HAAAAAAAPY NEW YEARS-LIBBY DEEGE

Tradition dictates that every 365 days, you should try to kick bad habits and start your life anew. So sit down with a cup of coffee, a paper and a pen, and reflect: What kinds of New Years Resolutions will you make for yourself this January 1st?


Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Winning the lottery, for example, is out of your grasp


Break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve your eating habits.


Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan. so you want to quit smoking, but you smoked to relax yourself? What other forms of relaxation are available to you?


Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.

I found that with New Years resolutions or any type of goal setting, put it out where you can see it everyday. On your dresser mirror, or what works for me best, my computer monitor. Then I am reminded everyday!

Have a safe and happy New Years and see you all in 2011!!

Libby

Senior Housing...So many Options-by Libby Deege

With all the different types of housing available to seniors these days it can be confusing and overwhelming! Home Instead Senior Care  provides services in all situations and senior living arrangements. What are the different options available? I have compiled a list with definitions to help sort those questions out!!

Age Qualified and All Age Apartments

These housing options are designated specifically for the independent active adult who desires a maintenance-free lifestyle. These communities are typically multi-unit rental communities that offer various size apartment homes. Rates vary depending on the level of services, if any, that they provide

Independent Living
These communities are designed for adults who want an independent lifestyle while enjoying the benefits a full service community offers.These full service communities typically provide meals in a restaurant setting, housekeeping, transportation and various social activities. While there may be wellness programs, there are typically no care options available, unless they are licensed as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly

Assisted Living
These communities promote independence in a private residence setting, but offer personal assistance for meals, bathing, dressing and/or medication on an as needed basis. In addition, transportation and social activities may be available. They may be stand alone or part of an Independent Living community

Skilled Nursing
These communities provide medical care by licensed nurses 24 hours a day. Many of these communities offer short term, comprehensive rehabilitation programs on an inpatient and outpatient basis. These communities are licensed and regulated by state public health departments

Alzheimer's/Memory Care
These communities provide specialized services to meet the needs of the Alzheimer's or memory impaired adult. These services may be provided by an assisted living, skilled nursing or Residential Community

Adult Day Care
A wonderful and cost effective alternative to live-in care. Adult daycare offers a safe environment for adults during daytime hours to participate in a variety of planned programs including social activities, nutritional, nursing and rehabilitation services

Staying Active in the Winter - Libby Deege

Depending on where you live, winter can be a difficult time for seniors. The shorter daylight hours and weather combine to decrease activity. Experts agree: staying active both physically and mentally is important to seniors' health. Cope with winter by finding activities that engage both body and mind.


Walk. You may not be able to walk outside because of the weather. Then drive or bus to the local mall a few times a week, and walk inside for 20 minutes


Look for seniors dance classes and exercise sessions. Many community recreation programs and seniors programs have classes in winter and can often help with transportation getting to and from the location


Socialize. It's easy to use the weather as an excuse to stay inside, so set a weekly date with friends for lunch that no one is allowed to cancel unless it's dangerous to travel. If no one drives, find a central restaurant location


Seek out games. Afternoon bingo or card games at the seniors center in winter help avoid the shut-in feeling


Visit the local pool. Swimming is one of the best exercises for seniors. Even if it's 15 or 20 minutes, the activity is great for muscles, bones and well-being


Get tapes or DVDs for home exercise. These are especially designed for seniors and are a good alternative to walking or swimming when the weather keeps you at home

Wagging Tails and loving Purrrrs!!-by Libby Deege

You’ve probably noticed that when you pet a soft, warm cat or play fetch with a dog whose tail won’t stop wagging, you relax and your heart feels a little warmer. Scientists have noticed the same thing, and they’ve started to explore the complex way animals affect human emotions and physiology. The resulting studies have shown that owning and handling animals significantly benefits health, and not just for the young. In fact, pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives!

There are a number of explanations for exactly how pets accomplish all these health benefits. First of all, pets need walking, feeding, grooming, fresh water, and fresh kitty litter, and they encourage lots of playing and petting. All of these activities require some action from owners. Even if it’s just getting up to let a dog out a few times a day or brushing a cat, any activity can benefit the cardiovascular system and help keep joints limber and flexible. Consistently performing this kind of minor exercise can keep pet owners able to carry out the normal activities of daily living. Pets may also aid seniors simply by providing some physical contact. Studies have shown that when people pet animals, their blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature decrease. Many benefits of pet ownership are less tangible, though. Pets are an excellent source of companionship, for example. They can act as a support system for older people who don’t have any family or close friends nearby.

