CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute

Elder Care Resource: AARP Foundation Grandparent Information Center

Increasingly the number of grandparents who function as primary caregivers to children under age 21 is increasing. Grandparents are increasingly becoming parents to young children. Whether biological parents are removed due to drug use, criminal prosecution, or simple abandonment, grandparents who function as parents have a lot to deal with in caring for a young grandchild. The AARP Foundation Grandparent Information Center is a valuable resource to grandparents who function as parents.

AARP (The American Association of Retired Persons) offers a wealth of information for families and the GIC Local Grandparent Support Database is among its least well-known resources. The database essentially connects grandparents to local third party resources that provide support for the challenges grandparents face as parents.

While AARP does not endorse any of the third party providers in the database, it is a good way to make contact with support groups that may provide respite care, legal assistance, transportation support, and much more. If you are a grandparent functioning as a parent, you can go online to access the support database at www.giclocalsupport.org. The database will direct you to local grandparent support resources and groups in your area.

If you have a question about elder care or need a speaker for an elder care and aging event email us at info@popeinstitute.com.

Remember to visit our homepage at www.popeinstitute.com.

Copyright 2008 Pope Institute for Health and Education, LLC. All rights reserved.

Caregiver Resource: The Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a fatal, progressive and degenerative brain disease that has no known cure. Most people have never heard of PSP. I spoke with two women within a matter of weeks in my local practice whose spouses were diagnosed with PSP. Neither of them had previously received information about the existence of the Society for PSP or local support resources for families coping with PSP. The society for PSP is a necessary resource for families managing supranuclear palsy.

If you have PSP or are a caregiver to someone with PSP, please connect with the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. They will be able to help you connect with support groups in your local area. Due to the progressive nature of PSP, long-term care planning is highly recommended. You can contact The Society for PSP at www.psp.org or by calling them toll-free at (800) 457-4777.

If you have questions about elder care or need a speaker for an elder care and aging event email me at ppope@popeinstitute.com.

Remember to visit our homepage at www.popeinstitute.com.

All the best,
Pamela

Copyright 2008 Pope Institute for Health and Education, LLC. All rights reserved.

Elder Care Resource: Meals on Wheels of America (MOW)

Meals on Wheels Association of America

The Meals on Wheels Association offers delivered meals to seniors who continue to live in the community. The meals are delivered in various frequencies and meet nutritional and some disease specific guidelines. The local programs are often administered through churches, health care organizations and food pantries. To find a Meals on Wheels center go online to www.mowaa.org or call Meals on Wheels at (703) 545-5558 to locate a local meals on wheels provider near you.

When calling to request meal services ask if the provider can accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions. For example, inquire about renal or cardiac diets. I have recommended meals on wheels for many years and it is a great resoure for seniors who are unable to grocery shop, unable to cook, and have limited financial income and support resources to ensure a healthy diet.

If you have questions about elder care, need an elder care speaker, or have a general comment email me at ppope@popeinstitute.com. Remember to visit our home page at www.popeinstitute.com.

All the best,
Pamela

Why Moving in with Your Elderly Parents Might Not Be A Bad Idea

For some, this is the worst idea you’ve ever heard! You may be asking yourself Why in the world would I EVER do that? Frankly, because it could be a win-win situation. Granted, if absence from your family makes the heart grow fonder by all means, let love rule. But, if you have an open and amorous relationship with your elderly parents, even when you see them regularly, moving in might be a good thing. Let me tell you why.

Having a parent move in or vice versa can be best if you are a long-distance caregiver or if one or both of you are struggling to manage the cost of living alone. For caregivers who live long-distance from their aging loved one the cost of travel can be prohibitive. With fuel, food, and care costs rising significantly, having multiple generations in a home has significant benefits. The financial and peace of mind benefits are evident. From the financial side Read the rest of this entry »

Who’s Your Momma?

I am fascinated by many things. Well to be accurate, I’m perplexed by some, awed by others, and for better or worse I’m amazed by the rest. One of the events that I find fascinating is the token celebration. You know- the event/occasion/or person we celebrate on a designated day, week, or month. I can appreciate the merit of having a time of distinction for people, places, and events that have value. Parents, civil rights, secretaries (I mean administrative professionals), and hotdogs (yes there actually is a hotdog day). Truly, I get it-demonstrate value by remembrance and recognition. To be honest, like everybody else, I overeat and buy random presents because I’m supposed to.

More important than the gift or dinner, I enjoy the time spent focusing on the reason for the celebration. It is touching to make others feel special and appreciated. The look on a child’s face when she unveils the masterpiece of her handmade Mother’s Day greeting card is just priceless. The smile of genuine appreciation when singing Happy Birthday to my 65 year old Aunt and celebrating with a Mother’s Day dinner does indeed make the celebration all the more meaningful.

