Gambit's Family Care Guide 2015

FAMILY CARE 2015

P R OV I D I N G FOR AGING RELATIVES

RESOURCES FOR

CAREGIVERS

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GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR MY PARENTS, BUT I COULD USE A LITTLE HELP.

For tools and resources visit aarp.org/caregiving

Paid for by AARP

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

Every day more than 670,000 Louisianans perform a great labor of love by helping their parents and loved ones remain at home.

AARP understands the challenges you face and can help.

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2015 FAMILY CARE GUIDE

CONTENTS 7 STAYING HOME

Resources for keeping loved ones at home.

11 HOUSE CALLS

Health care delivered to your door.

13 SENIOR HIGHS

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

Activites that enrich lives.

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14 GIFT LIST

Presents seniors will love, and use.

17 CAREGIVING MADE EASIER

Tips for taking care of others — and yourself.

18 SENIOR LOWS

Spotting depression in older adults.

Canon’s community involvement is extended even further though the non-profit Akula Foundation.

The foundation sponsors: • Camp Swan, a children’s bereavement camp held three times a year, in Biloxi in the spring, Baton Rouge in the summer and the Northshore of New Orleans in the fall.

Making Every Moment Meaningful

• The Canon Hospice Health Hour of New Orleans airs each Saturday from Noon - 1 pm on WGSO 990 AM. • The Grief Resource Center (GRC) offers educational services to health care professions, free of charge, throughout the year. In addition, the GRC offers grief support to anyone in the community experiencing any type of loss.

New Orleans

504.818.2723

Northshore

985.626.3051

Baton Rouge

225.926.1404

Mississippi Gulf Coast 228.575.6251

All foundation services are free and open to the public. For information about Canon Hospice, Camp Swan, The Canon Hospice Health Hour or Community Education and support, contact a Canon location in your area.

www.canonhospice.com • www.akulafoundation.com

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

Canon Hospice is making a difference in our community by providing quality end-of-life care to those seeking comfort and dignity while dealing with a life-limiting illness. Care is provided by skilled hospice professionals who specialize in pain and symptom management.

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HOME HOME

SWEET

Resources to help caregivers keep loved ones safe at home.

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BY K ANDACE POWER GRAVES

lder adults typically want to stay in their homes and maintain their independence as long as possible, and doing so generally is more affordable than moving into an independent or assisted living complex. Caregivers who take care of these older adults or a child or loved one with a long-term illness or disability can become overwhelmed with scheduling, daily tasks and unrelenting responsibilities. But there’s lots of help out there, and many providers will come to your home. Here are some options to help you provide the best, most loving care possible — without losing your mind.

Adult day care centers

Alzheimer’s Day Health Care West Jefferson Behavioral Center, 229 Bellemeade Blvd., Gretna, (504) 398-4336 Amazing Grace Adult Day Care 7041 Read Lane, (504) 241-2630

FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

1926 18th St., Kenner, (504) 461-5889; www.ccano.org

New Directions Adult Day Healthcare Center 1523 N. Dorgenois St., (504) 9439418; www.ccano.org

Greenwalt Senior Services 1803 Minor St., Kenner, (504) 4615889; www.ccano.org

PACE Greater New Orleans Shirley Landry Benson Center, 4201 N. Rampart St., (504) 945-1531; www.pacegno.org

Hope Haven Adult Day Healthcare Center 1131 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, (504) 835-0006

Slidell Adult Day Health Care 2768 Sgt. Alfred Drive, Slidell, (985) 643-1112; www.slidelladultdaycare.com

JCC ACE Program

FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

5342 St. Charles Ave., (504) 897-0143; www.nojcc.org JCC Mind Matters 5342 St. Charles Ave., (504) 897-0143; www.nojcc.org John J. Hainkel Jr. Adult Day Healthcare Center 612 Henry Clay Ave., (504) 896-5900; www.hainkelhome.com

Cleaning/ maid Services Crescent City Cleaning (504) 339-7358; www.allclean4you.com Cristina’s Cleaning Service (504) 232-5554; (504) 831-0606

