tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66576451614808258362024-03-13T10:48:06.324-07:00Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel HillAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-55514570656331657162015-07-24T07:39:00.000-07:002015-07-24T07:39:35.947-07:00Alzheimer's Nutrition Tips - (919) 338-2044 - Comfort Keepers Chapel Hill & Durham<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TeqQEMjmUj8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TeqQEMjmUj8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Many seniors</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><b style="line-height: normal;"> </b><span style="line-height: normal;">here</span><b> <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/dementia-and-alzheimers-disease-care" target="_blank">in Chapel Hill or Durham</a></b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">are faced with a growing number of health problems as they age. One particularly concerning disease is Alzheimer’s <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">d</span>i<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sease</span>.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, incurable, and fatal disease that usually
strikes those of older age but can occur in people as young as 40. Alzhei<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mer's</span> is the most common subclass of dementia, which is a term used
for any number of diseases that affect memory and intellectual ability
to the point of interfering with a person’s everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease in particular causes memory loss and affects the
thinking and behavior of those who suffer from it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><b style="line-height: normal;"> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">At<b> </b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b></span>, we are committed to <b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/in-home-care" target="_blank">Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill</a>, <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/dementia-and-alzheimers-disease-care" target="_blank">Alzheimer's and Dementia Care</a> </b>and your <b>senior's healthy living</b> and quality care. Here are a few facts about this disease...</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Currently,
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million Americans, a number
that is expected to rise to 7.1 million by 2025. There are several
risk factors for this disease that the general public is aware of,
including head injuries, genetics and a family history. However, one
risk factor that is not discussed nearly as often is the likely link between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The
human brain is fed nutrients and oxygen by the vascular system. If the
vascular system is not functioning well, the brain is also deprived of
essential nutrients and oxygen, which may cause disease in the brain,
including dementia. Research shows that the same risk factors for
vascular disease–diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol–are also
risk factors for Alzheimer’s. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Reducing Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">While
a person may not have any control over genetics or family history, he
or she can take action that can reduce the risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s
disease, which includes following a brain-healthy diet. The Alzheimer’s
Association defines a brain-healthy diet as “one that reduces the risk
of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain,
and is low in fat and cholesterol.” They recommend increasing the intake
of foods that can protect brain cells, and list the following
recommendations: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Cold-water fish (halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna) contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ngest</span> more</span> dark<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-skinned vegetables and fruits, which, in general, </span>have the highest levels of
naturally occurring antioxidant levels. Examples include vegetables like kale,
spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell
pepper, onion, corn, and eggplant. <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">E<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">xamples of fruits in this ca<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">tegory <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">include</span></span></span></span> prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries,
raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes, and cherries. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Nuts can be a healthy addition to the diet; almonds, pecans and walnuts are a
good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant. (Alzheimer’s Association, <i>Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet</i>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">While
studies have not pinpointed exactly how much of
these brain foods are required to have a noticeable effect on a person’s
risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, there is some data that shows
that older women who eat primarily leafy green and cruciferous
vegetables show mental functioning that is almost two years younger than
their counterparts who do not eat many of these vegetables. Therefore,
incorporating as many of these brain-healthy foods into the diet as
possible is recommended.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Following
a brain-healthy diet, along with being socially and physically active,
limiting the intake of alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, could
very well mean the difference between acquiring Alzheimer’s and other
forms of dementia or aging gracefully.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Nutrition and the Alzheimer’s Patient</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">It
is also very important that seniors who already have Alzheimer’s
disease practice healthy nutritional habits to help them stay healthy
and independent as long as possible. Foods high in<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span>sodium, refined sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">, cholesterol,
and saturated fat</span> should be greatly limited or
eliminated. They should also eat a good variety of foods to <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">make sure they are getting a broad range of essential nutrients</span>. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">An
additional problem that needs to be accounted for, however, is that
Alzheimer’s patients may be faced with additional challenges that
interfere with maintaining a healthy diet. As the disease progresses the
person may have difficulty with dexterity and may not be able to handle
cutlery and utensils easily; the person also may not recognize foods or may
forget when he or she last ate. Other obstacles to eating well include </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-mouth pain due to poor-fitting dentures or other mouth problems the
person is not able to communicate</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-lack of exercise, which reduces the
appetite</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-a reduced sense of taste and smell</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-medications that interfere
with the appetite</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-changes in perception that make it difficult for the
person to distinguish food from a plate</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">-distractions that keep the
person from eating.</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To
overcome these obstacles, caretakers can apply a number of approaches
to ensure their loved one or client gets the nutrition he or she needs.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides a number of excellent tips and
strategies on their website for caretakers to use including the
following:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Distinguish
food from the plate and the plate from the table by using contrasting
colors for plates and placemats. This can help the food to stand out and
become identifiable to someone whose perceptions are dramatically
altered.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Make
sure that food and drink are at an edible or drinkable temperature to
ensure the person does not burn his or her mouth. Test them yourself before
giving them to the Alzheimer’s patient.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Make eating easy by <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">making</span> finger foods that are easier to pick up.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Avoid distraction and confusion by only serving a maximum of two foods at a time.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Let
the person eat according to his or her preferences. Keep these
preferences in mind and serve healthy foods that the person has liked in the
past so that the meal is more appetizing to him or her. If the person’s
preferences suddenly change, be willing to change the foods and do not try to force
him or her to eat foods he or she may no longer like.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Allow
the person as much time to eat as he or she needs. Because of limited
abilities, he or she may take an hour or more to finish a meal.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Allow
the person as much independence as possible, even if he or she makes a
mess, and adapt the plates, cups and utensils to accommodate his or her
abilities. Bowls may be easier for the person to use than plates, and
cups with suction cups on the bottom may aid in preventing spills</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Make
the meals more enjoyable by joining the person at mealtime. Engage him or
her in conversation to stimulate the brain and appetite. You can also
show the person how to eat as necessary through demonstration.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">If
the person forgets when he or she last ate and keeps requesting a meal, consider
breaking up that meal into several smaller meals so the person can eat each
time he or she wants to without overeating. Portion out the different
foods and provide them to the person over the course of the day as he or
she asks for them.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">For additional tips and information, and some great caregiver guides, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at <a href="http://www.alz.org/">www.alz.org</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">At <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/dementia-and-alzheimers-disease-care" target="_blank"><b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b></a>,
we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to
help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one
and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #52626f; font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b><sup>References</sup></b><br />
<sup>Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet. Retrieved from alz.org/we_can_help_adopt_a_brain_healthy_diet.asp</sup><br />
<sup>Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Facts and Figures. Retrieved from alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp</sup><br />
<sup>Alzheimer’s
Association. (n.d.). Food, Eating and Alzheimer's. Retrieved from
alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asphttp://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/</sup></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-79046667144011173232015-03-24T12:47:00.001-07:002015-03-24T13:01:13.508-07:00Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - The Talk: How to Start the Senior Care Conversation<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nSfP5T_S1R8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nSfP5T_S1R8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
In providing senior care and elder care in Chapel Hill and Durham, we understand the discussion of senior care with aging parents and close relatives is a difficult conversation to have. It can be uncomfortable for all parties involved, but it is necessary to ensure the well being of a loved one as they grow older. There are a host of factors to consider when beginning such talks that will affect the entire family.<br />
<b><br />Timing is Everything</b><br />
When to have the senior care conversation is always difficult to determine. It is honestly never to early. Rather than waiting until the senior’s health is deteriorating, do it when they are of sound mind and body. This assures them that they have had some say in what the latter stages of their life will look like. Many caregivers and family members have experienced resentment from their seniors because they feel as though they have no control over their own lives. If they are a included in an early conversation, this ensures their input.<br />
<br />
<b>Location Matters</b><br />
Where the conversation takes place matters. The atmosphere should never be intimidating where the loved one will feels as though the family is ganging up on them. It should be calm, and in a family-oriented place such as someone’s home or a private venue. <br />
<br />
<b>Choose a Leader</b><br />
Someone has to lead the pack. The family should select a point person to plan and lead the discussion. This decision may be the most difficult for some families, especially in the case of a parent with more than one child. A pre-talk among the people closes in relation to the senior must take place. While the responsibilities can be shared, there has to be one person everyone can look to for details and instruction. Support is Imperative Showing up matters. It speaks volumes to loved ones when their relatives tell them they care but seeing actions match words resonates with them. The same is true when the senior care conversation begins. Involve everyone close to them. Show them they are not alone.<br />
<br />
<b>Gather Information</b><br />
<div style="font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,
we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to
help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one
and in planning the care that can make a difference in their
daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-48271190302909437372015-03-21T17:19:00.001-07:002015-03-24T12:40:16.690-07:00Senior Care in Durham and Chapel Hill <div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span></div>
<br />
Senior Care in Durham and Chapel Hill - We understand how hard it is to leave the care of your loved ones with others. We want you to know who we are and that we love what we do. We all have our personal stories of why we are in this business and it all revolves around providing loving care for the elder family members in our community.
Every client has unique care needs and situations, so at Comfort Keepers® in Chapel Hill and Durham we offer a full range of in-home companionship and personal care services to provide seniors with the right amount of support for independent living at home.
Call us to discuss options for keeping your senior safe. <br />
<br />
<div style="font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,
we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to
help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one
and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their
daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<a href="http://goo.gl/HA1DM7">http://goo.gl/HA1DM7</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-9835968917972120672015-02-18T18:40:00.001-08:002015-03-24T12:39:36.546-07:00Respite Care in Durham and Chapel Hill<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span></div>
<a href="http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj" target="_blank">Respite Care in Durham</a> - http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj
We give you a break from providing care so you can rest, recharge, or focus on other important matters.
