Screening Offers Support for Stressed Caregivers

by Reed on May 18, 2012

Family caregivers, particularly those who are caring for seniors with dementia, face potentially debilitating stress. A screening program, and professional respite care, offer support.

Q.   I’m feeling so overwhelmed caring for my 85-year-old husband, who is suffering from dementia. Is there any help out there for me?

As a matter of fact, researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a new system that helps provide intervention to caregivers of patients with dementia.

How to ask for senior care help

“Although providing care can be rewarding, it often places caregivers at great risk for negative outcomes that also compromise the well-being of the patients with dementia,” said Louis Burgio, a professor in the University of Michigan School of Social Work and research professor at the Institute of Gerontology.

Researchers analyzed data from 642 dementia caregivers who provided in-home care. They were age 21 and older, lived with or shared cooking facilities with the patient, provided at least four hours per day for at least six months, and reported distress.

The researchers identified 16 risks that are confronted most often with dementia caregivers like you as well as their care recipients. A risk appraisal measure provides information that can help clinicians tailor interventions to a caregiver’s individual needs.

Researchers assessed six domains linked to caregiver risk that could respond to intervention including depression, burden, self-care and health behaviors, social support, safety, and patient problem behaviors.

Intervention strategies for each domain were devised. If a caregiver’s primary problem was a feeling of extreme burden and stress, one treatment from a health care professional might involve the caregiver learning stress management techniques such as breathing exercises and stretching.

The screening form can be administered by any health care professional to the caregiver. This test could help you find out where you can use the most assistance.

For more about the study, log on to http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=7172.

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Secret to Longevity: Genetics and Lifestyle

by Reed on May 16, 2012

Q. My friends and I were at coffee the other day and the topic of longevity came up. Half the group felt that genetics were responsible for a long life and the other half said they felt it was lifestyle. Who’s right? We’re all in our 80s so I think we’ve done pretty well attempting to figure out this mystery.

You can go back to your group with the news that everyone is correct. Both genetics and a healthy lifestyle are important to healthy aging. Two recent studies lend credence to both theories. New research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms what other studies have uncovered. If you want to live longer don’t smoke, eat healthy, exercise and drink alcohol moderately.

During the study period, people who engaged in all four healthy behaviors were 63 percent less likely to die early, compared with people who did not practice any of the behaviors. But people can live longer if they practice even just one of these healthy lifestyle behaviors, according to the CDC. Not smoking provided the most protection from dying from all of the causes examined.

People who engaged in all four healthy behaviors were:

  • 66 percent less likely to die early from cancer,
  • 65 percent less likely to die early from cardiovascular disease, and
  • 57 percent less likely to die early from other causes compared with people who did not engage in any of the healthy behaviors.

On the other hand, another recent study has revealed that people who live to 95 or older are no more virtuous than the rest of us in terms of their diet, exercise routine or smoking and drinking habits, according to research by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, N.Y. That group found that genes were an important indicator of longevity.

Overall, people with exceptional longevity did not have healthier habits than the comparison group in terms of body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity or diet, that research indicated.

Let the debate continue! Take these results back to your coffee klatch and you are sure to generate even more discussion. Remember, as you all start to need support, assistance at home can help you and your friends remain independent longer. Contact your local Home Instead Senior Care® office today for more information.

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Contracting, Volunteering Options for Active Seniors

May 14, 2012

Q.  I’m a 66-year-old retiree who had a successful 40-year career.  I thought I’d really love retirement, but I find I miss working.  Do you have any suggestions? You’re not alone in your desire to continue to put your skills to use.  Research indicates that as many as 70 percent of Americans plan to work [...]

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Signs that Spousal Caregiving May Be Becoming Too Risky for You

May 11, 2012

“Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four.” The Beatles, “When I’m 64” Times have certainly changed since Lennon and McCartney penned and sang those words in 1967. Medical and healthcare strides are allowing people to live well into their 70’s and 80’s. Despite those health advances, the fact remains [...]

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Seniors Struggling with Smaller Incomes, Lack of Jobs

May 9, 2012

Q. I’m a 68-year-old retiree whose pension and savings accounts have taken a real hit during the recession.  Is this common and why?  I think I may need to go back to work, but as a widow past retirement age, what could I do? Take comfort in knowing that many others share your circumstances.   A [...]

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Laughter Might Be the Best Medicine for Seniors

May 7, 2012

Q. My 82-year-old mother lives alone after we had to move my 84-year-old father to a care facility because of his dementia. She’s doing fine, but my father becomes agitated often and my mother feels that she must be there all the time to try to calm him. Is there any other way to help [...]

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Nonaspirin Anti-flammatory Drugs Can Carry Risks, Study Shows

May 4, 2012

Q. I’m the primary caregiver for my parents, who are both 81. They’re in fairly good health, but I worry when I see them taking as many over-the-counter painkillers as they do for their aches and pains. I wonder about the risks. Should I be concerned? Medical professionals warn that long-term use of nonaspirin anti-inflammatory [...]

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Signs of Depression Checklist

May 2, 2012

Look for the signs that an older loved one may be depressed and need help. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem, but is not often recognized or treated, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A number of life changes can increase the risk for depression, or make existing depression worse. Caring [...]

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What is Respite Care?

April 30, 2012

Respite care refers to short-term, temporary care provided to someone who needs assistance so that a family caregiver can take a break from the daily routine, challenges and stress of caring for an aging adult. Respite is often referred to as the gift of time. How to ask for senior care help: Respite services may [...]

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Seniors Beware of Internet Magazine Sales

April 27, 2012

Q. My grandchildren have introduced me to the Internet in recent years and I have started doing more of my business online.  But I am still very nervous.  For instance, I subscribe to a number of magazines and have been thinking it would be much easier to order them online.  What should I beware of [...]

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