Kingsley House Adult Health Care 1600 Constance St., (504) 523-6221; www.kingsleyhouse.org

D&G Carpet Cleaning (and house cleaning) (504) 418-0950; www.dgcarpetclean.com

Contin-U-Care 315-317 N. Broad St., (504) 684-6039

Lakeview Shepherd Center 316 38th St., (504) 484-0885; www.facebook.com/lakeviewshepherdcenter

Gail Stilwell Maids South Shore: (504) 866-6243; Northshore: (985) 892-3326; www.cleaning-up.com

Day Haven Adult Day Care 920 Fourth St., Gretna, (504) 361-1203

Mercy Endeavors Senior Center 1017 St. Andrew St., (504) 568-0607; www.mercyendeavors.com

Go Green Cleaners (504) 616-2288; www.gogreencleanersllc.com

Comforts of Home Adult Day Health Care 2701 Manhattan Blvd., Suites 14-15, Harvey, (504) 367-0889; www.thecomfortsofhome_adhc.com

HOMEMAKER PROGRAM

(504) 831-8475, ext. 134; www.jfsneworleans.org/programsservices/homemaker Lakeview Cleaning Service (504) 250-0884; (504) 913-6615 Magic Cleaning Pro (504) 496-8662; www.magiccleaningpro.com Maid In Nola (504) 324-3959; www.maidinnola.com The Maids (504) 883-5000; www.maids.com Merry Maids (504) 459-9200; www.merrymaidsneworleans.com Orleans Cleaning Services 4035 Washington Ave., (504) 534-5569 ServiceMaster Building Services (504) 362-4700; www.servicemasterbldgservices.com

Grocery delivery Some delivery areas are limited Bicycle Delivery People (504) 302-0810; www.facebook.com/bdpnola Dat Grocery Delivers (504) 249-8554; www.datgrocerydelivers.com Poeyfarre Market 925 Poeyfarre St., Suite 1, (504) 522-5252; www.poeyfarremarket.com Quarter Master Deli 1100 Bourbon St., (504) 529-1416 Robert Fresh Market 135 Robert E. Lee Blvd., (504) 282-3428; 5016 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, (504) 885-7005; 8115 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 488-0536; www. robertfreshmarket.com Verti Marte 1201 Royal St., (504) 525-4767

Home repairs/ handyman services Canda Construction South Shore: (504) 905-6686; North-

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

These non-residential programs provide supervised care to adults for part of a day, generally Monday through Friday. Some programs include meals, medical and wellness services, medication management, exercise and other activities. Days, hours and services vary.

Abundant Life Adult Day Healthcare 5961 Bullard Ave., Suites 5 & 6, (504) 240-2900

Greenwalt Adult Day Healthcare Center

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans

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shore: (985) 966-5758; www.canda-llc.com Don Lowe Handyman (504) 982-8007 Handy Manz (504) 344-8986; www.handymanzllc.com Handy-Men-R-Us (504) 610-5181 Lemi-Duit Property Maintenance (504) 535-7706; www.neworleansgeneralcontractor.com

Nurses Registry 990 N. Corporate Drive, Suite 302, Harahan, 504-736-0803; www. mynursesregistry.com

Mr. Fix It (504) 302-1436;www.mrfixitnola.com

Ochsner Home Health 100 Innwood Drive, Suite C, Covington, 985-892-7627; 200 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 504-394-0102; 200 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 601, Kenner, 504-842-5585; www.ochsner.org/services/home-health

NOLA Construction & Handyman (504) 473-7366; www.nolahandyman.info One Man And A Tool Box (504) 453-5055; www.onemanandatoolbox.org

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

House Call Pediatrics 504-373-8480; www.hcpeds.com Interim HealthCare 4317 El Dorado St., Metairie, (504) 834-9000; www.interimhealthcare.com