Caregiving can be a rewarding and bonding experience within a family, yet in even the best situations, the responsibility and ongoing routine can be stressful and tiring—especially when balanced with a job or caring for children.
When family caregivers are emotionally drained providing Senior Care, they are likely less effective at playing this critical role. Comfort Keepers® of Chapel Hill and Durham can provide respite care or temporary relief to those who care for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home.
How Comfort Keepers Can Help...
Respite care services give you time to leave the home for a few hours or even a few days, knowing the one you care for is in good hands. This creates time to:<br />
• take care of the errands you never seem to have time for<br />
• catch up on your shopping<br />
• attend a support group meeting<br />
• visit doctor or dentist for routine care<br />
• give yourself a much-needed rest.<br />
<br />
Comfort Keepers respite services can be scheduled for as little as a few hours a week. Additionally, around-the-clock care can be arranged so you can take a longer break to attend a wedding out of town, take a child to college, or go on a much-needed vacation.
Comfort Keepers of Chapel Hill and Durham
1415 West NC Highway 54
Suite 209
Durham, NC 27707<br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj">http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-28087228532786796102015-02-03T02:14:00.001-08:002015-03-24T12:36:07.902-07:00Respite Care in Durham and Chapel Hill<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span> </div>
<a href="http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj" target="_blank">Respite Care of Chapel Hill and Durham</a> - http://goo.gl/FqN5Fj<br />
We give you a break from providing senior or elder care so you can rest, recharge, or focus on other important matters in the Chapel Hill and Durham areas.
Senior or elder caregiving can be a rewarding and bonding experience within a family, yet in even the best situations, the responsibility and ongoing routine can be stressful and tiring—especially when balanced with a job or caring for children.
When family caregivers are emotionally drained providing Senior Care, they are likely less effective at playing this critical role.<br />
<br />
Comfort Keepers® of Chapel Hill and Durham can provide respite care or temporary relief to those who care for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home.
How Comfort Keepers Can Help...
Respite care services give you time to leave the home for a few hours or even a few days, knowing the one you care for is in good hands. This creates time to:
• take care of the errands you never seem to have time for • catch up on your shopping • attend a support group meeting • visit doctor or dentist for routine care • give yourself a much-needed rest.
Comfort Keepers respite services can be scheduled for as little as a few hours a week. Additionally, around-the-clock care can be arranged so you can take a longer break to attend a wedding out of town, take a child to college, or go on a much-needed vacation.<br />
<br />
<div style="font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,
we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to
help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one
and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their
daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-86476179224524728982014-12-31T09:55:00.001-08:002014-12-31T09:56:14.497-08:00Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - Help Seniors Winterize Their Homes<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v77aZxh4PBCiSV1aj855bFBFqTnY8oWCm5g7c1PXlWSyEGc2w_bEEzQilO_HtXiUE2xEYZ-TO-o9gNEf8J8AFxHNHOOMOJKix6F-oXDbKo7xM8wY5FlsiauJB2LJHDcBSJFfE2WOpz0/s1600/Ladysjackets_winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v77aZxh4PBCiSV1aj855bFBFqTnY8oWCm5g7c1PXlWSyEGc2w_bEEzQilO_HtXiUE2xEYZ-TO-o9gNEf8J8AFxHNHOOMOJKix6F-oXDbKo7xM8wY5FlsiauJB2LJHDcBSJFfE2WOpz0/s1600/Ladysjackets_winter.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Winter months can be particularly harsh for seniors, especially for those who live here in Chapel Hill and Durham where are winters seem to be getting harsher! It is important that the ones you love stay safe during the winter season. Their safety includes not just dressing appropriately for the weather but also making sure their homes are in good shape to face the dangerous drops in temperature.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Depending on where your senior loved one lives, you may have very little to do to ensure winter safety in and around their home. However, for the colder regions, that to-do list may be quite long. The following are a few pointers to help you get started when visiting your loved ones this season.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Exterior</b><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span>Install weather strips around doors and caulk windows to keep cold air out and warm air inside. Insulate exposed pipes to protect them from freezing. Seal any holes in the house's foundation to keep animals from crawling underneath the house for shelter. Clean out gutters and ensure spouts are clear so any water flows away from the house. For locations that expect extended temperatures of 32 degrees or below, install additional insulation in the attic for protection. Check to make sure all snow and de-icing equipment is in working order. Ice-melt salt or sand is handy and provides additional safety during icy times. Drain gas from mowers and water from garden hoses.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Interior</b><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span>Make sure the furnace is in good working order and clear any materials that may become a fire hazard. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and store enough batteries for both. Have other heating units inspected and serviced. Clean the fireplace and leave wood in easy reach for seniors to use. If your loved one does not already have one, purchase a fire extinguisher and teach him or her how to use it.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Emergency Preparations</b><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span>Now is also a good time to create bad weather emergency kits for the home and even the car. For the house, make sure there are plenty of extra water bottles, candles, matches or lighters, flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage. Canned food and other non-perishable items should be stored for this purpose, as well. Keeping flashlights on the bedside table in case of such emergencies is also a good idea.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Emergency kits for cars are just as essential. While you do not want to store water in the car during freezing temperatures, you can keep a to-go bag by the door for outings. Inside this bag include plenty of water, some snacks or other easy-to-eat non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a cell phone charger for the car. Packing a warm change of clothes or a blanket may be a good idea. Better to be safe than sorry if your loved one's car happens to slide off of an icy road. At least the senior will be prepared to wait for help.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you live away from the senior in your life, now may be a good time to contact an in-home care agency, such as Comfort Keepers of Chapel Hill and Durham, to check on your loved one and ensure he or she is safe during the winter. <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/in-home-care" target="_blank">We have qualified staff that can help with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and can even provide transportation to appointments or other errands.</a> Most importantly, someone will keep an eye on the senior living alone, providing crucial care and much needed socialization during cold wintery days.</span></div>
<div style="font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font-size: small; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><sup>References</sup><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span>Weintraub, Elizabeth. Winterizing your home. Preparing your home for winter. Retrieved on October 30, 2011, from http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinmterHom.ht</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-70180259500240498132014-11-11T07:53:00.000-08:002014-11-11T07:53:40.943-08:00Alzheimer’s Care in Chapel Hill and Durham – Alzheimer’s Assistance Dogs Lend a Helping Paw<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<br />
In caring for <b>Alzheimer's patients here in Chapel Hill and Durham</b>, we see that little things can make a big difference in patient attitude. Pet therapy has been shown to be particularly helpful to Alzheimer’s patients and those affected by other dementias. Pets, and dogs in particular, can calm those affected by dementia, help them stay active (Dogs love to walk!), and help them stay social through interactions with passersby who cannot resist these fuzzy companions. Dogs in general often provide enjoyment for those dealing with dementia, and it has been shown that dementia patients have a greater appetite following a visit from a canine companion.<br />
<br />
The good news is there may be new promise in the area of pets helping people with dementias. Imagine dogs trained to remind a person to take medication and eat, or lead a person with dementia back home. Even more impressive, imagine these dogs could accomplish all of these tasks without receiving any type of verbal command. Does this sound farfetched (no pun intended)?<br />
<br />
Considering the intelligence level and demeanor of certain dogs, this idea is not as crazy as it seems. In fact, today there are approximately six dogs in the world trained to do exactly these types of tasks through two projects, one based in Israel and one based in Germany, and more dogs are being trained.<br />
Unlike traditional pet therapy, which mostly offers companionship to the Alzheimer’s patient, these two projects have undertaken training assistance dogs specifically to aid Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients with completing daily tasks, thus allowing the person to have greater independence.<br />
<br />
This type of training is not for all dogs; it is the most demanding type of service dog training. Since their main task is to bring their human companion home when lost (or bark for help if necessary) dementia assistance dogs are specially chosen based on whether they are capable of assisting without commands and adapting what they have learned to new settings and situations. They also must be resilient enough to tolerate the frequent mood changes from which those with dementias frequently suffer.<br />
<br />
Early pilot studies with these clever canines is promising, and the dementia patients and their families have had highly positive results. Perhaps one day in the near future, these carefully trained companions will be coming to a city near you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in keeping your senior healthy that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">References</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Cohen, J. (August 8, 2011). Assistance dogs: Learning new tricks for centuries. History in the Headlines. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/news/assistance-dogs-learning-new-tricks-for-centuries.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Coren, S. (January 21, 2014). Assistance dogs for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201401/assistance-dogs-alzheimers-and-dementia-patients.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Dementia Dog. (n.d.). Our dogs. Retrieved from http://www.dementiadog.org/</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Rugg, L. C. (n.d.). Alzheimer's aid: Lassies become loyal friends. Retrieved from http://www.kingsvalleycollies.com/versatile/alzheimer-s-aid.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Shiboleth, M. (n.d.). Remember for me–The Alzheimer’s aid dogs. Retrieved from http://www.kingsvalleycollies.com/about/alzheimers-aid-dogs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Vann, M. (April 20, 2010). How animal therapy helps dementia patients. Everyday Health. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps-dementia-patients.aspx.</span><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-58987053467404441612014-10-21T09:56:00.000-07:002014-10-21T09:56:00.493-07:00In Home Senior Care - Advice for Seniors: Get a Flu Shot<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
At Comfort Keepers, when we provide in-home Senior Care, we want to be sure our seniors get the best care. As with any medical treatment and prevention, your doctor is the only one who should advise you or your loved one to obtain a flu shot. However, information from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicate the best way to prevent the flu and stop it from spreading is a flu shot, especially for senior adults. This is because the flu can be especially dangerous to seniors above the age of 65.<br />
<br />
What is influenza and why is it more dangerous for seniors?<br />
Influenza, also know as the flu, is caused by a virus, also commonly known as a germ. More specifically, influenza is a respiratory infection. While most people recover in 1-2 weeks from the flu, for others influenza develops into a more serious lung infection. This type of flu complication can land one in the hospital, and also lead to Pneumonia, Bronchitis and other serious infections. At worst, the flu can cause death, and is the fourth leading cause of death among seniors 65 and older.<br />
<br />
The specific numbers are scary: More than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older, the CDC reports on cdc.gov. About 90 percent of deaths that occur from influenza happen to seniors.<br />
<br />
The flu is a greater concern for the elderly because, as we get older, our immune system becomes weaker. This makes it easier for seniors to not only get the flu, but to fight off complications that might develop from it.<br />
<br />
<b>What is a flu shot and when should I get it?</b><br />
As with any vaccine, a flu shot contains a weakened or killed part of the germ that causes the illness. Because this germ is so weak, it helps your body develop antibodies, which are substances that boost your immune systems. According to the CDC, once you develop antibodies against the flu, cells that have 'learned' to fight the virus remain ready to combat it when you are exposed, or come down with the flu.<br />
