(AARP) When you can’t lean on family and friends to help take care of you, here’s what you can do.

Carol Marak was a caregiver for both her parents: Her mom had congestive heart failure and her dad had Parkinson’s disease. After they died and she turned 60, she says,

“It occurred to me … oh, my goodness, I am not married. I do not have children. Who is going to do that for me?”

Marak, 65, of Waco, Texas, is considered an “elder orphan” — someone who is aging alone with no family available to address their caregiving needs. More than 1 in 5 Americans older than 65 are — or are at risk of becoming — elder orphans. And 23 percent of boomers will eventually be without family caretakers, according to Maria Torroella Carney, who has studied the issue and is chief of geriatric and palliative medicine at Northwell Health of Great Neck, N.Y.

And those figures don’t include the countless parents whose adult children are not available or able, for various reasons, to assist them.

The American Geriatrics Society recently developed guidelines for how public policy and the health care industry might assist elder orphans. (The authors refer to them as “unbefriended” older adults.) Experts warn of a potential crisis as the population ages and even fewer family caregivers are available for each person.

A 2015 AARP Public Policy report titled “Valuing the Invaluable” concluded that while there were 7.2 potential family caregivers for every person 80 and older in 2010, that ratio is likely to fall to 4 to 1 by 2030, and could sink to 3 to 1 by 2050.

But even with already high numbers of elder orphans set to skyrocket, there’s still a widely held assumption in the health care industry that everyone has a family caregiver in the wings.

“When you go in for a colonoscopy, they won’t even do the procedure if you don’t have someone to take you home,” Marak points out.

“Everyone thinks we all have family. Well, we don’t.”

Here are some tips for planning ahead if you don’t have a family caregiver.

Consider where — and how — you might like to age. While you’re still healthy, evaluate your living situation and try to make a plan.

“Identify where the best place is for you to live,” Carney says.

“Should you move to an area that’s more walkable, or has mass transportation or access to taxis?”

You might also consider communal living options, such as taking on roommates, or moving to a senior community or assisted living facility — often an ideal option for some who can afford it.

Get your paperwork in order. Make all legal documents accessible and your intentions clear. That includes deciding upon a health and financial proxy: Who’s going to make crucial decisions for you if you become incapacitated? If you don’t have anyone in your personal life to fill that role, you might look into elder care resources in your region. Or your doctor may be willing to step in, Carney says.

“I’ve had patients who’ve had no one and have asked me or my colleague to be their health care proxy,” she adds.

(If a physician agrees to be your proxy, he or she can’t continue as your health care provider.) You might consult an elder care lawyer to discuss your situation and help you plan.

Develop a social network. You may not be able to rely on friends for serious, long-term care, but they can help you — and you them — in many ways, such as bringing meals when you’re ill or recovering, and doing errands such as picking up prescriptions or groceries. Sometimes it’s hard to make new friends late in life, and old ones may not live nearby or are caught up in their own health issues. Consider joining clubs, taking a class, volunteering — anything that will offer you repeated exposure to a new group of people.

Find support from like-minded people. Marak started a Facebook group for elder orphans in February 2016 so

“people have a place just to feel like they’re not alone, so they can identify with others.”

Think creatively. Among other possible ways to plan for a future without a family caregiver, Marak has considered adopting a family. They’d agree to care for her, and she’d bequeath her assets to them. Other innovative ideas, Marak says, include joining other elder orphans in a living situation with space for a live-in caregiver

“so the residents, as they age, can count on this caregiver to help them at home. They provide the space for the person to live, and that person provides the services they need.”

If you have ideas for how elder orphans might prepare for aging without a family caregiver, join the conversation at AARP’s online community.

Citation

http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2016/caregiving-tips-when-aging-alone.html?intcmp=CRC-FEED

Christina Ianzito is a features editor at AARP Media.