New Orleans Handyman (504) 358-0399; www.nohandyman.com

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Hospital at Home 1601 Perdido St., 504-412-3700; www.neworleans.va.gov/hospital_at_home.asp

Pokorn Construction (504) 377-9033; www.pokornconstruction.com Repairs on Wheels (Volunteers of America) (985) 612-1067; www.voagno.org/ repairs-on-wheels Ronald’s Handyman Specialists (504) 254-9186 Sonny’s Handyman Services (504) 810-0287

In-home/medical services Family Homecare 3636 S. I-10 Service Road, Suite 310, Metairie, 504-835-0934; www.familyhomecare.net Gifted Healthcare 114 Northpark Blvd., Suite 4, Covington, 985-809-0119; 2748 Metairie Lawn Drive, Suite B, Metairie, 504-831-2123; www. giftedhealthcare.com Guardian Home Health Care of La. 3510 Causeway Blvd., Suite 501, Metairie, 504-828-2294

Smiles 2 Geaux (504) 407-0448; www.smiles2geaux.org STAT Home Health 1707 Chantilly Drive, Suite A, LaPlace, (985) 652-8092; 824 Elmwood Park Blvd.,Suite 215, (504) 818-0422; 19500 Helenbirg Road, Suite C, Covington, (985) 6460606; www.thecarpenterhealthnetwork.com Touro at Home 1401 Foucher St., (504) 897-8576; www.touro.com

In-home personal care These businesses provide assistance with personal care, such as bathing and dressing; light housekeeping and laundry; medication management; errands; companionship and more.

ComForCare 3500 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 833-7726; www.comforcare.com Comfort Keepers (504) 731-6111; www.metairie-729. comfortkeepers.com Dependable Assisted Living in Your Home South Shore: (504) 486-5044; Northshore: (985) 690-6353; www.dependablecare.net

God’s Angels Sitting Services (504) 865-1575; www.godsangelssittingservices.com

Yard Dawgs Landscape and Lawn Care (504) 377-6863; www.yarddawgs.biz

Home Care Solutions 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 502, Metairie, (504) 828-0900; www.homecareneworleans.com)

Massages

Home Instead Senior Care (504) 229-7633; www.homeinstead.com Padua Community Services (504) 392-0502; www.ccano.org/padua Visiting Angels (504) 737-0522; www.visitingangels.com

Lawn & Yard Care Absolute Lawn Care LA (504) 315-5296; www.absolutelawncarela.com

The Cutting Edge Landscaping (504) 812-3305; www.504landscaping.net

Dave’s Lawn Care & Services (504) 338-2206; www.dlc-service.com Davey www.davey.com Happy Grass Lawn Care (504) 339-3571; www.happygrasslawncarellc.com Jackson Lawn Care (504) 407-8282; www.itsyourlawn.weebly.com Lawn Doctor (985) 200-2065; www.lawndoctor.com New Orleans Lawn Care (504) 255-2354; www.neworleanslawncare.net NOLA Lawn Care (504) 982-2607; www.lawncarenola.com Ponseti Landscaping (504) 583-5655; www.ponsetilandscaping.com Toups Lawn Care (504) 415-1056; www.toupslawncare.com

Cat’s Paws Mobile Massage (985) 643-1283 Cristina’s New Orleans Outcall Massage Service (504) 715-7819; www.cristina. massagetherapy.com Therapeutix To Go (504) 258-6176; www.therapeutixtogo.com

Mobile veterinary/ pet grooming services Doskey Mobile Veterinary Care (504) 812-5986; (504) 812-5987; www.doskeymobilevetcare.com Fur De Lis Mobile Veterinary Services (504) 669-7183; www.furdelis mobilevet.com Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-home Euthanasia (985) 956-8662; www.lapoflove.com Paws On Wheels (504) 400-8184; www.vxnhosting.com/ pawswheels TLC Mobile Pet Grooming (504) 460-8354; www.tlcgroomers.com Vet-a-GoGo (504) 352-1874; www.vet-a-gogo.com Whiskers on Wheels Mobile Pet Grooming (877) 941-7537; (504) 377-8688; www.whiskersonwheels.net

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

Dan’s Landscaping & Lawn Care South shore: (504) 398-0928; Northshore: (985) 624-9666; www.danslandscaping.com

Calming Touch NOLA (339) 832-1919; www.calmingtouchnola.com

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Serving New Orleans Since 1969

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They found me the care I need, the way I want it, at a price I can afford.