Because it takes a bit of time before your body is fully ready to fight off the flu virus, most medical experts recommend you get a flu shot in November. In general the 'flu season' begins in December and can last until the spring. If you wait until midst of flu season to get a shot, these antibodies won't have enough time to develop immunity from the flu.<br />
<br />
Many pharmacies, such as CVS, are now offering the flu shot. Even though these flu shots must be administered by qualified professionals, talk to you doctor first to let them know you plan to get vaccination and where. According to the National Institution on Aging, Medicare will pay for a flu shot.<br />
<br />
<b>Are caregivers more susceptible to the flu?</b><br />
Although younger adults are more likely to successfully fight off the flu, if you are caring for a loved one, you might be exposed to the flu before your loved one shows symptoms.<br />
<br />
The flu virus is contagious and can spread to someone only six feet away. An article written by Anthony Cirillo for About.com's Assisted Living page states one can infect another person one day before symptoms begin, and up to five to seven days after. Some studies show children may pass the virus to others for a longer duration.<br />
The flu typically spreads when someone sneezes, coughs or talks. It can also be spread when someone touches a surface, then their own mouth, nose or eyes.<br />
<br />
Because the flu is so easily spread, caregivers should take extra precautions when near a loved one who has the flu. They should also take precautions to avoid getting the flu themselves because a senior in their care is more susceptible to the virus.<br />
<br />
<b>In addition to a vaccine, how do I prevent the flu?</b><br />
Everyday precautions are you or your loved one's best defense against flu. Some basic ways to prevent the virus is to wash your hands carefully and often; avoid touching your eyes; and stay inside and away from others if you don't feel well.<br />
Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral drugs for you or your loved that can be beneficial within 48 hours of the onset of the flu. However, some physicians and other medical professionals advise against the elderly using these prescriptions.<br />
<br />
There is a fair amount of evidence that a healthy diet and some supplements can prevent the flu and lessen its severity. According to Simin N. Meydani, Ph.d, a researcher at Tufts University, studies conducted in nursing homes indicated that zinc plays a role in fighting the flu. In nearly 600 nursing facilities, the residents who had normal zinc concentration were less susceptible to the flu, and had a shorter duration of it than those with low zinc levels.<br />
How do I know if I should call my doctor about the flu?<br />
<br />
The common symptoms of the minor flu are: muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.<br />
<br />
If you suspect your loved one's symptoms have grown worse over one or two days, always call the doctor. Here are some signs that indicate the flu has reached a severity that requires hospitalization or additional treatment:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>shaking chills<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>pain in the chest or abdomen, or shortness of breath<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>confusion and abrupt dizziness<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>high-fever or sweating (how high of a temp here?)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>diarrhea<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>coughing up phlegm that is yellow, green or white.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in keeping your senior healthy that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">References </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">The editors of the National Institute on Aging's website: nia.nih.gov The editors of flu.gov Consumer Reports News, 'Should I take Tamiflu to treat the flu? January, 2013 'Adequate Zinc Levels Help Quell Pneumonia in Elderly,' by Tufts University's Simin N. Meydani, Ph.D, via Med Page Today. The editors of WebMD 'What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season if You are 65 Years and Older,' by the editors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via www.cdc.gov </span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-16655226558829622572014-10-19T09:23:00.000-07:002014-10-19T09:23:54.147-07:00Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - Aging Gracefully: Muscles, Joints and Bones <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In providing <b>senior care in Chapel Hill and Durham</b> we understand that muscles, joints, and bones are vital to movement. They enable us to accomplish complex feats such as downhill skiing and simple tasks like writing with a pencil. Bones provide our basic body structure, joints allow flexibility of movement, and muscles hold them together to make it all possible. It is important to pay attention to these body parts all the time, not just when they hurt, and to care for them as we age. Proper care of muscles, joints, and bones now helps ensure strength and mobility as we age, and it may mean the difference in growing old gracefully, or not.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we age, our bones lose density, muscles lose flexibility and joints become worn. This affects mobility and balance, making us more at risk for falling and fracturing bones. Seniors are especially prone both to falling and to diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis, which can impose limitations on the most basic activities of life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even if they are not afflicted with a disease, the older our joints, bones, and muscles become, the more important it is to know how to maintain these parts in order to preserve our basic mobility. Experts say healthy eating habits and moderate exercise can improve and maintain joint mobility, muscle mass, and bone strength.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What to Eat and Why</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps maintain bone density. Vitamin D also acts as an anti-inflammatory in regards to joint pain, as do the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as tuna and salmon. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases the pressure on our joints and prevents inflammation of joint tissue as it degrades over time. Limiting fat intake from other sources will not only aid in maintaining a healthy weight, but it also keeps fatty tissues from developing in muscles, which weakens them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Exercise and Why It Helps</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Talking with a doctor about exercise, especially when engaging in a new activity, is the first step to improve bones, joints and muscles. He or she can recommend appropriate levels of exercise and may recommend strength training, which helps retain bone density and muscle mass. This improves flexibility, which has a direct effect on balance and posture. Strength training is shown to prevent osteoporosis and keeps the disease from getting worse if for those who already have it. Strength training consists of weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, lifting weights, using a stair climber or another activity that moves our bodies against gravity. Moderate aerobic exercise helps ease the pain of arthritis and includes bicycling at less than ten miles per hour, water aerobics, and brisk walking. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi stretch our muscles and keep them flexible. Even your Comfort Keeper can provide structure in your home to help your senior get their exercise into their schedule.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No matter how old we are, changing our eating and exercise habits for the better will have a direct effect on the quality of life we lead as we age. As intimidating as it may seem at first, incorporating healthy food and exercise into our daily routines now will help our muscles, joints and bones continue to function and allow us to get the most out of life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-57128863742239382062014-09-13T07:18:00.000-07:002014-10-19T09:57:41.265-07:00Senior Care Chapel Hill: Adapting Homes to Seniors' Changing Needs <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<br />
The reason why we love what we do here at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/in-home-care" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers</a></span> is that we provide families that are looking at <b>senior care, elder care or Alzheimer's care in Chapel Hill and Durham</b> an option. Because more Americans are choosing to "age in place." That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.<br />
<br />
But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.<br />
<br />
A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.<br />
<br />
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a checklist to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.<br />
<br />
Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.<br />
The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seat</li>
<li>Remove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slipping</li>
<li>Move furniture to create clear walking paths</li>
<li>Keep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent tripping</li>
<li>Replace doorknobs with lever door handles</li>
<li>Apply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor steps</li>
<li>Replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches</li>
<li>Increase the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertops</li>
<li>Move often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stools</li>
<li>Repair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairways</li>
<li>Install an elevator or chair lift</li>
<li>Install an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access</li>
<li>Replace old stoves with induction cook tops to help prevent burns</li>
<li>Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standing</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Shedding Light on Home Modification</b><br />
When modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.<br />
Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.</li>
<li>Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-29001024264976980812014-09-12T06:55:00.001-07:002014-09-12T07:48:41.374-07:00Senior Care and Elder Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: At-Home Care Assists With Senior Mobility<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When looking for an at-home care provider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(senior care, elder care, alzheimer's care or dementia care)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/in-home-care" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers®</a> of Chapel Hill and Durham is here to help. According to the International Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, mobility is an important factor in the quality of life for the elderly. Even basic mobility, such as the ability to move about one's home, significantly contributes to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our older loved ones.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Often times, chronic ailments, illnesses and injuries hinder the mobility of the elderly. To help ensure that mobility is regained quickly and maintained to the highest level possible, Comfort Keepers offers many at-home care services to help increase and maintain mobility for seniors. These services include mobility assistance, transferring and positioning and companionship services such as fitness and exercise.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Comfort Keepers' at-home care mobility services include assisting seniors with a range of physical abilities to move about the home, both indoors and outdoors. As many seniors with illnesses or injuries may be reluctant to venture out of a comfort zone, such as a particular room in the house, up or down stairs, or outside the home for fear of falls or an inability to get back home safely, Comfort Keepers alleviates this problem by offering services on a part to full-time basis. At-home care providers assist seniors so that they can move about comfortably and with the peace of mind of knowing that someone is available to offer support in a time of need.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other services offered by Comfort Keepers at-home care providers include transferring and positioning. For seniors who have limited mobility and must remain in a laying or sitting position, care providers assist with positioning to alleviate pressure off of a particular part of the body, aiding in proper muscle movement, digestion and breathing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, Comfort Keepers at-home care providers also offer companionship services. This assists in mobility in that care providers take seniors shopping, to the park, on walks around the neighborhood and to any other number of activities. Active seniors tend to have a higher level of physical and emotional well-being than those who are inactive, and with a partner or another person to converse with on a regular basis, seniors are more likely to maintain a mobile routine.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-14529245968021751812014-09-06T12:30:00.002-07:002014-09-06T12:30:24.312-07:00Veteran's Benefits in Chapel Hill and Durham: Can they pay for Senior Care<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
Working with seniors in Chapel Hill and Durham, I often get the question of whether senior care services can be paid for by Veteran's Benefits and there is a way with the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for this and it can be used to cover some of the cost of in-home care. A veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran who served at least 90 days on active duty with one day during a period of war may be eligible for the VA’s non-service connected disability pension.<br />
Attorney Doug Keonig talk with me about the process and how to start the paperwork to get considered for this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-mWkaCNJidQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
At <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a>, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing <b>senior care or elder care at home.</b> We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-50649470985756882122014-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:002014-07-21T17:40:28.590-07:00Senior Care in Chapel HIll and Durham: Creative Senior Activities <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGFne8lUuUHNn_oQMuFvTBSrIzht9PDBIs5VjE2fCRT1_oNUju-zpcXuvPt1KqAX6D6xPAVm1TkYHLH3ZMIlUNeLakz7n-eraNVW67clLhqX_dgpvP51GG_mPi_wn9HzLAyBdo-mLlD4/s1600/model-building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGFne8lUuUHNn_oQMuFvTBSrIzht9PDBIs5VjE2fCRT1_oNUju-zpcXuvPt1KqAX6D6xPAVm1TkYHLH3ZMIlUNeLakz7n-eraNVW67clLhqX_dgpvP51GG_mPi_wn9HzLAyBdo-mLlD4/s1600/model-building.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