Copyright 2016 AARP

(National Institute on Aging) Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to die, so the brain works less well over time. This changes how a person acts. This tip sheet has suggestions that may help you understand and cope with changes in personality and behavior in a person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Common Changes in Personality and Behavior

Common personality and behavior changes you may see include:

• Getting upset, worried, and angry more easily
• Acting depressed or not interested in things
• Hiding things or believing other people are hiding things
• Imagining things that aren’t there
• Wandering away from home
• Pacing a lot
• Showing unusual sexual behavior
• Hitting you or other people
• Misunderstanding what he or she sees or hears

You also may notice that the person stops caring about how he or she looks, stops bathing, and wants to wear the same clothes every day.

In addition to changes in the brain, other things may affect how people with

Alzheimer’s behave:

• Feelings such as sadness, fear, stress, confusion, or anxiety
• Health-related problems, including illness, pain, new medications, or lack of sleep
• Other physical issues like infections, constipation, hunger or thirst, or problems seeing or hearing
• Problems in their surroundings, like too much noise or being in an unfamiliar place

If you don’t know what is causing the problem, call the doctor. It could be caused by a physical or medical issue.

Keep Things Simple…and Other Tips

Caregivers cannot stop Alzheimer’s-related changes in personality and behavior, but they can learn to cope with them. Here are some tips:

• Keep things simple. Ask or say one thing at a time.
• Have a daily routine, so the person knows when certain things will happen.
• Reassure the person that he or she is safe and you are there to help.
• Focus on his or her feelings rather than words. For example, say, “You seem worried.”
• Don’t argue or try to reason with the person.
• Try not to show your frustration or anger. If you get upset, take deep breaths and count to 10. If it’s safe, leave the room for a few minutes.
• Use humor when you can.
• Give people who pace a lot a safe place to walk.
• Try using music, singing, or dancing to distract the person.
• Ask for help. For instance, say, “Let’s set the table” or “I need help folding the clothes.”
• Talk with the person’s doctor about problems like hitting, biting, depression, or hallucinations. Medications are available to treat some behavioral symptoms.

For More Varegiving Tips and Other Resources

• Read “Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease”: www.nia. nih.gov/alzheimer/publication/caring-person-alzheimers-disease
• Visit www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/caregiving
• Call the ADEAR Center toll-free: 1-800-438-4380

Citation

https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/managing-personality-and-behavior-changes

(AARP.org) Nine out of 10 people say they would want to stay at home if they had a serious health problem. And many do: About 85 percent of family caregivers are caring for someone who lives in their own home or who is sharing a home with them. Some homes are well-suited for aging and providing care, but many require modifications.

I learned quickly when my parents needed 24-hour care and moved in with me. We didn’t have the budget to build an addition or completely remodel bathrooms, but with some research and advice from a certified aging-in-place specialist, I found ways to make the home safe and navigable. And I continue to adapt as needs change.

You can start with a home assessment by an occupational therapist, physical therapist, geriatric care manager (aging life care specialist), certified aging-in-place specialist or qualified professional via the area agency on aging or Department of Veterans Affairs. (I recently completed training and certification as an aging-in-place specialist myself.)

Some tips to get you started:

1. Make basic home modifications. I like to think about “universal design” — how the home can be stylish, comfortable and safe for anyone who lives there or visits. Make any modifications easily adaptable as needs and abilities change over time. Consider things like:

• Zero-threshold entry to the house (helpful for wheelchairs and walkers, as well as carrying groceries and suitcases inside).
• Wide doorways and halls. I installed offset door hinges, allowing more room for passage.
• Controls and switches that are reachable from a wheelchair.
• Variable countertop heights (so people can stand up without straining their backs to bend over, or sit at them in a wheelchair).
• Easy-to-use handles and doorknobs; lever handles are best.
• A raised toilet and grab bars in the bathroom.

2. Keep safety a top priority. Every year, 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 fall, so fall prevention is paramount. It may be as simple as brighter lighting around stairs, removing throw rugs or moving laundry facilities to the first floor. Recently, I took off the wheels on my dad’s chair so it won’t move when he stands up. And because we have a sunken living room, I was concerned he might not see that step down, so I lined up furniture along the edges.

