Failing Vision Tied to Higher Mortality Rates Among Seniors

While it may seem common for aging adults to experience a decline in eyesight, failing vision can put seniors at a dangerously higher mortality risk by complicating even the most basic parts of their daily routines.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Ophthalmology, research suggests that the active prevention and early treatment of conditions that cause vision impairment may reduce mortality risks for aging adults.

“Throughout an analysis of more than 2,500 test subjects, ages 65 to 84, declining vision over time was linked to an increase in the person’s risk of death during the study. Participants who experienced visual decline of one letter on an eye chart were expected to have a 16 percent increase in mortality risk during the eight-year study because their vision affected daily activities.”

The kinds of daily activities as defined by the study included more “instrumental” ones rather than necessary functions like bathing, dressing or eating. Researchers determined that failing eyesight prevented seniors from being able to perform essential tasks like using the phone, shopping and preparing their own food. An inability to perform these duties throughout the course of a given day reflects the higher mortality risk.

The results reaffirm the emphasis on providing more accurate early- detection services and better treatment methods for the visual side effects of other complications like diabetes. Additionally, these findings place extra importance on the quality of care seniors are receiving on a daily basis. Seniors can enjoy potentially longer lives by receiving the basic help they need to get through the day.

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Tips to Interpret Your Cholesterol Readings for Seniors

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an essential substance for growth and development that is produced naturally by the body in your liver. However, when you consume certain foods, you can introduce additional cholesterol into your body that can build up in the arterial walls.

When this build up occurs, the cholesterol can harden, making it more difficult for blood to travel to your heart. This process, called atherosclerosis, can be deadly.

What are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is accompanied by very few symptoms. Sever atherosclerosis may be identified by by sharp chest pain (angina). However, if left untreated, a blocked artery can quickly lead to a life-threatening heart attack. Get your cholesterol checked today in order to prevent your risk for atherosclerosis.

Do I need a Cholesterol Test?

According to WebMD, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends tests for:

  • Men age 35 or older
  • Men ages 20-39 who have risk factors for heart disease
  • Women age 20 and older who have risk factors for heart disease
  • Adults who have coronary artery disease
  • Adults who have diabetes

How Often Should I have my Cholesterol Tested?

Typically, cholesterol should be checked regularly (every 4 to 6 years) for adults ages 20-79. If you are currently being treated for high cholesterol, then you may require more frequent testing to guarantee effective monitoring of your numbers. Doctors will consider your current levels, risk for heart disease, and other health complications when determining how often to do your tests.

How Should I Prepare for My Next Test?

Depending on the type of test you are undergoing, preparation may require more or less work on your part. In general, always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully before taking your test. If necessary,  fast before your test:

  • Avoid food and drinks for 9-12 hours before your test.
  • Stay away from foods that are high in fat the night before your test.
  • Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise before your test.
  • Inform your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications you take.

How Do I Interpret My Numbers?

The numbers from your cholesterol readings alone will not reveal specifically which actions you need to take in order to remain healthy. Your age, blood pressure, prescription medications, and tobacco use are all factors that, when combined with information from your cholesterol evaluation, can help you and your doctor determine a strategy for lowering your risk of heart disease.

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Oh, the Amenities You’ll Find!

There are always things to do once you make the move to a senior living community.

Who says that happy hours have to end once you move into a senior living community? You can still enjoy your favorite cocktail; in fact, some communities even have a lounge that is not limited to happy hour.

Need your hair blown out or cut? Need a manicure? Don’t think that treating yourself is not in the picture, because it sure is. In fact, most communities also offer this amenity. Some even allow your regular hairstylist to use the facilities.

If the roads are bad from a snow or ice storm, your son or daughter does not have to worry about getting you to your doctor’s appointment. This is true even when the weather is wonderful. Transportation is yet another great perk of many communities. It is offered all year long and will even take you to the grocery store or an outing to the casinos, movies or dining.

When you pack your bags, make sure to leave those cleaning supplies behind, and while you are at it, get ready to say good-bye to doing laundry! Housekeeping is usually included in your monthly rent, or at the very least, for a minimal fee. Laundry is the same story. While many apartments are furnished with a washer and dryer, laundry service is regularly offered.

Lastly, be prepared to never be bored. Whether it’s going for a drive through Wild Safari Park in Ashland on a sunny day, learning to knit in the activity room or gathering to listen to a visiting jazz band in the lobby, most senior living communities have a plethora of activities that are sure to spark an interest or get you involved with something totally new.

Today’s senior living communities are designed to keep you comfortable, active and involved. Let me help you or a loved one find the senior living community that best fits your amenity needs!

Digging Through the Notes: Taking Care of One of Ours

Before I was in the home care business, my grandparents used home care.

