Love Your Parents - Cherish Their Aging Blog site

I want to share the Blog site of Donna Iverson.

Donna has vast experience in the medical field helping people with discharge care needs and she shares some of her personal experiences with her parents. Many of my personal experiences are similar to Donna's as I care for my father with Parkinson's and blindness.

Love Your Parents - Cherish Their Aging

Richard Ueberfluss
www.assistinghands-naperville.com

 

 

Can Taking Too Many Medications Carry Health Risks?

The pharmaceutical and drug manufacturers provide many options for treatment of healthcare conditions that in the past were fatal.  While these medications have benefits they also have risks.  The risks of medication are due to their chemical nature.  One medication in isolation may not be problematic, but the cumulative effect of many medications for multiple conditions causes difficulty. 

Not only is the number of medications of concern, but in the senior population the destruction and excretion of the medication is less efficient due to the aging body systems and organs.  The term poly pharmacy is used to describe the multiple medications that seniors take.  Research validates this issue and demonstrates the impact of some classes of medication being more problematic than others.

Dutch researchers have combined data from 19 separate studies conducted in 11 Western countries, which found approximately one in five prescriptions written for elderly patients were inappropriate. And, the analysis showed common drugs classed to treat allergies, depression, and pain were among the most overprescribed, and also the ones most likely to produce adverse reactions.

Dr. Barbara Paris the director of the division of geriatrics at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn estimates that about 30 percent of hospital admissions of elderly patients are related to the toxic effects of some medications. 

Here is some advice about medications based on my 30 years of experience in medication management while working with seniors:

·                     Be your own advocate.  Ask the healthcare provider about the medications that are being prescribed, including side effects, drug interactions and if there are safer or alternative medications.  Seniors may not need the medication or there may be alternatives that are less costly and just as effective.  Although a senior may have been on a medication for a long time, that does not mean that they still need the medication or that the medication continues to be the right treatment.  Our body changes with time. Ask questions.

·                     Bring all medications your loved one is taking to every physician office visit and to the emergency room or for hospital inpatient or outpatient procedures.  This includes those that are over the counter, natural or herbal remedies and prescriptions provided by other healthcare providers.  Healthcare providers may not know the other members of the healthcare team.  It is up to you to provide each provider with that information and your loved one’s medications. If possible, have the senior carry a list of all of their medications in their purse or wallet.  Update the list after each healthcare provider visit.

·                     Medications are expensive.  Ask your loved one’s physician about more inexpensive alternatives.  This might include combination medications or medications where a pill is scored so it can be safely cut in half.  If a senior is on a new medication, ask for a limited amount of prescription to prevent waste and manage cost more effectively.  The newest medication on the market is not always the best one. 

Medications are chemicals and each medication has side effects.  The concern for those who take multiple medications is the potential for adverse reactions due to the cumulative effect of all of the medications.  Further, what works for one person may not work for another.  As a young adult your body works differently than the aged person’s body.  Regardless of your age, condition and medications, act as your own advocate.  If you are not comfortable in that role, ask someone to help you.  An Eldercare Navigator  can help you through the confusing maze.

Thanks to Mardy Chizek, RN,FNP,BSN,MBA,AAS, president of Charism Eldercare Services, www.charism.net

Does Activity for Home Bound Seniors Help?

It’s a natural for home bound seniors to resist exercise.  Many would rather sit in front of the television all day.  There are lots of reasons to avoid activity, some seniors are fearful of falls and avoid activity because of the risk of falls, but is inactivity a good remedy for avoiding falls and what are the health effects? A recent study published in Diabetologia found that spending a long time sitting down remains bad for seniors.

Dr. Emma Wilmot, who led the study, said it was clear that those who sat the most had a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease and death than those who sat the least.

There is evidence that being sedentary negatively affects glucose levels and increases insulin resistance - but scientists do not yet know how. But it is clear that anyone who spends lots of time sitting or lying down would benefit from replacing some of that time by standing or walking.

