Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - The Talk: How to Start the Senior Care Conversation

By Helen Antipov

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.

Timing is Everything
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.

Location Matters
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.

Choose a Leader
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.

Gather Information

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

Senior Care in Durham and Chapel Hill

By Helen Antipov

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.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

 http://goo.gl/HA1DM7

Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham - Help Seniors Winterize Their Homes

By Helen Antipov

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.

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.

Exterior
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.

Interior
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.

Emergency Preparations
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.

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.

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. We have qualified staff that can help with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and can even provide transportation to appointments or other errands.  Most importantly, someone will keep an eye on the senior living alone, providing crucial care and much needed socialization during cold wintery days.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

^References
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

In Home Senior Care - Advice for Seniors: Get a Flu Shot

By Helen Antipov

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.

What is influenza and why is it more dangerous for seniors?
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.

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.

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.

What is a flu shot and when should I get it?
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.
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.

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.

Are caregivers more susceptible to the flu?
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.

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.
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.

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.

In addition to a vaccine, how do I prevent the flu?
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.
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.

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.
How do I know if I should call my doctor about the flu?

The common symptoms of the minor flu are: muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.

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:
• shaking chills
• pain in the chest or abdomen, or shortness of breath
• confusion and abrupt dizziness
• high-fever or sweating (how high of a temp here?)
• diarrhea
• coughing up phlegm that is yellow, green or white.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.
We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.

References

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 

Senior Care Chapel Hill: Adapting Homes to Seniors' Changing Needs

By Helen Antipov

The reason why we love what we do here at Comfort Keepers is that we provide families that are looking at senior care, elder care or Alzheimer's care in Chapel Hill and Durham 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:

• Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seat
• Remove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slipping
• Move furniture to create clear walking paths
• Keep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent tripping
• Replace doorknobs with lever door handles
• Apply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor steps
• Replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches
• Increase the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertops
• Move often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stools
• Repair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairways
• Install an elevator or chair lift
• Install an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access
• Replace old stoves with induction cook tops to help prevent burns
• Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standing

Shedding Light on Home Modification
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.
Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:

• 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.
• Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online. We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.

Senior Care and Elder Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: At-Home Care Assists With Senior Mobility

By Helen Antipov


When looking for an at-home care provider (senior care, elder care, alzheimer's care or dementia care), Comfort Keepers® 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

Veteran's Benefits in Chapel Hill and Durham: Can they pay for Senior Care

By Helen Antipov

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.
Attorney Doug Keonig talk with me about the process and how to start the paperwork to get considered for this.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing senior care or elder care at home.  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 online.

Senior Care in Chapel HIll and Durham: Creative Senior Activities

By Helen Antipov

As we provide Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham 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.

Senior Activities, 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.

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. Visit the county site 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.

Central Orange Senior Center

103 Meadowlands Drive

Hillsborough, NC 27278

Phone: (919) 245-2015

Fax: (919) 732-2239

Hours:

M - Th: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sa: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Robert & Pearl Seymour Center

2551 Homestead Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Phone: (919) 968-2070

Fax: (919) 968-2093

Hours:

M, W, Fr: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tu, Th: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sa: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

In Durham, we have 3 options with a 4th closed for renovations:
WD Hill Senior Center 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!
1308 Fayetteville Street (W.D. Hill Recreation Center)
Lawanda Lewis, Manager 
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 1:30pm
Ph: 919.688.9158


Durham Center for Senior Life 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.

This is what the information they offer from their website:
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 monthly calendar for all of the details.

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.
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.

Lastly, the Little River Senior Center 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.

8305 Roxboro Road
(Little River Community Complex, Bahama)
Corrie Smith, Manager
Monday - Friday
08:30am - 1:30pm
Ph: 919.477.6066

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.

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.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.


References:
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.

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.

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.

Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: Adult Day Care Helps Seniors and Their Families

By Helen Antipov

When looking at Senior Care in Chapel Hill and Durham, adult day care centers 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.

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.

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.

Activities provided at adult day care centers may include:

• Arts and crafts

• Musical entertainment and singing

• Games that provide mental stimulation

• Exercise appropriate to ability

• Local outings

• Discussion and reminiscing

• Are alone during the day while family members are at work or taking care of other responsibilities

• Need companionship, social stimulation and functional assistance

• Are physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision

• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

• Can not be safely left alone at home

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.