• Quality care and proven dependability at 15 - 30% less than competitors • Caregivers have at least two years of relevant experience • Over 100,000 successful placements since 1969 • The only nationally accredited care registry in this region (CRSB)

504.486.5044

Northshore: 985.690.6353 www.DependableCare.net

School of Allied Health Professions

Stroke Survivors!

housecalls

If you or someone you know has had a stroke and he or she is not eligible for or has completed therapy services, we would like to hear from you! We are looking for persons interested in receiving complimentary occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy services over the course of 4 days in a teaching clinic environment.

Monday through Thursday November 9th-12th, 2015 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM LSUHSC School of Nursing and Allied Health Building, 1900 Gravier St., New Orleans, LA. Also scheduling now for future clinics.

Contact us for questions or to enroll 504-568-4302 or email Dr. Barbara Doucet: bdouc3@lsuhsc.edu

5 ways to receive medical care at home

BY DENA MARKS

A

serve patients from birth to 18 years old. The practice blends a rustic throwback with modern technology: Lister rides his bike to patients’ homes, communicates by text any time of the night or day, and uses an online patient portal, where parents can view electronic medical records and pay bills. He can admit patients to Tulane Medical Center if necessary, and he accepts private insurance and Medicaid.

Family physician and former emergency room doctor Dr. Mark Berenson launched his private house call practice, NOLA Doc, in 2013. The medical practice offers around-the-clock urgent care services, IV therapy, Suboxone treatment, counseling and routine examinations at patients’ residences. His patients can be admitted to Touro Infirmary. Patients are responsible for submitting paperwork to their insurance companies.

Whether used for convenience, to preserve privacy, safety or hospital beds, house calls provide comfortable care to patients outside a clinic setting, and allow doctors to assess living conditions that could contribute to or aggravate chronic illnesses.

While Lister and Berenson see patients who could visit a clinic, several local home care organizations offer medical services, often covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to patients of all ages who are homebound. These organizations offer physical, occupational and speech therapies; nursing care; social services; and home health aids. They often treat patients with congestive heart failure, pneumonia, diabetes and chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease, because those conditions have portable treatments. The two agencies below offer all of those services and received high ratings for their quality of patient care by Medicare. gov, the government’s official Medicare website.

Founded in 1993 by a team of local nurses, Family Homecare (3636 S. I-10 Service Road, Suite 310, Metarie, 504-835-0934; www.familyhomecare.net) specializes in orthopedic programs and palliative care. It serves patients in a 50-mile radius of Metairie.

Ochsner Home Health (www. ochsner.org/services/homehealth) delivers the hospital to homebound residents on the West Bank from its Gretna location (200 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 504-394-0102) and on the East Bank from its Kenner office (200 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 601, Kenner, 504-8425585). The group’s medical staff specializes in treatment of hypertension, stroke, cancer, angina and aneurysms.

As a result of limited bed capacity at its hospital (scheduled to move to a new facility in 2016), the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System created Hospital at Home (1601 Perdido St., 504-412-3700; www.neworleans.va.gov/Hospital_at_Home.asp) to provide home-based medical services to patients with specific conditions. Registered nurses, under physician oversight, deliver 24-hour care to adult veterans within a 25- to 30-mile radius of the service’s home base.

