Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond January 2018 ebook

Boomers d n o y e &B January 2018

FairďŹ eld County

The

Assisted Living Effect Better Health & Happiness

Aging in Place Home Health Care Visits p18

p16-17

Glaucoma Q &A p4

Waveny Named Among Nation’s Best p3

Excercise Plan For Seniors p12-13

Waveny Care Center named among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Staff and residents celebrate Waveny Care Center’s designation as of one of the Best Nursing Homes in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News & World Report released its official list of Best Nursing Homes for 2017-18, and Waveny Care Center of New Canaan was once again named among the nation’s best.

A leading expert in the evaluation of healthcare providers, U.S. News bases its nursing home ratings on data from Nursing Home Compare, a star-rating system developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that serves as the industry standard for assessing nursing home quality.

Waveny is one of only 13 Medicare and Medicaid accredited nursing homes in Fairfield County to boast an overall 5-star CMS rating, which is based on three separate categories of criteria: Health inspections, staffing and quality measures.

“Maintaining a 5-star ranking is no simple feat,” said Bill Piper, CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network. “But, to be able to do it while steadily advancing the acuity of our inpatient care, speaks to a whole other level of hard work and achievement. The reality facing our organization, and all nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, is that the care needs of today’s patients are becoming increasingly complex, and will continue to grow.

Waveny remains committed to staying ahead of the curve, and meeting these needs – both today

and tomorrow – with the highest quality of care possible.”

To qualify as a Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report this year, facilities had to earn an average of 4.5 stars or better during the 12 months of federal reports ending in October 2017, and had to consistently meet certain performance standards set by U.S. News during the period, including earning at least 4 stars in CMS’s overall rating for all 12 months.

“This honor points to a huge amount of collaboration between all of Waveny’s disciplines and departments,” said Lynn Iverson, Waveny’s Campus Administrator. “It reflects our seasoned team’s commitment to working together toward a common goal, and the degree of expertise and experience it takes to expand upon our quality initiatives.”

Waveny Resident Council president, Gerry Roberts, says that Waveny’s most defining asset it its staff, and the personal attention shown to every resident and short-term rehab patient.

“Their one-on-one approach is a Waveny hallmark,” said Roberts. “It’s difficult to quantify or measure personal relationships, but in talking to residents and families, it’s clear that their personal touch is at the heart of our prestigious rating.”

January, 2018

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photos provided

“Our designation among the best of the best has everything to do with our staff, and their willingness to constantly rise to new levels to embrace the ongoing and inevitable changes in our healthcare environment,” said Claudia Katz, Director of Nursing at the Care Center. “This ranking is recognition of our team’s talent and teamwork, and Waveny’s mission to provide the highest quality of compassionate, person-centered care.”

Waveny Care Center is part of Waveny LifeCare Network, a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center.

It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For more information, call 1855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

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January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

JANUARY IS

GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Glaucoma Q&A Q.

Do nutrition and exercise affect glaucoma?

A.

A healthy diet coupled with a daily routine of exercise is a good prescription for everyone interested in good health. But remember, every patient is different. Before making any drastic change in your diet, it is wise to communicate that intention to your doctor and discuss the pros and cons. The same advice is true for embarking on a new exercise program. While studies show that aerobic exercise can lower intraocular pressure, other forms of exercise can increase pressure. So, if you are a glaucoma patient, it’s especially important to check with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes. Such changes could have an impact on the test results your doctor relies on to evaluate the success of your treatment plan.

Q.

Can caffeine affect intraocular pressure

A.

For years it was thought that caffeine had no affect on IOP, except in rare instances. Now, with the concept of non-pressure dependent factors such as constriction of the veins or arteries and ocular blood flow, the question is being debated again, since caffeine can affect blood flow. There is no conclusive answer, but too much caffeine is not recommended - especially if you have cardiovascular problems or migraines.

Q.

Are alternative therapies being studied for their role in glaucoma?

A.