As we provide <b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/in-home-care" target="_blank">Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham</a></b> we see that illness, loss of mobility, or limited physical abilities resulting from aging can be a source of stress for senior adults. Individuals who had once had full control over their lives suddenly find that they need the help of medical professionals and caregivers. Stress can be heightened during and after a hospital stay, and this can increase the person’s risk of being readmitted to the hospital. As medical professionals seek solutions to improving patients’ outcomes, many are turning to complementary therapies to help patients overcome the psychological and emotional factors that may impede their progress. One such therapy is art therapy.<br />
<br />
<b>Senior Activities</b>, especially art therapy has been shown to have a direct impact on individuals’ wellness and can help the elderly adapt to changes and loss brought on by age and/or illness. By engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, clay work and sculpting, jewelry making, scrap booking, and so forth, seniors have a channel for expression. Some studies have demonstrated that individuals involved in art activities needed to see their doctors less often, used less medication, and had a better outlook on life overall.<br />
<br />
Here in this area we have a range of resources for our seniors so they can be active and stay active. In Orange County we have the two centers that have a range of activities. <a href="http://www.co.orange.nc.us/aging/Programs.asp" target="_blank">Visit the county site</a> for a schedule of activities including art, dance and many others. As you sign up for these, often their is even lunch available. More information on the site will help you with that. Here are the 2 centers in Orange County - The Central Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough and the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
<b><strong>Central Orange Senior Center</strong></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
103 Meadowlands Drive</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
Hillsborough, NC 27278</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
Phone: (919) 245-2015</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
Fax: (919) 732-2239</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
Hours:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
M - Th: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
Sa: 9:00 am - 11:00 am</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Robert & Pearl Seymour Center</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2551 Homestead Road</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
Chapel Hill, NC 27516</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
<strong>Phone:</strong> (919) 968-2070</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Fax:</strong> (919) 968-2093</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
<strong>Hours</strong>:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
M, W, Fr: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Tu, Th: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
Sa: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</div>
<div style="margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
In Durham, we have 3 options with a 4th closed for renovations:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>WD Hill Senior Center</b> is located in a Durham Parks and Recreation facility and offers a wealth of programs and services. Older adults here participate in exercise classes, arts & crafts instruction, walking groups, games, and guest lecturers in health or adult education. Additionally, older adults enjoy a lunch program, holiday events, community performers, and much, much more!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">1308 Fayetteville Street (W.D. Hill Recreation Center)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Lawanda Lewis, Manager</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Monday - Friday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">8:30am - 1:30pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Ph: 919.688.9158</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Durham Center for Senior Life </b>is located downtown at 406 Rigsbee Avenue and is a dedicated senior center, serving adults of Durham County. The senior center is operated by Durham Center for Senior Life (DCSL), an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and operates from 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday.</span><br />
<div class="pad8" style="padding-bottom: 8px;">
</div>
This is what the information they offer from their website:<br />
The downtown senior center offers a variety of on-going programs, special events, and fun activities. Whether you are interested in lively exercise classes or learning a new skill, you will find that and everything in between here! Check out our <a href="http://www.dcslnc.org/publications/calendars/DCSL_Monthly_Calendar_July_2014.pdf">monthly calendar</a> for all of the details.<br />
<div class="pad8" style="padding-bottom: 8px;">
</div>
<div class="img_hold_200_rght" style="float: right; padding-left: 10px; width: 200px;">
</div>
<div class="img_hold_190_lft" style="float: left; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 5px; width: 190px;">
</div>
<br />
The Senior Center has a computer lab, exercise equipment room, arts & crafts area, TV lounge and game room with a Wii, pool table and ping pong table. In addition, there are several rooms for classes, meetings and exercise space.<br />
Art can help dementia and stroke patients communicate nonverbally and can uncover hidden abilities that seniors may not have known they had. Working on a creative piece can give seniors who may feel as though they no longer have any control over their lives the ability to take charge, be responsible, and have control over the outcome of their work. The finished creative piece stands as a reminder that they can still learn and adjust to life’s circumstances and that they still have abilities and resources. This has the effect of instilling hope and confidence in a person who may have been defeated by feelings of dejection.<br />
<br />
Lastly, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Little River Senior Center</b> is located in the Little River Community Center in Bahama, which is situated in the northern part of Durham County. Seniors at Little River enjoy many programs including exercise classes, health education seminars, holiday activities, special events in partnership with local businesses, a daily lunch program, and much, much more! The facilities include not only the senior center, but also a gymnasium, quilting room and ceramics studio.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
8305 Roxboro Road<br />
(Little River Community Complex, Bahama)<br />
Corrie Smith, Manager<br />
Monday - Friday<br />
08:30am - 1:30pm<br />
Ph: 919.477.6066<br />
<br />
<div class="pad8" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 8px;">
</div>
Even if seniors do not have direct guidance from a licensed art therapist, they can still benefit from creative activities. Well-trained caregivers can choose creative activities that take advantage of seniors’ strengths and abilities, enabling them to successfully produce works they can be proud of and that give them joy. Caregivers can share in this pursuit by assisting when seniors need help, for example aiding the senior with detail work during jewelry making if the senior has failing eyesight or problems with dexterity. Seniors can find companionship and a personal connection with caregivers by sharing their own experiences and knowledge as they work on the creative piece.<br />
<br />
Focusing on the creative process serves to alleviate stress by providing seniors who are struggling with physical limitations with a sense of purpose. In turn, the decrease, or even the perception of a decrease, in stress levels may be just what the doctor ordered to allow the senior to successfully recover at home.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in finding senior activities that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
References:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Chancellor, B. Duncan, A. & Chatterjee, A. (2014). Art therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 39, 1–11. DOI 10.3233/JAD-131295.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Edmonson, D., Green, P., Ye, S., Halazun, H.J. & Davidson, K.W. (March 2014). Psychological Stress and 30-day all-cause hospital readmission in acute coronary syndrome patients: An observational cohort study. PLoS ONE 9(3): e91477. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091477.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Johnson, C.M. & Sullivan-Marx, E.M. (2006 ).Art therapy: Using the creative process for healing and hope among African American older adults. Geriatric Nursing, 27(5), 309–316. DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2006.08.010.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-10682803669909449652014-07-18T07:37:00.002-07:002014-07-18T07:37:38.762-07:00Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Communication Tips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4TN6Jy_kzMC0DnoYLL4UcK1Yzl4CP8i6whcd18UGo3IWyua4qUzDdIxImjER-oVNlnrhRpHED-N5b7YWSiWxjeo1q9_kpNZ2JXHK9oz1d6o_9qOqchLySmgnfM9r3wSg8P-WD7qjREQ/s1600/Alzheimers_Com-Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4TN6Jy_kzMC0DnoYLL4UcK1Yzl4CP8i6whcd18UGo3IWyua4qUzDdIxImjER-oVNlnrhRpHED-N5b7YWSiWxjeo1q9_kpNZ2JXHK9oz1d6o_9qOqchLySmgnfM9r3wSg8P-WD7qjREQ/s1600/Alzheimers_Com-Tips.jpg" /></a></div>
In providing <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/dementia-and-alzheimers-disease-care" target="_blank">Alzheimer's Care in Chapel Hill and Durham</a> we see the most debilitative and indicative symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the gradual loss of words. Where it can be frustrating for you, realize that the Alzheimer's patients realize there is a problem, even though they may not have the capacity to understand what is happening. This can cause instances of confusion, fright and frustration for the person with Alzheimer's disease as well as for loved ones and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's.<br />
<br />
In an effort to help those dealing with seniors with Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association suggests the following tips to achieve better communication.<br />
<br />
First, it is important to learn to recognize the changes in communication and behavior in those with Alzheimer's. Second, caregivers and family members need to learn how to assist in communication and to identify and adapt their own communication styles to those of the individual Alzheimer's sufferer.<br />
<br />
It is important to be patient and supportive when trying to communicate. Take the time to listen with no interruptions or criticisms. Try to offer encouragement and reassurance that he or she take the time needed to try to form thoughts into proper words and try to resist correcting misused words. Many times there is meaning behind those words and if you take the time you may discover the intended meaning. Focus on the emotion that may lie within the words. Nuances in voice tone as well as hand gestures and facial expressions can all be critical in fully understanding the senior.<br />
<br />
At times you may become angry or frustrated, yourself, but understand that criticizing or arguing only serves to increase levels of discomfort and agitation for those with Alzheimer's. Instead, practice patience and offer occasional suggestions for words they are trying to speak. When appropriate, retreat to a quiet place to communicate. Noise and crowds may intimidate the Alzheimer's patient, resulting in increased frustration and anxiety as well as decreased verbalization. Sometimes, all the person needs is a bit of quiet to organize their thoughts and correctly verbalize them.<br />
<br />
If your senior is in late stages of Alzheimer's there are other measures you can take to improve communication efforts. Let the person know who you are to create a sense of familiarity. Use simple words and sentences and speak slowly in a lowered tone of voice. Be prepared to repeat your questions or information you are imparting, and also be prepared for those with Alzheimer's to repeat themselves. Be respectful, calm and caring in your actions and tone of voice. Using signals or written words to communicate or as reminders can be extremely helpful.<br />
<br />
