Friday, June 26, 2009

Care Givers Anxiety? Are you providing care for aging, sick or disabled loved one in Glen Mills, PA, delaware county, chester county area

Are You Experiencing Care Givers Anxiety?
Currently, studies show, three-quarters of those who remain in their homes depend solely on family and friends to meet their day-to-day needs with no professional support whatsoever. Sadly, family caregivers have little or no information or training about how to care for the physical and emotional needs for their ailing loved one. Rarely does anyone pay attention to the caregiver’s declining physical and emotional health, and many risk becoming patients themselves. For instance, When was the last time someone asked, “How are you doing?” Rarely does anyone really know about hands-on care, tube feedings, transferring bed-bound patients to wheelchairs or commodes, turning them to avoid bedsores, making judgments about which symptoms require immediate medical attention, and interacting with a cast of professionals often short on time, patience or shared information about the patient.
But at long last, this terrible disconnect can be avoided with professional support and advocacy. You may be looking for someone experienced in options for home health care or even care giver stress relief. You may feel stressed out, and overwhelmed with life. You may be noticing major conflict in the home with other family members.
What causes conflict?
Misperceptions. Role changes. Unresolved issues.
Misperceptions
It’s a common situation. A holiday or other event brings the family together, and there is a high expectation of joy and good times. That’s just the time when many families go into turmoil. Someone says something that is misinterpreted, and the battle begins.
These family squabbles often lead to years of heartbreak for all concerned.
Make sure before you get angry with the person you are caring for that you have your facts correct. Ask another family member for their impression of the argument -You may avoid unneccessary hurt.
Role Changes
Many of you, I’m sure, have stories of taking a loved one home from the hospital with no instructions on follow-up care and no one to call when you find yourself in trouble. What does it mean to be responsible for a sick, frail or disoriented loved one when you have no idea how to take care of them properly and nobody assigned to guide you? This can be confusing and sometimes caregivers wonder why the person they are caring for is not cooperative and caregiver stress can escalate. As caregivers you may need to make decisions that are challenging and unfamiliar to you. You find your self caring for a parent and it can be frightening for all those in your household.
You may experience resentment for input you have or decisions you are facing for the person or persons you now care for. This leaves you with responsibility, but lacking knowledge or resources needed for this new role in your life.
The persons you care for may view you as the enemy and may not understand you.
You will need to set reasonable limits before embarking on this role change, and learn to set boundaries and limits — for you , and your family as well as the person or persons you are caring for. Your mental health is very important at this time.
Unresolved Issues
Unfortunately, too many caregivers are not prepared emotionally, financially or physically for this new role. It is worse when the relationship was not good to begin with and both parties find themselves with little or no choice in the matter. Old feelings resurface and unresolved issues begin to nag you. You may now feel that you must do everything for the person you care for out of a sense of guilt, or an unwarranted sense of obligation. Angry feelings may surface and depression and anxiety can set in.
You, as a caregiver, may be feeling remorse, regret or frustration as you find yourself faced with caring for aging parents.
A skilled, experienced counselor can be of great help in this process. To learn more about counseling and how to get started, go to http://www.glenmillscounseling.org/

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Seniors and Dehydration, Tips for preventing dehydration in our aging loved ones

Seniors at Greater Risk of Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among seniors. The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that five to six times as many patients age 65 and over are admitted for the condition as those in the 45-64 age group. Dehydration tends to set in quickly and catch older Americans off guard, because as we age our sense of thirst dulls and the water content of our bodies decreases.

Take dehydration seriously; it can be life-threatening. Warning signs vary but may include:
Lack of energy
Headache, nausea, and/or dizziness
Darkening or decrease in urine
Fever

To prevent dehydration:
Set up a drinking schedule and follow it. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day
Provide fluid from a variety of sources, such as fruits and vegetables, milk, broth, popsicles etc.
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks; they increase water loss
Increase fluids on hot days. And be aware that dehydration can be a threat to seniors in cold, dry winter months, too, when one is less likely to feel the need to quench thirst.
This article brought to you by Comfort Keepers, providing assisted living services in your home. For more information and to arrange FREE in-home visit, call 610-543-6300.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Aging Veterans Unaware Of VA Pension Benefit -Aid and Attendance

Aging Veterans Unaware of VA Pension Benefits – Millions of veterans and widows lose out on billions of benefits
For aging veterans, one of their most important benefit programs is the Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit Program. Established to assist qualified veterans, and/or their surviving spouses and family, the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Program provides financial support that enables veterans to live independently while receiving the quality of care they deserve. In particular, funds are available for aging veterans who need assistance with medical and non-medical care both in the home and in qualified facilities.
In many cases, veterans, along with their spouses and family, are unaware that this program exists. According to VA analysis, only 27 percent of veterans and 14 percent of widow(er)s who are likely eligible, actually receive any money from the program.
Types of Care EligibleThe availability of this program is something all veterans and their widow(er)s should know. Seniors in our country are now living longer. With higher living costs and the continued rise in healthcare expenditures, many seniors are at risk of quickly depleting their savings. Programs like the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Program can fund services like in-home care, assisted living facility expenses and other medical costs that many seniors face.
“We see many clients that are faced with the difficult task of covering their healthcare expenses,” said Clark Bongaardt of Springfield, PA Comfort Keepers. “If they qualify for these funds, it takes a huge burden off of veterans and their families. This money can be used to ensure they are given access to the care they need.”
QualificationsTo qualify for the Veterans NSC Improved Pension Benefit Programs, a veteran must have 90 days or more of active duty with at least one of those days served during a US-declared war. The benefits are designed for those who meet specific financial criteria and demonstrate a physical need for healthcare.
The Department of Veterans Affairs determines active duty as full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey.Other qualifications and considerations:• Discharge for any reason other than dishonorable conditions• Over the age of 65 or disabled• Total financial assets• Physical condition• Current marital status (if you are the surviving spouse of a veteran)• Total gross income versus medical deduction
Costly MisunderstandingThere are several reasons why veterans are unaware or misunderstand these benefits. First is the very name of the benefit itself – improved pension benefit. Pension benefits usually come after years of service, not after only 90 days of service.
In addition, many veterans often assume the available benefits are for those who have a service-related disability not just because they turned 65. As the name implies, this program is a non-service connected benefit.
Finally, it is uncommon for a benefit to be available in part just by virtue of age. However, the Veteran NSC Improved Pension Benefit does not require a qualified veteran to have any disability provided that they are over the age of 65.
Many of the Comfort Keepers can assist in accessing the information necessary to evaluate a person’s eligibility for the Veterans Improved Pension Benefit Program. To find which ones, locate your Comfort Keepers on the website and contact the office directly. To access the webiste click HEREComfort Keepers can provide professional guidance while the applicant is completing the necessary paperwork and being assessed for eligibility for the Veterans Improved Pension Benefit Program. Once approved, Comfort Keepers can be the solution for quality in-home care.