Picking out a pet from the local shelter, perhaps one that is a little older and out of it's puppy or kitty stage would be a little more manageable as well. Less messes and accidents and often time will know some simple sit, stay and heel commands!

Welcome to December-By Libby Deege

When you think of December, do thoughts of Christmas come to mind? There is a lot more to December than holidays, presents and last minute shopping. There are other holidays during the month, many famous people

celebrate their birthday in December and many historic events took place during the last month of the year!


Did you know.....

December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

December starts on the same day of the week as September every year. December ends on the same day of the week as April every year.

Christmas was declared a national holiday in 1870

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah usually begins in December. The dates vary from year to year. Some years Hanukkah begins in late November..

President Franklin Pierce was the first President to decorate the White House Christmas tree

Since the 1970’s, the Kennedy Space Center has made their shuttle landing facility available for emergency landing by Santa Claus should problems develop during his annual visit to children around the world!

A few Famous Birthdays!

Walt Disney, Larry Bird, Teri Hatcher, Mary Queen of Scots, Donny Osmond, Dick Van Patten, Kirk Douglas, Emily Dickinson, Bob Barker, Ted Nugent, Tim Conway, Brad Pitt, Phil Donahue, Lady Bird Johnson just to name a few!!

This is a great time of year to sit down with your clients and talk about their favorite holiday memories! Have them get out old pictures from long ago and relive some of their old memories with them!!

Happy December everyone!!

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER IDEAS-Libby Deege

I hope every one had a GREAT Thanksgiving Holiday! Now that our tummy's are full and we have plates of leftovers piled in the fridge, time to think about our next meal!!

Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

3 T Butter                                                     2 T butter

2 T All-purpose flour                                     1 C finely crushed dry bread stuffing mix

1 can of evaporated milk                                1 C cooked diced turkey meat

1 C Water                                                      1 C shredded Cheddar cheese                              

1/4 t salt                                                          2 C leftover mashed potatoes

1/4 t black pepper

1/4 t onion powder

Pre heat over to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Blend in the flour and slowly stir in evaporated milk and water. Season with salt, pepper and onion powder. Stir sauce over low heat for 5 minutes.

In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Blend in the dry stuffing mix. Place the turkey in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over turkey, then sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Spread mashed potatoes over cheese. Top mashed potatoes with the stuffing mixture.

Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven!

Hope you enjoy this twist on leftovers! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Gobble Gobble

Libby



Early Signs of Alzheimers - Libby Deege

Recently my best friend was telling me about her mother in laws recent visit to the state. She was baffled by some changes she felt were taking place. She was telling me about how she would forget a recent conversation or ask the same question over and over again. She thought maybe it was the beginnings of "old age" but as I listened to more and more of the story, I asked her if anyone had taken her to see a doctor? Although I am still new to the Senior Care business I feel like I gain insight every day in talking with the loved ones of our clients with mild to extreme Alzheimer’s.

Last week my friend called to let me know her Mother in-law had left for church, less than a mile from her home. Time passed and her husband got worried. She drove from Oregon to California and couldn't remember how she got there. She was very upset and emotional when she discovered what she had done. My friend's husband is still not accepting that something maybe changing with his mother. He thinks it's just her getting older and not something serious. It is hard to look at your love one as anything but the strong confidant person who raised you!

Here is a list of early signs to look out for if you feel that someone close to you is being a little more than just "forgetful"

NORMAL AGING

Forgetting the names of people you rarely see

Briefly forgetting part of an experience

Not putting things away properly

Mood changes because of an appropriate cause

Changes in your interests

MILD ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Have memory loss and poor memory of recent events

Have trouble naming common items

Ask the same thing over and over again

Get lost easily

Lose interest in thing they once liked to do

Lose things more often than normal

Have personality changes

Be worried or depressed

Alzheimer's symptoms may not appear the same way in every person. The main thing you should watch for is a change from normal behavior in your loved one. If you're seeing any unusual lapses in cognition, which may include memory, or if your loved one experiences uncharacteristic mood swings, make a special appointment to see the doctor.