Above all, try to remain positive even in the face of this difficult condition. Alzheimer's disease is extremely trying for the patient and the caregiver, family members and friends who are dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Remember, the challenges are neither your fault nor theirs. Patience, understanding and compassion on your part can mean the difference between failure and success in effective communication.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">At <b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b>, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a>.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> References Alzheimer's Association. Communication and alzheimer's. Retrieved on November 8, 2010 from alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-4003610041615507852014-05-23T07:06:00.000-07:002014-05-23T07:06:00.288-07:00Senior Care in Chapel HIll and Durham: Adapting Homes to Seniors' Changing Needs <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Options in senior care in Chapel Hill and Durham often turns to choosing to "age in place." That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a CHECKLIST to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seat</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slipping</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Move furniture to create clear walking paths</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent tripping</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Replace doorknobs with lever door handles</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Apply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor steps</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Increase the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertops</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Move often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stools</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Repair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairways</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Install an elevator or chair lift</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Install an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Replace old stoves with induction cook tops to help prevent burns</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standing</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Shedding Light on Home Modification</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-80091339570238985502014-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:002014-05-22T06:52:17.775-07:00Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: Adult Day Care Helps Seniors and Their Families<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When looking at <b>Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham</b>, <b>adult day care centers</b> offer a dual solution. They help family caregivers who need a respite from caregiving responsibilities as they provide seniors health-promoting opportunities to socialize with other seniors.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Open during daytime hours, adult day care centers provide a safe, supportive environment for older adults who need assistance with independent living as they receive essential mental and social stimulation through the center's organized activities. At the same time, the centers offer family members peace of mind that their loved one is in good hands when they are involved with work or other responsibilities.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adult day care centers promote well-being and quality of life by providing social and health-related services. They also offer nutritious meals and snacks to accommodate special diets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Activities provided at adult day care centers may include:</span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Arts and crafts</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Musical entertainment and singing</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Games that provide mental stimulation</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Exercise appropriate to ability</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Local outings</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Discussion and reminiscing</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are alone during the day while family members are at work or taking care of other responsibilities</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Need companionship, social stimulation and functional assistance</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can not be safely left alone at home</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some adult day care centers also coordinate programming with children to provide intergenerational opportunities for the seniors and children, and some have special programming for persons in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related conditions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Additional services provided by some centers include transportation to and from the center, counseling and support groups for caregivers, and health screening and monitoring services for the seniors.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)there are about 4,000 adult day care centers in the U.S. The growth in adult day care in the past 20 years has been driven by the tremendous growth in the nation's senior citizen population and seniors' increasing preference for in-home and community-based services over institutionally-based care.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adult day care is appropriate for seniors who:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adult day care services are not covered by Medicare. However, Medicaid will assist with the costs of licensed adult day care for persons who have limited income and assets. Some centers offer services on a sliding fee scale, based on income.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some private medical insurance policies cover a portion of adult day care costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care. In addition, some long-term care insurance may pay for adult day care services, and dependent-care tax credits may be available to caregivers in some cases.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-78820943052834364052014-03-18T07:03:00.001-07:002014-09-06T12:28:30.572-07:00Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: How you see yourself!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How others see you is not important, how you see yourself means everything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvFm7kgNtXC5RTcF8rpIPiTSKBzVLL4V5ycQKhW74N185uIUwuMpYdnrNfm0mhDeiATS73jbxXxFGSc4j2_DBHAa6uaSca4ilG730eH0XKNeI90flJlD19HOQWEl3CvVexKBKu2M50so/s1600/Others_see_Us.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvFm7kgNtXC5RTcF8rpIPiTSKBzVLL4V5ycQKhW74N185uIUwuMpYdnrNfm0mhDeiATS73jbxXxFGSc4j2_DBHAa6uaSca4ilG730eH0XKNeI90flJlD19HOQWEl3CvVexKBKu2M50so/s1600/Others_see_Us.png" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing <b>senior care or elder care at home.</b> We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">online</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-40738561125264077152014-03-18T06:09:00.002-07:002014-03-18T06:09:31.375-07:00Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Food Safety for Seniors<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #52626f;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span><br />
<div style="color: #a21f4a; font: 35.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #52626f; font-family: Times; font-size: 19px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 35px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Providing <b>senior care and eldercare in Chapel Hill and Durham</b> is a rewarding opportunity, but frustrating when we see our seniors get sick from preventable issues such as <b>food safety</b>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Senior Health reports that approximately 76 million Americans get food poisoning, or foodborne illnesses, each year, and of those about 5000 die. Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating foods that are contaminated with bacteria, protozoa, or other microbials and viruses. The real tragedy here is that in most cases these foodborne illnesses are <i>preventable</i> simply by using proper food handling and storage methods. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">At<b> </b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank"><b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b></a></span>, we are committed to <b>Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill </b>and your <b>senior's healthy living</b> and quality care. We can help keep your senior safe and avoid these food safety issues.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Why is this so important? Because food poisoning is especially detrimental to seniors, causing them to be sicker longer with more acute symptoms. As people age, their immune systems slow down and are not as effective in combating illnesses. Older adults’ bodies do not produce as much stomach acid and their digestion slows, both making it difficult to eliminate bacteria that enter the system. Seniors are also more likely to be suffering from chronic illnesses, which affect the body’s ability to ward off disease. Additionally, older people’s abilities to smell and taste are not as acute as when they were younger, making it difficult for them to discern when food has spoiled. This makes them more likely to eat foods that may be contaminated.</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">For these reasons, it is critical that seniors and their caretakers are able to immediately identify the symptoms of food poisoning and seek proper medical care and treatment. It is equally important, or more so, that they follow safe food preparation and handling methods.</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Symptoms and Treatment of Food Poisoning</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Symptoms of foodborne illnesses can start hours, days, or even weeks after eating contaminated food. They can range from mild to acute and can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps that can last for one to ten days. Severe cases usually require hospitalization. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Seniors or caretakers who suspect a senior under their care is exhibiting symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. If they believe they can identify food has caused the illness, they should wrap it, label it clearly, and freeze it for testing. They should also keep any packaging that the food came in to help doctors identify the cause of the illness. Additionally, they should report the contaminated food to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854.</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To diagnose food poisoning, doctors will generally want to know how long the symptoms have been present and when the food was eaten. Very often, they will take laboratory samples and cultures, such a blood and stool samples, to help with the diagnosis. In many cases, there may not be a definitive diagnosis of food poisoning, but the physician will treat it as such because the symptoms match.</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">When the senior does undergo treatment for food poisoning, it is imperative that he or she complete the full prescribing dosage of medication to ensure full recovery. Stopping medicines too soon may allow a recurrence of infection. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Preventing Foodborne Illnesses in Seniors</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Thoroughly washing hands before handling and preparing food can greatly reduce the risk of contamination. Many foodborne illnesses come from oral-fecal transmission when people use the bathroom and do not properly wash their hands before handling food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Aside from hand washing, both the FDA and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics list these recommendations for safe food handling, preparation, and storage on their websites:</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Wash cooking items, such as cutting boards, with hot soapy water between food items.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Raw meats and poultry do not need to be washed. Washing can spread bacteria to other foods, surfaces, and utensils. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Separate raw meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and eggs, and their juices, from ready-to-eat foods. Use one cutting board for fresh fruits and vegetables and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and eggs. Do not place cooked food on a plate that held raw meat, poultry, fish, seafood, or eggs unless you first wash the plate with hot, soapy water.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Cook meat to recommended internal temperatures to destroy bacteria: beef to 145°F; ground beef, veal and lamb to 160°F; pork to 160°F; poultry to 165°F; fish and seafood to 145°F; eggs to 160°F; and leftovers to 165°F. Check internal temperatures with a food thermometer.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Place in a container to prevent juices, which may contain harmful bacteria, from contaminating other food. Food may also be thawed in a microwave and cooked right away.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below. Use an appliance thermometer.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Never keep refrigerated leftovers more than three or four days, even if they still look and smell fine.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Refrigerate food promptly. Never allow meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, or fresh vegetables or fruit to sit at room temperature for more than two hours before storing in the refrigerator or freezer. Reduce this time to one hour when the room temperature is 90 degrees or above.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Keep in mind that bacteria grow quickly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F, so hot food left out for serving should be maintained at an internal temperature of 140°F or above. Likewise, cold foods should be kept below 40°F to prevent bacteria growth.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Follow "sell-by" and "use-by" dates on food packaging. Do not buy an item after the "sell-by" date, and throw out food when the “use-by” date passes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Do not take restaurant leftovers home unless you can refrigerate them within two hours of being served (one hour if air temperature is 90°F or above) – or if you can keep them in a cooler with ice or freezer gel packs until you arrive home.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also recommends that seniors avoid the following foods due to the increased risk of contamination: </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Raw, rare or undercooked meats and poultry (rare hamburgers, carpaccio and beef or steak tartare) </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Raw fish (including sushi, sashimi, ceviche and carpaccio) </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Undercooked and raw shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels and scallops) </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Refrigerated smoked seafood unless it's in a cooked dish, such as a casserole. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Unpasteurized dairy products ("raw" milk and cheeses) </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Some fresh soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert, blue-veined varieties and Mexican-style queso fresco) unless made with pasteurized milk </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Raw or undercooked eggs (soft-cooked, runny or poached) </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Food items that contain undercooked eggs (unpasteurized eggnog, Monte Cristo sandwiches, French toast, homemade Caesar salad dressing, Hollandaise sauce, some puddings and custards, chocolate mousse, tiramisu and raw cookie dough or cake batter)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Raw sprouts (alfalfa, clover and radish)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Deli salads</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Refrigerated pâté or meat spreads</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">At <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a>, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing <b>senior care or elder care at home.</b> We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">online</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #52626f; font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">To get a detailed downloadable PDF file on food safety from the FDA <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/BuyStoreServeSafeFood/ucm255180.htm"><span style="color: #2e86c4;">click here</span></a> or visit the FDA’s website.</span></div>
