Posts Categorized: News

How to Beat the Summer Heat for Older Adults

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As summer rolls in, the number of older adults who suffer from heat stroke and dehydration increases. Those 75 and above, are the most susceptible to heat because it takes their bodies longer to cool down. Dehydration diminishes a person’s ability to regulate their body temperature, thus placing them at a higher risk of developing a heat illness. That’s because when we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature. Older adults don’t sweat as much as young people, which is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation mechanisms.

There are a variety of lifestyle and health factors that increase the risk of developing a heat-related illness among this population:

  • Dehydration
  • Chronic illnesses such as heart and kidney diseases; blood circulation conditions
  • Prescription medications that reduce sweating
  • Salt-restricted diets
  • Overdressing
  • Lack of airflow or access to air conditions

Help your older loved one beat the heat by taking the following steps.

Proper ventilation at home

Try to maintain a cool environment at home. Central air conditioning is the best option, but if that is not possible, a window air conditioning unit will also work.  Alternatively, fans can also provide relief. Make sure to position fans near windows while keeping all windows in the house open to allow continuous circulation of air.

Make use of air-conditioned public spaces

If air conditioning is not an option in the home, then take your loved one to public spaces with air conditioning. Some great options include a shopping mall, library, restaurant or even a local senior center.

Hydrate!

High temperatures in the summer make us sweat more, which can cause heatstroke. To avoid this affliction, keep your loved ones hydrated by encouraging them to drink water. Also, include foods in their diet that have a high water content such as cucumbers, melons, and berries.

While drinking eight glasses of water is a goal to strive for, also incorporate beverages that have electrolytes as those replace the minerals that a person loses while sweating.

Studies indicate that when you feel thirsty your ability to regulate heat begins to decline. For older adults, who already struggle to manage internal body heat, dehydration can block the body’s natural cooling process even more.

Older adults need to drink water and juices regularly. A good rule of thumb is to drink fluids at every meal, as well as sipping fluids throughout the day.  Avoid alcohol as well as caffeine including coffee, tea, and soda as they are a diuretic and can cause more dehydration.

Beat the heat by planning ahead

If outdoor activities are on the schedule be sure to time your outing for before noon or after 4 pm. The hottest portions of the day are typically between noon and 4 p.m. Instead, take a walk early in the day or late in the evening when temperatures and humidity are at their lowest points.

Change your wardrobe

Wear clothes that are loose fitting, containing natural fibers such as cotton and allow room for circulation. A light colored, long sleeved, loose-fitted shirt, paired with a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses is the ideal summer fashion statement. This attire allows the heat from being trapped close to the body while keeping the sun off the skin.

Be aware of early warning signs

Check on your loved one at least twice a day. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache and muscle cramps. If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress within 10 – 15 minutes into heat stroke (a more serious condition). Heat stroke is caused when the internal body temperature rises faster than it’s able to lower naturally.  Symptoms of heat stroke include nausea, vomiting, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating. If symptoms of heat stroke are present, call 911.

To help those suffering from heat-related illness here what you can do immediately: First, have the person lie down in a cool place, and if you can put a fan directly on that person even better. Then take steps to lower body temperature. Air-conditioning, offer cool fluids, or providing access to a cool bath will also help.

Warm temperatures can be a welcome shift, especially when dealing with aches and pains, but older adults need to protect themselves against the dangerous effects of hot weather. When it comes to warm conditions, too much of a good thing can become a health hazard.

4 Simple Ways of Helping Someone Cope with Sundowning

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If you have an older adult in your life who suffers from dementia, you might also notice a change in their behavior as late afternoon and early night approaches. Doctors call this “sundowning,” “sundown syndrome” or even “late-day confusion.”

What Is Sundowning Behavior? 

Sundowning is not an actual condition but a side effect that many individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia may face. As sunlight starts to fade, you may notice them start to get more anxious and upset. These kinds of behaviors can extend into the nighttime, impacting their quality of sleep.

The cause of sundowning is not widely understood. Usually, though, sundowning behaviors are more common in either the middle or later stages of dementia. 

While it’s linked to lower levels of sunlight in the late afternoon and night, there are other factors that are believed to contribute to or exacerbate sundowning behaviors. One possible cause is a distributed biological or body clock, which then impacts the sleep-wake cycle. Other possible causes could be not getting enough sunlight or getting overstimulated during the day.

What Does Sundowning Behavior Look Like?