Serving the Community for More Than 55 Years Full Service Pharmacy Specialty Compounding Home Medical Equipment and Supplies Respiratory Supplies and Medications Home Infusion Services

MEDICAID•MEDICARE•PRIVATE INSURANCE Refill your prescriptions on-line at: www.patiodrugs.com or call our Refill line at (504) 454-9395

JOHN & DAISY DIMAGGIO, OWNERS

5208 Veterans • Metairie • 889-7070 (Near Transcontinental)

FREE Area Delivery

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > FALL 2015

doctor knocks on your door, conducts an hourlong medical exam, takes samples for laboratory tests and checks your house for potential safety issues. This is not 1930, when 40 percent of patient visits occurred at home. This scene happens regularly in the greater New Orleans area, where independent physicians, home care organizations and the Department of Veterans Affairs deliver medical services to people of all ages at their homes.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, only 1 percent of doctors made house calls in 1980, but that rate jumped to 13 percent in 2013.

Pediatrician Dr. William Lister, who offers in-home doctor visits through his House Call Pediatrics (504-373-8480; www.hcpeds.com), thinks this resurgence is partially due to the Affordable Care Act. That law offered incentives for health practitioners to adopt electronic medical records, giving Lister “the ability to have an office and charts on an iPad,” he says. With an online office, a house call doctor can spend less money on overhead and has more time with patients.

House Call Pediatrics and NOLA Doc (504-383-3828; www.noladoc. com) are among the independent, individual home-service practices in New Orleans. Both provide routine medical care, including diagnostic tests, wellness visits and treating sick patients. The doctors visit homes in select neighborhoods in New Orleans and have no physical offices.

Lister, who also is a former emergency room physician at Tulane Medical Center, founded House Call Pediatrics in 2013 to

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Senior HIGHS 7 ways older adults can stay active & engaged

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM (504-310-6882; www.ccano.org/ fostergrandparents) Volunteers 55 and older mentor and tutor at-risk teens and children in locations including day care and Head Start centers, rehabilitation facilities, schools and shelters. The program is part of the Corporation for National & Community Service’s Senior Corps.

SILVER SNEAKERS FITNESS PROGRAM (www.silversneakers.com)

(2240 Lakeshore Drive, 504-284-7678; Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 6201 Stratford Place, 504-394-5433; www.peopleprogram.org) The program for people 50 and older includes course offerings such as needlework, music, art, computer and languages, and activities like exercise classes, dance, crafts and games. You can pay by the class, session or a flat membership of $150 with unlimited classes.

RSVP (www.nationalservice.gov/ programs/senior-corps/rsvp) This volunteer program from Senior Corps provides flexibility in time commitment, and participants can choose from a variety of tasks ranging from home renovations to mentoring children.

(Find a complete list of museums at www. bestofneworleans.com, Art Listings, or view “Call for volunteers” in Events Listings.)

If you love art and history and like interacting with a variety of people, consider volunteering as a docent (sometimes you get to wear period garb) or tour guide at one of the city’s museums, historic homes or cemeteries. A few options include The Historic New Orleans Collection/ Williams Research Center; National World War II Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Save Our Cemeteries.

SHARE YOUR SKILLS Are you an artist, carpenter, photographer, seamstress? Teach your skills to a new generation by volunteering to lead workshops or classes at your local community center, neighborhood school, Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts troops.

SISTAHS MAKING A CHANGE (Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-569-9070) If you like dancing and socializing more than walking on a treadmill, this program could be for you. The free twice-weekly exercise and dance classes range from belly dancing to African dance to second-line grooves with equally diverse music selections.

There also is health, wellness and nutrition information — and classes are followed by a healthy meal.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday & Thursday.

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

NEW ORLEANS PEOPLE PROGRAM

The nationwide fitness program designed to help seniors improve balance, strength and endurance is available through thousands of health clubs across the country, and the cost often is covered

by Medicare. Group classes are tailored for older adults, participants have access to all gym amenities and the program hosts social events. (Class offerings and schedules vary by location.)

DOCENT/ TOUR GUIDE

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JUST THE

thing

10 ideas for gifts for the elderly.