Here are some tips to help you talk to family members: 

• Tell them calmly that you are seeing changes that you think warrant a doctor visit. Ask if they would like to join you.
• Keep a log of symptoms to share. Perhaps those who do not live near your loved one haven't seen evidence of changes. Or, conversely, those who live nearest may not notice symptoms as much since symptoms progress very gradually.
• Explain that medication may help your loved one remain functional for longer than without medication.  Starting Alzheimer's treatment earlier means you may start slowing symptoms sooner.
• Being afraid of the diagnosis is normal. But keep in mind that receiving a diagnosis of dementia, including Alzheimer's related dementia, may be a relief. In one study, a diagnosis of dementia significantly decreased patient anxiety. Getting a diagnosis can be empowering, and might help you make informed decisions to help your loved one.

As we get together for the upcoming Holidays, we are often reunited with family members we don't see as much as we would like over the year. If you notice any changes with them perhaps these early warning signs will help you and your family discover the best course of action to help you loved one through this change!

Lack of Support Jeopardizes Health of Stroke Caregivers

Recently we received a call from a tired caregiver, let's call her Marge...Here is what she said.  "I have been caring for my husband, who suffered a stroke a year ago, and the strain is starting to wear on me. I used to be a healthy 75-year-old woman, but I don’t feel so great anymore. My family seems to think I can do it all. What should I do?"

Marge, you should attempt to get help right away before your own health deteriorates. New research from Northwestern Medicine shows that a lack of understanding and help from friends and relatives causes the most stress and the greatest threat to a caregiver’s own health and well-being.

These and other stressors, like simply trying to take care of themselves and their families along with the demands of caregiving, can cause caregivers to report signs of anxiety and depression. The study of 58 caregivers of stroke survivors identified 15 types of common problems caregivers face. The most stressful problems concerned friends and family who criticize, ignore or don’t help caregivers.

“Often families aren’t understanding or they might blame a caregiver for not doing more than they're doing,” said Rosemarie King, the study’s lead investigator and research professor in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “We had one caregiver in our study ask if we could send her a write-up that she could just hand to family members to explain how harassed and stressed caregivers are.”

The next most stressful problem category was the difficulty caregivers experienced in trying to sustain themselves and their families. Social isolation and changes in their relationship with the stroke survivor also top caregivers’ concerns.

Have a candid talk with your family and explain your dilemma. Tell them you could use an extra hand with groceries and meal preparation. If they can’t help, then take matters into your own hands. Join an online or in-person support group, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call your local Home Instead Senior Care office. The organization’s CAREGiversSM are screened, trained, bonded and insured, and have passed thorough background checks. CAREGivers offer an important respite for family caregivers by providing services for just a few hours a week and up to 24 hours a day.

Senior Activities-By Libby Deege

As age catches up on you, you are bound to slow down. Although you might have a young mind and heart which are still racing, your body will just not be able to keep up. In the later years, it is common to be disheartened and depressed at not being able to do things you have always done when you were young. But this is certainly no reason for you to stop living!

A lot of the Seniors we work with do not have a lot of company in and out of their home on a daily or weekly basis. My CareGivers are sometimes the only people they may see in a given week. Although we are there to help with errands and cleaning around the house we always encourage that companionship component. I have been doing a lot of research lately, looking for fun activities my CareGivers could do with their client to tighten that bond of trust and friendship.

Today I have picked a fun baking activity that can be done in the home with little to no "baking" needed. Some of my greatest memories as a child were cooking with my Grandma, some of the best stories can be told from the kitchen table!

MATERIALS: ½ cup honey
1 cup quick cooking oat
1 cup nonfat dry milk
½ cup peanut butter
Wax Paper




Mix all ingredients and then roll the mixture into 1” balls.


Lay the balls on waxed paper. Refrigerate until set


Take treat out of the refrigerator and share with the client perhaps find some fun decorative bags to put them and share with family and friends.

How to Cope with Alzheimer's during the Holidays

With about 5.3 million Americans afflicted with Alzheimer's, a progressive, degenerative brain disease with no cure, the Galicias are not alone. For most of us, Thanksgiving and Christmas mean reconnecting with family over lavish meals, traditional football games and perhaps a gift exchange. But the hubbub of doors opening, pots clanging, TVs blaring and kids screaming is "just too much for most people with dementia in general," says Bedford clinical psychologist Dana Turnbull.


