Leslie Newlife

Medication Management Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Medication imageby: James Fleming

If your aging parent is one of the 80 percent of older adults in the U.S. with a chronic illness, chances are you’re no stranger to a daily medication regimen. Ordering, refilling, organizing, and administering medicine is oftentimes one of the most important jobs a caregiver will do.

The truth is, however, upwards of 50 percent of people with chronic illnesses don’t always take their medications as prescribed by their doctor. A variety of factors contribute to this type of non-adherence including poor patient-doctor communication, medication costs, complicated medicine schedules, health illiteracy, multiple providers writing prescriptions, and similar-looking and similar-sounding drugs.

While the responsibility of medication adherence falls to both the patient and their doctor, there are a few things caregivers can do to help too:

Starting a New Medication?

For the sake of your loved one’s health, when it comes to starting a new medication, make sure to ask their doctor a handful of important questions including:

  • How do you pronounce this medicine’s name as well as its generic name?
  • What exactly does this medicine do and what is it designed to treat?
  • Are there any adverse side effects we can expect?
  • What should we do if we accidentally miss a dose?
  • Are there any drug interactions we should know about?

While diet and physical activity play critical roles in managing chronic conditions, medicine also has its place in keeping people healthy. It’s important to advocate on behalf of your older adult, however, to make sure that new medications won’t result in additional complications.

Organizing and Reminding

Use a pill organizer. One of the best ways to stay on top of a daily medicine schedule is to utilize pill organizers. Easy-to-use pill organizers let you sort medications both by day of the week as well as the time of day. Often color-coded and clearly labeled, pill organizers prevent an older adult from having to open multiple identical pill bottles each day and carefully figure out which pills to take. You can find a variety of fairly inexpensive pill organizers at your local drug store or online.

Similarly, you should also categorize and store other important medical necessities together like first aid items, medical devices (blood pressure monitor, thermometer, etc.) and orthopedic aids like back braces, carpal tunnel braces, etc.

Post the medicine schedule. Clearly printed medicine schedules are super helpful for doctor’s visits and in the event emergency medical personnel need to record what your loved one is taking if they go to the hospital. Printed medicine schedules can also assist you, the in-home caregiver, and serve as a type of checklist by which you can verify the medicine you are handing off to your loved one to take is correct. Medicine schedules should include the name of the drug (that’s printed on the label) as well as the dosage, the shape and color, and the time(s) of day at which it is taken.

Set reminders. Whether it’s a reminder on your smartphone, on your loved one’s alarm clock, on the TV, you name it, a loud and actionable reminder to take medicine is a must. Some smart pill bottles come with digital integrations that feature their own reminder systems too and there are also different mobile apps (like MediSafe and CareZone) available to help your older adult stay on track as well.

Tips for Creating a Backup Supply

Try as hard as you might, there is inevitably the occasional incidence of running out of your parent’s medicine and not being able to refill it in time for their next dose. While this can be scary, it also begs the question “how can you build up a backup supply for emergencies?”.

The first place to start is to find out how soon you can refill their normal prescription. For many insurance companies, including Medicare, you don’t have to wait a full 30 days to refill a monthly prescription. Sometimes you can do it as quickly as 25 or 27 days. If you refill your loved one’s prescription early for even just a few months, you’ll quickly build a small backup supply of medicine for emergencies.

It is also worth asking your loved one’s doctor if there is a way to either simplify the medicine schedule, i.e. reduce dosages from twice a day to once a day, or write any of the prescriptions for longer periods of time, i.e. three months vs. one month. Small modifications like this can make a huge difference when it comes to managing medicine schedules and reducing associated stress.

Hobbies for Seniors: Weighing The Pros and Cons of Pet Ownership

Elderly women with dog

For thousands of years, humans have enjoyed the benefits that come from owning a pet. Not to be forgotten though is the fact that pet ownership can be a heavy responsibility for owners of any age, including seniors. So if you are considering getting a pet, here are a few of the pro’s and cons to weigh before you bring home your new friend.

Pro’s

  • They can help you ward off both boredom and loneliness. While pets cannot completely replace human companionship, their presence in the home can definitely fill a void.
  • Being needed is a great feeling. Caring for a being that depends on you for basically everything can really improve your self-worth and give you something to look forward to each day.
  • If you get a dog that needs you to walk it, this will keep you from living a sedentary lifestyle. The increased activity comes with physical, emotional, and mental benefits.