BY KEVIN ALLMAN

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

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t’s hard to shop for older people who don’t seem to need much. Well-meaning presents like perfume or fancy clothes never get used, and gift cards are too impersonal. Of course, those in need of care most often want the gift of time, whether it’s helping out or just visiting. Still, when you’re not there, you can make sure they have gifts that are practical, ingenious and actually get used.

A project for a grandchild: Scan some old favorite family photos and upload them to a digital picture frame that automatically rotates images. Some models even have motion sensors that turn the frame on or off when someone enters or leaves the room.

Magazine subscriptions tailored to someone’s particular tastes can be great: the gift arrives all year and can be shared with friends.

Check a site like www.magazines.com for discounts of up to 90 percent off the cover price. One nice option for older people is the magazine Reminisce, featuring vintage photos and stories from the decades when they were young ($10 for a one-year gift subcription; www. reminisce.com). And though television listings in the newspaper largely have superseded magazines, consider a subscription to TV Guide or TV Weekly for television watchers who prefer the paper version.

Cooking is easier if you have the right equipment — and that equipment changes with age.

Many online stores sell specialized, pretty kitchen supplies: weighted utensils with easy grips, carving knives with round handles that fit around hands, even plates and bowls with angled sides that make it easier to spoon or scoop food.

The corner movie store may be nearly obsolete, but for movie lovers who are not comfortable with streaming video (or who don’t have WiFi), Netflix still offers a monthly DVD rental plan, ranging from $8 (one out at a time) to $16 (three out at a time). Caveat: Make sure the gift recipient is able to navigate the Netflix site to order movies.

Many older people keep several pairs of reading glasses around the house (by the favorite chair, by the kitchen phone, by the bedside). Sixpacks of reading glasses can be bought at Costco or online at shops like Amazon.com for around $15 to $30 — much more inexpensive than the individual pairs you buy at the drugstore. (They’re often more attractive, too; Wayfarer-style frames are common.) Just be sure you know the recipient’s lens power before ordering.

Large-button TV remote controls can be handy for anyone, but particularly those with poor vision and limited hand mobility. For those with mild Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments, consider a remote with no extraneous buttons — just an on-off switch, channel changer and volume control.

Even those who don’t want cellphones have to admit they’re useful to have on hand. Jitterbug is one company that makes inexpensive, durable cellphones geared toward seniors: large buttons, no complicated menus, actual dial tones and operator service available 24/7. There’s also a one-touch button to connect to the emergency service 5star (extra monthly fee). Service plans without data or 5star begin at $15 per month.

For people who burn through a lot of TV time, consider some DVD box sets of old favorites. A 40-DVD set of the complete Andy Griffith Show, for instance, is less than $100.

Similarly priced long-running shows in complete box sets priced around $100 include I Love Lucy and The Rockford Files. Many other shows are available in “best of” collections, or by season. Companies also issue large, relatively inexpensive box sets geared toward genre (musical, film noir, comedy) or featuring the work of a particular star.

Does your loved one have a collection of vinyl records or cassette tapes that’s gathering dust? CDs may be on their way out, but they’re still the best way to listen to music for those who aren’t technologically inclined. Consider replacing those old records with CD versions (but don’t throw out the albums), or load an iPod with MP3s of favorite albums.

In 1874, my family established Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home and for five generations, we have cared for the families of New Orleans during their time of need.

Providing only the highest standard of funeral service to all, regardless of financial circumstance, is engrained in our business and continues today as our heritage.

One constant in 141 years of service is our strong commitment to the people we are privileged to serve.

Every life deserves a special time of honoring and celebrating; we are here to serve you.

As a fifth generation Schoen, I am proud to return home to Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral home and further my family’s legacy.

We have a rich history in our community. To better serve New Orleans, we have embarked on a complete restoration of our iconic Canal Street property - including the addition of the new J. Garic Schoen Memorial Chapel.

This is our commitment to you, neighbors and friends - a pledge to our beloved city.

From our family to yours, we invite you to join us in this renewal by visiting Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home.

Please give me a call at 504-482-2111 and I will personally arrange a tour for you.