<div style="color: #52626f; font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">References<br />
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (December 2012). <i>Food safety tips for older adults.</i> Retrieved from eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=5982.<br />
Mayo Clinic (June 2011). <i>Diseases and conditions: Food poisoning</i>. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/basics/symptoms/con-20031705.<br />
National Institutes of Health, Senior Health. (n.d.). <i>Eating safely: Keep food safe.</i> Retrieved from nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingsafely/avoidfoodborneillness/01.html<br />
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (June 2011).<i> Food facts: Safe food handling.</i> (PDF document) Retrieved from fda.gov/downloads/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/ucm257049.pdf.<br />
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (March 2013). <i>Safe food handling: What you need to know.</i> Retrieved from fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/BuyStoreServeSafeFood/ucm255180.htm.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-38950368769023901802014-03-04T07:34:00.000-08:002014-07-18T07:40:20.663-07:00Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Nutrition and Its Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Many seniors</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><b style="line-height: normal;"> </b><span style="line-height: normal;">here</span><b> in Chapel Hill or Durham</b>, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">are faced with a growing number of health problems as they age. One particularly concerning disease is <i><b>Alzheimer’s</b></i>. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, incurable, fatal disease that usually strikes the elderly but can occur in people as young as age 40. This disease is the most common subclass of dementia, which is a term used for any number of diseases that affect memory and intellectual ability to the point of interfering with a person’s everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease in particular causes memory loss and affects the thinking and behavior of those who suffer from it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><b style="line-height: normal;"> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">At<b> </b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank"><b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b></a></span>, we are committed to <b><a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/in-home-care" target="_blank">Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill</a>, <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/home/care-services/dementia-and-alzheimers-disease-care" target="_blank">Alzheimer's and Dementia Care</a> </b>and your <b>senior's healthy living</b> and quality care. Here are some great facts...</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Currently, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million Americans, a number that is expected to rise to 7.1 million by 2025. There are a number of risk factors for this disease that the general public is aware of, including head injuries, genetics and a family history. However, one risk factor that does not seem to get as much media attention is the possible link between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">The human brain is fed nutrients and oxygen by the vascular system. If the vascular system is not functioning well, the brain is also deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen, which can cause disease in the brain, including dementia. Research shows that the same risk factors for vascular disease–diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol–are also risk factors for Alzheimer’s. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Reducing Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">While a person may not have any control over genetics or family history, he or she can take action that may reduce the risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, including following a brain-healthy diet. The Alzheimer’s Association defines a brain-healthy diet as “one that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain, and is low in fat and cholesterol.” They recommend increasing the intake of foods that can protect brain cells, and list the following recommendations on their website: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">In general, dark-skinned fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of naturally occurring antioxidant levels. Such vegetables include kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn, and eggplant. Fruits with high antioxidant levels include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes, and cherries. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Cold-water fish (halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna) contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Some nuts can be a useful part of the diet; almonds, pecans and walnuts are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant. (Alzheimer’s Association, <i>Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet</i>)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">While studies have not been able to definitively state exactly how much of these brain foods are required to have a noticeable affect on a person’s risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, there are some data that show that older women who eat primarily leafy green and cruciferous vegetables demonstrate mental functioning that is two years younger than their counterparts who do not eat many of these vegetables. Therefore, incorporating as many of these brain-healthy foods into the diet as possible is recommended.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Following a brain-healthy diet, along with being socially and physically active, limiting the intake of alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, could very well mean the difference between acquiring Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia or aging gracefully.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Nutrition and the Alzheimer’s Patient</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">It is also vitally important that seniors who already have Alzheimer’s disease practice healthy nutritional habits to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible. Foods high in cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium, and refined sugar should be greatly limited or eliminated. They should also eat a good variety of foods to ensure an adequate nutritional balance. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">An additional problem that needs to be accounted for, however, is that Alzheimer’s patients may be faced with additional challenges that interfere with maintaining a healthy diet. As the disease progresses the person may have difficulty with dexterity and may not be able to handle cutlery and utensils easily; the person may not recognize foods or may forget when he or she last ate. Other obstacles to eating well include mouth pain due to poor-fitting dentures or other mouth problems the person is not able to communicate; lack of exercise, which reduces the appetite; a reduced sense of taste and smell; medications that interfere with the appetite; changes in perception that make it difficult for the person to distinguish food from a plate; and distractions that keep the person from eating.</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">To overcome these obstacles, caretakers can apply a number of approaches to ensure their loved one or client gets the nutrition he or she needs. The Alzheimer’s Association provides a number of excellent tips and strategies on their website for caretakers to use including the following:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Distinguish food from the plate and the plate from the table by using contrasting colors for plates and placemats. This can help the food to stand out and become identifiable to someone whose perceptions are dramatically altered. </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Make sure that food and drink are at an edible or drinkable temperature to ensure the person does not burn his or her mouth. Test them before giving them to the Alzheimer’s patient.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Make eating easy by providing finger foods that are easy to pick up.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Avoid distraction and confusion by only serving two foods at a time.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Let the person eat according to his or her preferences. Keep these preferences in mind and serve foods that the person has liked in the past so that the meal is more appetizing to him or her. If the person’s preferences suddenly change, change the foods and do not try to force him or her to eat foods he or she may no longer like.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Allow the person as much time to eat as he or she needs. Because of limited abilities, he or she may take an hour or more to finish a meal.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Allow the person as much independence as possible, even if he or she makes a mess, and adapt the plates, cups and utensils to accommodate his or her abilities. Bowls may be easier for the person to use than plates, and cups with suction cups on the bottom may aid in preventing spills</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Make the meals pleasurable by joining the person at mealtime. Engage him or her in conversation to stimulate the brain and appetite. You can also show the person how to eat as necessary through demonstration.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">If the person forgets when he or she last ate and keeps requesting a meal, break up that meal into several little meals so the person can eat each time he or she wants to without overeating. Portion out the different foods and provide them to the person over the course of the day as he or she asks for them.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">For additional tips and information, and some great caregiver guides, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at <a href="http://www.alz.org/">www.alz.org</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">At <b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b>, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at <a href="http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/" target="_blank">online</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #52626f; font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b><sup>References</sup></b><br />
<sup>Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet. Retrieved from alz.org/we_can_help_adopt_a_brain_healthy_diet.asp</sup><br />
<sup>Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Facts and Figures. Retrieved from alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp</sup><br />
<sup>Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Food, Eating and Alzheimer's. Retrieved from alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asphttp://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/</sup></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-80680875241591651432014-02-15T13:55:00.000-08:002014-02-15T13:55:27.763-08:00Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Senior Sleep<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<div style="line-height: 1.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Has getting enough sleep become an issue. </span>If you or your loved one is over age 65,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">it typically takes longer to fall asleep, and you may often wake up during the night. These are two main reasons many seniors don’t get as much sleep as they need. In fact according to an article on <a href="http://www.agingcare.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="www.agingcare.com">www.agingcare.com</a>, studies of adults over 65 indicated 13% of men, and 36% of women need more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">At<b> </b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank"><b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b></a></span>, we are committed to <b>Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill </b>and your <b>senior's healthy living</b> and quality care. Here are some great facts on sleeping...</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img align="right" alt="" src="http://comfortkeepers.com/sites/default/files/image/SeniorsSleep.jpg" height="300" hspace="10" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Several factors contribute to difficulty sleeping as one ages. Dr. Lim Li Ling, a consultant neurologist for the Singapore Neurology & Sleep Centers at Gleneagles Medical Centre, offered these as the most common reasons:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><em>The natural aging process</em>. As we age, our bodies make less of the chemicals and hormones that help us sleep well, such as Melatonin. Some seniors develop sensitivity to environmental factors affecting sleep such as noise.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><em>An increase in neurological and other medical conditions. </em>The parts of the brain that control sleep are affected by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Arthritis can also play a role in sleep quality due to chronic pain. Additionally, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) causes one to kick involuntarily during sleep, and that contributes to daytime sleepiness.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><em>The effects of medication.</em> The medications that treat conditions associated with aging, and the fact that seniors are more likely to be on multiple medications, interfere with the duration and quality of sleep.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><em>A higher prevalence of sleep disorders.</em> In this case, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common. OSA causes blockage in the upper air passage during sleep. Two additional sleep conditions that contribute to seniors getting less sleep are Restless Leg Syndrome and Insomnia. For men, prostate conditions cause the need to urinate frequently throughout the night.