of activities has my mother always enjoyed doing?

2. Does my mother enjoy social gatherings now?

3. Does my mother enjoy a one on one visit?

4. Are there health factors present now that keeps her from enjoying group activities?

5. Before my mother needed assistance with activities of daily living was she a homebody or a social butterfly?

When determining what kind of facility your loved is best suited for those 5 questions should be asked. Often times, we as family members think that all sorts of activities would be good for our lonely senior. But, if group activities have not been a part of their lifestyle, it may be hard for them to just jump in a do the activities.

Your mom may just be a slow starter. One thing you might try is scheduling time to go in and participate in a few activities with your mom. This might help her feel more comfortable. If this is the case she will soon be attending activities on her own.

If however she still wishes to remain in her room, and still complains that she is lonely, you may wish to consider further investigation. Perhaps consulting with a neutral, long-term care advisor would be beneficial. I would suggest speaking with someone who is not interested in keeping your mom in their facility at all costs.

While these suggestions are not exhaustive, they will give you a place to begin.

Renee “Dutchy” Reeves is an Elder Care Consultant with over 10 years of working with the elderly and their families. Her online advice column, “Ask Dutchy” provides practical ideas and advice for assisting the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s, disability, and those needing long term care. See other articles by her at http://www.askdutchy.mycarelink.net

Mom Wont Participate!

Q: My mom is in the early stages of dementia and she is also incontinent we have tried to get her to stop wearing her underpants and have her start wearing pull-up diapers, she throws the Depends out the door and puts her underpants on. Of coarse we have a lot of laundry! How should I handle this?

A: This one should be fairly easy to solve. You have a few options actually! And hopefully you won’t have to try them all!

First, you should take all of the regular underwear away, and replace them with the Depends. That way there is no other option. Hopefully in a few days she will adjust to the change and not even notice the difference.

If that doesn’t work you may have to resort to under-handed, underwear tactics.

Sometimes with dementia you have to be a little bit dishonest. Somehow to me it never felt right telling little old ladies, little white lies. But, perhaps you could look at it like you are just stretching things a bit, or since we are Irish, it is just blarney!

One of the only ways to effectively deal with those who have dementia or alzheimer’s is to enter into their reality. In your moms’ mind, she doesn’t have a problem and doesn’t need them. In our reality we are smelling the urine, finding wet clothes, the furniture might be getting soiled etc. So here are a few one liners that might help you.

1. Mom we sent the underwear to the dry cleaners, they won’t be back until next Monday.

2. Sorry, mom, they had to keep them another week.

3. I’m going to have to call and complain, because it has taken them so long.

4. The ladies’ department at JC Penney, told me that they don’t make that kind of underwear anymore mom. They only sell this kind.

5. Mom, you are hip! It’s what all the chics your age are wearing!

6. Mom the washing machine is broken, can you just wear these until we get it fixed.

7. Mom, the dryer ate your underwear.

8. What underwear?

Get a little creative!

Renee “Dutchy” Reeves is an Elder Care Consultant with over 10 years of working with the elderly and their families. Her online advice column, “Ask Dutchy” provides practical ideas and advice for assisting the elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s, disability, and those needing long term care. See other articles by her at http://www.askdutchy.mycarelink.net

The Dryer Ate Your Underwear!

Introduction

The baby boomers is the population which haven taken birth after second world war till 1965 when there was a tremendous increase in birth rate due to the social and economic development in the USA. Now this population is going into the old age and thus bringing a burden to the nation as the country has to take care of not only the food and shelter but also the medical care. Rather medical care is in a way more important as they are prone to many diseases not only infectious because of their lowered immunity but also non -communicable ones such as Diabetes Mellitus, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, etc. not to speak of those other mental disorders such as Depression, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

Current problem

There is more than 35million population in USA that is more than 65 years as per the latest Census Bureau report. This is nearly 12 % of the whole population and this is supposed to more than double in the next 50 years or so requiring the nation provide for their well-being. At present, it is said, that the disabled and elderly account for only around 20% of Medicaid spending but they account for more than 75% of the Medicaid spending on the prescription medicines. There is yet another set of problems. There is a progressive decline in the renal function of the elderly. The enzymes needed to metabolize the drug are less and have they have sensitivity towards certain drugs. They also have lesser free fluid volume. These and many other factors make the elderly especially susceptible for drug toxicity. Also adverse drug reactions are much more common in the aged population than others.

Buying cheap drugs

There are certain federal and other non-governmental plans available that help the senior citizens to buy the drugs cheaper. These are:

1. Medicaid

When president Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid act in 1965 it marked a new era for the health care in USA. For a minimum amount, which is called a co-payment or some deductions, one can avail this facility. Nearly all states provide this facility to their population. You just have to fulfill certain their requirements.

2. Drug store discounts

Certain seniors are allowed a discount on their prescriptions, which can help them majorly.

3. Medicare drug discount cards

This is available for that elderly population who are not entitled for benefit under the Medicaid program.

4. Medicare prescription assistance programs

This type of program is available in nearly all states although they may differ in the eligibility requirements.

5. Online buying

People may buy the drugs online through the Internet but the only drawback is that they have to rely on the seller and in that process they may get duped by getting second grade items or by their money.

6. Buying from Canada

Some people prefer to buy their medicines from Canada, which has health policy a bit different from that of USA and hence provides a market for cheaper drugs. FDA does take it seriously if one buys them in small amounts.

7. Charities

There are certain charitable institutions, which help the elderly and the destitute in having their medicines, which at times they, give free of cost.

8. Others like state prescription fund, LCD, prescription drug credit program, subsidies, PAAD, PACENET,

Options available besides drugs

Besides the above options available for getting cheaper drugs there are other options like living in an extended health care facility or long term care facility or assisted living where people can not only live a normal healthy life but also get treatment if the need arise.

Tia arora writes helping senior citizens topics. Learn more at http://www.seniormedhelp.com.

What You Need to Know About Helping Senior Citizens