Read More Here:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving/family/stories/DN-nh_alzheimersholiday_1109gd.ART.State.Edition1.238c116.html

National Caregiver Month- let's share a good laugh

November is National Caregiver Month.  We at Home Instead Senior Care want to applaud all the family and professional Caregivers out there!  We know first hand how important and how stressful your jobs can be.  Many of you are providing care to loved ones in ways you never dreamed possible.
One thing we want to stress to you as a Caregiver is to remember TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!  Know the warning signs of burnout and stress.  Visit our caregiver stress resource to test your level and find ways to help alleviate some of the stress of your caregiving position.
One of my favorite ways to lighten my load and the mood is to laugh!  Let's take a moment to do just that...share with us one of your favorite jokes.  Let's all laugh a little today!

Married Four Times The local news station was interviewing an 80 year old lady, because she had just gotten married for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80 and then about her new husband's occupation! "He's a funeral director," she answered. "Interesting," the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her early 20s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40s, and a preacher when in her 60s, and now in her 80s, a funeral director. Astonished, the interviewer looked at her and asked, "Why did you marry four men with such diverse careers?" She smiled and explained, "I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go."

Making Friends- by Janell, CAREGiver and Guest Blogger

I love the first day of meeting a new client. Today, I met Mrs. W a fiery little lady who has trouble getting around because of severe arthritis.

Note to self ~ be thankful every day.

Mrs. W is one of those women I immediately like. She speaks her mind. No two ways about it. She lets you know how things should be done. But in a nice way. She was a special education teacher for the same school for over 25 years. She knows patience and she’s seen a thing or two. She has learned to laugh and love and show discipline by using both. I watched as she showed me how she wanted her laundry done. Never mind the fact that she stood at the washer and did it all herself while I watched. “Call me crazy,” she said “but I like things a certain way.”
Note to self ~ Hot means Cold and Cold means Hot on her washing machine dial.

Mrs. W promptly showed me her cleaning supplies. “You can never go wrong with dusting,” she said. Mrs W is something of a collector. She collects nativity scenes, plants and lots and lots of family pictures. Shining faces, smiling, happy faces of those she loves and those who love her back. They were everywhere. The walls, every available shelf held photos of family members, young and old.
Note to self ~ Mrs. W is one loving lady with a lot of strong family ties.

As I remade her bed with clean linens fresh from the dryer, I carefully tried to reconstruct the bed just as I had taken apart. I wanted to remember which pillows went in the white pillow cases and which ones went in the colored pillow cases. I found myself really wanting to get it right to please her.
Note to self ~ Mrs. W really likes baby powder sprinkled on the bed BEFORE the sheets are put on.

So… she helped me take it apart and this time we did it the right way. And she laughed telling me she had no idea why she liked it that way. She had always done it that way. Her husband had asked her about it once and she had told him if he didn’t like it, he could sleep somewhere else!!! She grinned at me, “But he never did so I guess he learned to like it too!”

I never begrudge anyone the way they like to have things done. I just wish there was some magic way to know without having to be told. But it’s the learning about each other that makes it special and remembering that behind every little nuance of “how” something is done – there is more than likely a little humor to go with it. And that's what helps me remember for each client.

Like when Mrs. W and I went to the grocery store. Halfway, through the store, she suddenly remembered the bakery. Mrs. W LOVES the long johns from the bakery that are covered in frosting – not glazed. And she will buy all that the bakery has that day. Today, there are only 4 and I see disappointment in her face.
Note to self ~ Remind Mrs W to start on the bakery side next grocery trip before her favorite long johns are all gone!

And I can’t wait to remind her next trip so we can laugh about it together.

Putting Your Legal Affairs in Order- a workshop

Scott Hartsook, Iowa Legal Aid and Kay Vanags, Family Caregiver Specialist will present on legal and community resources available when families are faced with Parkinson's Disease.  This program is sponsored by the American Parkinson Deisease Association and Iowa Parkinson Disease Information and Referral.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010
9-11:30am
Plymouth Congregational Church
4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
RSVP by October 10, 2010
515.241.6379 or erwinjs@ihs.org

Love, at any age is "Lovely, Still"

"Lovely, Still", starring Academy Award winners, Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn was released in theaters on September 10. This emotional drama explores the beauty of finding love late in life and the bittersweet circumstances that occur when the story takes an unexpected turn. Lovely, Still has received numerous honors at film festivals across the country and was chosen as the Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Chicago Film Festival, the Palm Beach Film Festival and the Phoenix Film Festival.