Symptoms of sundown syndrome in older adults may vary, but common behaviors during the latter half of the day can include:

  • Anxiety and agitation
  • Sadness
  • Restlessness
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Mood swings
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Extreme pacing
  • Wandering
  • Rocking

Ways to Help Someone Cope With Sundowning

If you know an older adult who is dealing with sundowning, you may be looking for ways to help them cope. While preventing sundown syndrome is impossible, as a caregiver, you can engage in a number of techniques that can help reduce “late-day confusion” and agitation.

The following tips may help with sundowning:

1.        Make a schedule and try to follow it

People suffering from Alzheimer’s usually cannot remember new things, which makes it hard for them to develop new routines. This unfamiliarity in their daily life can cause stress and agitation which seems to play a role in causing the symptoms to surface. Hence, keep individuals calm and collected by setting a regular time for eating, sleeping, etc. The familiarity provides them with security.

2.        Light it up for them

Theories to explain sundowning are many, but one reason that stands out is the change in a client’s sleep-wake cycle. To address the issues, experts have suggested adjusting the lights in the room – by adding bright or fluorescent lights. This can help prevent those with sundowning from assuming that it is nighttime, which in turn, will make them less agitated and confused.

3.        Distract and attract

Divert the person away from self-consuming thoughts and anxieties by engaging in activities that they love. These may include engaging in physical exercise, going for walks, or even playing music. Distractions help reduce daytime napping, increasing the chances of peaceful sleep at night.

4.        Be there for them but do not overdo it

Try to stay calm when you’re dealing with someone who is sundowning. Do not argue with those suffering, even if they face hallucinations or delusions. Just reassure them, tell them they will be fine and that you are there watching out for them. Your presence in itself offers them the familiarity they crave.

Managing sundown syndrome is not easy. It requires patience and time, but a little support from you can help ease anxiety and confusion.

Help the Older Adult in Your Life Live Gracefully at Home 

At Corewood Care, it’s our goal to improve the way health is managed, allowing our clients to thrive and live gracefully at home. As a home care agency, we provide an array of care services that we tailor to each individual’s needs, and partner with the Alzheimer’s Association for the highest quality of care for our clients. 

Older adults who are struggling with sundowning may benefit from having reliable, professional in-home care, providing them with round-the-clock support. From assisting with activities of daily living (ADL) to advocating for clients with the right tools and options, our caregivers are here to provide a holistic approach to care— when it’s needed most. 

We rely on an integrated care management and home care model that combines technology with a multidisciplinary team focus. With dementia specialists, nutritionists and other professionals, we’ll make sure needs are covered.

We invite you to learn more about our home care services or schedule a free consultation to get started.

10 Things Everyone Should Do As We Age (And that your Care Manager Can Help You Carry Out)

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  1.  Identify a trusted person Identify a trusted person or persons to receive your essential documents. We’ll call this person the Information Keeper. This may be an adult child, a long-time friend, or someone who can be counted on as absolutely trustworthy. Set a date for this person to review this checklist.
  2.  Choose one or two people to become your legal and/or durable medical power of attorney (DPOA). Include these names, signed and notarized in the estate plan documents. But it is surprising how many families don’t have one when they need it. A generic DPOA form can also be downloaded free from the internet.
  3.  Have a signed advanced healthcare directive and fill out a Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). Competent elder care attorneys should also include this document in the estate plan. This document is available for free from your physician’s office or from the internet for free. It is vitally important that you express your end of life wishes now, so that family members don’t have to make those decisions for you.
  4.  Make a list of all bank accounts, passwords, investment records and financial planning. The professionals you are working with should be on the list. And you should give permission in writing to each of them, such as your accountant, elder care lawyer, and financial advisor to communicate with your appointed trusted person.
  5.  List all of your insurance policies and provide the location of these written documents. This includes life, disability, health, property, and anything else you own that will protect your heirs. Millions of dollars of life insurance proceeds go uncollected each year because the beneficiaries do not know that the policies exist or that they are the recipients.
  6.  Make a copy of your mortgage statement, other loans and debts, financial statements, and bank statement. These should be updated quarterly as they change and amounts fluctuate. If you become incapacitated, your designated person would need to step in and handle your affairs. Make sure they have the financial information necessary.
  7.  Make a list of all physicians, care providers, medications and allergies you take and give the list to the Information Keeper along with written permission to speak with your doctors. This could be a life-saving measure if you are unable to communicate. This one is simple and won’t take much time.
  8.  Talking about death and your burial wishes to your family is difficult but do it anyway. Create or have on hand information about your wishes for burial or disposition of your remains.
  9.  Update your will and/or trust with your elder care attorney. Laws vary by each state and these need to be current in the state where you now live in retirement. If you’ve never gotten around to updating your will or trust, then make a date and see a lawyer.
  10.  Call a family meeting to discuss the items on this checklist. Transparency is critical to avoid conflicts down the road. Everyone should know your wishes.

