New Study Shows Increase In Binge Drinking By Seniors

Watching TV, knitting, playing bingo…there are some activities that most seniors seem to enjoy. One popular pastime among the elderly may surprise you, however. A new study, conducted by the Center for Disease Control, reports that the demographic section that does the most binge drinking is that of seniors over 65 years old.

Never mind the stereotypes of college parties and midlife crises; the elderly are the ones among us who go on drinking binges more often than anyone else. This shocking statistic should be a source of great concern to the adult children of seniors, especially ones who spend a significant amount of time without a family member or personal attendant nearby.

Home care in Solana Beach and elsewhere may help reduce this destructive habit by offering companionship and support to combat the loneliness and depression that can lead to binge drinking in the first place.  When cheerful, professional companion caregivers are with them, Seniors and others don’t have time to be sad and lonely.

Definition of Binge Drinking

First, the specifics of the study: The CDC defined “binge drinking” as having over four (for women) or five (for men) drinks at a time. According to the published results of the study, the average senior over 65 who goes on drinking binges does so five to six times each month. That’s more often than once a week. To be clear, the senior demographic was not the one with the most overall binge drinkers—that dubious award goes to the 18-34 age group. Among all Americans who binge drink, the average was four times per month—one to two times less than the average among seniors.

Dangers of Binge Drinking by Seniors

A senior who drinks frequently exposes himself to a number of dangers, particularly if no personal attendant is at hand to help. Falls, injuries, hazardous mistakes, and errors in judgment are all far more likely if an already-frail elderly person is further impaired by alcohol. Obviously, getting behind the wheel of a car is an unthinkable mistake for a senior who is under the influence of alcohol. Even if a personal attendant is near to help in this situation, the disorienting effect of heavy drinking can cause the senior to react irrationally toward him.

The destructive illnesses that result from excessive alcohol intake are more damaging to elderly bodies than to younger, stronger ones. Also, seniors who take a number of different medications run the risk of suffering a dangerous reaction between drugs and alcohol.

Preventing Binge Drinking by Seniors

Why do some seniors drink so often? It may be that they see it as a way to cope with disappointment, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. Loving family members and home care in Solana Beach or elsewhere can help elders confront life’s challenges in a more wholesome way with companionship and real encouragement, along with supportive services and assistance that make life more enjoyable.

Original article: http://news.discovery.com/human/senior-citizens-binge-drink-120112.html#mkcpgn=hknws1

Hardly anyone enjoys filling out income tax returns. This time of year, however, all of us must either engage a professional to do it for us or camp out at the dining room table in a dangerous jungle of forms, receipts, statements, and strong coffee. As unpleasant as the task is, people who handle the financial affairs of elderly loved ones are responsible to do all they can to make sure that records are kept accurately and reported on time. A recent case in the U.S. tax court illustrates the danger of letting financial records sit on the back burner for those receiving companion care in Carlsbad or anywhere else.

 During 2007, a New Yorkresident, Lillian Baral, paid $49,580 for the round-the-clock companion care that she needed. Her brother took care of all her financial bookkeeping, since Ms. Baral suffered from dementia. In a wise move, the two had established a power of attorney for Ms. Baral’s brother some time earlier, so that he could legally handle her finances. In most cases, if a person has documentation showing that he or she is chronically ill and needs constant supervision, expenses paid for companion care are tax deductible. Unfortunately, the brother neglected to send the IRS a return for Ms. Baral’s 2007 income taxes, and nearly two years later, the IRS took hold of the situation and notified him that Ms. Baral owed $17,681 in back taxes, according to their estimation.

Complicating the situation was the fact that Ms. Baral had already passed away, so her brother was handling the dispute from her estate. The problems could have been easily avoided, if the brother had correctly filed the return with her companion care expenses clearly stated. Instead, he ended up having to fight to prove that Ms. Baral actually met the qualifications for the tax deduction while she was still living. In addition, in court he can not claim a deduction for any expenses that are not accompanied by receipts proving that they were paid for qualifying medical services and products—a tall order, given the fact that the transactions are several years old.

How can you avoid this nightmare for a loved one receiving companion care in Carlsbad or elsewhere? Keep careful records, don’t throw out any receipts, and make sure that you can document exactly how your loved one’s money is being spent on companion care. Even though it may seem like yet another burden right now, you could save yourself from an exhausting and expensive argument with the government later on.

Original article: http://issues.flemingandcurti.com/tag/estate-of-baral-v-commissioner/

During the holidays, you probably enjoyed the opportunity to stay home from work and simply sit around the house for a few days. However, those of us who are used to going to work every day are often surprised at how quickly we become restless at home. If you’ve ever suffered an injury that required a long period of recovery, you are even more aware of just how frustrating “cabin fever” can be!