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Mood factors such as anxiety and depression.</em> Most seniors are affected to varying degrees by the loss of loved ones, spouses and close friends. Also, as seniors face retirement and other significant life changing events, they are more likely to have trouble sleeping.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The dangers of inadequate sleep</span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It’s when we are sleeping that our bodies regenerate cells and clean our blood by circulating it through the liver. The need for sleep is as basic as that for water and food. Many people think it’s OK to go without sleep—to ‘power through’ the day anyway. But doctors warn that, just because you’ve gone without enough sleep for a big part of your adult life, doesn’t mean it won’t impact you as you get older. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Senior adults are already prone to some illnesses, as well as falls, accidents and balance deficiencies. Not getting enough sleep just increases all these risks. There is compelling research that indicates too little sleep contributes to an increased appetite and weight gain.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">While many senior adults do struggle with depression and anxiety, those without these conditions are more prone to developing them if they don’t get enough sleep.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How much sleep do seniors need?</span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are differing theories in answer to this question. Much data, including information from the National Institutes on Health, suggests seniors can remain healthy with less sleep than the general population. For example while the average amount of required sleep is about seven to nine hours nightly, some sleep experts say a bit less than that—maybe about 7 and a half hours on average—is adequate for seniors.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Other experts report that seniors need as much sleep as they always have to function at their best. Either way, experts typically agree on three things: first, most seniors are sleep deprived; second, the sleep cycles of aging adults change; and third, the best indicator of achieving enough sleep is how one feels during the day.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">According to an article written by Jennifer Dixon for WebMD, older adults slip into what is called an advanced sleep phase. When this happens the body’s natural ‘clock’ desires both earlier bed and wake times. Seniors who have always been ‘night owls’ and keep their same sleep habits, may be at risk of sleep deprivation and all the health risks associated with it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As we age, we tend to get less ‘deep sleep,’ according to an article for EverydayHealth.com, reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH. Additionally, Ling said it’s more common for senior adults to spread their sleep out over a 24-hours period, sleeping 4-5 hours per night and taking additional naps during the day. Ling believes this habit is perfectly fine as long as the total amount of sleep is adequate.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ling also warns that seniors should not accept a lack of proper rest and daytime sleepiness as a normal process of aging. If you or your loved one has experienced trouble sleeping for more than two weeks, a trip to the doctor is warranted.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Take steps to support healthy sleep</span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Doctors suggest numerous ways to help seniors get enough sleep, and many apply to people of all ages: avoid caffeine close to bedtime, avoid large meals near bedtime, and rise and go to bed at the same time every day.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">EverydayHealth.com advises these additional habits to help foster adequate sleep:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Many people who have trouble sleeping also turn to natural remedies such as Melatonin and Valerian Root. Always check with your doctor before trying a natural sleep remedy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">At <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a>, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing <b>senior care or elder care at home.</b> We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">online</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><sup>REFERENCES</sup></strong><sup><br /></sup></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>The editors of LivingSenior.com</sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>“How Much Sleep do Seniors Need?” Reviewed for EverydayHealth.com by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH. </sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>The editors of AgelessOnline.com</sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>“How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?” by the editors of the National Sleep Foundation for SleepFoundation.org</sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>“Natural Herbs to Help the Elderly Sleep at Night,” by Damon Verial, eHow contributor, and “Elderly Sleep Disorders,” by Jessica Lietz, eHow contributor</sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>The editors of WebMD.com</sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup>“Sleep Changes in Older Adults,” by the editors of FamilyDoctor.org</sup></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-70614662658489429592014-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:002014-02-05T16:36:08.326-08:00Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: 5 Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Aging happen - many changes that occur as we age may not be preventable. But one common problem among senior adults—hearing loss—isn’t one of them? Many seniors and their loved ones expect that some hearing loss is inevitable. While it’s true that gradual hearing loss is not uncommon, especially after age 65, there are actions we can take while we’re younger to ward off its severity. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">At<b> </b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank"><b>Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</b></a></span>, we are committed to <b>Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill </b>and your <b>senior's healthy living</b> and quality care. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b>Facts about hearing and hearing loss</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The National Institutes of Health estimate one third of people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 75 have some hearing loss, and about one half of those older than 75 have some trouble hearing normal sounds. About 40% of the 20 million Americans who have hearing loss are 65 or older.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">When sound waves reach the structures of the inner ear, they cause vibrations at the eardrum before travelling through the cochlea. Attached to nerve cells within the cochlea are thousands of tiny hairs that help translate these vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The medical term for the gradual hearing loss that comes with age is presbycusis. It’s caused by a loss of these tiny hair cells that act as sound receptors, and also from free radical damage that can clog up the ear’s tissues that act as sound amplifiers. Another reason hearing loss occurs is a build-up of wax in the inner ear. Earwax can block the ear canal and prevent conduction of sound waves. This type of hearing loss can usually be restored with earwax removal.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Since hearing loss can start at any age, prevention measures should start early, and become a lifelong habit. Here are 5 of the most important ways to prevent unnecessary hearing loss:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Avoid Harmful Noises: Unfortunately, due to environmental factors, people of all ages are now experiencing hearing loss at younger ages and quicker rates. Reduce the noise in your life by turning down the volume on the stereo, TV, car radio—and especially when using personal listening devices with headphones or ear buds. If you use headphones to listen to music, don’t turn the volume up past 50%, and never exceed 80% even for a short time.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Activities and equipment that are the most dangerous for our ears include: <b>snowmobiling, hunting, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, jet skis and power tools</b>. Always wear ear protection when involved in these activities and sports, and especially in workplaces where prolonged exposure to loud noises is common. The Mayo Clinic recommends pre-formed or custom-molded earplugs made of plastic or rubber as one way to prevent hearing loss.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Use proper hygiene: Never stick a cotton swab, or other object in your ear to remove earwax, or scratch your ear. If earwax if causing you problems with hearing, speak to your doctor about the best way to remove it. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Always blow your noise gently and use both nostrils. During air travel, swallow and yawn frequently when the plane is landing. If you have a cold, flu, a sinus infection, or other upper respiratory illness, take a decongestant a few hours before your plane lands, or use a nasal spray right before landing.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Keep medical conditions under control: Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis and other circulatory illnesses that are not treated properly can lead to hearing loss. The inner parts of the ear are sensitive and delicate so any circulation problems you have can affect your hearing. Trouble hearing is also likely to occur in people who smoke.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Talk to your doctor about your medications: Some medications, although not many, can affect your hearing. For example, temporary effects on your hearing can occur if you take large doses of aspirin. Certain kinds of diuretics can also affect hearing. Since hearing loss is partially genetic, let your doctor know if anyone in your family has trouble hearing. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Don’t wait to see the doctor: After noise-related damage to the ear happens, it can’t be reversed, but further damage is preventable. If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, get your hearing checked by a professional. If you are genetically predisposed to hearing loss, take precautions right away. There is some evidence that supplements can prevent hearing loss, but always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The Mayo Clinic offers these signs that you or a loved one might be experiencing hearing loss: </span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Muffling of speech and other sounds</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Difficulty understanding words, especially in a crowd of people or if there is background noise</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Always feeling the need to turn up the volume of the TV or music</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Typically withdrawing from conversations, and avoidance of some social settings.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">At <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a>, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing <b>senior care or elder care at home.</b> We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">online</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span>
<br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">REFERENCES</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">The editors of MayoClinic.com</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">The editors of WebMD.com</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">The editors of HearingCenterOnline.com</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">“Preventing Hearing Loss,” by Mark Stibich, Ph.D for About.com/HealthyLiving</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">The Senior Health Center at EverydayHealth.com</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">The National Institutes of Health, nihseniorhealth.gov</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Marker Felt';">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-37567930812677590532014-01-23T20:49:00.002-08:002014-03-04T10:40:35.519-08:00Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Safe Room-by-Room - The Bathroom<div style="background-color: white; color: #52626f; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.3em; padding: 0.3em 0px;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Helen Antipov</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; padding: 0.3em 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 1.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Those with </span><b style="line-height: normal;">Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham </b><span style="line-height: normal;">need a bit more attention when </span><span style="line-height: normal;">surveying their surroundings</span><b style="line-height: normal;">. </b>For those caring for a person with <b>Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in Chapel Hill or Durham</b>, <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">we offer this second part of a series in keeping your loved one with Alzheimer's safe throughout the house. Last time we talked about <a href="http://comfortkeepersdurham.blogspot.com/2014/01/keeping-alzheimers-clients-safe-room-by.html" target="_blank">The Bedroom</a>. This time we review...</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 1.3em;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Bathroom</span></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, many people can perform basic hygiene, although someone should always remain close. To help preserve your loved one’s independence as long as possible, consider installing these devices:</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white;">
<li style="padding: 0.3em 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Raised toilet seats</span></li>
<li style="padding: 0.3em 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grab or side bars on and around the tub and toilet areas</span></li>