Corewood Care Managers are trained nurses and social workers dedicated to providing expert guidance and advocacy to deliver safe and cost-effective long-term care solutions. We understand the importance of delivering solutions that help our clients and their families reclaim their lives and increase their quality of life, all while maximizing independence, safety, and comfort. Our Care Managers will develop a comprehensive, personalized care plan offering you and your family options of how to proceed with both immediate care and long-term care. If you wish to learn more or have any questions about our new operational guidelines, please call our office directly at 301-909-8117.

First Quarter: Corewood Care Giving Back

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First Quarter: Corewood Care Giving Back

At Corewood Care we strive to give back to the community and provide the community with the resources they need. Below is an overview of some of the events we have sponsored this quarter.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our events so far this year. Make sure to explore our social media pages to learn about future Corewood Care events!

Parkinson’s Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA) Event – Corewood Care, Kensington Park and Kendra Scott came together to support the Parkinson’s Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA).  The event took place at Kendra Scott in Downtown Bethesda this April. 20% of all proceeds were donated to the PFNCA. Kendra Scott is a woman owned business, offering beautiful and affordable jewelry.

Caregiver Stress Relief Seminar – As part of our community seminar series, our team held a Caregiver Stress Relief Seminar at Brookdale Olney Assisted Senior Living this April.  Our Care Management team spoke to caregivers and individuals who needed support. If you are a caregiver in need of stress relief information, check out the Mayo Clinic’s resources. Learn how respite care and support groups may be of help to you. 

Bowling for Alzheimer’s Event – Corewood Care has joined the fight to end Alzheimer’s and will be participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 13, 2018. This event is held in more than 600 communities nationwide, and is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. If you are still looking to join a team, consider joining ours!

April is National Stress Awareness Month

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April is designated as the month to focus on both the causes and cures of stress, which is considered to be a modern epidemic. The Health Resource Network annually sponsors April as National Stress Awareness Month to promote public awareness about stress and the associated risks.  Many of us do not recognize the symptoms of stress and often fail to realize the dangers until it is too late.  While stress is a normal part of life, too much can affect emotions, behaviors, the ability to think, and physical health.  According to the Cleveland Clinic, certain diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcer disease, or cardiac disease can worsen with mental stress.

As the population ages, more caregiving is being provided by family members. Those who care for family members are at an increased risk for stress and adverse health outcomes as a result. Family caregivers are often so focused on their loved one’s health, that they fail to realize their own well-being is at risk. Check out Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself for more information on the signs of stress and strategies for coping. Make sure to use National Stress Awareness Month as a time to bring extra awareness to the well-being of yourself and others!

Links:

The Health Resource Network

http://www.stresscure.com/hrn/Default.htm

Symptoms of Stress

https://www.webmd.boots.com/stress-management/physical-stress-symptoms

Clevland Clinic

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress

Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784

Emotional Support Animals

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Whether it’s a passenger fearful of flying, someone coping poorly with a past traumatic situation, or a student who gets nervous before taking tests, an increasing number of people are leaning on animals to provide comfort. 

So what animals should qualify as ESA’s? While generally, they are dogs or cats, ESA’s can be any domestic animal, including not only rabbits, mice, ferrets, and guinea pigs, but also snakes, ducks, and potbellied pigs. The only stipulation is that the animal can’t be a health or safety threat to other people and that the owner must be able to keep it under control in public so it doesn’t become a nuisance. The animal also can’t be illegal to own, such as an exotic or wild animal. 

ESA’s do not require special training to do their job. The idea is that their mere presence helps someone with an emotional disability live independently and adapt to stressful situations. 

Many people can benefit from the companionship of an emotional support animal, reducing or eliminating the need to take medication, such as for anxiety or depression. In 2013, the American Heart Association even found that pet ownership was linked to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and blood cholesterol. If you think you have a legitimate need for an ESA the team at Corewood suggests seeing a mental health professional who can evaluate you and provide you with numerous ways to cope. In the meantime, you can always schedule a visit from one of our team members and we might just bring along our therapy dog, Pickle!

Creating a Culture of Hope 

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At Corewood we strongly believe that our community is our family. We believe that the effort, love, and consideration we give to those around us matters. We want to live in a better world and believe that individuals are represented by more than their own actions that we are all a reflection of the community we helped create. That in fact, a community is a mirror image of what we each put into it.