Watch the trailer, here.

http://www.lovelystillthemovie.com/trailer.php

So What Does a CAREGiver Really Do??? by Janell, guest blogger

When I tell people I am a Caregiver for Home Instead Senior Care, they sometimes say things like “So you clean and drive people to appointments?” Well, yes I do those things but not as much as you might think.


I do what is needed;

I have organized bills to be paid. I have helped file away important papers. I have helped get greeting cards ready to be mailed to grandchildren, nieces and nephews. I have packaged items for return from the Home Shopping Network.

I have watered plants, filled bird feeders and baked cookies. I have read Tom Sawyer aloud to a 98-year old client who couldn’t see but listened to the story intently and chuckled at Tom’s shenanigans. I have set on the front porch with a glass of iced tea and chatted. I have listened to tales of work on the rail road, of life growing up in a children’s home. I have met a woman who knew the Sullivan Brothers family ~ the 5 brothers who were killed in World War II. I have heard stories about Victory trains and V-mail ~ things I had to Google so I could find out more.

I have played Uno, Rummy and lost miserably to a 90 year old playing trivia. I have fed the cat, played with the dog and read aloud from the Reader’s Digest. I have reminisced looking at old photo albums and been in awe of the young images of the older person sitting next to me ~ an older and slower version with the same twinkle in their eyes.

I have made egg salad, fresh fruit salad and taken a leisurely walk on a beautiful fall day. I have looked at knickknacks and heard stories of times gone by. I have made beds and marveled over hand stitched quilts made long ago.

I have given hugs, been given hugs and caressed a dying woman’s hand in the darkest hour of the night. I have laughed and teased and been teased. I have steadied a man who normally uses a walker but refuses to when we walk in to his favorite place for lunch ~ McDonald’s. I have been charmed by a man with dementia who struggles with inner demons but tries to make a connection in the real world. I have dozed in a recliner by the bed of an Alzheimer’s patient so that his family could get some much needed rest.

I have walked Grey’s Lake and driven through Water Works Park when the trees are in bloom. I have consoled a 83 year old woman when her son didn’t come to visit. I have listened to 40s music and strolled through the Dollar Store. I have searched under the deck for a lost kitten.

I have parked near a playground with the windows down so that a 95 year old woman can listen to the sounds of the children squealing and playing ~ and I watched her tilt her head back with eyes closed and a smile on her face...

And yes, I have cleaned. I have wiped countertops, vacuumed carpet and dusted knickknacks and beloved framed photos. I have driven to doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, the grocery store, cleaners and the dentist.

And yes, I have been blessed in all of these things I do.

Free Seminar: Oct. 5, 2010- Family Matters with Long-Term Care

We work with families daily that are struggling with sorting through their care options, funding opportunities, and the emotional strain of it all.  I have had the pleasure of meeting with many outstanding individuals who work with me in the Senior Care world.  We each have our areas of expertise to share with the community.  Please consider attending Brian's seminar to see how his services might benefit you or your aging parents.
http://www.edwardjones.com/cgi/getHTML.cgi?page=/en_US/fa/seminar/index.html&CIRN=718402&SMKEY=SM2008-08-29_13:44:21|2010/10/05|18:00

One Reason to be a Caregiver- by Janell, CAREGiver & Guest blogger

I have been asked why I want to spend my working hours as a caregiver? Like many people, I worked behind a desk for years and although I enjoyed the work, I felt there was something missing. Turns out that “something missing” was the satisfaction of having helped someone have a better day.

As a Caregiver, I have the chance to meet some great people. Those people usually have a need that has to be filled and when I can help with that and do it as a friend might do it for them, I feel a great satisfaction. I never look at a job as merely helping someone clean house or providing transportation to the doctor's office. I'm not a "cleaning lady" (my husband can attest to that) and I am not a taxi service BUT through HomeInstead I have the opportunity to become a friend when a friend is needed. I am always on the look out for the opportunity to meet someone very special and to my great surprise, I often do!

What I particularly like about HomeInstead is that they interview the client to determine a specific objective before a caregiver is selected. I feel confident going into a client’s home that I have a very good idea of what I need to do to make that client happy with me. That makes it easy for me.