Among natural compounds and extracts of great interest for glaucoma are curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids and Ginkgo biloba. Curcumin, a component of the commonly used spice, turmeric, is a potential neuroprotective candidate for glaucoma. Curcumin has shown possible beneficial effects in most of the mechanisms thought to be involved in the development and progression of glaucoma.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found most notably in fish oil, play an important role in reducing oxidative damage in the retina, improving ocular blood flow and protecting against retinal ischemia (decrease in the blood supply) induced by increased IOP. While studies have not specifically addressed glaucoma, it has been suggested that fish oil may reduce IOP and be relevant to glaucoma because of its protective effect on the macula and its benefits for other eye problems.

Ginkgo biloba extract has been claimed effective in the treatment of a variety of disorders associated with aging. It is believed to improve central and peripheral blood flow, reduce spasm of the blood vessels, and have protective effects against free radicals because of its antioxidant property. It has been shown to be effective in treating Raynaud’s disease, which is strongly associated with normal-tension glaucoma. source:www.glaucomafoundation.org

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sightstealing disease.

Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.

Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it’s permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is more prevalent. Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Over 3 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it.

Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.

Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision. Since open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life. Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.

Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma. A complete eye exam includes five common tests to detect glaucoma.

Talk to friends and family about glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know. For regular updates on glaucoma research, treatments, news and information, please visit www.glaucoma.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

January, 2018

PAGE 5

Research shows your workout is good for your eyes, too

Did you know exercise is good for your eyes — and your vision?

You know that exercise is good for you — for toning up or slimming down, or for just generally staying healthy and feeling better. You may not know, however, that getting plenty of exercise also may help preserve your vision.

Several studies over the last 10 years have found connections between regular exercise and reducing risks for several common eye ailments such as cataracts, wet age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

In other cases, a good diet and exercise help avoid health problems that aren’t primarily eyerelated but that sometimes damage your eyes (type 2 diabetes, for one). If you don’t control your diabetes, it sometimes damages the retina’s blood vessels and leads to blindness.

Vision problems and eye disease also stem from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two of the most important steps you can take to lower both.

Study points to a growing problem A 2016 study makes the case that each of us should do as much as we can to maintain eye health because vision impairment and blindness can seriously affect our quality of life.

Researchers expect that, as the population gets older, the number of people who are visually impaired or blind will double by 2050 — and the rates are already on the rise around the world.

Regular screening for eye diseases can help combat this problem.

What can you do?

1. Visit your eye doctor regularly. Work with your eye doctor to schedule checkups every year or two and make sure you have the right prescription for your glasses.

2. Make exercise a priority. This is especially important in light of research from the last 10 years that shows exercise is associated with decreased risks for certain eye conditions, as well as offering other surprising benefits.

What the research says about common eye diseases and exercise

Cataracts. Whether it’s a brisk walk around your block or a run through the park or on a track, a 2013 study found that both activities “may be

associated with decreased risk of age-related cataract.” A 2016 study had similar findings, and added that a lack of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of getting cataracts.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A study of about 4,000 older adults over 15 years found that those who were active and exercised three or more times a week were less likely to develop exudative (wet) AMD.

Wet AMD develops when unwanted blood vessels grow under the center of the retina and leak blood and fluid into the eye.

Glaucoma. Doctors treat glaucoma by lowering high intraocular (eye) pressure. Research focused on young adults found that moderate intensity, low-impact exercise led to significant reductions in eye pressure.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation calls for regular, ongoing exercise, such as walking or jogging, to help reduce eye pressure.

Source:health.clevelandclinic.org/

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January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20 MDHearing Aid........................................................................................7 VNA of Hudson Valley........................................................................19 Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2

Boomers

Fairfield County

& Beyond

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com

•••

GENERAL MANAGER

Nancy Sorbella

Our View

By Nancy Sorbella

GENERAL MANAGER

New Year, New You! It is never too late to change your routine and make each day better than the one before. January is the perfect time to make some healthy lifestyle resolutions.

Consider a new exercise routine; if it’s cold outside and you like to walk, join a walking club that meets at the mall which is a great way to socialize as well.

See your doctor for a wellness visit. Check out some of the books on our list at your local library and while there, take advantage of their programming, readings and classes.

Organize your paperwork for tax season, refresh the non-perishables in your pantry. Visit friends and consider a new hobby.