Monitors and alerts can be a big help when someone has dementia and wandering is a concern. You can place a motion sensor in areas that will sound an alarm or a floor mat with an alarm that goes off when stepped on.

3. Look into home-based services. Investigate what assistance might be available via your area agency on aging, Veterans Affairs or other community-based organizations. Physical, occupational, speech and music therapy can be provided at home. Other useful services for home-based care include mobile doctors and lab tests, home health aides to help with things like bathing, and meal delivery.

4. Do your homework when hiring paid caregivers. It’s wonderful to have help, and there are many caring and dedicated people willing to provide it. But, of course, there are others who are not so reliable: My mom had several falls due to untrained paid caregivers, and one even stole her jewelry. When hiring paid caregivers, be sure to do background checks and get references, and carefully monitor their work. Stop by — preferably at unexpected times — to check in on any professionals or volunteers going to the home.

Citation

http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2016/caregiving-at-home-safety-tips-ag.html

by Amy Goyer

Amy Goyer is AARP’s family and caregiving expert and author of AARP’s Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving. She spends most of her time in Phoenix, where she is caring for her 92-year-old dad, Robert, who has Alzheimer’s disease. Follow her blog and aarp.org/amygoyer videos and connect with Amy on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. For ongoing caregiving support from Amy and AARP, text “AMY” to 97779.

Copyright 2017 AARP

 

(Alzheimer’s Foundation of America) The AFA was founded by a consortium of organizations to fill the gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and excellence in service to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families.

This post describes the government programs and resources that can help persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers:

• Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Benefit
• Compassionate Allowance
• Affordable Care Act
• Government Programs

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Benefit

Medicare provides prescription drug benefits to Medicare beneficiaries and those currently covered under Medicaid. The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Benefit began in January 2006 under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.

Here are some important points for you to know:

Eligibility
Everyone with Medicare (Medicare Part A, Part B, and Medicare Advantage Plans) is entitled to the new prescription drug benefit. Individuals currently receiving drug coverage through Medicaid have been automatically enrolled, but others must sign up.

Enrollment
Enroll by calling 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227) or visiting www.medicare.gov.

The open season for enrollment in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program runs from October 15 to December 7 of each year and takes effect on January 1 of the following year. This applies to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan.

Coverage begins on the first day of the month following the month you join.

Plans
Medicare has approved a variety of drug plans so it is important to explore your options and choose a plan that best fits your needs. The plans differ in terms of:

• Brand name and generic drugs covered
• Pharmacies and/or mail order companies that can fill prescriptions under the plan
• Costs, including premiums, deductibles and co-payments (see section on cost)

In addition, you can join a Medicare prescription drug plan, which covers only prescription drugs, or you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides coverage for hospitals and doctors in addition to prescription drugs.

The number of available plans varies by state. In some states, a large number of plans have been approved; in other states, there are only a few options. In every state, each person will be offered a choice of at least two plans.

Cost
Enrollees pay a monthly premium, and the cost varies by plan. The average premium is $37 per month per person.

In addition, beneficiaries are responsible for:

• A co-payment—a dollar amount you pay to the pharmacy when you pick up your medication.
• A deductible —a portion of the cost of medications that are not covered by the prescription plan provider. Beneficiaries typically pay the deductible at the start of the year. Once you have paid the deductible, the benefits of the policy apply.
• Other cost sharing amounts—depending on the plan, some beneficiaries will be responsible for a portion of their medication costs when payments by the insurer reach a specific amount.

All of these amounts vary depending on the plan you chose. For instance, some plans cover more drugs, but have a higher premium.

Medicare will subsidize low-income beneficiaries. If you meet specific income and other requirements, you may qualify for a reduced premium or no premium at all, and you may not be responsible for any deductible.

Approved Medications
Formularies are a list of approved medications that are covered by the drug plan. It is important to review a plan to be sure your current medications will be covered.

The formulary must include at least two drugs in the categories and classes of the most commonly prescribed drugs to people with Medicare.