Now that Mother’s Day has come and gone, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the many women who have been mother to me - some of them family, some of them patients, some of them neighbors and many of them no longer with us. It is amazing how many fabulous women shape our lives with their deeds of love, pearls of wisdom, and words of encouragement.

One of the most unexpected mothers to me was a patient I Read the rest of this entry »

Caregiver Resources: The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society offers free lodging (Hope Houses) when cancer survivors need treatment in another state. A Hope House provides a place for families to live temporarily while a loved one receives cancer treatment. The Society also provides assistance getting insurance even with a cancer diagnosis. Many insurance companies will not approve an insurance policy for a person with a diagnosis of cancer because it is considered a non covered preexisting condition. The ACS works with cancer survivors and their families to get insurance coverage.

The Amercian Cancer Society helpline is available 24/7 including holidays and can be reached by calling (800) 227-2345.

Elder Care Alphabet Soup for the week of May 4, 2008

Everyone in a specialty or professional environment has a particular jargon and terminology that sounds like a foreign language to listeners not familiar with that industry. Financial professions, health care professionals, educators, and legal professionals have industry dialects that confuse even the most enlightened consumers.

Given our focus on elder care and long-term care, every week we provide insight into terms from those industries that can leave people saying “Can you repeat that?”

This week’s alphabet soup is Assisted Living

Assisted Living (A.L./AL)

A supported living environment that provides room and board in addition to personal care support. Some support services are purchased separate from the room and board contract. Assisted living facilities usually provide personal care support for
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Self care tasks that are performed in day-to-day living. The tasks may be basic (such as grooming and hygiene) or may be more high level such as driving or preparing a meal. You will most often hear your Occupational or Physical Therapist use this term to describe tasks your loved one is or is not able to complete.

Admissions Contract

A legally binding written agreement between an individual and a long-term care provider. The admissions contract will highlight the types, amounts, and prices of care provided in an assisted living facility.

Do you have an elder care term that you would like to share with others? Log in to post a comment or send me an email at info@popeinstitute.com.

If you have questions about elder care, need a speaker for an event, or simply want to say “hello” email me at ppope@popeinstitute.com.

All the best, Pamela

Copyright © 2008 Pope Institute for Health and Education, LLC. All rights reserved.

Redefining Longevity?

In April 2008 the world’s oldest person (Edna Parker born in 1893) turned 115. Can you imagine being 115 years old? I am approaching 40 faster than I can believe and I cannot imagine living to be 115 years of age. Today I was talking with a woman who is 92 years of age. She drives her own car, wears one hearing aide due to mild hearing impairment, does not wear glasses, and lives in a supported living environment. I was telling her about another woman who was approaching 103. Even the 92 year old thought that was old!

To live to be over 100 years of age is truly something. To live to be 115 is incredible and begs the question; How’d she do that? After working in the senior care arena for so long, the word “old” has new definition for me. Seventy is young to me now. I even joke with seniors about 70 not being that old! Really, at 70 years old you’re only 5 years into retirement. During your 80’s you’re getting older. In the 90’s you’re old. And beyond 90, I don’t even know what to say, except “Wow!” Even the “you’re not that old” comment becomes too unbelievable to be funny.

Think about all the changes Read the rest of this entry »

Elder Care Resource: Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities provides a broad range of outreach and social support programs that address current regional and national disasters (floods, earthquakes, and wildfires), social support for issues that plague our nation including poverty, and family outreach. Catholic Charities provides low cost and free support services including Private Duty homecare and supervision for elders who are unsafe to be alone. The services offered by each network will vary. To find a Catholic Charities local network in your area visit Catholic Charities online at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

If you have questions about elder care or need a speaker for an aging or elder care event email me at ppope@popeinstitute.com. Remember to visit our homepage at www.popeinstitute.com.

All the best,
Pamela

Copyright 2008 Pope Institute for Health and Education, LLC. All rights reserved.

Will the Greatest Nation in the World Please Standup?

I love America. Specifically, I love American ideals and the extent that we Americans are willing to commit our lives, blood, and treasure toward the fulfillment of those ideals for every man, woman and child. Truly, America is great. But, Do you hear what I hear? I hear a chorus; A plea from across the land, it says, “Will the Greatest Nation in the World Please Standup?” We know you’re out there. We know you hear us. Please stand up. Where are you? What are you waiting for? Try as we might, we can’t wait much longer.

You’ve stood up for Read the rest of this entry »

Are You Poorer Than You Think?