Catch up on your sleep, connect with friends and stay engaged!

Winter can be long but there are so many affordable, accessible options here in Fairfield County for connection, growth, independent living, and inspiration at every age!

In 2018, we plan to be more in touch with you, too! Please share your stories with us, send us tips and ideas so that we can continue to be your resource for living your best healthy and active lifestyle.

Get in touch with us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gregory W. Buff

Greg@belsito.com

•••

MANAGING EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

•••

SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT

Maureen Rafferty Linell MRLinell@charter.net

••• CIRCULATION

Michelle Belsito

Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 5 No. 1 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Next Month Aging in Place Snow removal services, Home shopping, Pharmacy delivery services Sharing your Heart Ideas for making Valentine’s Day special for the senior in your life Senior Dating Long Term Care, Memory Care & Assisted Living

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

PAGE 7

January, 2018

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The Inn hosts Community Holiday Party

PAGE 8

January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Residents at The Inn, Waveny’s independent living community, celebrated the holidays among friends and family with a long-standing tradition – the hanging of bells on the Christmas tree. Each of the 36 bells represents a year that The Inn has served the community. Five individuals were chosen to hang bells, representing family, residents, Waveny’s Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. Located at 73 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, The Inn is part of Waveny LifeCare Network, a nonprofit continuum of care. The Inn provides independent senior living and welcomes older adults from all areas. For more information, call 203.594.5450 or visit waveny.org. photos provided

Avoid the Deadly Holiday Heart Attack Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

January, 2018

PAGE 9

Heart attack deaths are highest during December/January holiday season – Know the Warning Signs and Get Help Fast to Save Lives

According to a study published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association (AHA), the winter holiday season is considered a risk factor for cardiac and noncardiac death.

Knowing the signs and seeking emergency treatment quickly are key to saving lives from the “holiday heart attack.”

While researchers don’t know exactly why heart attacks are more common around holidays, they note possible reasons, including changes in diet and alcohol consumption during the holidays; stress from family interactions, strained finances, travel and entertaining; respiratory problems from burning wood; not paying attention to the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and delaying emergency treatment when it’s a holiday.

An analysis in 2004 of 53 million death records over 26 years from across the United States pinpointed more specifically that more cardiac deaths occurred on December 25 than any other day throughout the year, followed by December 26 and January 1.

Consider the case of Julie Rickman, a super busy 41-year-old stay-at-home mom.

“I felt like we were running around, going everywhere, and I just couldn’t catch my breath,” Rickman said. “I remember, two days before Christmas, we thought I was allergic to my live Christmas tree, and we took it down and got an artificial tree.”

The day after Christmas, Rickman got winded while folding laundry. She thought it was exhaustion but decided to go to the emergency room, anyway. That trip saved her life. Along with two blockages in her heart, doctors also discovered she had suffered a heart attack.

“I have no idea when the heart attack happened. I was one of those women who attributed feeling bad to the holidays and thinking I was exhausted,” she said.

“The progression of heart disease doesn’t happen overnight, so an uptick in cardiac death during the holidays is actually more the acute manifestations of the disease,” said Jorge Plutzky, M.D., a volunteer with the American Heart Association.

“Factors like cold weather, stress and dietary indiscretion can contribute to a chain of events leading to more stress on the heart. A cardiac event might be triggered because the heart is working harder.”

Heart attack signs include uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away. Delaying treatment can be the difference between life and death.

Rickman, an AHA Go Red For Women volunteer, has since changed her approach to the holidays and to life. She cut out processed foods and limits sugar. She also limits social engagements and time spent on social media during the holidays and makes a conscious effort to realize being a supermom might not be reality. Stress reduction is key.

“Stress sets off a cascade of events that can over time contribute to hypertension, irregular heart rhythms, higher cholesterol, weaken the immune system, and can contribute to the progression of coronary heart disease. The good news?

Just like taking care of your body regularly helps you medically, taking care of your mind regularly helps you mentally and physically,” said Lubna

provded

Somjee, PhD, Clinical/Health Psychologist and Executive Coach in the Hudson Valley.

“Be careful who you spend time with as they can impact your medical health. Positive social interactions, mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and practicing gratitude are some great initial steps towards managing stress.