Home aides can play a role in implementing daily activities that will encourage a senior to walk or exercise during the day.  Of course, a physician needs to be consulted before any exercise regime is started.
www.assistinghands-naperville.com

Who do you talk to when Mom needs to go to a facility?

Senior placement agencies can provide safe and comfortable living options for seniors.

While the majority of seniors with health problems prefer to stay at home so they can enjoy the comforts and familiarity of their surroundings, sometimes staying at home may no longer be an option.

For example, skilled medical care may be required, financial constraints may limit options, or memory care issues that result in violent behavior or wandering, can impact safety.  This may result in the need for placement in an appropriate facility.

In those cases, it can become overwhelming for the senior and their families to decide the next course of action.  Senior Placement companies can provide this needed assistance by assisting busy families grappling with their own work and home, while also managing care giving responsibilities for parents.

Placement companies can begin the process by doing some upfront research to make everyone’s efforts more productive.  The best organizations will take the time to meet with the senior to help determine a good fit for them.  Assessing the location, desired lifestyle, support needs, and available budget are key components to determine. 

These companies can also review the most appropriate living options, such as Independent Living; Assisted Living; Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC); and Supportive Living and Memory Care.  Each community has a variety of pros and cons, and financial options may come into play. The placement specialist can help review and explain the options, which may include a manageable list of options for review – perhaps three to five.

This list should only include those communities that meet the aforementioned criteria of the senior and their family.  The placement company will also help coordinate and schedule tours of the communities – accompanying the family on the tour to serve as an advocate, ensuring that the key questions are asked and answered.  If needed, they can also provide transportation to the tours.

Moving a senior to a new living space can be traumatic for the senor and their family.  So an outside resource like a Senior Placement company can help alleviate stress and ensure that the living space is the right choice for everyone involved.

Thanks to Rick Graffagna, Assisted Transitions, rgraffagna@assistedtransition.com

Do you know the top diagnosis resulting in hospital admissions

Many seniors have chronic health conditions that left untreated, can result in hospitalization.  Seniors living alone are most at risk if there is no caregiver or home aid that can monitor signs of a worsening health condition and seek professional help.  AARP recently listed the most common health conditions that result in hospitalizations.

Cardiac arrhythmias. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 4 million Americans have arrhythmias and an estimated 638,000 hospital admissions are due to the condition. A sudden drop in blood pressure is a sign of heartbeat irregularities, which can cause palpitations, and can lead to unconsciousness, stroke or even sudden cardiac arrest.

Congestive heart failure. This condition accounts for 875,000 hospitalizations annually, with one of every four admitted patients readmitted within 30 days.  People can live for years with heart disease, which can weaken the heart muscles and inhibits the heart’s ability to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2008, 822,500 people with COPD, age 40 and over, entered a hospital. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing. Both of these conditions frequently co-exist, which is why physicians use the term COPD

Coronary atherosclerosis. In 2009, 753,000 adults over 45 were hospitalized for coronary atherosclerosis, or a blockage of blood flow to the heart from the build-up of fatty plaque. Chest pain is a sign of this, which many times is a precursor of a heart attack.

Diabetes. In 2009, 655,000 adults were admitted to the hospital due to diabetes. Most hospitalizations were due to side effects of the disease, including dehydration from elevated blood sugar levels, which need daily monitoring.

Infection. Pneumonia is the most common infection (see below) but urinary tract infections are common as well. For Americans over age 85, there were 137,000 hospitalizations for urinary tract infections in 2009 and 148,000 for septicemia — blood poisoning from bacteria.

Medication problems. Hospital admissions for adverse reactions from medications and illegal drugs doubled between 1997 and 2008, according to an HHS report. Hospital admissions for drug-related conditions grew from about 30,000 per year to more than 65,000 per year -- a 117% increase -- between 1997 and 2008 for people ages 45 to 64.  Medications most commonly involved: corticosteroids, blood thinners, sedatives and sleep aids.