Cons

  • Caring for a pet comes with a price tag. Even a goldfish requires food. Other animals might require regular visits to the vet as well as potential emergency treatment. This could cause a financial burden and more stress.
  • Your health might prevent you from caring for your pet properly. On the days you aren’t feeling your best, the duties will still await you. Can you push yourself to do the job or will your pet possibly suffer?
  • Cats and dogs create a fall risk for seniors. They walk, run, and sit, in unpredictable places and this will present a new hazard in addition to others you already face.

These pro’s and cons are just a sample of what seniors should consider in deciding whether to get a pet or not. And while the cons merit serious consideration, they don’t necessarily mean a pet is out of the question. Many seniors are able to own pets with the help of family, friends, or caregivers. Why not do some more research and discuss it with a family member or trusted friend?

Debunking the Myths About Senior Living

Seniors Image

by: Eugenia B.

When it comes to senior living and senior activity, it’s a held belief that living in a senior community can have less to offer than other living arrangements. However, for most of the senior communities located in cities and towns across the country, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s take a few moments to demystify some of these misconceptions surrounding these communities, and paint a realistic, clear picture of seniors and senior living.

Myth 1: “Living in a senior community is not affordable.”

While many seniors (although not all) paid off their homes and enjoy being mortgage free, things like property taxes, utility bills, insurance, summer and winter maintenance costs can add up quickly, and never go away as a homeowner. Add on the monthly price tag of regular medical care, and the cost of choosing to live in an independent living community alongside other seniors can be on par with staying in your home. Personalized, around the clock care, living with other of similar age, and having access to activities and community events — depending on a senior’s priorities or health — may even make the option of a senior community more enticing.

Myth 2: “When you say senior care community, you might as well say nursing home.”

Many people think that these two very different establishments are synonymous, but that simply isn’t true. Being part of an independent community means that your lifestyle transforms into one that is more care-free, but not restricted. For example, planning ahead to get assistance for physically intensive tasks, or circumstance that requires a level of premeditation can be taken out of the equation once in a senior community. Senior living communities are places where activities, clubs, fitness classes, and excursions are all organized for you and are in a central location. A level of amenity, independence and social elements are all kept in mind that many “homes” don’t provide. Clear research, a visit to the community and keeping in mind what is best for the senior are all highly recommended, and the best way to dispel this level of thinking.

Myth 3: “Moving to one of these communities will isolate me from family and friends.”

There’s no compelling reason to think you’ll see the people you care about less frequently. Senior communities don’t keep your family and friends from visiting or spending the day with you; in fact, visits are happily encouraged. How? Many communities have a number of different options for hosting your loved ones. Whether it’s a visit in the common area, outdoor picnic events or barbecues, the on-premise cafe, the clubhouse… a chance to meet with the people you care about doesn’t go away. If anything, space may increase for these opportunities to happen more often.

Myth 4: “I won’t like the food.”

Would it surprise you to learn that many senior living communities take great pride in offering sumptuous meals to their residents each and every day? Chefs, culinary professionals and dieticians are only some of the staff these communities employ to ensure every meal eaten is flavourful, varied, and nutritional.

Myth 5: “I’ll be bored.”

Where and when this particular myth was derived is difficult to say. Considering that these communities employ a staff of activity coordinators whose job involves planning frequent events, outings, and classes, you’ll likely find that your social calendar is as full as it ever was — if not more.

If some of these myths sound like things you’ve been thinking or worrying about, you aren’t the only one. Hopefully, you can now count yourself among those who are willing to consider that senior living communities can be amazing and fulfilling places to live. We hope that this article helped dispel some myths — or brought up items you weren’t even thinking about — so you can make an informed, clear and unbiased decision for you, a loved one, or relative or senior you know.

Changes for a Better Living

Discovering the difficulties associated with aging can be tough, and caring for elderly loved ones can be a bit challenging as well. At a certain age, individuals lose their ability to complete activities of daily living, which can be frustrating for the individual and their caretaker.  New LifeStyles can help you understand available senior housing and care options whether you are a caregiver or an individual struggling with the decision to seek assistance.

Deciding to Move

Realizing your, or a loved one’s, home is no longer the best or the safest option can be a painful discovery. Tasks become harder with age and being left alone to deal with the difficulties that arise every day may not be a suitable option. Choosing to relocate is not always an easy decision to make, but seeking advice from professionals can make the transition more manageable.  New LifeStyles can help you understand your situation and give you the guidance needed to make tough decisions. Their resources benefit seniors, their families, caretakers, and community directors.

Refusing to Leave

Most adults become accustomed to their own rules. We do what we want, within boundaries, and ultimately do not have to answer to anyone. As a senior, being told what to do can become irritating, exhausting, and sometimes even degrading. When moving your elderly loved one out of the comforts of their home, it may be necessary to seek outside help. Take the first step by contacting New LifeStyles to gather quality information to present to your loved one.

