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!