Sincerely, Patrick M. Schoen Managing Partner www.shoenfh.com J. GARIC SCHOEN MEMORIAL CHAPEL OPENING DECEMBER 2015

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

For those who finish one book and pick up another immediately, an e-book reader like a Barnes & Noble Nook or Kindle Paperwhite is a great choice. Newer models have just about perfected the ink-on-paper look and don’t cause eyestrain, but unlike a physical book the font size can be adjusted to a comfortable level. With their light weight, they also may be easier to hold than physical books for those with limited mobility. Consider investing in a subscription service like Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited, which allows unlimited downloading and reading for $9.99 per month. On a budget? Check your local library’s e-book catalog, or search for free public domain e-books on Amazon.

Dear Neighbors and Friends:

3827 CANAL ST. NEW ORLEANS, LA 70119 | 504-482-2111

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Healthcare for the whole family!

Primary care for adults Pediatric care for children and families Behavioral health Case management HIV and STD services and support Women’s health services Oral health services And more!

Need affordable healthcare insurance?

Learn more at HealthCare.gov 1-800-318-2596

WE ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU!

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

OPEN ENROLLMENT coming soon!

November 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016

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Fall in Love with Our Fall Specials Starting at $1,595!

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• Fine Dining with Three Chef-Prepared Meals Daily • • Healthy & Active Living through Wellness & Fitness Programs • • Family-Friendly Weekly Activities, Travel Program and Guest Suite for Visiting Relatives • • Safe Living with a Caring & Dedicated Staff – Plus, we’re Pet Friendly! •

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Call Today to Schedule Your Tour and Free Lunch

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EMAIL: TheLanding@SunshineRet.com | WEB: www.TheLandingRet.com

3601 Behrman Place | New Orleans, LA 70114

Home Health

504.828.2294 • 985.892.3831 Fax: 504.828.2234 Toll Free: 1.888.828.2294

CMS Quality Rated Four Stars

My Hospice

504.831.3044 Fax: 504.831.5696 Toll Free: 1.888.828.2294

TIPS FOR

caregivers

BY K ANDACE POWER GRAVES

B

eing a caregiver is a balancing act between providing loving, effective help and retaining a modicum of normalcy for your family — and yourself. It’s a complicated mixture of scheduling, educating yourself, being compassionate, fulfilling your normal duties (working, being a parent, etc.) and keeping yourself healthy and happy. Here are some tips for making your caregiving experience the best possible.

Make your health and happiness priorities. Care-

Learn stress-reduction techniques such as meditation,

Make their surroundings safe. Ask your health care pro-

viders what safety devices are needed, such as an emergency call button, safety rails in bathtubs, smoke alarms, etc.

Get training. Make sure

tai chi, yoga or something else that brings you calmness. Seek counseling if you need additional help.

you are properly trained to perform any medical procedures regularly required for your loved one’s care.

Curb the guilt and take a break. It’s important to take time

Communicate and encourage. It’s important that

off from caregiving to do something for yourself, whether it’s getting a massage, going to a concert or having a beer with friends. You shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying your life, and you’ll be happier.

Join a support group. They provide information that can help solve common caregiver problems and a safe arena in which to share feelings, vent frustrations and spend social time with people in similar situations.

Learn all you can about the

disease and underlying conditions of the person for whom you are

the person being cared for doesn’t feel like a burden or that they have lost their independence. Spend unhurried time with the person, listen to their concerns and show them you love and respect them and can help them adjust to their new situation.

Encourage their independence. You don’t

need to do everything; be open to technology and aids that enable your loved one to do things without help.

Ask for help — and accept it. Call on friends and other family

Relaxing and reminiscing promote communication and bonding.

members to pitch in, seek out helpful resources available through organizations such as the local Council on Aging, community centers and faith-based groups, or hire help (see “Home, sweet home” on p. 7).

Get organized. Find out

where important papers are kept, what bills are due and how they are paid. Make a list of insurance providers, doctors, banks and other important numbers. Make a chart of emergency contacts and put it on your loved one’s refrigerator in case there is an emergency when you are not there.