Core Value

Many senior communities offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing services, and so much more.  New LifeStyles can guide you through the process of locating senior living and care options that will provide the best quality of care for your loved one.  Take advantage of New LifeStyles’ resources and help your loved one maintain independence, dignity, and happiness during their golden years.

New Facebook Mentorship Product Excellent for Senior Engagement

In November 2017, Facebook announced the early stages of its Mentorship and Support product. Initially limited to education and crisis recovery groups, the platform has been expanding into other select sectors to build strong, supportive communities.  For digitally connected seniors, this development establishes another opportunity for connectivity, fulfillment, and legacy.

Making Group Connections

According to an August 2018 update, the Mentorship program is now available “to people [ages 18+] within select groups focused on parenting, professional and personal development.” Facebook groups are easily created and managed by both private individuals and business pages. Group Admins establish the mentorship program within their group, selecting from a variety of mentorship templates including “career advancement, skill development, or encouragement and support,” whichever best fits the group’s community and program intentions. Once the opportunity is announced, interested group members can sign up as either a mentor or mentee. It will be up to the group Admin to best pair individuals based on sign-up responses and group engagement observations; this platform truly relies on a strong group community.

Guided Engagement and Progress

Matched mentor / mentee pairs will be connected onto the Mentorship platform on Facebook. Pairs can also choose to connect through Facebook Messenger. The Mentorship platform includes a guided timeline with milestones for pairs to achieve. Milestones may include introductions, resource exploration and sharing, skill knowledge, planning, etc. Facebook Mentorship will encourage users to check in with each other on a weekly basis.

The New Age of Apprenticeship

Giving and sharing knowledge is how cultures continue to exist. The development of Web 2.0 and social media does not end the value of our seniors, their life skills, and their insight. For tech-savvy seniors, the new Facebook Mentorship program is a wonderful opportunity to engage with future generations, create new relationships, learn and grow, and impart priceless experience and information.

Get Active in Your Larger Community to Fill Your Senior Community

Senior Community image

Many of the greatest marketing success stories we hear have a common theme. Facilities that attract seniors from their community are often deeply involved in that community. Making yourself a vital, everyday part of your town makes it easier for seniors and their families to become a resident when the time comes.

Becoming a positive fixture in your community takes time, consistency and plenty of visibility. Are you ready to think outside of the box and find ways to weave yourself into the fabrics of your local society? Here are a few of our best ideas for becoming a facility your community trusts and is willing to call home:

  1. Be active in local athletic events, festivals and traditions. Being a monetary sponsor isn’t enough. Staff a table at the event, put your items in goody bags and gather teams to participate in charity runs. Become an active part in these events, rather than a passive sponsor.
  2. Host your own events to invite the community in. You can go big or small with these, but the idea is to make it natural to come into your community. Encourage residents to have a part and consider events like health fairs, fundraiser dinners for resident organizations, Halloween trick-or-treating and breakfasts with Santa. Have admissions and senior staff offer tours during these events, but keep the focus on giving.
  3. Host workshops and sessions. Partner with local experts or grab one of your own to host informative sessions on topics that relate to seniors. Consider Medicare, knowing when it’s time to choose a facility, and being an advocate.
  4. Offer free meeting space. Advertise to your local Chamber of Commerce and community groups that you have meeting space available for members to use. Free meeting space can be a very hot commodity and make your facility a naturally frequented place in town!
  5. Sponsor a youth sports team. Sponsor a little league, swim or youth soccer team in your residents’ names. Arrange a social with the team, transport residents to games and have the residents create goody bags for the end of the season.

Think about your community as a whole and what’s important to the people who live there. There are countless unique ways to get involved and bring a positive impression of your facility.

Benefits of Music in Improving Memory Care

Providers of communities servicing the elderly can attract more residents/clients and families by incorporating services such as music therapy that will enhance the lives of its customers. As humans, music resonates within the depths of our soul. It brings joy, laughter, and a sense of peace especially music derived from our cultural background or that of our ethnicity. Memory Care Image

According to Dassa & Amir (2014) of the Journal of Music Therapy people living with moderate to late stages of Alzheimer’s when provided with music therapy can aid in their limited speech and clarity in pronunciation, which in effect can create moments for meaningful conversations. Within this study, people with Alzheimer’s were presented with music, in particular, the singing of old tunes in a group setting. Such songs that were familiar to those people evoked happiness among them because no doubt the music brought back positive memories.  Songs especially linked to their past and those associated with “social or national identities,” Dassa & Amir (2014), had the most significant effect in meaningful conversations after the therapy session was over. The results of the therapeutic music transcended memories that were embedded in the minds of the people under study but were inaccessible due to limited conversations, the unfortunate effect of Alzheimer’s. Memories of past experiences linked with familiar songs had a special connection to the people and their renewed ability of alertness causing them to participate in talks that gave them a renewed sense of life and appreciation for others around them. After singing the old tunes, the people were eager to participate in spontaneous discussions about the memories the music evoked. They communicated requiring no prompts to engage in the conversation. The people “expressed positive feelings, a sense of accomplishment, and belonging,”  Dassa & Amir (2014).