The AHA recommends positive self-talk to help you calm down and control stress. Try stressstoppers like deep breathing and counting to ten before you speak. Find time for joy and gratitude every day, or take up a hobby you like. Exercise to relieve stress and start meditation practice.

Free American Heart Association resources for stress reduction are available at www.heart.org/stress.

If you’re a heart patient, you’re at higher risk for a heart attack. Remember to take medication as directed, have a follow-up doctor’s appointment, complete a cardiac rehabilitation program, manage risk factors and try to develop a strong support system.

To learn more, visit heart.org/heartattack.

Get healthy information at www.heart.org/gettinghealthy.

PAGE 10

January, 2018

Monthly Tips for Seniors

l

Lifeline

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Important Safety Tips for a Senior Workout

• Do not exercise if you have high blood pressure and have not consulted your doctor to suggest your limits.

• If you have osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about any exercises that would be safe. Exercise that involves stretching or flexing the spine should be approved directly by your doctor.

• Wait at least 2 hours after you eat to start your exercise routine.

• If your knee or elbow or ankle is swollen, painful and warm to the touch DON'T exercise, see a doctor.

• Do not exercise if you develop a new pain or symptom. Swelling, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness and you should get to the doctor.

• Don't exercise if you have a fever.

Exercise increases your core body temperature - adding that rise to a pre-existing fever could prove dangerous.

Source: www.belmarrahealth.com

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

January, 2018

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Physical Fitness at any age

A Sampling of Senior Fitness & Activities in Fairfield County:

The Bigelow Center for Senior Services 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 256-3166

The Bigelow Center for Senior Services offers a wide variety of exercise programs tailored to the particular needs of the adult community. Among the exercise programs offered are Tai Chi, arthritis exercise, flex and stretch exercise, senior exercise, yoga, zumba, and co-ed exercise. The center also has a walking club.

With rare exceptions, most seniors can participate in exercise programs--even those who have disabilities or limited motion.

Our highly trained instructors will carefully evaluate the member's physical condition and work with seniors to help reach your maximum potential. Remember, it's never to late to get into shape. Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself! So move any way you can!

Heritage Senior Center 37 Lonetown Road, Redding, CT 06875 203-938-9725 Monthly exercise classes offered

Newtown Senior Center 14 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482 (203) 270-4310 Exercise classes offered

Fairfield Branch YMCA 841 Old Post Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 255-2834

SilverSneakers Classic, SilverSneakers Splash, SilverSneakers Yoga, Dance – ZumbaŽ Gold Jewish Senior Services Chick and Tillie Rosnick Fitness Center-The J Fitness 4200 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 365-6444

An 18,000 sq.ft. fitness center and indoor pool with dedicated entrance and parking for the community Stamford JCC 1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905 203.322.7900

Strength In Chairs Various exercises are performed while sitting in a chair or standing by a chair that encourage strength, mobility and balance while utilizing bands, balls and light weights.

NEW! Lean, Mean, Senior Machine This class is great for active retirees and anyone who is looking for a full-body workout. Low and controlled impact cardio, strength training using light weights and/or exercise tube, balance and core work.

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January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

If you’re an older adult looking to establish an exercise routine, you should, ideally, be able to incorporate 150 minutes of moderate endurance activity into your week. This can include walking, swimming, cycling, and a little bit of time every day to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest this amount of time for generally fit Americans aged 65 and older. Even though this sounds like a lot, the good news is that you can break it down into 10- or 15-minute chunks of exercise two or more times a day.

Getting off to a Good Start

First, think about duration, intensity and frequency.

Start slowly. If you need to start with 5 minutes of exercise -- so be it. Increase the minutes (duration) by one minute per week.

The intensity of the exercise should be determined by listening to your body AND your doctor.

Frequency is the key to developing senior fitness.

The goal is not to work to complete exhaustion once a month. But developing a routine that can be sustained several times a week.