It wasn’t until last week that I realized they used A Place at Home. While looking up my profile on our computer system, my mom’s name also came up, and that led me on a very rewarding search through records one afternoon.

My grandparents have both passed away, and the daily memories I get from them usually come in passing from the pictures I have on my refrigerator. Reading their care notes last week brought both joy and sadness, but the feeling that gave me the most comfort, was the Caregiver’s compassion shown to them evidenced by the careful recording of the notes.

The amazing thing is that, had I not known who these care notes were about, I’d bet money that they were about my grandparents. That’s how detailed APH’s caregivers are when it comes to caring for and documenting the care of our clients.

“R finished 25% of her dinner and 100% of her dessert.” 

“R went to bed at 9:00 but A stayed up to watch the baseball game in the den.”

“For breakfast, A had toast with orange marmalade.”

“R visited with friends and was on the phone most of the day.” 

These notes were totally my grandparents.

Another thing I appreciated, was reading the email communications between our CEO and my mom. He checked up on them often to make sure her parents were receiving top-notch quality care.

When talking to our CEO, Dustin, I mentioned finding my grandparents’ care notes in the system. Even though they were only clients for about three weeks, three years ago, Dustin remembered exactly who I was talking about. With the hundreds of clients APH serves, he was able to say with confidence that he remembered they lived in a two-bedroom apartment over on 90th and Western, that APH provided 24-hour care, and that R was a very sweet lady.

Those are truly caring qualities of a CEO and employees. As the recruitment specialist, I do a lot of Caregiver interviews. Many applicants are well-qualified.  But my deciding factor in hiring, is asking myself if I would put this applicant with my loved one.

I’m so glad to know that when my grandparents needed care, it was through A Place at Home; I wouldn’t have chosen any other company or Caregivers for that task.

– Leigh Chaves, A Place at Home Recruitment and Retention Specialist

In the News: Our CEO’s Interview with the Midland’s Business Journal

The Midland’s Business Journal featured our CEO, Dustin Distefano, in the July 21, 2017, Business Minute section.

Among the highlights are his two best pieces of advice he’s received: 1)The key to success is persistence, never quit and good things will come; and 2) If you work to achieve success for your employees and other people, success will come to you. He also touches on his favorite charities (Alzheimer’s Assocaition and the Ronald McDonald House for children) as well as how he got into the business and other interesting facts.

 

Bets for Vets – Join Us!

A Place at Home along with CHI Health at Home, will host a Casino Night called “Bets for Vets” on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Brighton Gardens, 9220 Western Ave., Omaha.  All proceeds will benefit VA Homeless Outreach Programs.

The VA’s specialized programs for homeless Veterans serve hundreds of thousands of homeless and at-risk Veterans each year. Independently and in collaboration with federal and community partners, the programs provide Veterans with housing solutions, employment opportunities, health care, justice- and reentry-related services and more.

Chris Cummings, Community Liaison with A Place at Home, stated, “We are excited to work with CHI Health at Home as well as Brighton Gardens to have this opportunity to help homeless veterans.  All of our organizations deal with veterans every day and we know the impact they have had on our country. A Casino night is a fun way to collect donations and raise funds, and we have been overwhelmed by the community’s generosity in donating prizes and offering their time to volunteer for the event.”

Admission to the event will be a minimum of 5 donated items from the donations accepted by the VA Homeless Outreach program. For each 5 items donated, attendees will receive $500 in chips.

How We Provide the Best Caregivers In Omaha

What does it take to become an A Place at Home Caregiver?

As many home care companies as there are around Omaha, what makes A Place at Home stand out from the rest? Maybe it’s that we’re locally owned; maybe it’s the CARE model (Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical); maybe it’s our fabulous clients. Another reason APH stands out is that we’re a licensed company, and it’s not easy to become an APH Caregiver!

To become a part of our caregiving team, applicants first complete a phone interview. These include questions about why they wanted to become a Caregiver and what CARE means to them. During the face-to-face interview, the questions become more in-depth where we learn more about the applicant. It’s critical that we make sure they’re a good fit for us, and that we’re a good fit for them.

During the three-hour orientation, Caregivers learn all about APH from the company’s history, to our values, our processes, and more. They also complete a drug test, build a profile with the schedulers, and meet one-on-one with our RN, Denise. Building a Caregiver profile helps us accurately match Caregivers with clients, and meeting one-on-one with Denise in the skills lab ensures that they’re ready to provide the best care. Also, if at any time our Caregivers want to brush up on a skill, they’re welcome to come into the office and work in the skills lab and get their questions answered.

Lastly, we do background checks on all of our employees. Each Caregiver has passed a criminal background check as well as an Adult and Child Protective Services check for both Nebraska and Iowa. We also check public registries and their license(s) to make sure there have been no disciplinary actions.