If more providers incorporate meaningful programs or activities geared toward the development of improved memory for the elderly, they will be able to attract more potential clients or customers. If the elderly can continue to communicate despite Alzheimer’s or other deteriorating diseases, they will be able to live a fulfilling life knowing that their loved ones and those who care for them are around. People live longer when they are happier and have healthy relationships in their lives.

Caregiver Preparations for the Holidays

by: Brent Scott

As a caregiver, you may be asked by your clients or their loved ones to help out during the Holidays. From shopping for gifts to wrapping and shipping, offering this assistance is a great way to brighten up the season. To make things safe and easy, we are sharing a few strategies both you and your client can use while preparing for the holidays.

In-Store Shopping TipsLifelock image

  • Don’t leave your client or bags, purses, or wallets unattended while shopping in-store. Shoplifters often look for elderly individuals who may be preoccupied or easily distracted in order to steal their belongings. When shopping this season, consider bringing a carabiner clip to attach your client’s belongings to their cart, mobility scooter, or being.
  • Keep track of your client’s cash, cards, and receipts. It’s essential that caregivers help their client stay organized as it’s the best way to ensure nothing has been forgotten, stolen, or already purchased. After exchanging money, you should have your client confirm they got their change/credit card and receipt and watch them put it back in their wallet before moving to the next store.

Online Shopping Tips 

  • Avoid using public networks and shared wifi hotspots. Cybercriminals often seek out and hack public hotspots in order to monitor user activity. In some cases, it’s possible the information being stolen could contain a credit card number or other personally identifiable information. Therefore, it’s advised that less tech savvy seniors avoid public wifi at all costs.
  • Help your client navigate the Internet. Pointing your client towards trusted online retailers and authentic websites is the easiest way to keep them away from potentially fake or hazardous sites that could introduce malware. Identifying an authentic site is made easier as most major e-commerce sites will state if they’re secured in the beginning of the URL. An SSL certification will denote the URL search bar with a lock and/or “s”, looking like this: “https://”. However, it’s just as important that your client is wary of suspicious emails from online retailers and delivery companies.
  • If your client is an avid online shopper, suggest they print their receipts. Keeping both in-store and online receipts organized can help identify a potential scam or financial error.
  • Remind your client to double check their receipts, financial statements, and credit card bills after shopping. Fraudsters love the holidays, as many individuals are too busy or unaware they could be shopping safer. Checking this information regularly is a helpful practice to avoid surprises, and in some cases, could even stop a potential issue before it happens.

Shipping & Deliveries

  • Help your client keep a schedule for expected mail and deliveries. As they shop, or start hearing from distant relatives, have them write down a few things. The shipping or post date and estimated delivery date are great pieces of information to have. Preparing a schedule, even if inaccurate, can still help you plan ahead as you may be expected to sign for and bring in mail, packages, and deliveries.

New Technology and Devices

  • As communication technology continues to evolve, so do the holiday gifts. Tablets and smart devices like Alexa make it easier than ever to communicate with long distance loved ones. Alexa is a great assistant for elderly individuals who live independently but still need help turning on/off lights, opening doors, or who need medication reminders.  If you think your client would benefit from one of these devices, request the gifter set up the device for the user in advance to wrapping. If the device doesn’t come setup, you may be asked to help. Just follow the instructions, and if in doubt, watch a youtube tutorial.

A Guide to Independent Living Communities

by: Carylanne Crowne

Many people aged 55 and older try to maintain their independence by living at home. They may not realize that they are actually less independent by remaining in their old home. Independence can be limited by mortgage, property tax, and home maintenance expenses. Seniors’ health and happiness can suffer from a high level of stress and anxiety. Seniors on a fixed income may live in dread of an unexpected expense. Living alone with insufficient human contact, feeling less safe as fall risk increases, and as vision and hearing begin to deteriorate, creates increasing anxiety. Seniors who can no longer drive have less access to friends and family, shopping, and even medical appointments. Eventually, seniors may be faced with the question: Are you an independent senior, or a senior trapped alone in your house?