An elderly loved one usually has the background of an entire life spent going here and there. Imagine how difficult it must be to transition to a stay-at-home mentality, especially when health issues make driving dangerous. Assisted transportation services can make all the difference in the world to a senior that isn’t able to just hop in the car and go to the store whenever they want to.

If you’re the adult child of elderly parents in Encinitas, or anywhere else in California, it’s no easier for you either. If you are a member of the sandwich generation, you are painfully aware of the difficulties of balancing care of parents with care of children and a full-time job. It’s very easy to suddenly realize that it’s been far too long since the last time your aging parent had a refreshing outing. While assisted transportation certainly doesn’t substitute for quality time spent together, it can fill an important role by getting a senior out of the house for a while under the capable supervision of a trained caregiver.

We’re not talking about a expensive limo services here. Assisted transportation is more affordable than you might think, and it has the important benefit of including an experienced senior care provider who is ready to help in the case of an emergency during the outing. It’s certainly much safer than relying on a ride from a neighbor or family friend who might not have adequate training to address a health crisis or a dementia-related incident. And while you try your best to make time for outings with your elderly parents in Encinitas, during unusually busy times or family vacations, a transportation service can really help break up the monotony of staying at home.

Think of all the times you run to the store for a gallon of milk; run to the gas station to fill up; or rush to the library to return an overdue book. Those trips might feel like inconveniences now, but to someone like your elderly parent who doesn’t have the ability to make them on their own, they are a very special time. An assisted transportation service can make those special times take place little more frequently.

For decades, experts in the medical profession have been kept awake at night by a national shortage of nurses and by a lack of young people entering the nursing industry. Not only does the shortage create real staffing problems currently for hospitals and private duty nursing in Rancho Bernardo and other California cities, but it could also lead to disaster as the “baby boomer” generation needs more and more assistance from nursing professionals. Concern over the situation has resulted in the establishment of agencies, nursing recruitment centers, and higher salaries in order to entice more people to enter the field of facility and private duty nursing.

In Rancho Bernardo and throughout California (one of the states hardest-hit by the nursing shortage), the health care industry is likely to benefit from those efforts in the not-too-distant future. A new report published by the medical journal Health Affairs contains the welcome news of a significant upsurge in new nurses between 2002 and 2009. Specifically, the number of young nurses (age 23-26) increased by an amazing 62 percent. This surge appears to be exactly what the industry needs at the moment (might we say, “just what the doctor ordered?”). The aging baby boomer generation poses a double threat to the nursing field, as not only more care is needed in the form of private duty nursing in Rancho Bernardo and similar communities, but nurses in the baby boomer generation are also nearing retirement age. In fact, it is estimated that over the next ten years, 900,000 registered nurses will retire. As these nurses leave the workforce, a sizable growth in the number of young nurses is needed to make up the difference.

Of course, it is impossible to tell whether this workforce growth will continue in a consistent manner; the current economic downturn makes it difficult to place any type of employment research in a normal context. For example, people who are choosing the nursing field purely because of the excellent job availability may switch careers as the market becomes more crowded. Only time will tell whether this dramatic change is part of a long-term trend or a short-term explosion driven mainly by the absence of job availability in other sectors. In any case, private duty nursing in Rancho Bernardo and other cities should feel a certain amount of relief as young, energetic nurses offer their services in greater numbers than ever before.

Sources:

Health Affairs, “Registered Nurse Supply Grows…,” http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/30/12/2286.abstract, accessed 12/24/2011.

The Tennessean, “Finally, more young people turn to nursing careers,” http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111222/COLUMNIST03/312220011/Getahn-Ward-Finally-more-young-people-turn-nursing-careers, last updated 12/23/2011.

AMERICAN BOARD OF HOME CARE – THE “ABHC”

A select group of elderly in-home care companies in California are members of the American Board of Home Care (ABHC). In Carlsbad and other cities in San Diego County, as well as throughout the rest of Southern California, ABHC member companies work together to advance causes benefiting seniors who need at-home care. By joining together, these companies combine the experience and knowledge that they have gained in their work with the elderly, improving the quality of care provided by each member. When a home care company holds a membership with the ABHC in Carlsbad, you can be sure that it takes its quality of service seriously. The code of ethics stipulated by the ABHC emphasizes the importance of professional cooperation between member companies:

Ethical Treatment of In-Home Care Clients

Most in-home care companies, regardless of their involvement with larger organizations, commit to treat each client with respect and dignity. ABHC member companies also specifically promise to put the good of clients first by educating them about all available options in a given situation in order to help seniors and family members make the best informed decision. In other words, companies in the ABHC avoid reducing at-home care to simply a service that they sell to customers. Rather, they begin their relationships with clients by making honesty and sound advice a priority.