Pneumonia. In 2009, 1.1 million people in the U.S. were hospitalized with pneumonia. Seniors with suppressed immune systems, are most susceptible to the bacteria ,viruses, fungi, and other agents that can cause the disease.
Stroke. Each year about 795,000 Americans will have a new or recurrent stroke, there are more

than 700,000 hospital admissions attributed to stroke-related illnesses. When blood flow is cut off to part of the brain — because of a clot in an artery or a blood vessel that burst — the result is a stroke, which kills brain cells and can lead to death.

Richard Ueberfluss www.assistinghands-naperville.com

Great Ways to take Care of your Brain

“Where did I park?
” You dashed into the mall, visited a few stores, and now, shopping bags in hand, you realize you can’t remember where you left the car. “I’ve met that fellow several times…what is his name?” Names, phone numbers, even familiar words...things sometimes seem to be “on the tip of your tongue” but escape quick recollection.
When you think about your own aging, what concerns you the most? Did you know that more people report apprehension about memory loss than about heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis or any other condition? This is certainly not an unreasonable concern. According to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association, one out of eight people will develop dementia. But here’s the good news. For most of us, the basic aspects of memory will remain pretty much the same: our vocabulary and language skills, reasoning and logic, the ability to pay attention, acquired skills like playing the guitar or cooking an omelet…and that special quality that we usually refer to as “wisdom.
” As with so many aspects of aging, brain fitness varies from individual to individual. Some of this
is hereditary. Yes, genes are a factor. But just as you can keep your body in shape by following a wellness regimen, there are also steps you can take to make it more likely that your memory will remain sound.

Here are some great things to remember:
1. Remember to…practice good nutrition. We can choose foods that help protect our brains. The good news is, if you are one of the many adults who try to follow a “heart smart” diet, you are also on track for “brain smart” menu choices. A study by Columbia University researchers confi rmed that a high level of
“good cholesterol” (HDL) is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Avoid: cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats. Choose: fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil or canola oil. Take a multivitamin—but don’t take megadoses that could be toxic. Even on a day-
to-day basis, nourishing meals improve alertness and help us retain memories.

2. Remember to…stay physically active. Just as a “heart smart” diet helps protect the brain, heart strengthening aerobic exercise improves memory and even lowers the risk of dementia. A National Institute on Aging-
funded study showed that moderate aerobic exercise can actually increase the size of the area of the brain involved in memory formation. Indeed, according to a study by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researcher J. Carson Smith, “If you are at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, the benefits of exercise to your brain function might be even greater than for those who do not have that genetic risk.” Talk to your healthcare provider about an exercise program that is right for you.

3. Remember to…sleep well. You’ve probably noticed that when you don’t get enough good quality sleep, it is harder to concentrate the next day. And did you know that memories of the day are “filed away” in the brain while we sleep? People who suffer from sleep disturbances often experience memory problems. But many sleep disorders are treatable, so speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing sleep problems.

4. Remember to…treat depression and avoid stress. Both cause chemical changes that can damage the brain. If you are feeling overly stressed, or if depression is making it hard for you to focus and concentrate, talk with your healthcare provider.

5. Remember to…quit smoking. Many substances found in cigarette smoke damage the brain and impair memory. A study from Kaiser Permanente demonstrated a startling 172% increased risk of dementia among heavy smokers!

6. Remember to…challenge your mind and memory. Mental stimulation encourages new connections between brain cells…so when it comes to the memory, “use it or lose it” isn’t just a cliché. Seek out a variety of mentally challenging activities. Learn a new skill—take up an instrument or study a foreign language. Join a club, volunteer, fi nd extra ways to increase brain-
protecting social interaction. Visit a museum or work a diffi cult puzzle. Passive activities,
such as watching TV, don’t offer the same benefits.