Goodness provides a sense of stability, of trust. This is especially the case in times of adversity or loss. In a culture where your community is at the core of the word, good and we treat others how we wish we were to be treated we create a culture where those who are vulnerable rest assured knowing that those around them are dedicated to being there for them. In knowing this, we have created a culture of hope. We hope to be a part of that effort, for those around us to have a belief in their community and also themselves. We believe in the strength of individuality, that you can conquer anything that comes your way, and that you are enough. We must each own this, become it, be there for others, and in turn, we will see the world we wish to live in every day.

We are each unique, our needs are unique. What is right for me is not right for you. That being said there comes a time and a place where we have to trust others. Trust others to carry out our wishes honor our choices, and continue and help you and your community thrive in a ‘culture of hope’. Our care managers make an effort to ensure you make your choices known, provide you with the tools to make the decisions that best fit your unique self, and then help lay out a plan of action and execute that plan. 

Care management is especially helpful during health crises, cognitive decline, rehabilitation, life transitions, and when family members are not available to provide assistance to spouses or parents. Care Managers are aware of community resources and provide guidance. They coordinate care and services to meet the client’s psychosocial, physical, and emotional healthcare needs. They are also well versed in the legal and financial steps necessary to prepare for long-term care and work closely with elder care attorneys and financial planners to ensure that medical and legal advanced planning is in place. 

Resources for a Better Life

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Need to go to the Dentist but don’t want to spend 40 minutes in a waiting room? Did you know that one can help you with all of your dental needs in the comfort of your own home. Do you want to meet other people in the area who are also experiencing loved ones with Alzheimers symptoms? There are a variety of social and support groups in your neighborhood. The below list is comprised of resources in your community that will help you stay happy, healthy, and at home! Even better, all of the following are local, family-owned, or non-profit organizations.

 

Maryland Department of Aging   |   Phone: 410.767.1100      

Website: https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Address: 301 West Preston Street Suite 1007 Baltimore, MD 21201

Mission: A proactive body that provides statewide leadership on diverse senior issues and advocates for practical solutions

 

Capital Integrative Health   |   Phone: 240.507.5110

Website: https://cihealth.org/

Address: 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite N270, Bethesda Maryland 20816

Mission: to educate, lead and inspire our community towards optimal health and true wellbeing.

 

Wave Area Village Exchange

Website: https://wavevillages.org/

Address + Phone: Varies by county

Mission: Neighbors helping neighbors, facilitating and participates in the networking, education, charity give-back and collaborative activities for the senior community

 

District Mobile Dental | Phone: 240.485.8688

Website: https://districtmobiledental.com/

Email: districtmobiledental@gmail.com

Mission: To provide in-home comprehensive oral healthcare to older adults living in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Trained to provide routine dental cleanings or periodontal maintenance, oral cancer screenings, root canals, fillings, crowns, dentures, and most any other dental services

Sibley Senior Association   |   Phone: 202.364.7602

Address: 5255 Loughboro Road, N.W. Washington, DC 20016

Email: SibleySenior@jhmi.edu     

Mission: To provide the Sibley Hospital Community and Association members with the resources they need as they make important life transitions. The association hosts support groups, activities, discounts on local events, health screenings, exercise classes and seminars.

 

Seabury Resources for Aging   |   Phone: 202.414.6315

Website: https://www.seaburyresources.org/

Address: 6031 Kansas Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20011

Mission: Seabury Resources for Aging’s mission is to provide personalized, affordable services and housing options to help older adults in the greater Washington, DC area live with independence and dignity.

 

Live Better Hearing      |   Phone: 443.594.2168

Website: https://livebetterhearing.com/

Address: 19 various locations (MD + VA)

Mission: To employ the top experts in the field, offer only the best hearing technology to the people we serve and be the leading audiology practice in the DC Metro Area.

 

Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen   |   Phone: 202.895.2799

Address: 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

Mission: Clifford Cohen has over 30 years of law experience focusing on estate planning, business planning, and elder law. He believes that the best plans are the result of close collaboration with his clients.  He received his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University in 1975 and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami Law School in 1981.

 

Iona Senior Services   |   Phone: 202.966.1055

Website: https://www.iona.org/

Address: 4125 Albemarle St NW, Washington, DC 20016

Mission: Iona supports people as they experience the challenges and opportunities of aging. We educate, advocate, and provide community-based services to help people age well and live well.