<li style="padding: 0.3em 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Non-skid mats in the tub and a safe, non-skid floor surface</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Getting in and out of the tub is often quite frightening for those with Alzheimer’s, as well as their caregivers, so consider using a stool or shower chair to reduce the apprehension and fear of falling. Additional bathroom safety tips include:</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white;">
<li style="padding: 0.3em 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove items from shelving.</span></li>
<li style="padding: 0.3em 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ensure the water temperature on the house meter is no higher than 120-degrees.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are just a few things to think about as we move through the house. Join us for the third part of the series where we review The Kitchen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
At <b><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b>, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/chapelhill-nc" target="_blank">online</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-13919181674016334902014-01-21T20:55:00.000-08:002014-03-04T07:13:51.235-08:00Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Safe Room-by-Room - The Bedroom<h1 style="background-color: white; color: #a21f4b; font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 2.9em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.2em;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></h1>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<div style="color: #52626f; font-family: helvetica, arial;">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><img align="right" alt="" src="http://comfortkeepers.com/sites/default/files/image/SafeRoomByRoom.jpg" height="300" hspace="10" style="border: 0px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Those with </span><b style="line-height: normal;">Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham </b><span style="line-height: normal;">need a bit more attention when surveying their surroundings</span><b style="line-height: normal;">. </b><span style="line-height: normal;">It</span><b style="line-height: normal;"> </b><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">requires a delicate balance to </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Ensure that your senior loved one remains as self-sufficient as possible, and yet safe around the house. For those caring for a person with <b>Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in Chapel Hill or Durham</b>, that challenge increases ten-fold. Caregivers providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s must be diligent about identifying potential dangers in the home. Dangers such as throwrugs, inadequate lighting, loose baseboards and many seemingly innocent household challenges can prove to be catastrophic when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. It may seem like a daunting task to identify all of the risks in a home and then take corrective action, but it’s easier if you address hazards room-by-room.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Bedroom</span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Lighting</b> - Lighting becomes one of the most common hazards. Low and soft lighting, although good for comfort can create shadows that hide things that could create unsafe situations, Invest in nightlights and distribute throughout the room to make sure any potential dangers are lit.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Slippers</b> - be sure these are placed in a way that they don't become tripping hazards when getting out of bed.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Clothing</b> - Loose clothing that a foot can get caught in is the danger here. Be sure that bed clothes fit well and don't create a hazard.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Clutter</b> - a danger throughout the home, but again, with softer lighting, it can create a real danger for nighttime bathroom visits. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Communication</b> - create some kind of connection through the night with either an intercom or a bell. A repurposed baby monitor can be helpful here.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few minor adjustments can help reduce the dangers of a bedroom for your loved one with <b>Alzheimer’s!</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/P8SbrKoSuXE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">At <b><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b>, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">919-338-2044 or visit us at <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/chapelhill-nc" target="_blank">online</a>.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #52626f; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<a href="http://comfortkeepersdurham.blogspot.com/2014/01/alzheimers-care-chapel-hill-and-durham.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next Room: The Bathroom</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #52626f; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #52626f; font-family: helvetica, arial; line-height: 1.3em; padding-bottom: 0.3em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.3em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong style="line-height: 18px;"><sup>REFERENCES</sup></strong><sup style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">store.best-alzheimers-products.com</sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">The Alzheimer’s Family Center Inc.</sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">The editors of agingcare.com</sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">The editors of helpforalzheimersfamilies.com e-Learning Course, Class 5: safety</sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">MayoClinic.com</sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">The MedicAlert Foundation</sup><sup style="line-height: 18px;">“A Guide to Safe Guarding Your Home For Alzheimer’s Patients,” by Carole B. Larkin for AlzheimersReadingRoom.com</sup></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-22865073395355529882013-12-26T09:38:00.001-08:002014-03-04T07:09:26.279-08:00Alzheimer's Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: Anger and Aggression<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those with <b>Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham</b> can start to show signs of anger and aggression. Those behaviors can be verbal or physical. Often they occur suddenly, with no apparent reason, or result from a frustrating situation. While aggression can be hard to cope with, understanding that the person with Alzheimer's or dementia is not acting this way on purpose can help.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yMj2cmIRN-I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here is some information from <a href="http://ALZ.org/">ALZ.org</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Causes</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication. If the person with <b>Alzheimer's is aggressive</b>, consider what might be contributing to the change in behavior.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The main cause of behavioral symptoms associated with dementia is the progressive deterioration of brain cells, but other factors — such as pain — also can cause symptoms or make symptoms worse.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Physical discomfort</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is the person able to let you know that he or she is experiencing physical pain? It is not uncommon for persons with Alzheimer's or other dementias to have urinary tract or other infections. Due to their loss of cognitive function, they are unable to articulate or identify the cause of physical discomfort and, therefore, may express it through physical aggression.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is the person tired because of inadequate rest or sleep?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are medications causing side effects? Side effects are especially likely to occur when individuals are taking multiple medications for several health conditions?</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Treating Behavioral Symptoms</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyone experiencing behavioral symptoms should receive a thorough medical checkup, especially when symptoms appear suddenly. Treatment depends on a careful diagnosis, determining possible causes and the types of behavior the person is experiencing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Sudden change in behavior? UTI could be the cause. UTIs, or urinary tract infections, can cause changes in someone with Alzheimer's disease that you might never expect. The impact can be really profound. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is the person overstimulated by loud noises, an overactive environment or physical clutter? Large crowds or being surrounded by unfamiliar people — even within one's own home — can be over-stimulating for a person with dementia.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Does the person feel lost?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most people function better during a certain time of day; typically mornings are best. Consider the time of day when making appointments or scheduling activities. Choose a time when you know the person is most alert and best able to process new information or surroundings.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Poor communication</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are your instructions simple and easy to understand?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are you asking too many questions or making too many statements at once?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is the person picking up on your own stress or irritability?</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #414f5c;">At <b><a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a></b>, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">919-338-2044 or visit us at <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/chapelhill-nc" target="_blank">online</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Read more: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-aggression-anger.asp#ixzz2obOym7MZ</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #414f5c; font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6657645161480825836.post-6971623346506405542013-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:002013-12-19T08:54:33.841-08:00Dementia Care for Chapel Hill and Durham: A Way to Help the Entire Family<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: justify;">By </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/101765468248836894663/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Helen Antipov</a></span></span><br />
<br />
For many families here in Chapel Hill and Durham, it is a privilege and joy to be able to provide <b>dementia care and other Alzheimer’s care </b>for their senior loved-ones. This gives the family the opportunity to spend time together. However, taking care of seniors with dementia can be draining on the entire family because of the constant care and attention that is required for this specific care.<br />
Comfort Keepers®, the professional and compassionate in-home senior care service provider, is proud to offer dementia care for seniors. Caregivers, the friendly and professional <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers</a>, are highly and specifically trained to provide care for seniors with dementia.<br />
<br />
For every senior, Comfort Keepers prepares a customized care service package that details exactly what care each senior requires and describes exactly what services Comfort Keepers will provide. Caregivers can provide a variety of services: ranging from weekly visits of 2 hours to 24 hour in-home care live-in service. Comfort Keepers works to make sure every senior is safe and sound as they live independently in their own home.<br />
<br />
<b>Caregivers Work to Consciously and Compassionately Improve the Quality of Life that Each Senior Experiences</b><br />
In order to provide the highest quality dementia care to seniors, caregivers are specially trained to engage seniors in what Comfort Keepers calls Interactive Caregiving®. This is a conscious effort to engage seniors in activities that helps keep their minds and bodies active. It is proven that seniors who feel involved and engaged have a higher quality of life, and this is what Comfort Keepers caregivers strive for. Interactive Caregivers spend time with seniors in the following ways:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sharing hobbies<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Listening to music and sometimes dancing<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Walking around the neighborhood<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Browsing through family photo albums<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Putting puzzles together or working on crafts<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Working together on projects around the house<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And many more!<br />
Each of these activities is designed to help seniors improve their quality of life.<br />
<br />
<b>Dementia Care Technology to Provide Safety</b><br />
While <b>Comfort Keepers</b> caregivers can provide 24 hour live-in dementia care, if this is not the service package that the family chooses, there could be times when the senior is at home alone. Comfort Keepers offers several technology solutions to give families peace of mind. If a senior with dementia has a likelihood of wandering and becoming lost, they can be equipped with Comfort Keepers GPS-PERS System technology. This allows the family to track the real-time location of their senior loved-one. If the senior ever wanders and becomes lost, he or she can press the button on their PERS System and instantly be connected with a Comfort Keepers professional response operator who can dispatch emergency assistance.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #52626f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill</a>, we understand the stress that you and your family go through in this season. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and senior and eldercare issues here in Durham and Chapel Hill. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us <a href="http://www.comfortkeepers.com/office-832" target="_blank">online</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #52626f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992773323445154275noreply@blogger.com0