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities may present the perfect alternative to remaining in your old home. Such communities range from age-restricted neighborhoods to enclosed, self-sufficient and full-service environments. Research them online, and visit as many as you can, asking all of the questions you have. Then determine which community offers the right balance between comfortable independence and stress-relieving services for you.

Renting or owning a home in an age-restricted neighborhood provides the benefit of living among many people similar to yourself. You have the ability to socialize and make more friends your age who may enjoy the same activities you do. Senior neighborhoods generally do not offer services. If you have a high degree of independent functioning, this may be right for you.

Other independent living facilities offer apartments in sizes from studio to three-bedroom. Some provide the option of small, single-level cottages. Apartment leases should include flexible terms to allow for changes in your circumstances. Communities like these are more compact, and easier to walk. Indoor and outdoor amenities helpful for older people are provided. These communities may offer some housekeeping, relieving you of some daily chores.

Full-service independent living communities offer expansive services to provide worry-free independent living. Besides housing, these communities offer meals in a community setting; transportation to medical appointments; classes, social events and recreational activities onsite; and community outings. Seniors can determine the right balance for them between privacy in their separate residences and socializing. They also have easy access to help if they need it. Home medical or personal care usually must be arranged and paid for by the senior resident.

Are Independent Living Communities Affordable?

The cost of an independent living community will vary by state, specific location, size of residence, and amenities offered. That creates a range from $1400 to $6600 per month, according to www.after55.com/independent-living. There may be an entrance fee, community fees, or a second-person fee.

In return, your rent will include most utilities, one to three meals per day, community and recreational activities, and an emergency call system and safety features. Very often your facility will also offer housekeeping, laundry service, and transportation for shopping and medical appointments. Items that offset the costs of independent living communities include no mortgage or property tax, decreased utility bills, no home maintenance costs, and no need for a car and its associated costs.

Selling your house will release funds for your new lifestyle. If you have maintained long-term care insurance, that will also help pay for a place in an independent living community. Retirement benefits and veteran’s benefits may add to your options. Family members can also provide important help. They want you to be comfortable and safe.

What if Moving is Too Much for Me?

Leaving your old home is a major change. It may be the home in which you raised your children, or hold other sentimental meaning. Give yourself time to adjust to the idea of moving.

When you are ready, call on friends and family to help you find a reputable and affordable moving company. Call on them again to help you sort through your belongings, an often overwhelming task. Sell or give away items you won’t need in your new residence. At least put them into storage. Keep sentimental photos or items ready to immediately put up and arrange in your new residence. Choose furniture and decor that make your new space comfortable and welcoming.

Before moving, visit the community and meet some of the residents. Spend some time there, so you’ll have friends waiting for you. Get family members on board for frequent visits during the early weeks after you move, to ease the transition. Then start to explore your new community. You may well find that the freedoms and services offered make you more independent than ever before.

Caryl Anne Crowne is a contributing writer and media specialist for Aveanna Healthcare. She often produces content for a variety of healthcare blogs.

Social Media — Where Is My Target Demographic?

social media image

With the decline of television viewing, and the rise of internet use and social media, it may be time to redistribute advertising budgets in a way that will reach modern audiences. But the choices are endless, and there are so many outlets, each with its own ‘personality’ and dominant demographic. For retirement living and care homes, advertising should be directed at the right age group: those who might be interested in those services, and the adult children who might be making decisions on their behalf, or in conjunction with them, as part of a long term care plan. Studying the patterns of specific social media use can target advertising budgets more efficiently.

Facebook Is First

For sheer numbers, Facebook is a key player, at just over 2 billion users in 2018. By reputation, and by statistics, it tends toward an older user base, with the 25 – 34 group at 29.7%. As younger people have moved away from Facebook, seniors have embraced it as a way to connect with distant family and friends. Founded in 2004, it is also one of the oldest social media platforms, and therefore more ubiquitous in a more mature group. Facilities can build their own pages here, and form groups to help people connect at a time of life that can prove isolating.

Twitter For News Bites

The brevity of Twitter, with each ‘tweet’, or message, limited to 280 characters, is part of its charm. The immediate availability of news as it happens helps keep seniors abreast of news and helps them feel more engaged with their community and the world. Facilities can create a Twitter profile that might include photographs and positive messages from current residents and staff about the amenities and activities that are ongoing. Though Twitter’s users skew a little younger, it is on the rise among the elderly, and may reach a more tech savvy audience willing to ‘tweet’ their gratitude and appreciation for all the things a facility has made available to them.

Social media is huge, and still growing. It has become necessary to embrace these sites and take advantage of all they have to offer. With careful study, advertising dollars can be directed to the most appropriate viewers, to make the most of even the tightest budget.