Cooperation and Respect Among ABHC Member Companies Providing In-Home Care

ABHC member companies commit to refer clients and inquirers to other professional provider companies as much as possible. So, if a family in San Diego County asks an ABHC member company that does not serve Carlsbad about service for their elderly loved one in Carlsbad, the company would refer the family to another ABHC member company that provides in-home care in Carlsbad. Certainly, member companies never engage in speech or activities that damage one another’s reputation. If a disagreement does arise between member companies, they commit to do their best to resolve the disagreement between themselves, avoiding lengthy conflicts that distract from the real mission of the ABHC—providing excellent care to all clients.

When a home care company holds a membership with the ABHC, you can have confidence that that company will place your elderly loved one’s needs first, following the organization’s code of ethics. You can also take comfort from the fact that the company is constantly making an effort to draw from the experience and skills of other care providers across Southern California in order to maximize the quality of its own care for you and your family.

With the advancements in recent technologies, it seems that seniors are left behind in the ever-changing world of electronics and gadgets. While these new changes and incredible advancements can be difficult to keep up with, they can also improve the living conditions and quality of senior care in San Diego and surrounding areas. By taking advantage of different technologies that are becoming available, the elderly can have a better quality of life, while taking care of their bodies and living healthy lifestyles.

Different gadgets such as smart phones or iPads make browsing the internet or reading email easier than ever. With the right technologies, senior citizens can view emails and pictures from their kids and grandkids, keeping them up to date and improving their mood. Just a few pictures a day can make an incredible improvement in a senior’s day, and with an iPad or smart phone, seniors need not worry about difficult maintenance or confusing hardware and software. All that they need is located in one small device or tablet. With these tools, seniors can also improve their brain power by using applications that sharpen the brain and provide a quick way to guard against debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s. Most scientists agree that the best way to delay the onset of these diseases is to regularly sharpen your brain through logical exercises and trivia games.

Video games are also a great way for senior care in San Diego to be vastly improved. Many games on Nintendo’s Wii can be played with just one button, and the motion technology makes exercising fun. Moving joints and working on hand-eye coordination while having fun is a great way to improve mobility and delay any problems that can come from decreased mobility. Although this is typically an activity that is associated with the younger generations, senior care in San Diego can benefit from minor usage of motion related video games that can get seniors up and moving while also providing some hearty entertainment.

Seniors need not fear the oncoming wave of technological advancements, but rather they should embrace it. By using the applications available on portable internet devices and using the technology to their advantage, senior care in San Diego, as well as living conditions for seniors can be greatly improved. Seniors can improve their mood, keep in touch with their family, sharpen their brain, and exercise regularly while having fun doing all of it.

Here in San Diego County, today we’re seeing our first day of real rain since the Spring showers ended back in May.  Now we see the streets slick with rain water.  Making things worse, there is a buildup of road and engine oil that has accumulated over the summer, and the mixture of that plus the water makes for some very dangerous driving conditions.

Many Seniors are able to drive safely and pose no risk to themselves and others.  However, for some Seniors whose reflexes and reaction times are beginning to decline, this presents a very real danger.

We have written before about the need for families of Seniors living at home in San Diego County to be mindful of whether their older loved ones should continue driving on their own.  Many times, when you stop and think about it, it would be better to begin having help from experienced caregivers with good driving records from a reputable home care company like A Servant’s Heart Care Solutions.

It’s never too early to be thoughtful and thorough in evaluating your parents’ ability to drive safely, especially when the road conditions are dangerous for all drivers due to rain and similar situations.

The onset of Alzheimer’s disease in an elderly individual brings with it a set of challenges that drastically changes the daily life of the entire family. A grandfather or grandmother who previously needed little more assistance than a periodic lawn mowing now requires increasingly constant attention for the sake of safety. Family members often feel a level of despair as they try to figure out how they can possibly balance this new responsibility with their existing careers and their other family needs. In-home companion caregiver companies can ease the burden by providing skilled and loving staff members to check on elders suffering from Alzheimer’s throughout the day, making sure they have their needs met.

 A Sudden Change

 Even if there are family members available to provide round-the-clock assistance, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is often a surprise to everyone and necessitates an immediate change in lifestyle. Between the time Alzheimer’s is identified and the time someone is able to begin living with the senior, A Servant’s Heart Care Solutions can fill the gap by keeping  the individual safe and comforted.