Scientific research has shown that increasing low intensity exercise produces a very low risk of injury to the heart of muscle skeletal system. A light- to moderate–intensity activity, such as 5 to 15 minutes of walking per session, 2 to 3 times a week.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

January, 2018

PAGE 13

Consider Your Age

The amount of time required to adapt to a new level of activity probably depends on age. Older adults require more time to adapt to a new level of activity, in the range of 2 to 4 weeks.

Gage your Level of Fitness

Less fit adults are at higher risk of injury when doing a given amount of activity, compared to fitter adults. Slower rates of increase over time may reduce injury risk.

Pay special attention if you are overweight. There is already more strain on the heart so that you would need to progress at a much slower rate.

Consider your Prior Experience

You need to remember how your body has adjusted to exercise before. Start a new exercise program at a slower rate if you've had any challenges before.

Before starting a new exercise program, you must make sure you will be safe. Follow these safety rules for exercising from the National Institutes of Health.

2018

Exercise plan for seniors

Source: www.healthline.com www.talk-early-talk-often.com

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January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Reading is exercise for your brain: Our January Book List for Boomers Mindful Running: How Meditative Running Can Improve Performance and Make You a Happier, More Fulfilled Person Mackenzie L. Havey Finding a richer meaning to running and sport through mindfulness.

Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time Howard Schultz and Dori Jones Yang The principles that guided Schultz to make great coffee part of the American experience.

Botanicum Kathy Willis Beautiful museum quality book on the beauty of nature, and the plant kingdom.

The National Parks of the US: A Photographic Journey Andrew Thomas A stunning tribute to the beauty and diversity of the treasures of the US National Parks.

We Elect a President: The Story of Our Electoral College Tara Ross How to understand our electoral college and its remarkable history for all ages.

Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual Michael Pollan A simple, yet essential collection of food wisdom from best-selling author Michael Pollan.

What Makes Olga Run: The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us about Living Longer, Healthier Lives Bruce Grierson A closer look into the life of a 94 year old athlete and what we can take away from her experience and incorporate it into our lives as we age.

Kate Spade New York: Things We Love Kate Spade 20 years of design inspiration and ideas shared as only a style icon and legendary brand can communicate. photos provided

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

January, 2018

PAGE 15

When it’s your turn to care: Assessing the options with your aging parents

For those of us who have older adults in our lives, the new year is prime time for revisiting our loved ones’ needs – from health and wellness concerns to legal and financial considerations.

While some elderly parents may be able to “age in place” in their homes, others may be ready to consider senior housing, assisted living, or long-term care.

Red flags There are certain "red flags" that should help you determine when your aging parent can no longer live safely at home. One of the biggest telltale signs that your aging parent needs help is when you notice a change in the home environment. Has he stopped showering? Has her level of hygiene changed significantly? Has she stopped cleaning or taking care of the home she lives in? Is he neglecting pets? Are the bills paid? Are there adequate groceries in the house? These can all be signs that your aging parent may need to consider long-term care options. It goes beyond concern to genuine risk if your parent begins to do things like forget to turn off the stove, get lost when coming home from somewhere familiar, or forget to turn on the heat on cold days. Your intervention in such circumstances is critical.

When you live away If you don’t live near your parents, making an extra visit or two as they get older may be wise. Make friends with their neighbors or ask someone you can trust to let you know if they notice any changes. Make sure your parent’s doctor has a way to reach you, and talk to your parent about giving you power of attorney (to help manage his or her estate and make health care decisions) while he or she still has the capacity to do so.

“Ideally, we would all have a discussion with our parents long before they reach an age where we have to make decisions about long-term care, and we would know their desires and be able to honor them to the best of our abilities.”

Types of care There are many resources for long-term care for aging parents. Long-term care includes both assisted living environments as well as skilled nursing facilities. The needs of your aging parent will determine the best placement option. Ideally, we would all have a discussion with our parents long before they reach an age where we have to make decisions about long-term care, and we would know their desires and be able to honor them to the best of our abilities. However, with a rapidly aging population, early-onset diseases like Alzheimer’s, and other unplanned incidents, there are many times when making the decision becomes a necessity of the adult child.