Record advance directives, including your loved

one’s desires concerning end-oflife care, funerary arrangements

and special bequests of personal items. It may seem awkward, but it’s easier to discuss when death is not imminent.

Walk down memory lane. Spending time with your

loved one is important to their well-being and is an opportunity to learn about family history, identify people you don’t know in old photos and strengthen personal bonds.

Stay positive. Family meetings are a place for siblings and relatives to discuss their opinions about what is best for a loved one, but if things descend into squabbling, consider calling in an elder mediator (www.eldercaremediators.com), who can assess things from a neutral position.

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givers often put aside their own needs to take care of others, but that can backfire. You need to pay particular attention to your own health to handle the added stress and time constraints. Make sure to eat balanced meals, exercise (even if only for a few minutes), socialize with friends and get adequate sleep so your own health doesn’t deteriorate.

caring and make yourself a contact for his or her medical team.

You also can set up meetings or conference calls with a care manager so other family members can discuss their concerns.

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LOWS Senior

BY KANDACE POWER GRAVES

Warning signs of depression in seniors

Aches and pains.

GAMBIT’S FAMILY CARE GUIDE > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > 2015

Chronic pain can cause depression, but depression also can cause pain (the CDC says depressed patients are three times as likely to suffer pain regularly than non-depressed older people). Common complaints include backaches, headaches and other pains that persist even after treatment. Depressed seniors are four times more likely than others in their age range to suffer intense, even disabling pain in the back and neck.

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Anxiety or sadness

that lasts for weeks and has no apparent cause.

Talks about suicide

or ways to kill oneself.

Prolonged sadness and an inability to enjoy activities can be signs of depression.

D

epression can be difficult to diagnose in older adults because symptoms such as aches, pains and fatigue commonly are dismissed as typical progressions of aging. Depression is a medical condition caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it often develops in patients suffering other medical illnesses or injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults have a higher risk for depression — and a higher incidence of misdiagnosis. Depression affects between 1 percent and 5 percent of older adults in general and that number rises to 11.5 percent in older hospital patients and 13.5 percent for elders who require health care services at home, the CDC reports.

Depression can increase risks for heart disease and suicide and makes it harder for older patients to recover from an illness or injury. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports as many as 3 percent of people over 65 suffer from depression — and the suicide rate is twice as high as other age groups. Depression can be successfully treated with medication and counseling, but caregivers need to recognize the indicators. Here are some signs of depression in the elderly.

Chest pain

can be a symptom of depression (other causes such as heart, lung and stomach ailments should be examined first), and depression can increase a person’s risk for heart disease.

Digestive problems

can include pain in the stomach, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation.

Fatigue, exhaustion and decreased energy,

especially in a person who gets a reasonable amount of sleep or who sleeps too much.

Feelings of hopelessness,

guilt and worthlessness.

Irritability,

mood swings, inability to enjoy activities, friends, etc.

Loss of interest

in hobbies and other previously favorite activities.

Preoccupation with death Problems with memory,

decision-making and maintaining concentration.

Sleep issues —

Insomnia not only is a symptom of depression, but also can cause it; conversely sleeping too much can indicate depression.

Slowed speech,

blurred vision, dizziness.

Starts giving away belongings,

saying goodbyes and preparing for the end of life.

Weight changes

up or down, loss of appetite and overeating can indicate depression, especially when accompanied by a lack of energy. The CDC warns that depression has been linked to eating disorders including anorexia or binge eating.

Why Choose Lakeside Hospice?

Our Medical Director Is A Board Certified Hospice Specialist Local and Hospice Nurse Owners Pain Management & Symptom Control Immediate Response To Family Questions & Concerns

Assistance Locating Sitters Medicare, Medicaid & Private Insurance Accepted

Call 504.456.6011 5105 W. Napoleon Avenue • Metairie, LA www.lakesidehospicela.com

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Dedicated To Our Patients’ Dignity & Respect

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