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.

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.

Adult day care is appropriate for seniors who:

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.

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.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: How you see yourself!

By Helen Antipov

How others see you is not important, how you see yourself means everything.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing senior care or elder care at home.  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 online.

http://durham-832.comfortkeepers.com/

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Food Safety for Seniors

Helen Antipov

Providing senior care and eldercare in Chapel Hill and Durham is a rewarding opportunity, but frustrating when we see our seniors get sick from preventable issues such as food safety. 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 preventable simply by using proper food handling and storage methods. At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we are committed to Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill and your senior's healthy living and quality care. We can help keep your senior safe and avoid these food safety issues.

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.

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.

Symptoms and Treatment of Food Poisoning

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Preventing Foodborne Illnesses in Seniors

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. 

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:

• 
  
• Wash cooking items, such as cutting boards, with hot soapy water between food items.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Raw meats and poultry do not need to be washed. Washing can spread bacteria to other foods, surfaces, and utensils. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below. Use an appliance thermometer.
• Never keep refrigerated leftovers more than three or four days, even if they still look and smell fine.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also recommends that seniors avoid the following foods due to the increased risk of contamination: 

• Raw, rare or undercooked meats and poultry (rare hamburgers, carpaccio and beef or steak tartare) 
• Raw fish (including sushi, sashimi, ceviche and carpaccio) 
• Undercooked and raw shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels and scallops) 
• Refrigerated smoked seafood unless it's in a cooked dish, such as a casserole. 
• Unpasteurized dairy products ("raw" milk and cheeses) 
• Some fresh soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert, blue-veined varieties and Mexican-style queso fresco) unless made with pasteurized milk 
• Raw or undercooked eggs (soft-cooked, runny or poached) 
• 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)
• Raw sprouts (alfalfa, clover and radish)
• Deli salads
• Unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices
• Refrigerated pâté or meat spreads

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing senior care or elder care at home.  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 online.

To get a detailed downloadable PDF file on food safety from the FDA click here or visit the FDA’s website.

References
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (December 2012). Food safety tips for older adults. Retrieved from eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=5982.
Mayo Clinic (June 2011). Diseases and conditions: Food poisoning. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/basics/symptoms/con-20031705.
National Institutes of Health, Senior Health. (n.d.). Eating safely: Keep food safe. Retrieved from nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingsafely/avoidfoodborneillness/01.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (June 2011). Food facts: Safe food handling. (PDF document) Retrieved from fda.gov/downloads/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/ucm257049.pdf.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (March 2013). Safe food handling: What you need to know. Retrieved from fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/BuyStoreServeSafeFood/ucm255180.htm.

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: Senior Sleep

By Helen Antipov

Has getting enough sleep become an issue. If you or your loved one is over age 65, 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 www.agingcare.com, studies of adults over 65 indicated 13% of men, and 36% of women need more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we are committed to Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill and your senior's healthy living and quality care. Here are some great facts on sleeping...

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:

The natural aging process. 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.

An increase in neurological and other medical conditions. 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.

The effects of medication. 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.

A higher prevalence of sleep disorders. 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.

Mood factors such as anxiety and depression. 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.

The dangers of inadequate sleep

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. 

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.

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.

How much sleep do seniors need?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take steps to support healthy sleep

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.

EverydayHealth.com advises these additional habits to help foster adequate sleep:

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.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that aging can have on a family especially if you are providing senior care or elder care at home.  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 online.

^REFERENCES

^{The editors of LivingSenior.com
“How Much Sleep do Seniors Need?” Reviewed for EverydayHealth.com by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH. 
The editors of AgelessOnline.com
“How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?” by the editors of the National Sleep Foundation for SleepFoundation.org
“Natural Herbs to Help the Elderly Sleep at Night,” by Damon Verial, eHow contributor, and “Elderly Sleep Disorders,” by Jessica Lietz, eHow contributor
The editors of WebMD.com
“Sleep Changes in Older Adults,” by the editors of FamilyDoctor.org}