Once our Caregivers complete everything, they’re ready to serve our wonderful clients. This process we go through sets us apart from other home care companies. A Place at Home takes pride in what we do, and part of that ensures we to provide the best, most qualified Caregivers out there.

– Leigh Chaves, A Place at Home Recruitment and Retention Specialist

Determining the Type of Senior Living Community to Best Fit Care Needs

How do you know what type of care at a senior living community is the best fit for you or a loved one?

It can be confusing when you first seek out senior living alternatives.  Many prospective residents make this move from their home, but others are coming from the hospital, or more likely, rehabilitation centers.  Everyone has a different story.

If you or someone you know is making the move, this does not necessarily mean that this should be made straight to an independent community.  If driving is a concern, most communities offer transportation.  However, if you also need assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, etc., then assisted living is probably the best option.

Each community offers apartments with a base rent plus a care plan otherwise known as ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).  These ADLs will be added to the resident’s care plan.  Each prospective resident is assessed usually within a couple of weeks before moving in.  Once the assessment is completed, the community will go over the ADLs and what that additional cost will be.

If you are assisting someone who needs memory support, there are some things to consider.  There are assisted living community options that have a separate secured memory unit and there are communities that are secured and can support assisted and memory.  There are also some communities that are equipped for memory only.

If you are seeking a community for someone that is only having slight memory issues, then assisted living may be the way to go.  However, it’s a good idea to make sure that the community has memory support for when that time comes.  Many memory units or memory communities often offer an all-inclusive price.  They will still have someone from the community do an assessment before the move, but it will be solely to determine what ADLs that the resident will need.  Either way, the price will be the same.

If you or someone you know is seeking a senior living community, please call me so that I can be your senior living concierge.  The Senior Living Alternatives service is always free to families, and our knowledge of the various options and communities that might best fit your situation can be a huge time saver while providing you with the peace of mind that you or your loved one will receive the care they need.

 

Upcoming Events: Free Workshops on Ways to Pay for Senior Care and Caregiver Burnout

Join us for two free informational workshops this month.

June 21 – Ways to Pay for Senior Care – 3:30 p.m. at Swanson Library 9101 W. Dodge Road

June 29 – Caregiver Burnout – 2:00 p.m. at Primrose Retirement Community 1801 E. Kanesville Blvd. Council Bluffs

Read on for more information about each workshop. Anchor

Ways to Pay for Senior Care

How much will your health affect your retirement savings? Almost 70 percent of Americans who reach 65 will be unable to care for themselves at some point without assistance.  Learn about the costs associated with senior care and what kinds of programs from insurance to government assistance to getting creative with your own money can ensure you receive the care you need.     Anchor

Caregiver Burnout

There are more than 34 million unpaid caregivers providing care to adults over the age of 18 who are ill or have a disability. This can be emotionally and physically taxing on those that provide care. In fact, in a survey given to family caregivers, over 50 % responded that they do not have time to take care of themselves and 49% said they were too tired to do so.  Caregiver burnout is real. Learn more about recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout and how you can take care of yourself while taking care of a loved one.

If you are looking for a loving, caring option for keeping your loved one at home or in the place they call home, call us, we’d like to help make a difference in your life. A Place at Home provides a range of at home services, as well as advocacy, care coordination, and senior community placement to seniors in communities around Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Here’s to Positive Feedback!

We love hearing about how our clients and families feel about the care they receive from our A Place at Home team.

And while we believe that our Caregivers are the best, it feels great to hear it directly from our clients.  Here are some recent testimonials that we’d like to share.

Peace of mind

I finally have peace of mind knowing I have excellent in-home care from APH helping my 90yr old mom, Genevieve, with dressing, meals, baths and general companionship. APH makes it possible for my mom to remain at home, feeling safe and secure and enjoying the quality of life she deserves. I’m also extremely thankful for the Veteran’s Benefit hours my mom receives that Chris Cummings introduced to us. Thank you APH! – Betty M.

Putting needs first and foremost

I had tried several agencies and was about to give up on finding care for my mother when I found A Place At Home.  I gave them a try and it has been a very successful experience.  The Caregiver is very involved and caring, putting my mother’s interests and needs first and foremost.  Everyone in the company has been genuinely involved and goes the extra yard to make sure anything and everything regarding my mother is taken care of and cared for.  No matter the concern, however trite or huge, the staff works diligently to solve the situation and make certain that my mother (and I) are satisfied with the results and the services.  This company is truly client oriented. – Lisa V.

Feels good to be safe

We look forward to your constant care that we receive. It feels good to be safe. – The B**** Family

Thank you to all the families that we are allowed to care for.  If  we’ve made a positive impact on one of your loved ones, let us know! A Place at Home is proud to practice our “We are CARE” philosophy every day in everything we do.  CARE is Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful and Ethical.