Fall 2018
Understanding what assisted living offers
With over twenty years in the industry at Aegis Living, we live and breathe assisted living every day in our work. We work on new innovations, and we strive to make our communities unexpected. But if your parent can no longer live on their own and you are searching for a place where they will be safe and cared for, this industry is new to you and terms may not be familiar. Let’s cover some basics of how an assisted living community— whether that is at Aegis Living or another community—can support your parent.
Every assisted living community will have a different look and feel, and their services may vary, but fundamentally they will assist your parent with their personal and health care needs. An assisted living community allows your parent to have their own apartment and supports their independence with 24/7 assistance. They may be downsizing, but they are also receiving a combination of care services and safety with around-the-clock care staff.
First and foremost, assisted living communities are a home, and the entire community is available to move about in and use. Residents will live in a private apartment, but the common areas like the dining room, Movie Theater, craft room, and living room are where they meet their neighbors. The communities are warm,
friendly, and comfortable with décor and furnishings similar to what you might find in a gracious house. Support services like housekeeping, laundry, and transportation are available for the convenience of the residents. Having their own apartment allows for residents to determine their own level of privacy.
Assisted living communities are based on a social model with daily, rotating activities to keep residents active and engaged. These activities will vary depending on the community and location, but common activities are local outings, exercise classes, games, and other forms of entertainment. Aegis Living has a robust Life Enrichment program with educational programs that include TED talks, travelogues, brain teasers, music and the arts, and exercise programs to focus on strength and balance to help reduce falls. Our programs are designed to encourage residents to make new friends and interact socially with their peers.
The staff in assisted living communities are compassionate individuals who enjoy working with and caring for the elderly. They assist with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) as needed, such as dressing, toileting, eating, or bathing. And are on hand
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Physical therapy keeps hips healthy for post-retirement activities
Has your activity level been derailed by sore and achy hip joints? Pain, soreness and weakness in the hips can interfere with desired activity levels, particularly for men and women 65 years old and older. For active Americans trying to enjoy their retirement years, poor hip health simply isn’t part of the plan, but that doesn’t mean they’re destined to miss out on life’s many pursuits. The good news is that physical therapy can help seniors remain physically active by addressing small issues before they grow.
Many people are surprised to learn that when it comes to hip pain, the answer is closer than they think. According to Harvard Medical School, mobility and strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles—including the quadriceps, glutes, core and hamstrings—can take some of the stress off of the hips. By reducing the
stress on the joints, it can allow you to become more efficient during activities of walking and squatting to name a few. Learning to take care of our hips as we age will require us to recognize when a new pain or limitation arises and making sure it’s addressed by a healthcare professional to avoid mobility loss and prevent costly surgery. Addressing pain or weakness at the first sign of a problem is important at any age, but it’s particularly important for seniors as concerns including fall risk and bone loss increase as we age. According to a recent study in The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, hip weakness and poor hip motion can lead to other problems, including knee and back pain. To prevent pain from worsening or moving to other areas, it recommended that you make an appointment with a healthcare professional who will assess and
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JoANNA RYSER, NA-C
Email: JoAnnaNAC@protonmail.com
Licensed & insured; References available
KELLY VANHOVE
Is your retirement income protected? 9 questions to ask
(StatePoint) When it comes to retirement planning, anxiety comes with the territory. Will you be able to maintain your lifestyle in retirement? Will you have enough to cover your monthly bills without depleting your savings? Are you at risk of outliving your money? While such concerns are common among Americans approaching retirement, protecting part of the money that you’ve saved to ensure monthly income for life can make a difference in your confidence about the future, suggests a new study.
A new survey by the Alliance for Lifetime Income looked at the emotional and physical well-being of Gen X and Baby Boomer households and compared those with some form of protected lifetime income, such as an annuity and/or pension, to those that were unprotected and relying solely on savings and Social Security.
Eighty-eight percent of protected households say they are confident that their retirement money will help them achieve their lifestyle goals, while only sixty-three percent of unprotected households feel confident.
“The American retirement discussion has traditionally focused on accumulating assets rather than how to turn some of those savings into a guaranteed monthly income that will last as long as you do,” says Colin Devine, educational advisor at the Alliance for Lifetime Income. “People don’t realize that Social Security is estimated to replace only about 40 percent of the average person’s income, which leaves millions of Americans vulnerable to outliving their hard-earned savings.”
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around-the-clock to assist your parent and to keep them safe. From our front desk staff to our chef, our staff understands that they are working in the resident’s home. They are professional yet close to our residents—more like caring for a family member. At Aegis Living, our communities have nurses on staff to oversee the healthcare and medication of our residents and if needed communicate with doctors and family members about changes in their health.
Assisted living communities are a perfect fit for seniors who can’t manage a home on their own and need some level of assistance.
To get confident about your financial plan for retirement, Devine says that you should understand all your options for protecting a portion of your retirement income from the impact of market volatility and longer lifespans.