I often put myself in the client’s shoes. I wonder if I was recovering from a fall and needed help to get ready for bed would I want a stranger to help me? How would I react and what would help me feel more comfortable? And then that’s the way I try to approach that person/that situation. I don’t want to be thought of as a stranger after that first visit and when I don't feel the part of a stranger anymore, I know it is a job well done. And that makes for a very fullfilling position.

You're Never Too Old to Learn Something New!

My Gram always says "Use it or lose it!"  A great way to keep the mind sharp is to continue to learn new things.
Senior College of Greater Des Moines announces their Fall classes.  Classes are designed to teach about new and exciting topics and expand a Senior's social network.  Senior College classes are purely for enjoyment so no grades or tests are allowed!  Some upcoming classes are:

• The Great War: The War to End All Wars
• Introduction to Microsoft Excel
• Iowa in the Jazz Age
• Spanish
• Publishing 101: So you want to write a book

For more information please visit myseniorcollege.com or call 515.244.0631

Cursive Writing – the lost art- by Janell, CAREGiver & guest blogger

I recently came across a stack of letters in my closet. I immediately knew they were from my grandmother because of the cursive handwriting ~the big loops and graceful flourishes that made her handwriting distinguishable to anyone who knew her. It dawned on me that my children most likely won’t recognize my cursive handwriting having seen so very little of it over the years. And sadly, their descendants may not even be able to decipher the elegant cursive handwriting of my grandmother’s age not having been taught cursive writing in school.

Some of my greatest treasures are the letters and cards from relatives who clearly personalized those items with their own distinguishable cursive skills –My friend cherishes a Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook in which her mother recorded the illnesses and vaccination dates of each child on the last blank page in her own hand. Another friend, treasures a family bible that has births and wedding dates carefully recorded in the most elegant of cursive writing. And who hasn’t seen grandma’s recipes box stuffed to the brim with handwritten recipes passed down through the years?

Today, we preserve so very little that is in our own print – let alone cursive writing. The digital age has given way to digital signatures on documents. Recipes are housed online in files on our computers– rarely printed out in this paperless age. Love letters are now short enough to be texted through the airwaves and simply deleted when the phone device is too full. Years from now, it will be disks that are archived not a stack of letters with multiple pages of carefully crafted words in handwriting that is unique to one individual. Somehow, I can’t imagine that those disks will have the same emotional attachment to their descendants as the personal style of a handwritten message.

"What special mementos do you cherish because of the cursive handwriting within and how do you plan to preserve those?"

Pet Adoption for Seniors

I was reading through the Register this weekend and I am always drawn to the Animal Rescue League page. Pets are popular among people of all ages, but it does seem they hold a special place for older adults. However, it’s not always easy for a senior to adopt a pet without extra help. Let me illustrate with the following story.

When 65-year-old Bob walked into his local humane society he fell in love with a 9-year-old Maltese. Bob was heartsick when he learned that “Buttons” (the dog), who is blind, would be put down if she were not adopted. Bob desperately wanted Buttons—but as an older adult with limited mobility, he felt unable to care for the animal.

So Bob used a resource he relies on for his own care to help him make Buttons a part of his family: the local Home Instead Senior Care franchise. A CAREGiver from this office took Bob to the local pet mart to purchase food and supplies. Now that Buttons is home, the CAREGiver also helps Bob walk the dog and makes sure the animal has an ample supply of food.

Bob’s story reveals both the joys and the heartaches of pet ownership for seniors. On the one hand, many older adults love the companionship of a pet. But the issues of aging can make it difficult for some seniors to do pet-care tasks. Walking a dog, taking an animal to the vet, or purchasing necessary food and supplies are more difficult with arthritis and other changes associated with aging.

Helping seniors with their pets is a valuable service our CAREGivers provide, but one that many people don’t know about. Our CAREGivers fulfill a variety of functions for seniors who have pets. They exercise the animals, help with their nutritional and medical needs, and comfort seniors when their pets die.

The fact that animals are so much a part of seniors’ lives is good news, since research has demonstrated numerous connections between pet ownership and health and well-being. For instance, the Humane Society of the United States has found that having a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce bone loss, improve circulation and increase levels of exercise.

More importantly for seniors, though, animals can become true friends. Along these lines, The Humane Society also has found that pets can have a positive effect on peoples’ emotional health by helping to decrease owners’ stress levels and feelings of loneliness, while increasing their mental acuity, and enhancing their feelings of well-being and hope.  My own Gram adopted Emily, a four year old cat, and talks to her all day long.  Emily is her constant companion in between visits from the family.