7. Remember to…have a memory fitness strategy. It is actually possible to increase memory sharpness through training. Visualization, concentration and other effective memory skill techniques improve the retention and accessing of memories. And people of every age now use supplemental technology—everything from simple sticky notes to voice recorders, personal organizers, day planners…the possibilities are endless.

8. Remember to…bring up memory concernsat your next healthcare appointment. Share with your doctor if you have experienced problems, especially disorientation, forgetting recently learned information, or a sudden inability to complete familiar tasks. While it’s tempting to be in denial about memory
impairment, early diagnosis of conditions such as Alzheimer’s or mini-
strokes allows treatment to begin right away. And when problems stem from a reversible
or controllable condition, the sooner treatment begins, the better!

9. Remember to…have your healthcare provider review your medications. Our lives are improved and extended by many of the medicines we take—but overmedication
and the side effects of some drugs can dull the memory. Common culprits: tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain medications, high blood pressure drugs. Your
physician may switch you to a different drug or dosage to lessen the effect. Why add stress to your life by worrying about your memory? Learn about the normal memory changes associated with aging, do all you can to take care of your brain, check out memory compensation strategies…and relax, knowing you’re doing everything you can to keep your memory strong through your later years.
www.assistinghands-naperville.com
Richard Ueberfluss, PT

Are you a trusted advisor? Do you Minimize legal and financial risks of caregiving.

Nobody likes to make a decision about getting extra care for an aging parent, patient or client, but studies indicate that most older adults have at least one chronic condition, and some have multiple illnesses that require in-home assistance.
While nursing home care is often an option for serious medical conditions, more and more consumers are opting for in-home caregivers. Older adults choose to stay home as long and as safely as possible and expect to have safe, dependable and trustworthy care whether it is provided by family, licensed residential facilities
or licensed private duty agencies.
The number of consumers utilizing in-home caregivers is continuing to grow in the United States, and by 2030, the population of older adults will more than double to about 71.5 million. While the number of older adults grows, the pool of family caregivers is decreasing, from 11 family members for each older adult to a ratio of just 4:1 estimated in 2050.

So what steps can fiduciaries take to ensure safe, dependable at-home care?
First or all, what is a fiduciary and am I a fiduciary?
A fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care for equity or law. A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person to whom he owes the duty he must not put his personal interests before the duty, and must not profit from his position as a fiduciary, unless the principal consents. (Wikipedia)
Financial, legal and healthcare professionals have a responsibility to their clients. A question to ask yourself, if I am not a fiduciary, do I have to live up to this standard?

Have you heard any stories about seniors having issues with caregivers? Have you noticed more press dedicated to senior elder abuse, the vast majority of the time the transgressor is a family member or a privately paid caregiver.
Even though Illinois has had licensing legislation for four years, some well meaning healthcare professionals and fiduciaries still refer to “unlicensed caregivers” because of cost.

Because of abuses by private caregivers, concerned local home care agencies and legislators partnered to pass the Illinois Home Health, Home Services and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act, effective September 1, 2008.
All home care agencies are required to be licensed and supervised by the Department of Public Health and comply with legislation.
The Act requires defined safeguards that attempt to provide three stages of protection related to the hiring
and use of in-home care.
First, it puts in place legal requirements and
minimum standards to ensure that the quality of
patient/client care is consistently maintained by
licensed agencies.
Second, it aims to protect both skilled and unskilled
in-home workers as “employees” of licensed agencies
by providing them with more
defined legal recourse and workers’ compensation
for on-the-job injury.
Third, it serves as a guideline to help those with fiduciary responsibility make in-home hiring choices that protect the personal well-being and financial interests of the client or loved one while also effectively minimizing the legal and financial risks to the fiduciary associated with
the hiring of unqualified, unlicensed caregivers.
In essence, the licensing statute forces the up-front
definition of who’s who in the relationship and each
entity’s respective roles and accountability.
What is the differnce between licensed and non-licensed?
A licensed home care agency has the responsibility to provide continuing supervision and management of their employees. This includes mediating different personalities and insuring the caregiver understands the changing needs of the client as illnesses and needs change. This is achieved through ongoing training and education of employees which translates into a higher quality of caregiver. Licensed home care agency caregivers are also bonded and insured.