Semi-Independent Living

 Eventually, most elderly individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease require the kind of constant care only available by way of a live-in caregiver or an assisted living facility. In the earlier stages, however, most people treasure the time that they are able to spend living independently, continuing the same traditions and routines with which they are familiar. With frequent checkups and willingness to assist in any way necessary, the trained eyes and hands offered by qualified non-medical home care aide organizations make it possible for these people to make a longer and more comfortable transition to life with Alzheimer’s disease by remaining in their own home.

Relief For Hard-Working Families

 Love and responsibility toward parents  diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease often creates a feeling of guilt for family members who are already stretched thin by life. Rearranging schedules, altering long-term plans, and even moving to be closer to parents are all activities that take a great amount of time. Whatever a family decides is the best long term course of action for helping their loved ones through this time, A Sevant’s Heart Care Solutions is a valuable partner that can devote the immediate caregiving attention necessary. A trustworthy care provider becomes not just an efficient and effective service, but also a real friend that works together with loving family members to give an elderly individual the love and support to face this new chapter of life.

The recent power outages have been a wake up call for many elderly and their children in San Diego county. Were you prepared for the power outages? If you were like most of the elderly in San Diego county, this power outage caught you by surprise. How can you plan in advance so you can be prepared for another power outage emergency?

Prepare an Emergency Kit

There are many things that you should have on hand just in case of an emergency. Items such as gallons of drinking water, non-perishable food, a blanket, cash, and a first aid kit should be included. Find a complete list of emergency kit items at this TrustworthyCare.com resource.

Prepare Your Home Now

You don’t want to have to go digging through your emergency kit for your flashlight during the next power outage. Flash lights and extra batteries should be kept in easy to reach locations, like the drawer of a side table or bathroom cabinet. Then you will have light so you can easily make your way to the emergency kit that you have prepared. You probably already store your important family papers like insurance and personal identification information in a firesafe box, but purchase a portable, waterproof container to place inside the firesafe box, so you can rest assured that your family documents will survive whatever emergency may come your way.

Keep Supply Levels High

If they can afford it, the elderly in San Diego county should try not to run low on certain items. Canned food might be an item that quickly comes to mind, but what about your prescription medicine? That’s the last thing you want to run out of in an emergency, so make sure that you always have at least a three day supply on hand, more if possible. Accessible water is also critical.

Have a Family Plan

Aging parents in San Diego county should speak with their children about a family emergency plan. Choose contact methods, such as telephone and email, so you can quickly get in touch in case of an emergency. Identify family members or neighbors that would be responsible to check on the elderly in the event of a situation. You should also choose an accessible meeting place or backup plan, so you can communicate with your family if a power outage prevents you from making contact by phone.

These are just a few of the things that the elderly in San Diego county should do to prepare for another emergency like this power outage. You can find more information and links to organizations who can help in an emergency here. Don’t let another emergency take you by surprise. Preparing yourself and your home ahead of time will help to prevent stress when an emergency happens.

When it comes to widespread emergency situations such as a power outage, earthquake, or severe weather event, seniors are perhaps the most vulnerable members of our society. Even young children have parents or guardians to comfort them and direct their activities during an emergency, but many seniors in San Diego County potentially face these situations on their own. It takes time for family members or caregivers to reach a senior, especially when transportation is affected by the emergency, and the first moments of a disaster are the most critical ones for those affected.

Establish Reliable Communications

Although many seniors in San Diego County may not be interested in using a cell phone, it may be their best way of communicating with others during an emergency in which phone lines are downed. An emergency cell phone stored in a prominent location with convenient preset speed dials can allow a senior to get verbal help even when the power and land line phone service are affected.

Other Emergency Equipment

Be sure that the home of an elderly person is well stocked with the standard supplies needed during an emergency, as well as any specialized medical equipment or prescriptions that the individual depends on every day. On our website (find link below), you can find a list of items recommended in an emergency kit. Of course, you may want to add some items based on the particular disasters that are more likely to affect seniors in San Diego County.

Make a Plan

Develop a brief, simple plan of action that a senior can take in each of several different emergency scenarios. Simply getting a senior to a safe location as quickly as possible is critically important, and if he or she can do that on their own, their chances of riding out the emergency safely are greatly increased. Don’t depend on memory, though: make clearly printed instructions for the senior to refer to. Remembering an action plan in the midst of an emergency is difficult for anyone, and seniors most of all.

There are a number of emergency preparedness tips and resources for seniors in San Diego County at  http://www.trustworthycare.com/resources/disaster-preparedness-resources. Browsing these resources can give you valuable details on preparation steps to take. An action plan, first aid kit and supplies, and a reliable method of communication can make a huge difference to a senior’s well being between the start of a widespread emergency and the arrival of care.