If you ask your average middle class senior about applying for Medicaid they would probably say something to the effect that they have plenty of resources. Well…. Maybe they have plenty for having no monthly car note and living in a house bought and paid for 20 years ago. Without a car or mortgage payment, most of us would be doing really well. But, I can assure you, unless you are wealthy, you are not as well off as you think. When I say wealthy, I’m talking multi-hundred thousand dollarnaire at least (in liquid assets). Most retired seniors are a hip fracture, stroke, or heart attack away from the poor house. It’s not the hospital bill that gets you; though, have you seen the cost of a hospital aspirin? It’s not the subsequent rehabilitation stay either. Medicare, which over 42 million people have, will contribute a significant portion to the cost of those services–to a point.

The reason you are poorer than you think is Read the rest of this entry »

Five Truths No One Else Will Ever Tell You About Nursing Homes

1) First you have to realize that most people in the health care industry are not going to give you the unvarnished truth about nursing homes. And to be frank, you can’t handle the truth. The truth about nursing homes is so startling that were it spoke aloud, your head would explode, the sky would rend, and all manner of natural disasters would commence. So know that even when you hear the worst of the stories about nursing homes there is still a layer of sugar. The whole truth is far too difficult to swallow. Even the people who work in that industry have to ignore much of what they see. How else could they continue? It is a tough industry and many people in it have to balance their desire to work with seniors with the inherent challenges of the nursing home industry.

2) There are a few great nursing homes out there, but there are many Read the rest of this entry »

A Two Step Process for Improving the Quality of Your Health Care: Step 1: Get Pissed Off Step 2: Don’t Take it Anymore.

What I am about to say may be painful to hear but just know; this is going to hurt me more than it is going to hurt you. Are you ready? I have to tell you, Health Care Sucks Because You Keep Buying It! That’s right, health care sucks because you keep forking over your insurance card and writing those co-payment checks for service that is subpar and frankly just sucks.

Wait a minute, you say, I’m not a doctor or an insurance company. How is any of this mess my fault? I don’t understand the health care system and they are supposed to take care of me as a patient. Seriously? You still think the health care system works that way? Their job is to fix you or at least keep you from falling apart before you leave and for as long as possible thereafter.

I know you’re not the writer of this health care drama. But I got to tell you, you indeed have a starring role. You are not the root cause of the problem, but you are certainly a main contributor to the poor quality of your health care. How is this possible you ask?

It’s simple. The people who complain about the poor quality of health care - the patients, families, and consumers at large- do nothing but complain. Consumers remind me of politicians with big fingers pointed at the status quo, visionary campaign promises, and no follow-through. It’s all rhetoric! All fire but no burn. All bark but no bite.

Still not convinced? Let me ask you this; what Read the rest of this entry »

How Reverse Mortgage Commercials Will Fund My Retirement Plan

If I had a dime for every time I saw a reverse mortgage commercial, I could fund my own retirement plan. About 4 months ago the reverse mortgage commercials started coming fast and hard. I distinctly remember the morning I was watching television and both my husband and I noticed that almost every other commercial was selling a reverse mortgage. It’s like there is the sacred hour that seniors are watching television and every reverse mortgage lender in the world needs a 60 second spot during that viewing hour. I don’t watch a lot of television but at this point, I can almost narrate the reverse mortgage commercials from memory; like the syndrome your children have with their favorite movies. I believe they call that syndrome Read the rest of this entry »

How to Prepare Your Home for a Hip or Knee Replacement

Hip and knee surgeries are an increasingly common part of the aging process. Whether you are having an elective surgery due to arthritis and joint degeneration or your surgery is required due to trauma or a fall, the surgery requires temporary adjustments to your lifestyle and home environment. The Pope Institute Retirement Life by Design~ Living Well Toolkit 10-Steps to Preparing Your Life & Home for a Hip or Knee Surgery will help you function better, focus on recovery, and better navigate your home environment with greater ease and safety.

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1). If your surgery is elective, schedule and attend a “pre-operative patient education class. During this class (before your surgery) you will be informed of typical therapy procedures, activities, equipment needs, and expectations of recovery.

2). Purchase any recommended adaptive equipment and gadgets from a freestanding home health supply store. Adaptive equipment purchased at the hospital is typically more expensive. A home health supply store should stock the adaptive equipment and medical equipment you need or have the ability to order and receive it within a few days.

3). After surgery, your feet are likely to swell. Firm shoes such as loafers, snug fitting tennis shoes, and shoes with laces will make it difficult for you to use footwear. Consider slightly larger, lighter weight and sturdy slip-on shoes that cover your heel completely and securely but do not impede circulation. Such shoes will help with your balance, will be easier to move in, and will prevent the feeling of heaviness that can contribute to the risk of falling. Your family can purchase these before or after surgery.

4). Complete a home safety checklist (see the Retirement Life by Design~ Living Well Toolkit Home Safety and Fall Prevention Checklist). In short, remove obstacles that present a fall risk.

5). Make alternative –Read the Rest of This Entry–

Copyright 2008 Pope Institute for Health and Education, LLC. All rights reserved.