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

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A durable power of attorney is your written authorization for someone to act for you in many financial and legal matters. This document will serve you best if it provides a broad range of authority, so be very careful in choosing your representative. And always consult an estate planning attorney on the proper creation and use of this powerful and trusted position.

	Request our free guide on what you need to ensure a complete and up-to-date estate plan.

You may authorize your power of attorney to:

• Pay for your support and care.
• Borrow money.
• Complete bank transactions.
• Manage property.
• Handle legal claims.
• Gain entry to safe-deposit boxes.
• Prepare and file tax returns.
• Deal with insurance and retirement benefits.
• Exercise stockholder rights.
• Contract for services.
• Make gifts to family and charitable organizations.
• Collect Social Security and other benefits.
• Exercise rights of the creator or beneficiary of a trust.

For more estate and gift planning information, 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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Time off from caregiving is precious. But after a break, many family caregivers find they don’t feel as refreshed as they hoped they would.

New research provides insights about how to get the most from a respite break.

Common respite mistakes

- Unplanned time. It may sound good to “have no plans.” But that can backfire if you end up simply watching TV. You may feel you “wasted” your time.

- Routine tasks. Doubtless, there are chores and tasks to be done. If completing a task will genuinely feel satisfying, great. But you may feel cheated if you use your respite to do “more of the same.”

- Obligations. Watch out for self-imposed “shoulds.” Such as, “I should go see my niece in that play.” If theater is not your thing, you’ll end up frustrated instead of rejuvenated.

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

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June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Exploitation of seniors is an issue none of us likes to think about. But it’s a growing problem. Well over a half-million incidents of elder abuse are reported each year.

Elder abuse includes intentional acts of malice, as well as simple acts of neglect or ignorance.

There are seven types of abuse:

• Self-neglect. When a mentally confused elder’s actions threaten his or her health or safety. For example, not eating or not bathing because of dementia.

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

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Source: SeriousIllness.org

Technologies abound to help us stay connected with loved ones. There are also many options to support your relative in living independently. Here are some options in the areas of safety and health.

Personal safety and home security

• Personal medical alert: Wearable devices that call for help. Most require the push of a button. Some can detect a fall automatically. Others can be used even when away from home.
• Fall detection: Video systems that scan the bottom 12 inches of a residence. This protects privacy but reveals if a person has fallen to the floor.

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

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Source: SeriousIllness.org

Even those of us who enjoy cooking have days when it seems like just another chore. And when you are juggling the needs of an ill relative, it can be an even greater challenge to maintain enthusiasm.

Cooking for Caregiving recognizes that caregiving is love and that food is how we often show our love. The goal of this nonprofit organization is to present options that mean less cooking hassle for you as a family caregiver and healthier meals for your relative.

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

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21st Annual Camp Carousel for children, teens, and adults
July 25 – 29, 2011!

Camp Carousel is a bereavement retreat for children ages 6-12, teens, and adults who are grieving a death-related loss.

Campers will find support through small group grief sessions that provide them with a natural outlet for expression of feelings and healthy coping skills.

Special experiences include: creative play, art therapy, expressive movement, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and more!

Camp Carousel is open to the community!

Click Here for a registration brochure!

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

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The changes to Medicare for 2011 provide your loved one with several free prevention services. The idea is to catch major health problems early by lowering the cost for screenings.

The changes apply to everyone with Parts A and B. If your family member has a Medicare Advantage Plan, check with the plan itself about benefits for 2011.

Following is a sample of the services to be covered. Most are offered at no cost. Some require payment of 20% of the approved Medicare fee. Important: To get these savings, your family member must use a doctor who has signed on with Medicare.

• Yearly wellness exam. An annual visit to look at current health issues. This is also a time to discuss personal risk factors and steps for preventing disease. Patients new to Medicare are entitled to a more extensive “welcome” exam within their first year of signing up.
• Bone density screening. Bone mass evaluation every 24 months for persons at risk for brittle bones.
• Cancer screening. Four types of tests are covered for colon or rectal cancer. For women, there are yearly mammograms. Plus, there is coverage for Pap smears, pelvic exams, and a physical breast exam every 24 months. For men, PSA tests and physical exams for prostate cancer are provided yearly (with a 20% fee).
• Diabetes screening. Provided twice a year for at-risk individuals (with a 20% fee).
• Flu/pneumonia prevention. Flu shots are covered annually. Anti-pneumonia shots are also covered and typically last a lifetime.

Prescription costs may also go down for your family member in 2011. If he or she reaches the “donut hole” coverage gap, the cost of brand-name drugs will drop 50%.

For more information about Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, contact Ann Gauthreaux, public relations director, at 336-768-3972, or see Hospice’s website at http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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Driving performance, not age, dictates when it’s time to curtail driving. If your parent is showing problems with driving, it could be time for “that” conversation.

Ideally, you’ve set the stage through candid discussion over the past months or years. Perhaps you’ve even talked about how others have handled this phase-of-life issue. Sensitivity to your own emotions can help guide you when you talk with your loved one. It’s better to acknowledge the sadness than avoid the conversation and risk an accident.

- Consider who should deliver the news. It’s typically best received from a trusted family member or a health professional. Choose someone who can be supportive and empathetic. If Mom is able, have her talk to Dad, or vice versa. If it’s your role, go easy. Expect to have several conversations. Show your concern for maintaining your parent’s ability to get around and participate in life activities.

- Practice using alternatives. Work toward zero driving. Have family members and friends provide rides more often. Make it natural by saying, “Let’s go shopping together today.” Join Mom in trying public transportation. Arrange for home delivery of goods and for automated bank deposits/payments.

- Work with resistance. If Dad doesn’t follow through with promised changes, you need to take further action. See if the doctor will set limits. Remind Dad his behavior puts others at risk. Impose family restrictions, such as telling him he can no longer drive when the grandkids are in the car.

- Be firm. If all else fails, contact your state department of motor vehicles and find out how to report an unsafe driver. This will trigger a driver evaluation. If the license is revoked but your parent continues to drive, consider disabling the car or “losing” the keys.

For more, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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There’s a lot to do after bringing someone home from the hospital. The obvious goal is continued recovery. But roughly 20% of older adults are rehospitalized within 30 days because of problems that develop at home.

Research shows there are three things you can do to prevent a backslide. It’s important to get going on them even before your loved one is discharged.

- Understand the new medication schedule. Meet with the discharge planner to review medications. Bring a list of what your loved one was taking before hospitalization. If any of these drugs are not on the current list, ask if they should be restarted. Review each new medication. When should it be taken? How long should it be taken? Any side effects? Have new prescriptions phoned in to the pharmacy before you leave the hospital.

- See the doctor for follow-up within a week. Find out what doctor(s) your loved one should see. Request that the hospital forward records to all of them. Before you leave the hospital, call the doctor’s office to set up an appointment for the next week. You may need to be firm with the receptionist and explain that your loved one has just been hospitalized.

- Know the signs and symptoms of problems. Before leaving the hospital, consult with the discharge planner about what to expect. Ask them to group symptoms as “green light,” normal recovery. “Yellow light,” early signs of a possible problem. And “red light,” a significant problem. Find out what to do and who to call in case of yellow or red light symptoms.

Focusing on these three tasks can significantly speed recovery and reduce your family member’s chance of rehospitalization. If you are confused about any of these tasks, insist on having your questions answered before you leave the hospital.

For more, visit http://www.hospicecarecenter.org!

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