The Alliance outlines nine key questions that you should ask your financial advisor to make sure that you’re on track to having the lifetime income you can count on for the retirement you want:
1. Why is protected monthly income in retirement important?
2. How much protected monthly income will I need in retirement?
3. What if my expected monthly income is less than what I need to last my lifetime?
4. What is an annuity?
5. Are there costs associated with guaranteed protected income?
6. What if I need access to my money in an annuity?
7. Can annuities help protect me from investment losses?
8. How do I know that my protected income is safe?
9. Are there other strategies for protected monthly income?
Dear Sheila: Thanking the caregivers
Dear Sheila, My dad has been given only a few months to live. Right now he is at home with caregivers and a hospice nurse who are working together to coordinate his care. His doctor says that he may soon need to move to a hospice facility, and if that happens, we won’t need our caregivers any longer. I want to buy them something to let each one of them know how much their kindness has meant to my dad and the rest of the family. Can you give me an idea of what is appropriate in this situation?
client and a caregiver can be amazing for both. I often tell our clients that a thank you note expressing your gratitude is worth it’s weight in gold. It is so important to acknowledge a caregiver for their words and deeds. A gift is not necessary. My best to your father and you during this difficult time.
— Sheila
— Grateful Son
Dear Grateful Son, I am sorry to hear of your father’s situation. I am glad you have the support of a hospice team. The bond between a
Sheila McKannay, MA, CMC, is Vice President of Client Care for Family Resource Home Care, greater Seattle’s largest provider of private caregiving services for seniors. For more Dear Sheila letters or other helpful articles, visit our website: www.familyresourcehomecare.com/blog
It’s a safe place to transition out of their home but still remain engaged with others. An assisted living community will support their current needs and is there for them as their needs change.
If you have more questions about what services assisted living communities offer, please contact your nearest Aegis Living community. Our expert staff would be happy to help.
Judy Meleliat , Assisted Living & Care Services, Caregivers & Family, Life Enrichment & Community, Uncategorized
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New device stops a cold
New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a new device when you first feel a cold coming on.
Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread in your airways and cause misery.
But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, just by touch.
That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.
Scientists say the high conductance of copper disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in seconds.
Tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show germs die fast on copper. So some hospitals tried copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.
The strong evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds.
“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away completely.” It worked every time he felt a cold coming on. He reports he hasn’t had a cold since.
He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them, too, so he patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market.
Soon hundreds of people had tried it and given feedback. Nearly 100% said the copper stops colds if used within 3 hours after the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder and they feel better.
Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it supposed to work that fast?”
Pat McAllister, age 70, received one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. This little jewel really works.” Now thousands of users have stopped getting colds.
People often use CopperZap preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci used to get colds after crowded flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times a day on travel days.
“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!”
Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night.
“It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going round and round, but not me.”
Some say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. She tried CopperZap. “I am shocked! My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”
Some say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”
Copper may even stop flu if used early and for several days. Lab technicians placed 25 million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses were found alive soon after.
People have used it on cold sores and say it can completely prevent ugly outbreaks.
Copper even kills deadly germs that have become resistant to antibiotics. If you are near sick people, a moment of handling it may keep serious infection away from you and your loved ones. It may even save a life.
The EPA says copper still works even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of different germs so it can prevent serious or even fatal illness.
CopperZap is made in the U.S. of pure copper. 90-day full money back guarantee when used as directed to stop a cold. It is $69.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code GNFP. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.
Buy once, use forever.
What to know about seasonal allergies and your eyes
(StatePoint) Suffering from itchy, watery eyes? You may have ocular allergies or you could have another issue entirely, such as chronic dry eyes. Experts say that getting the correct diagnosis is the only way to treat symptoms properly.
“Chronic dry eye often mimics the symptoms of seasonal allergies and must be approached entirely differently,” says Arian Fartash, VSP network optometrist. “Many over-the-counter allergy treatments can actually make dry eyes worse, so make an appointment with your eye doctor to determine the exact cause of your discomfort.
If your itchy and watery eyes are diagnosed as ocular allergies, Dr. Fartash recommends taking the following steps.
• Limit your exposure to pollen on high pollen count days.
• Wash your face after being outside to reduce the amount of pollen on the skin.
• Use cold compresses for some added relief.
• Don’t rub your eyes, as this will increase your body’s overreaction to the irritants.
• Remove contact lenses, which can attract allergens that accumulate throughout the day. Consider wearing your glasses or switching to daily disposable contacts during allergy season.
• Try over-the counter eye drops. There are a number of allergy drops that are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. But consult your optometrist to find out which are the best recommended.
• Consider prescription medications. If the symptoms won’t go away, you might need something stronger. Go see your eye doctor to discuss if a prescription medication is right for you. You can find a doctor local to you by consulting the VSP-network at vsp.com/ find-eye-doctors.