Some formularies will not cover all medications prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease, although each plan will cover at least two types.

There are procedures in place to ensure access to prescription drugs that a physician deems medically necessary, even if they are not covered under your prescription drug plan. If your doctor believes you need to take your current prescription and should not switch to a drug covered under your plan, you or your doctor can contact your plan and ask it to give you an “exception,” which means the plan agrees to pay for your current drug. If the plan refuses to give you an exception, you can appeal the plan’s decision. Your Medicare drug plan will send you information about its appeal procedures when you enroll.

To find a plan in your area that matches your required drug list, visit the Medicare Formulary Finder Web site; this tool allows you to review formularies by state and specific medication:

http://formularyfinder.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectstate.asp

Questions? Concerns? Ready to enroll? Here are some helpful links:

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
www.medicare.gov
1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227)

Medicare Today
www.medicaretoday.org

Medicare RX Education Network
www.medicarerxeducation.org

U.S. Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov/organizations/medicareoutreach2

Access to Benefits Coalition
www.accesstobenefits.org

Kaiser Family Foundation
www.kff.org/medicare/rxdrugscalculator.cfm

Compassionate Allowance

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowance process is a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits. It allows the agency to electronically target and make speedy decisions for individuals with specific diseases or conditions who meet qualification criteria.

Effective March 1, 2010, SSA added early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also known as young onset) to its Compassionate Allowance list. According to the SSA, this action will enable qualified individuals to be approved for disability benefits “in a matter of days, rather than months and years.”

It also added 37 other medical conditions, bringing the list to a total of 88 conditions or diseases. The Compassionate Allowance list now includes these dementia-related illnesses:

• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
• Frontotemporal-Dementia (FTD)-Picks Disease Type A
• mixed dementia
• primary progressive aphasia

While having a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or one of the other conditions on the list will speed up the application process, it is important to note that:

• applicants must still meet additional criteria to be designated as a Compassionate Allowance case and qualify for disability benefits, and
• this list does not apply to individuals who are receiving full Social Security retirement benefits.

SSA manages two programs that provide income to people who are unable to work because of a disability: 1) the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and 2) the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides income to disabled individuals under the age of 65 who are considered “insured”—meaning that the disabled individuals, their spouses or parents worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security and, therefore, paid Social Security taxes. Monthly payments are based on the worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security and provide an annual cost of living increase. For people receiving SSA disability benefits, their spouse, divorced spouse and their children (under 18, students, disabled) may also qualify for disability benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides payments to aged (65 or older), blind or disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. This benefit can be applied for once an individual is determined disabled due to a condition such as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Payments are based on the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) and a person’s living arrangements, such as living alone or in another person’s household. Some states supplement the federal benefit with an additional monthly payment.

Note:
Many persons are eligible for disability benefits under both the SSDI and SSI programs at the same time. Applicants for SSDI are often required to concurrently apply for SSI and vice versa.

Here are some important things to know about disability benefits versus health care coverage:

• SSI and SSDI are income benefits, not medical insurance benefits.
• According to the Department of Labor, if a person receives SSA disability benefits, any COBRA benefits may be extended from 18 to 29 months.
• Individuals can apply for Medicaid if they meet the income guidelines as determined by each state. In most states, individuals who receive SSI benefits are eligible for Medicaid. After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare, including Part A (hospital benefits), Part B (medical benefits) and Part D (drug benefits).

Resources

• To contact SSA to apply for benefits, click here or call 1-800-772-1213. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
• For more information on SSI, click here.
• For more information on SSDI, click here.
• For more information on Compassionate Allowances, click here.
• To estimate potential benefit amounts, click here.
• To learn more about Medicare or Medicaid , click here.
• If you need assistance with applying for disability benefits, click here to contact your local office of the aging or call 1- 800-677-1116 and ask for a benefits counselor.
• Each state bar association has additional information on disability programs. To find your state bar association, click here.

Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “Health Care Reform,” signed into law in 2010 makes a few upgrades to Medicare with a focus on prevention and early detection.