Registries or placement companies act as initial matchmakers, and that’s where the responsibility to the older adult ends. Since Registries, contract or placement companies do not actually employ the caregiver the ongoing responsibility for management, supervision and financial obligations of the caregiver is placed solely on the older adult or family members. The registry or placement company is required by law to clearly notify the client and caregiver of their rights and responsibilities.

When the consumer is the employer, they are responsible for compliance, payroll taxes including social security, Medicare, federal and state unemployment must be paid or the government may sue the consumer. The most financially devastating result of consumers unaware of the employer-employee relationship is worker related injuries. If no workers compensation protection is provided as mandated by law and the worker sustains an on-the-job accident, the liabilities can be substantial. Medical costs and disability payments for workers could cause a financial hardship for even the wealthiest of clients. For clients who cannot afford to pay, the worker will be left with no help for a devastating injury.
Many consumers incorrectly assume homeowners insurance will cover this type of loss.
Directly employing a worker through friends, advertisements or internet ads provide that consumer with even less protection than utilizing registry or placement companies, without the assurance that the caregiver has a background check.

Fiduciaries can be legal, financial or healthcare advisors and can minimize the legal and financial risks associated with the hiring of unqualified, unlicensed caregivers by referring to licensed home care agencies.
How do you check? Is the agency a member of the NPDA? The NPDA only accepts licensed home care agencies that employ their caregivers and provide insurance. Ask for their license and proof of insurance? In Illinois, ask a local hospital or skilled nursing facility discharge planner or social worker, most are required to refer only to licensed home care agencies.

http://www.assistinghands-naperville.com/

Can monitoring patients at home avoid readmissions?

Monitoring Patients Can Help Med Adherance

A recent LA Times story quoted data from a study conducted by Kaiser Health News found that nearly half of patients misunderstood what it or other common label instructions meant on medicine bottles. Consequently, they are advocating that the Food and Drug Administration should aim to simplify, clarify and standardize the labels that are affixed to those drugs.

According to the LA Times, “Medication compliance, or ‘adherence,’ as it's called, is a big problem. Despite the fact that 87 percent of people in a recent survey said they thought prescription medicines were important to their health, only about half of those surveyed take their drugs as directed. People skip doses, take the wrong number of pills, and take pills at the wrong time of day, among many other problems. Poor adherence results in up to $290 billion in medical expenses each year, according to NEHI, a health research organization.”

The study found that in general, people are more compliant with drugs for acute conditions such as a bladder infection than for chronic problems like diabetes. But both are problematic, and the reasons people offer for not taking their drugs are as varied as the drugs they're not taking. In that patient survey, 59 percent said they stopped taking their medication because they were feeling better and didn't think it was necessary to continue, while 25 percent said they stopped because they weren't feeling any better. Thirty-seven percent were worried about side effects, while 24 percent said their drugs were too expensive.

“Simple forgetfulness may be the culprit in many cases of nonadherence, especially when a drug doesn't actually make people feel any different. Drugs to treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure fall into this category. Many researchers and others involved in medication adherence issues are excited about the potential of technology to both educate patients and provide a "tickler" system to remind them to take their drugs,” said the LA Times.

While no single strategy or technology will get everyone to take their medicine as directed, experts agree that clear instructions on the pill bottle are a basic requirement if that's to happen. Many of the USP recommendations seem commonsensical: place patient information and instructions at the top of the label in bigger type than the doctor or pharmacy name or information on refills and expiration; use everyday words like high blood pressure instead of hypertension; keep auxiliary information, such as warnings, simple and straightforward.