Even if seniors aren’t able to own pets, they can still reap many of these benefits by visiting a pet store or a care community or church that has an animal visitation program.

10 WAYS TO HELP SENIORS ADOPT A PET

If you’re thinking about giving a senior a pet as a gift, consider the following advice from the The Humane Society of the United States and Home Instead Senior Care:

• Don’t surprise seniors with a new pet. The thought of a pet may be overwhelming to an older adult who may not be ready for the job that owning a pet entails.

• Talk with them about the pet that would best suit their lifestyle.

• Identify the time that would be required to care for the pet and determine if the senior has the ability and the economic resources to care for the animal.

• Seek outside resources. Depending on the type of pet you decide on, visit your local animal shelter. They can discuss with you and your senior loved ones the care needs of the type of pet you’re considering. For more information on pet adoption, visit www.humanesociety.org/adopt.

• If looking for a dog or cat, select a more mature animal that is likely to be calmer as well as house trained.

• Make sure the animal is spayed or neutered.

• Consider the size of the pet. If the senior lives in a care community, some facilities have regulations on the weight of a dog or cat.

• Develop a plan for what will happen to the pet if the senior becomes ill or dies. Contact petsinwills@hsus.org for a free planning kit or visit www.humanesociety.org for more information.

• Make friends with your local humane society. Most offer free classes on pet ownership and low-cost medical care. Also, locate a veterinarian that can help you properly care for your pet.

• Seek support if needed to care for the pet. Call Home Instead Senior Care to learn how a CAREGiver can help.

For more information about pet care visit The Humane Society of the United State’s website at www.humanesociety.org. For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, log on to www.homeinstead.com.

An example to live by- by Janell, CAREGiver & Guest blogger

My Grandmother was a small woman. Not much over 5 feet tall and certainly not 100 pounds. She had 11 children between 1917 and 1936. Like many women of her time, she was hard working, devout and tireless. She felt she was blessed to have each of those eleven children. Although, I have heard some of those children say as adults that it was such a hard and difficult life, "Why did she have all those children?"

She liked to write and in her later years, she often wrote bits and columns for the local newspaper, as well as obituaries, including my mother's.

She lived a hard life raising so many children with so few resources. She was widowed at an early age and I cannot imagine I would have survived for even a few days of her world. And yet, she was always very positive, never complaining. She was happiest when there were children around and as one of her many, many grandchildren; I cannot remember her once having a harsh word or strict directive. I would like to think that it was because we simply did not misbehave. Laughingly, I know that could not have been true. Her house was always filled with children running through the house, up the stairs. There was always boxes of old clothes to go through to play dress up, books to pull off the shelves to look through, beds to jump on. There were no boundaries with her in her house. There was nothing that she was afraid that little hands would mess up.

When we stayed at her house, she would often sleep with me and at least one if not two of my cousins. I know that it was not a large bed. It was a small full-size fluffy lumpy bed. And although, we three little girls may have not been more than 4-5 years old, we must have flipped and flopped all over her all through the night. She was happy in the middle of us though and would tell stories or check to make sure we had learned a bible verse that we should know. She giggled and laughed with us at our little girl jokes and we would always fall asleep quite happy and contented.

Sometimes in tough times, I wonder how she found the strength and the good nature to bear the tough times she saw in her life. I am in awe of her strength and know that she lived a life that she did not regret.

What do you remember most about your Grandparent?

Time with Gram: Anne's perspective

Maybe it is because I am creeping up on the big 4-0, but I have been thinking a lot about my Gram lately and how incredible her life has been.  At 95 she has seen so much change in the world.  If you ask her, she will say her life has been wonderful but not remarkable.  I disagree.  Born in 1915, she has seen both world wars, a depression (and numerous recessions), she lived a good part of her life without television, or telephones, and sometimes running water.  She has never touched a computer or a cell phone.  Dating consisted of chaperoned walks or church picnics.
Gram is a prankster and always likes a good laugh.   A couple of months ago I took my flip video camera and did some little interviews with her.  To my delight she burst into a little skit that she used to do when at social events they had to tell a joke or riddle.  It was such a wonderful gift to get that on video.
SO- this next week I am going to be "home" for a couple of days and I am going to pull some photos with my mom and my gram.  I am going to have her tell me some tidbits about those photos and we are going to put together a book of her life.   I don't want to miss any opportunity to capture the stories of her life in her own words.

