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}

Senior Care & Elder Care in Durham & Chapel Hill: 5 Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss

By Helen Antipov

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. 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. 

Facts about hearing and hearing loss

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.

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. 

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.

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:

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.

Activities and equipment that are the most dangerous for our ears include: snowmobiling, hunting, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, jet skis and power tools. 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The Mayo Clinic offers these signs that you or a loved one might be experiencing hearing loss: 

• Muffling of speech and other sounds
• Difficulty understanding words, especially in a crowd of people or if there is background noise
• Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly 
• Always feeling the need to turn up the volume of the TV or music
• Typically withdrawing from conversations, and avoidance of some social settings.

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 MayoClinic.com

The editors of WebMD.com

The editors of HearingCenterOnline.com

“Preventing Hearing Loss,” by Mark Stibich, Ph.D for About.com/HealthyLiving

The Senior Health Center at EverydayHealth.com

The National Institutes of Health, nihseniorhealth.gov

Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Safe Room-by-Room - The Bathroom

Helen Antipov

Those with Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham need a bit more attention when surveying their surroundings. For those caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in Chapel Hill or Durham, 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 The Bedroom. This time we review...

The Bathroom

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:

• Raised toilet seats
• Grab or side bars on and around the tub and toilet areas
• Non-skid mats in the tub and a safe, non-skid floor surface

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:

• Remove items from shelving.
• Ensure the water temperature on the house meter is no higher than 120-degrees.

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.

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.

Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Safe Room-by-Room - The Bedroom

Helen Antipov

Those with Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham need a bit more attention when surveying their surroundings. It requires a delicate balance to 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 Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in Chapel Hill or Durham, 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.

The Bedroom

Lighting - 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.

Slippers - be sure these are placed in a way that they don't become tripping hazards when getting out of bed.

Clothing - 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.

Clutter - a danger throughout the home, but again, with softer lighting, it can create a real danger for nighttime bathroom visits. 

Communication - create some kind of connection through the night with either an intercom or a bell. A repurposed baby monitor can be helpful here.

A few minor adjustments can help reduce the dangers of a bedroom for your loved one with Alzheimer’s!

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.

Next Room: The Bathroom

^{REFERENCES
store.best-alzheimers-products.comThe Alzheimer’s Family Center Inc.The editors of agingcare.comThe editors of helpforalzheimersfamilies.com e-Learning Course, Class 5: safetyMayoClinic.comThe MedicAlert Foundation“A Guide to Safe Guarding Your Home For Alzheimer’s Patients,” by Carole B. Larkin for AlzheimersReadingRoom.com}

Alzheimer's Care in Chapel Hill and Durham: Anger and Aggression

Helen Antipov

Those with Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham 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.

Here is some information from ALZ.org.

Causes

Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication. If the person with Alzheimer's is aggressive, consider what might be contributing to the change in behavior.

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.

Physical discomfort

• 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.
• Is the person tired because of inadequate rest or sleep?
• Are medications causing side effects? Side effects are especially likely to occur when individuals are taking multiple medications for several health conditions?

Treating Behavioral Symptoms

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.


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. 

• 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.
• Does the person feel lost?
• 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.

Poor communication

• Are your instructions simple and easy to understand?
• Are you asking too many questions or making too many statements at once?
• Is the person picking up on your own stress or irritability?

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.

Read more: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-aggression-anger.asp#ixzz2obOym7MZ

Dementia Care for Chapel Hill and Durham: A Way to Help the Entire Family

By Helen Antipov

For many families here in Chapel Hill and Durham, it is a privilege and joy to be able to provide dementia care and other Alzheimer’s care 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.
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 Comfort Keepers, are highly and specifically trained to provide care for seniors with dementia.

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.

Caregivers Work to Consciously and Compassionately Improve the Quality of Life that Each Senior Experiences
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:
• Sharing hobbies
• Listening to music and sometimes dancing
• Walking around the neighborhood
• Browsing through family photo albums
• Putting puzzles together or working on crafts
• Working together on projects around the house
• And many more!
Each of these activities is designed to help seniors improve their quality of life.

Dementia Care Technology to Provide Safety
While Comfort Keepers 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.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

Senior Care and Elder Care in Chapel HIll and Durham: Thriving During the Holidays

By Helen Antipov

When we think about the holidays, so much comes to mind: traditions and good food, kids tearing through wrapping paper, tree lights and favorite movies, good times with good friends, and finding the perfect gift. But that’s not all.