Transitioning from home to long-term care Making the transition from living at home to living in a managed care facility can be difficult for your aging parent. It helps to make sure the place you choose is the right environment – the facility should value dignity and individuality and provide adequate care; they should have the expertise to handle any chronic issues your parent may experience. You can help your aging parent make an easier transition by being supportive and patient. If your parent is truly adamant about not wanting to move out of the home, look into the possibility of in-home health care. Your aging parent deserves to live out his or her life with as much independence as they are capable of maintaining; your understanding can truly make all the difference.

Source:www.parentgiving.com

The Assisted Living Effect: PAGE 16

January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Better Health and Happiness

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

While many elderly parents are wary of leaving their family home to go into assisted living, the truth is that an assisted living community could be better than living at home when it comes to quality of life, social life and wellness for seniors.

With age comes responsibility. This statement has new meaning for children with aging parents who notice that dad and mom start to need more care. It is natural to question how to handle changing health needs for our elderly loved ones. But, inevitably, the day comes for adult children who have to assess whether their aging parents need more daily care — or socialization — than they have in their family home environment.

Better Health and Happiness in Assisted Living Many seniors resist assisted living by stating that they “don’t want to be in a home,” making the situation even more difficult. But, often, a little education about the wonderful assisted living options available today, in addition to touring the communities, can help families and their elderly loved ones choose the best option for their unique situations.

In fact, research has shown that assisted living often trumps living alone as communities have expanded their market by providing fun retirement, socialization and convenience services.

Happiness Is a Way of Life in Assisted Living As we age, our social options change. Assisted living is a great step for seniors who need more socialization and help with daily needs than the family can provide at home.

There are many different types of senior living, as the Senior Living Guide explains, from senior apartments and independent living, to assisted living, memory care and the entire continuum of care one may need as they approach end of life. Each of these options offers wonderful entertainment, fitness and living arrangement for the stage your elderly parent needs.

Here are a few compelling reasons to consider health and quality of life for your loved one:

Physical Activity and Fitness: Many assisted living communities offer gym equipment, exercise classes and even personal trainers to help with physical therapy and elder fitness.

Social Activity: Living at home can be isolating, especially if the senior lives alone. It can be difficult for the elderly to maintain their social relationships when they are retired. Assisted living offers socialization through planned activities and outings, such as field trips, dancing and cultural events. Daily living in the common areas also offers fun and socialization for seniors.

January, 2018

PAGE 17

Safe Living Environment: Often home modifications and in-home care are required for a safe living environment in the family home, which can be very expensive. Assisted living is designed for mobility and accessibility while also offering expert care and medical attention, if needed.

Intellectual Stimulation: Communities offer many opportunities for learning, such as computer classes, book clubs, art classes, gardening and more. Some communities are even located near a college so that residents can take advantage of nearby campus resources, including courses and cultural offerings.

Chef-Prepared, Nutritious Meals: Senior nutrition is a big problem as many seniors are malnourished these days. Assisted living offers nutritious, often chefprepared cuisine catered for specific medical conditions and elderly needs. Residents are served three meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of seniors and some luxury communities even offer luxury dining.

No Stress of Housekeeping and Transportation: Keeping up with daily chores, housekeeping and appointments is often stressful for not only seniors, but also their family. The vast majority of these burdens are relieved in assisted living ad the community offers housekeeping and transportation services.

Help With Daily Living: Family caregivers are also generally responsible for helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating when a senior loved one lives at home. In other cases, the family or the senior themselves must bear the cost of a home care aide. Both of these options can cause personal and financial strain on the family. In contrast, one of the most basic tenets of assisted living is helping older adults with these ADLs so that they can continue to function as independently as possible.

Transitioning to Assisted Living Making the decision to move to assisted living is now much easier since families have learned the benefits of senior health and happiness. Be prepared to have a family conversation, support your aging loved one emotionally through this new journey, and decide what important documentation and keepsakes should be taken to your loved one’s new home. Don’t allow the emotional and logistical challenges of finding senior living overwhelm you.

Source:www.aplaceformom.com

Aging in Place

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January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

HOME HEALTH CARE VISITS

Types of In-Home Nursing Care Professionals

Home-health nurses An in-home health care nurse typically focus on senior care and is a preferred option for many patients who would rather remain out of a hospital setting.