Don’t suffer this season. See your best and feel your best by getting your eye symptoms properly diagnosed and treated.
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“Discussing these topics with your financial advisor can help you become better informed about your income planning options, putting you one step closer to creating a financial plan that delivers
what you need to live the life you want in retirement,” says Devine. Visit www.RetireYourRisk.org for more information on how to create and protect your retirement income. Don’t succumb to anxiety about your financial future. With the right knowledge, you can help ensure a comfortable retirement.
work
can make life easier for anyone.
The right AT for you
How to get better care from your doctor
At first, trying to find the right AT tools and solutions can feel overwhelming. The network of State Assistive Technology Act Programs is a good place to start. Your state AT Act program can provide information and support to help you identify and acquire AT that meets your needs.
(StatePoint) Have you ever wanted to ask your doctor a question but didn’t because you felt uncomfortable? Experts say that an impersonal relationship with your doctor could be preventing you from receiving the best care possible.
These programs offer:
Device demonstration and short-term loan programs that allow you to try out equipment before purchasing Reuse programs that provide gently used
“Your doctors should feel like valued members of your family -- and you a part of theirs. That’s how I operate in my practice and what I aim to foster in my patients,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, who brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new book dealing with this subject, “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor.”
devices at substantial savings
Financing options, such as cash loan programs, that can help you get the AT devices you need
without trust, and sharing is crucial when it comes to receiving the best possible care.
• Communication. No relationship can be sustained without open and honest communication on both sides, but developing healthy communication habits takes practice, effort and willingness.
You can find the AT Act Program in your state or territory at acl.gov/AT. You’ll also find additional information on state AT programs, data about the network of state AT programs and additional resources to help you find and obtain AT that fits your needs. With more research and awareness around the importance of AT, the future possibilities for living independently in the place of your choosing are almost limitless.
Magnolia Adult Family Home,
Assisted Living
Dementia Care
Post-Hospitalization Respite Hospice
Whether you have a new doctor or you’ve been at the same practice for years, your patient-doctor bond may be on faulty ground. But it doesn’t have to be, suggests Dr. Redcross. He believes that by establishing these four essential qualities in your patient-doctor relationships, you’ll pave the way to receiving better care: • Trust. Trust is essential in any relationship, including the one with your doctor. There is no sharing
• Respect. Respect is treating others with common courtesy, good social manners and appreciating each other’s humanity. This means respecting each other’s experience, knowledge and time.
• Empathy. Empathy is the ability to sense another person’s emotions and to be able to place yourself in his or her shoes, which is a valuable quality in a doctor. However, many physicians strive for a state of “concerned detachment,” which is the opposite of empathy. At the same time, patients can be more empathic, too, taking the time to consider everything their doctors may be
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•
Conveniently located near Northgate Mall, Target and Hubbard Park
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dealing with on the day of their visit.
Building a great relationship with your doctor leads to practical benefits, says Dr. Redcross. In dealings with his own patients, he finds that great communication paves the way for better treatment.
“Recently, a patient of mine was dealing with muscle pain and we had a long conversation about different options. Initially, I recommended that she take traditional pain reliever with naproxen sodium every morning. However, by talking through all the options and what best fit her situation, including her overall medical history, preferences and more, we settled
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address mobility and associated pain issues in multiple planes of motion, allowing them to then create a customized individual treatment plan.
When devising a therapeutic exercise program, the physical therapist begins with an evaluation of the patient’s pain, functional ability, strength, balance and endurance. In addition, the PT will gather a thorough medical history and request a complete picture of the patient’s current activity level as well as goals for participating in additional recreational, sports or leisure activities.
Once the hip pain and any surrounding weaknesses have been adequately addressed under the supervision of a physical therapist, patients can often return to challenging their
on using Arnica montana, a lower-risk plant-based pain reliever instead,” says Dr. Redcross. “Feeling comfortable enough with your doctor to challenge a suggestion and have a long and complete conversation is key. Unfortunately, such discussions between patients and doctors are rare.”
To learn more about the book, as well as about building better relationships with your doctors, visit, BondByDrRedcross.com.
At a time when doctor’s visits seem more routine and formulaic than ever before, experts say that receiving individualized care is possible, and it all starts with building strong relationships with your health care providers.
joints, bones and muscles in a controlled, progressive manner—and resume the level of activity they’re accustomed to. Upon discharge, the prescribed home exercise program with adequate adherence is critical to maintaining good hip health and strength into the foreseeable future.
Kelly Vanhove is the owner and director of Rehab United Seattle in Green Lake. Kelly holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is former professional athletic trainer with the Chicago Cubs. Rehab United Seattle specializes in a functional approach to physical therapy addressing not only symptoms but the route cause of the injury. Rehab United Seattle treats patients that suffer from acute and chronic injuries along with post-surgical and Medicare patients.
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