And to avoid confusion over things such as dosages and when to take the medication, the recommendations say, keep those instructions separate and simple, using numbers instead of words when appropriate. With those guidelines in mind, perhaps fewer people would be confused by the instruction that started this column. The new and improved pill bottle would read, "Take 2 tablets by mouth in the morning and 2 tablets by mouth in the evening."

Medication compliance is one of the major roles that home aides play when working with patients. They can monitor patients to ensure that the right doses of medications are being taken at the right times, and whether they should be taken with meals or not. Home aides also can determine if medications are being effective or if there are unanticipated side effects. Ask Assisting Hands® about their services or visit assistinghandschicago.com.

Senior Home Safety Blog: Are the Elderly prepared for Summer temperatures?

Senior Home Safety Blog: Are the Elderly prepared for Summer temperatures?: Summer temperatures can pose a danger to older adults. Working or playing in the sun, spending time in an unventilated home, or sitting i...

Are the Elderly prepared for Summer temperatures?

Summer temperatures can pose a danger to older adults. Working or playing in the sun, spending time in an unventilated home, or sitting in a closed vehicle can result in uncomfortable and even dangerous temperatures.
As we grow older, our bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature. Especially at risk are people with health problems such as cardiovascular disease, kidney or lung problems, unhealthy body weight, or those who take certain medications that interrupt the body's ability to protect itself by perspiring. Other risk factors include: age-related changes to the skin, including inefficient sweat glands; being substantially overweight or underweight; and dehydration.
Here are some tips for staying safe and comfortable during periods of higher heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. On hot days, the body loses moisture more rapidly, so keep hydrated with water or fruit juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which cause the body to lose more fluid. (If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, speak to your healthcare provider during periods of heat.)
• Keep your home comfortable by letting in cool air during the early morning and evening hours. Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building. Use fans to circulate cooler air. Close curtains and blinds during the warmest hours.
• Take a break at an air conditioned location during the hottest part of the day. Go to the mall, a movie, the library.
• Dress for the weather. Wear short-sleeve, loose-fitting garments. Natural fibers and light colors are cooler than synthetic materials and dark colors. And don't forget your sun hat!
• Exercise and work outside only during the cooler hours of the day, and pace your activities.
• Wear sunblock when you are outdoors. Sunburn reduces the body's ability to regulate heat.

Heat-Related Illness
Hyperthermia is the name for a variety of heat-related illnesses that can include:

• Heat cramps (a painful tightening of the muscles of the abdomen, arms or legs)
• Heat edema (swelling of the ankles and feet)
• Heat syncope (a sudden dizziness and rapid pulse that usually occurs when someone is exercising in the heat)

If ignored, these conditions can progress to a dangerous condition called heat stroke. The symptoms of heatstroke are:

o    Fainting
o    Body temperature over 104
o    Confusion, staggering
o    Dry, flushed skin with no sweating
o    Strong, rapid pulse
o    Headache
o    Unconsciousness

A person with heat stroke should be seen by a physician immediately!
The National Institute on Aging provides five tips on what to do if you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

1. Get the person out of the sun and into an air-conditioned or other cool place.
2. Offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
3. Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.
4. Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists and/or neck, places where arterial blood passes close to the surface and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.
5. Urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.

For More Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on staying safe during periods of extreme heat.
The Weather Channel website issues alerts for periods of high heat, and includes heat safety and preparedness resources.

Are families prepared for parents discharged home?

The worst fear for family members is the call from the hospital notifying them that their loved one has been admitted. In many cases, seniors are re-admitted repeatedly for various conditions, creating family stress and interfering with quality of life issues.

In 2008 there were 14 million hospital stays for patients over 65, about a third of all hospitalizations. As cohorts age, the proportion of hospital stays increases. Those 75-84 are 4.3% of the population but account for 13.8% of stays, and those over 85 are 1.8% of the population but 8% of stays.

