Source: SeriousIllness.org

We usually associate the word “vaccine” with children. But vaccines play an important role in disease prevention for seniors, too. Because aging weakens the immune system, even common infections can cause serious problems for those over age 65.
The annual flu shot

The flu takes a heavy toll on aging bodies. Hospitalization rates for seniors surge during flu season. Really, what we call “the flu” is a constantly changing virus. Because there’s a new type circulating each winter, an annual shot is essential. That is true for your aging relative, but also recommended for any adult caring for a frail elder. For greatest effect, get the shot sometime in the October to December time frame.

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Increasingly, research shows that older adults can benefit in myriad ways from the companionship of an animal.

Physical health benefits

Pets seem to help us stay calm in the midst of stress:

- Reduced blood pressure and heart rate. Some research shows improvement even when the “pet” is fish swimming in an aquarium!
- Strengthened immune system. One study found an increase in an infection-fighting blood factor.
- Fewer pain medications. Adults who had pet therapy while recovering from joint replacement used 50% less pain drugs than those who did not.

Mood and activity benefits

For elders living alone, pets may provide a kind of companionship essential to well-being. Older pet owners are believed to be more active than their peers. One study even showed that older adults with pets go to the doctor less often than those without.

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Money matters are often intensely private. And no one wants to infringe on a family member’s independence. Yet it is through (sometimes expensive) financial mishaps that you may learn of changes in your parent’s memory and thinking.

Signs of a problem

Diseases that affect memory also tend to impair arithmetic skills and reasoning. That’s why money trouble can suggest the onset of dementia. Be alert for the following changes:

- Difficulty counting change or balancing a checkbook
- Frequent late payment of bills
- Confusion about banking transactions
- Unusual or repetitive purchases
- Accusations that others are stealing from them
- Investing in sweepstakes or other “get rich quick” schemes

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If you worry about your charitable giving traditions disappearing after you’re gone, check out these tips on bringing your loved ones into the loop. With some open communication, you may be surprised to find that your favorite causes will be the recipient of your family’s support for generations to come.

Start the Conversation
To begin, set aside some time to talk at a family gathering, at a family meeting or, if necessary, through a conference call. (Try a website service such as www.freeconferencecall.com.) During this discussion, you should:

• Share your vision, goals and philanthropic ideas.
• Ask your children for their thoughts.
• Request that your children consider their role in your charitable giving plans.

Involve Your Children
After your initial conversation, follow up with each family member to discuss:

• The specific charities you support or would like to support.
• Volunteer opportunities with these organizations.
• Traditions that can be started with your family and, if your children are grown, with their own families.

Plan to Give
Once you establish your children’s interest in taking on philanthropic responsibilities, you can develop the appropriate strategies. This could include connecting them with the organizations you support or setting up trusts to carry out your wishes.

We Can Help
We are happy to tell you more about our mission and the many ways you can support Hospice & Palliative CareCenter. Just contact Ellen Coble at 336-331-1312 or ellen.coble@hospicecarecenter.org.

For more information about Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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