Nurse practitioners Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have undergone advanced education and are meticulously trained to diagnose and treat chronic conditions and a range of acute illnesses.

Physical therapists Physical therapists use a range of physical therapies and treatments to promote health, functionality, mobility, and improve physical impairment.

Occupational therapists Occupational therapists employ interventional means to develop a range of appropriate and eective activities for individuals or groups that are disabled, injured, or mentally impaired.

provided

For countless families, home health care is a fundamentally essential and critically important service that is preferred to placing their aging, disabled, or chronically ill loved one in a hospital or nursing home setting.

Removing much of the stress from health care decision making, in-home care services are a convenient, affordable, and effective option that offers plenty of benefits to patients and their families.

Offering an expansive range of health care and assistance services, in-home health care professionals have a vast wealth of knowledge, training, and expertise geared at providing high-caliber service for disabled and aging patients and are able to provide a level of care comparable to that found in traditional medical settings such as a hospital or nursing facility.

With expert knowledge in assessing individual patient needs and developing corresponding care plans, home health care professionals are able to help patients seamlessly and painlessly navigate the unfamiliar and confusing terrain involved with facilitating a plethora of medical appointments and medications, in addition to new life developments, and disheartening medical complications.

The advantages of employing the services of a home health care agency are innumerable, with safety, affordability, and comfort topping the list of patient benefits. With its holistic, patient-centered approach, home health care services are among the most prudent choices a senior or disabled patient can make for their health care need.

Safe, effective, and proven to facilitate better health and healing outcomes, patients remaining within the comfort of their own homes are not only happier but as studies indicate, proven to be healthier.

Expert in-home care administered by home health care professionals will not only prevent rehospitalization but will reduce the chances of a senior or disabled patient requiring placement within a nursing-home setting. By providing high-quality, individualized health care, home health care professionals ensure that their patients are able to maintain functional, autonomous, confident, healthy, happy and dignified lives with unwavering independence and free will.

As the home health care industry continues to skyrocket in popularity, services are becoming increasingly specialized to cater to a highly individualized clientele. Now easier than ever is the ability to find in-home health care assistance to fit your distinct needs. With the abundance of in-home health care businesses in existence, it is relatively simple and straightforward process to procure affordable services that are perfect for you.

Allowing you to remain functional and live in the most dignified fashion possible, home health care services enable you to live out your golden years gracefully and comfortably. Giving you and your family a sense of security through peace of mind, home health care services will readily fill your medical, emotional, and ADL needs while ensuring that you receive the compassionate, empathetic, and professional level of care you demand and deserve.

Home-health aides Home health aides assist aging, disabled, or impaired patients by engaging in a range of tasks designed to make the lives of their patients healthier and safer. often helping with ADLs, household chores, and meal prep.

Personal companions and homemakers Personal care aides provide companionship to patients in the form of conversation, watching movies together, exercise, reading, meal-time and more. They may also provide housekeeping services and engage in a range of ADL-style tasks.

Resources for Aging in Place Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (toll-free) www.eldercare.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 1-800-633-4227 (toll-free) www.medicare.gov

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 1-202-872-0888 www.n4a.org

Department of Housing and Urban Development 1-202-708-1112 https://www.hud.gov/

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline (NEAR) 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free) energyassistance@ncat.org National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home ModiďŹ cations 1-213-740-1364 www.homemods.org

Source:www.aginginplace.org

The Viisiting Nurse Association of Hudson Va alley fam mily of organizations - provid ding home health services since e 1898.

VNAHV delivers the best quality professional in-home nursing and rehabilitative services to residents of Westchester and P t Putnam C Countie ties.

Ourr carefully screened and d New Yo orkk State-licensed aides off offer a wide range of services to o help you u maintain your independence. ndence.

(914) 666 - 7616

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Our family-center centered approach allows you to focus on wh hat matters most - quality of life and time spentt with ith your loved l d ones.

VNAHV V.or .org

Corporate Address: 540 White Plains Road, Ste. 300 Tarrytown, NY 10591 Ta

Putnam Addr A ess: 20 Milltow wn Road, Ste. 101 B ewster, NY 10509 Br

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January, 2018

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County