At any age over 65, men are about 10% more likely than women to be hospitalized. Hospital stays for the elderly are usually five days or more and average cost is about $10,000 to $12,000. Interestingly, people living in wealthy communities had higher rates of hospitalization but rates were lower in the suburbs. As people get older the place of discharge changes dramatically. Those 65-74 tend to be discharged to home, at 60% of the time, but the 75 t0 84 cohort does that only 46% of the time, and the over 85 group just 30%. Discharge to another institution, such as a nursing home, or to home health care, correspondingly increase greatly with age. The report paints a picture of an impending surge in hospital costs as the population continues to age.

Home care aides can be there to monitor seniors to control the most common reasons for hospitalization by the elderly, which includes congestive heart failure, pneumonia, blood infections, home falls, adverse medication reactions, and arrhythmias. A safe home environment is a key toward reducing ER visits.

Here are a few steps you can take to help the weeks and months after you or a loved one leaves the hospital go as smoothly as possible:

Ask your hospital if it has special planners who can help you prepare to leave the hospital.

Create a detailed, written plan, often called a discharge plan that includes important information, such as the following:

1. The date you are leaving the hospital
2. Where you are going after you leave the hospital
3. How you will get there from the hospital
4. A schedule of follow-up appointments with primary care providers or specialists
5. A list of your medical problems
6. A list of allergies
7. A list of medications, including when to take them and for how long, and any possible side effects
8. How you will fill your prescriptions
9. A list of any equipment you might need, such as a cane or wheelchair
10. What you will do if you have a medical problem in the middle of the night

Bring your plan, including a list of all your medications, to every appointment with a primary care provider or specialist. Go over your plan with a family member or friend.

Are families prepared for Parents long term care?

A USA Today story cited a survey from a senior network that found that most baby boomers are woefully unprepared to deal with their aging parents’ health and financial problems. Findings include the fact that: 31% don't know how many medications their parents take; 34% don't know whether their parents have a safe deposit box or where the key is; and 36% don't know where their parents' financial information is located.

According to The USA Story “Prescription drugs are of particular concern. In the survey, 49% couldn't name a single drug their parents took. Ask parents about their medications and, if necessary, do research, experts say. Find out the dose, what it's for, who prescribed it and why. People 65 and older account for about a third of all medications prescribed in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health, and older patients are more likely to have long-term and multiple prescriptions, which could lead to unintentional misuse.”

The story suggest that caretakers need to know: What drugs can parents go without and which ones must be taken on schedule? For instance, blood pressure and anti-depressant medications cannot be missed.

This is one reason that more and more families are relying on the role of home aides to augment caregiver responsibilities. Home aides can monitor medications and can work with caregiver family members to ensure that the entire care team is educated about medications. Misuse of medication has become such a problem that the American Medical Association notes that every year, adverse drug events result in an estimated 4.5 million annual outpatient visits for seniors related to medication problems, with seniors and patients taking more than six medications the most likely to show up in doctors' offices. Safety is a major concern for elderly parents.

Can Caregiver Burnout be avoided? Senior Home Safety Blog | Info. on Home Care, Senior Care, Senior Safety, Fall Prevention etc

Senior Home Safety Blog | Info. on Home Care, Senior Care, Senior Safety, Fall Prevention etc

Are Home aides the future of home care?

A UPI story reports that a new model of home-based care for older adults has been found effective, efficient and less expensive than traditional care. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

According to UPI “The home-based care model, developed by the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute, both in Indianapolis, involves two teams. A support team, consisting of a nurse practitioner and a social worker, meets with each patient at his or her home and conducts an initial comprehensive geriatric assessment from the medicine cabinet to the kitchen cabinet.”

The second part of the support team are home aides who take over after the initial support team concludes their services. This eliminates the anxiety among seniors and family caregivers that worry about the next stage in recovery. Home aides will be able to help seniors and caregivers follow the directions for recovery, including medication monitoring, ambulatory issues, taking patients to their physician, and keeping family caregivers apprised of their loved one’s recovery and ongoing care. Seniors living alone can be stressful, home aides help reduce the stress and create a safe home environment.