Sometimes the holidays conjure up holiday stress: trying to please everyone, the crowds, the overstimulation, squeezing in senior care or elder care issues and events, even family squabbles. The reality is the holidays typically turn out good, or not, depending on our perspective. There is a lot we can’t change about the holidays, but we can try to make the most of them despite the anxiety they can sometimes cause.

Here are four ways to make the most of your holiday season:

Plan ahead

According to WebMD, the average American spends 42 hours on holiday activities. Take time to make a list of your holiday events and errands. Tie these items to a detailed calendar so you can spread out the shopping and work involved. You can always change the calendar later, but experts recommend you first make a plan.

Next, look at your calendar and list, and find ways to simplify it. Just because you’ve always decorated the house from top to bottom doesn’t mean you have to do it each year. Maybe it’s okay to bring a store-bought treat to a party so you can eliminate some of the baking you do. Go to an event for a shorter period of time so you can still visit, but not get overwhelmed.

Ask for help. As seniors get older, it can become increasingly stressful to fulfill the holiday obligations that once brought so much joy. Review favorite activities and see where you can ask for help. Inquire about delivery services in the area, and ways to shop online. Ask a child or grandchild to help wrap presents. It could become a new, favorite tradition. If cooking a holiday meal has become too much, ask to make it a potluck instead.

Additionally, if someone is going through the first holiday season since losing a loved one, it’s even more important to plan ahead, eliminate unnecessary items and ask for help. 

Find ways to save money

• First take a look at your finances and set a budget ahead of time. Ric Edelman, author of Financial Security in Troubled Times, says most people mistakenly make a list of people they must buy for before looking at their overall budget. Consumer Reports estimates that 49 million people get gifts they don’t want each year, a statistic that might help place gift giving in a different light.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to buy. When we’re in a rush, it’s easy to spend too much money. Along with planning your to-do list, plan so that your shopping is done well ahead of time.
• While you’re holiday shopping, look for a few gifts you can buy for other times of the year, such as birthdays and weddings. If you plan your shopping, it’s likely you can save on your yearly gift budget this way, too.

Find ways to bond with family long-distance

Many grandparents find themselves in a position of not being able to spend as much time with kids and grandkids as they’d like because they are simply too far away to travel. By getting a bit more creative, there are ways to feel closer during the holidays, especially with today’s technology. Here are some ideas:

• Skype time together. This technology allows people to ‘visit’ via computer. It’s a great way, as a grandparent, to read a bedtime story, share tree decorating and even open presents together.
• Revive old-fashioned letter writing. Even though technology is second nature to today’s kids, most still love getting mail. Send them a holiday wish each week, and ask for a letter and a photo in return.
• Ask for homemade gifts. One way to bond with grandchildren is by sharing a memory of a special gift they made themselves.
• Volunteer to help with an event locally that serves underprivileged kids. It might make missing your own grandkids a bit easier.

Create new traditions

Change can be good and exciting especially if someone is grieving over the loss of a spouse or lifelong friend this holiday season. Some holiday traditions might simply be too hard without the participation of the person who passed. Also, creating new traditions might help you or your loved one accept that life will now be different. Here are some ideas:

• Go out to eat for a holiday meal.
• Get involved in a charity.
• Learn a new holiday hobby, such as making your own wrapping paper with grandkids. You can learn more about creating new and unique holiday traditions at: www.signupgenius.com

Finally, most experts agree the holidays are a time when we eat too much and exercise too little. Keep your current healthy routines as much as possible. You’ll not only feel better, but you’ll help fight illness.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, 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 online.

REFERENCES
“Holiday Traditions and Connections,” by the editors of RealSimple.com
“14 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays,” by Dana Dratch for Bankrate.com
“12 Cool Christmas Activities: Get closer to your grandchildren during the holiday season,” by Susan Adcox for Grandparents.about.com
“Reduce Holiday Stress,” by Joanne Barker for WebMD Health News
“Long-Distance Bonding With Grandkids: How to bond with your grandkids who are far away,” by Mark Stackpole for Family.go.com
“10 Strategies for Making the Most of Our Family Holiday with Seniors,” by the editors of Senior Care Corner