 

Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) |   Phone: 301.816.2633

Website: https://www.jssa.org

Mission: Provides emotional, social, and physical support through a wide range of counseling, educational, special needs services, in-home support, hospice and nursing care, and social services.

 

Memory Cafe, Alzheimer’s Association   |   Phone: 800.272.3900

Website: https://www.alz.org/maryland?set=1

Mission: To be a safe and relaxed place where people with early-stage memory loss, their families, friends and health professionals come together for a unique blend of education and social interaction

 

Montgomery Hospice   |    Phone: 301.921.4400

Website: https://montgomeryhospice.org/

Address: 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20850

Mission: Our team to include doctors,, spiritual counselors, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers works with our patients and their families to provide quality end-of-life care in homes, extended care facilities and at Casey House, our acute care facility.

 

RenewMe Fitness   |   Phone: 301.385.3192

Website: https://www.renewmefitness.com/

Email: peter@renewmefitness.com

Mission: To provide experienced, friendly, and fun in-home personal training services geared toward older adults (ages 50+) with specialized training and exercise for conditions including dementia, Parkinson’s, heart disease, stroke, joint replacements, and multiple sclerosis

 

Immunization Awareness Month

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August marks the beginning of back to school shopping and the last full month of summer.

And with fall peeking its head around the corner, bringing with it the start of cold and flu season, it makes sense that August also marks National Immunization Awareness Month.

Many immunizations for kids are dictated by the school system, but this doesn’t cover all of the preventative immunizations out there, such as the chickenpox vaccination, that exist in today’s medical practices.

As far as adult immunizations go, many aren’t aware of what to get and why. And some immunizations are covered by insurance, while others are not. So, we are here to help our residents navigate the ins and outs of immunizations with the top 6 things you should know:

  • Why get vaccinated? Some infectious diseases are considered “vaccine-preventable,” meaning that a vaccine can prevent the disease, which is much easier and less expensive than treating it. If you’re not immunized, some of these diseases could result in hospitalization or premature death. At the very least, one of these diseases would result in doctor’s bills and missed work. Also, by getting recommended vaccinations you are in effect protecting the future generations, helping to wipe out these diseases all together.
  • Are immunizations safe for babies and children? Some parents believe that there’s a link between autism and vaccinations. It’s said that scientific studies prove that there is no connection. They say that it’s not only safe, but also highly recommended to vaccinate children on schedule.
  • Is it safe for a child to have a number of vaccinations at once? The number of vaccinations has increased immensely over the years as scientists have found more ways to protect children from potentially deadly diseases. Today, it may seem as if babies and young children are faced with so many different shots, and some have combinations of vaccines in one shot.
  • Haven’t most of these diseases, like Polio, been gone for a while? Many diseases, such as polio and whooping cough, have become very uncommon because of vaccinations. But if we stopped vaccinating, they could once again, spread rapidly. These vaccinations will not become unnecessary until the infectious disease has been completely eliminated.
  • Which vaccinations should adults consider? There are many vaccinations out there today designed for adults, from the flu shot to the tetanus shot, and different people will benefit from these preventative measures, depending on stage of life. Your primary health care provider will be the best person to determine which vaccines will be best for you, and it’s always good to ask them at each annual visit.
  • Which vaccinations are covered by most health insurance policies? Starting in July of 2010, new health insurance policies are required to cover certain preventive services without any cost-sharing for the enrollee when delivered by in-network providers. Many, though not all, vaccinations fall into this category.

If you have any questions about the blog please feel free to call our office at 301-909-8117.

Homecare Advantages

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There are many advantages to home care, are you aware of them?

The biggest advantage of in-home care for seniors; it allows older adults to age in place and avoids making the move to an institution. At home, seniors feel most comfortable with the environment they are comfortable with. The significant factor of receiving care at home depends on the level of need by a person.

Benefits of Home Care

In-home care gives families confidence and peace knowing their aging loved ones are comfortable at home and receiving professional, compassionate, and personalized care.

In many cases, it’s the most satisfying form of senior care and sometimes more affordable than other types of care. There are lots of other reasons for the growing demand for our services, too.

Home care offers a person with individual needs to stay home. The services might be for people who are getting older, who are chronically ill, who are recovering from surgery, who live with a disability. Home care services include:

  • Personal care, like help with bathing, washing hair, shaving, or getting dressed.
  • Homemaking, like cleaning the house, yard work, and laundry.
  • Cooking, meal preparation, shopping, picking up medications, or delivering meals.
  • Health care services from a home health aide.

Call Us: (301) 909-8117