Seniors advised to avoid Medicare check scams

We consider it our responsibility to protect those clients we serve.  Here is some important information we recently learned regarding a new scam targeting seniors.


Health agencies are continuing to warn seniors to be aware of potential scams involving the $250 Medicare prescription drug rebate checks.



Seniors on Medicare don’t have to do anything to receive their $250 rebate check for hitting the Medicare part D coverage gap. Several state attorneys general have warned the public about a series of scams related to the rebates, the first wave of which were mailed earlier this summer.



According to Consumer Reports.org, scammers reportedly are trying to convince recipients that the rebate checks must be transferred to a third party or used to cover specific drug payments. Others are telling recipients they must provide personal information or pay a third party for the rebate. Medicare officials warn against giving out personal information.



“Don’t give your personal information to anyone who calls you about the $250 rebate check,” the Medicare brochure “Closing the Prescription Drug Coverage Gap” advises.



The one-time rebate checks are the first step in fixing the coverage gap in Medicare part D prescription drug coverage. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries whose prescription drug costs reach $2,830 must pay 100 percent of their additional costs until total out-of-pocket expenses reach $4,550.



Suspicious calls related to rebate checks can be reported to Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

A Great Report Card!

At Home Instead we take Quality Service very seriously!  In addition to our regular Quality Assurance visits and phone calls we have enlisted the help of a third party provider (J.D. Powers & Associates) to conduct a survey of our clients/their decision makers twice a year.  We are thrilled to report that at the end of the first week of calls we have earned a 9 out of 10 satisfaction rate with 94% of those surveyed saying they are likely to recommend Home Instead Senior Care to someone.  Here are some of the actual verbatim comments from the clients/decision makers surveyed.

• "They made the connection so easy.  They were out there in the next days.  Within two days they had a worker at the house.  The service was very fast.  The woman is wonderful to my wife.  I have not met an unpleasant person from there."
• "It is outstanding because of the care given and the professionalism displayed."
• "The two ladies who care for my father have been angels.  They have helped me go back to work.  After my step-mother died, the lady was very responsive and helpful.  They are wonderful."
• "When I call, they are ready to send someone.  The girl they call for me is great.  I worked for them for five years.  That was until I had to take care of my sister."
• "Everyone who comes here is nice".
• "The people we have coming out to the house are tremendous.  The office people are fantastic.  Everything is fantastic."
• "I said that (excellent) because of the CAREGiver.  She is very good.  The company is on the ball.  They know what is going on."

This feedback is very important to us.  We appreciate the time these individuals take to provide us with areas of improvement as well as areas of celebration. 

Will Always be Remembered

Today Home Instead Senior Care has lost a very dear client to us. We have been staying with Mr. M and his wife 24 hours a day 7 days a week for several months now. Our CAREGivers enjoyed their time with Mr. M and always tried to make him comfortable and at peace in his home. Our hearts go out to his wife of 60 plus years as she mourns the loss of her husband and best friend! We are so grateful we were able to make the last few months of his life peaceful and allowed for him to remain at home surrounded by those that love him.

Our deepest sympathy,

West Des Moines Home Instead staff and families

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.”

Win a CAREGiver Cruise Vacation

Everyday we see the toll that caring for an aging loved one can place on a family member or friend.  Being a good caregiver means taking care of yourself too!  Home Instead recognizes the need to "recharge your batteries".  Follow this link to nominate yourself or someone else to win a cruise.  Nominations must be submitted by mid August.
http://cruise.caregiverstress.com/

There's No Place Like Home

She sang you to sleep, taught you how to tie your shoes, made chicken soup when you were sick and cheered you on at the game. You knew she was there for you, no matter what. Now you want to be there for her. Whether you're caring for your mom, your dad or both parents, Home Instead is here to help.

There is simply no place like home, and Home Instead Senior Care® was created to help seniors remain safely in the comfort of home and to provide support to the family and friends who love them. We're here to address your concerns and provide the non-medical services you need, whether it's companionship while you're at work, help with groceries and errands, a helping hand with household chores or a simple reminder to take medications.

In the coming weeks, Des Moines Home Instead's blog will offer local and national resources and the latest information that matters to our seniors and their family and friends.

If there's a topic you'd like to see covered here, feel free to post it below as a comment.

We understand there's no place like home. Senior care, to us, is personal.