The Facts:

• Starting in January 2011, Medicare will now pay for a wellness exam once every 12 months for beneficiaries.
• There are no deductibles or co-payments for this visit.
• The exam includes the creation or update of a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors.
• The exam also includes the detection of any cognitive impairment.
• The visit may be performed by a doctor or any other healthcare provider recognized by Medicare.

More Details About the Detection of Any Cognitive Impairment:

• Your doctor may do an assessment of your cognitive function through direct observation while also taking into consideration any concerns raised by you, your family, caregivers or others.
• The detection of a cognitive impairment is not necessarily a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease. If your practitioner suspects a problem, additional tests can be run to more accurately determine the cause of the impairment.
• If you have questions or concerns about your memory, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or other healthcare professional during this visit or at any other time.

What Else to Expect During the Visit:

• A review of your personal medical and family history, current health conditions and medical concerns, and current prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements.
• A check of your blood pressure, vision, weight and height to establish a baseline for future comparison.
• Discussion of the status of your cancer screenings, shots and other preventive screenings and services.
• Recommendations for further tests, depending on your general health and medical and family history. Note: Further tests or doctors’ visits not included in the annual wellness exam may require some out-of-pocket costs. Ask your doctor or Medicare if you have questions about coverage.
• Creation or updating of a personalized prevention plan, including a checklist of suggested screenings, immunizations and other preventive services.

Preparing for the Visit:

• Bring your medical records, including immunization records, and your family medical history, which can help your doctor determine suggested screenings.
• Bring a list of any prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements that you currently take, noting the conditions they related to, dosage and any side effects. Also consider bringing the actual pill bottles.
• Notify your doctor if you have exhibited any of the following symptoms of dementia or prepare a list of your own concerns:

-Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, placement of objects and other new information

-Confusion about time and place

-Struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed

-Trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences and following directions and conversation

-Changes in mood and personality, such as increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal and disinterest in usual activities

-Difficulty with complex mental assignments, such as balancing a checkbook or other tasks involving numbers

In Order to Qualify for the Visit:

• You must have been receiving Medicare Part B benefits for at least 12 months.
• If you have had your initial, one-time “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam within the past 12 months, you will be eligible for your first annual wellness exam one year from the date of that initial visit.
• You are eligible for a wellness exam once every 12 months.

To learn more about Medicare, click here.

Government Programs

A.D.E.A.R.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center
PO Box 8250
Silver Spring , MD 20907
Phone: 1-800-438-4380
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/AlzheimersInformation/GeneralInfo/

Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore , MD 21244
www.cms.gov

Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington , DC 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
www.hhs.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington , DC 20420
1-800-827-1000
www.va.gov

Eldercare Locator
61 Medford Street
Somerville , MA 02143
Phone: 1-800-677-1116
www.eldercare.gov

Employee Benefits Services Administration,
U.S. Department of Labor
Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room 5625
Washington , DC 20210
Phone: 1-866-444-EBSA (1-866-444-3272)
www.dol.gov/ebsa

FDA for Older Persons
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville , MD 20857
Phone: 1-888-463-6332
http://www.fda.gov/oc/seniors

USDA Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Drive , Room 926
Alexandria , VA 22302
Phone: 1-703-305-2052
www.fns.usda.gov

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW
Washington , DC 20447
Phone: 1-406-494-8662
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap

National Institute on Aging
Building 31, Room 5C27
31 Center Drive , MSC 2292
Bethesda , MD 20892
www.nia.nih.gov

U.S. Administration of Aging
Washington , DC 20201
Phone: 1-202-619-0724
www.aoa.gov

U.S. Social Security Administration
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore , MD 21235
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov

U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
G31 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington , DC 20510
Phone: 1-202-224-5364
www.aging.senate.gov

For more information, connect with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s licensed social workers. Click here or call 866.232.8484. Real People. Real Care.

Citation

http://www.alzfdn.org/EducationandCare/strategiesforsuccess.html

http://www.alzfdn.org/Medicare/wellness_exam.html

©2016 Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. All rights reserved.

(BrightFocus Foundation) Many older adults wish to remain in their home of choice as long as possible. Here are three important elements to consider that can help you successfully “age in place.”

When it comes to aging in place in one’s own home versus aging elsewhere, such as an assisted living facility, older adults—no matter what their condition—almost always want to remain at home. It is comfortable. It is familiar. It is home.

For someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, aging in place is a viable alternative to living in a facility, and it comes with many considerations. What can a family do to make aging in place a reality for their loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Below we look at three overall elements—caregiving, safety, and health and well-being, to successfully age in place at home.

Caregiving

To provide caregiving for one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, families have multiple options:

• Family Caregivers: If a family is considering the option of being the in-home caregiver(s) for one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can mean reducing one’s work schedule, taking a leave of absence from work, or quitting one’s job. Leaving one’s job means loss of income, benefits, and professional status.
• Private Caregivers: In the absence of available family caregivers, privately hired caregivers, available through an agency or by contracting directly with a caregiver, are options. Private duty caregivers are either Certified Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aides.
• A Combination of Family Caregivers and Private Caregivers: this combination can work well for many, especially when family wants to be helping in the home and involved, but cannot do so on a full time basis. The professional caregivers might cover the weekdays, and the family caregivers the evenings and weekends.
• Local Senior Centers or Adult Day Care Centers: Enrolling your loved one in a program at the local senior center or Adult Day Center is another option. Senior Centers and Adult Day Centers are available in many communities throughout the U.S. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn the local options.

Over the course of your loved one’s aging process, any or all of these options might be used. Because of this, if a family has privately hired caregivers, it can also be wise to maintain a relationship with a local agency, as one just may be needed in a pinch, or to cover caregiver vacations.

How Does the Caregiver Get Paid?
With agency-provided caregiving, payroll and benefits are managed by the agency. With this arrangement, the family pays the agency each pay period. When a family hires a caregiver privately, the family becomes the employer and manages the payroll and benefits.

Additional caregiving information is available at the Home Care Association of America website at http://www.hcaoa.org/.

Safety: A Top Priority

No matter where one lives, safety must be a priority. For a person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, it will mean different things at different times in the progression of the disease, but it should include the following:

• Proper indoor and outdoor lighting, locks on doors, area rugs pulled up or taped down, and a clutter-free environment.
• A kitchen that is safe: the stove and oven knobs are covered to eliminate risk of turning the stove or oven on, sharp kitchen utensils are hidden and/or locked out of sight.
• The water heater set to a temperature no greater than 120 degrees, an emergency response system if still appropriate for your loved one’s ability, and use of a monitor to hear when he/she gets up during the night.
• A dementia friendly bathroom: a walk-in shower or bath, grab bars, a shower seat, and a hand shower.
• When and if the need comes, having a person to contact to install a ramp for wheelchair access.

For more detailed information regarding safety in the home, see our article on making your home dementia friendly.

Health and Well-Being

Health and well-being includes:

• Consistent medical care with primary care and specialists needed to manage your loved one’s care.
• Medication management and administration when your loved one can no longer safely manage them independently.
• Daily exercise—walking, gardening, dancing, tai chi, strength training, and stretching, to name a few.
• A comfortable bed at a safe height, or a hospital bed if one is more appropriate for their needs; comfortable clothing; and a favorite item that is soothing and relaxing.
• Socialization—including family gatherings; a few days each week at the senior center; church services; an art class; and other activities and settings your loved one enjoys. Create social events at home with family and friends, and encourage your loved one’s participation in the events. Provide help when they need it.

And You?

Finally, and every bit as important, is to remember that as a caregiver you will need respite—a break from being a caregiver. It is so important, and with it, you are likely to be a better caregiver, and a better you.

Citation

http://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/aging-in-place-weighing-caregiver-options

By Kathleen Allen, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Senior Care Management Services, LLC

Copyright 2016 BrightFocus Foundation. All rights reserved.