Dementia Care

 

Nearly one-third of people over the age of 65 are hard-of-hearing while nearly 50% of people over the age of 85 suffer from some form of hearing loss. Because hearing loss is usually a gradual process that begins in one's forties, it is commonly not recognized until it is significant. It is important to be able to recognize signs of hearing loss, have it diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms of hearing loss:

• Have trouble hearing over the telephone

• Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking,

• Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain,

• Have a problem hearing because of background noise,

• Sense that others seem to mumble, or

• Can't understand when women and children speak to you.

Hearing loss in seniors can lead to others mistakenly thinking that seniors are confused, difficult or apathetic. Additionally, the senior may be embarrassed by the loss and resist seeking out medical help. The inability to fully communicate can lead to frustration and isolation. The key here is communication and enlisting the following strategies to bring these seniors back into the conversation:

• Make sure that you are looking at the listener and you are in a well-lit area.

• Don't shout, this can often create increased sound distortion.

• If there are 2 or more people present, make sure that only one person is speaking at a time.

• Address them directly by saying their name before starting a conversation so they have time to focus.

• Many people with hearing loss rely on lip-reading. Keep your hands away from your mouth and avoid smoking, chewing gum or eating while talking.

• Slow down a little but not too much. A natural and unhurried rate of speech allows the hearing impaired person to capture more words, read lips and facial expressions.

• If one ear is better than the other, make sure you are directing your speech to the better ear.

• Hearing loss can include certain sound distortions. They may hear your voice but not be able to decipher certain words or pitches.

• Minimize extra noise in the environment when have a discussion, like turning the TV or dishwasher off.

• If possible, avoid having discussions in settings that may have sudden loud sounds like busy streets, near construction areas or near airports.

• Depending on the level and type of hearing loss, certain words are almost impossible to understand, try rephrasing the sentence or find a different word. Don't repeat the word or sentence over and over again.

• Avoid sudden changes of topic. When the subject is changed clearly state the new topic and look for acknowledgement before proceeding.

• Write specific information, such as appointments, directions and schedules down, if you are talking over the phone, have them repeat the information back as many words and numbers sound similar.

• Understand that illness or tiredness may affect any person's ability to follow a conversation.

• If the listener looks confused, clarify that they understood what you were saying.

The best course of action to take if you suspect hearing loss is to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and treatments available. If you suspect hearing loss in a senior that you are caring for or that you care about, remember to be compassionate about discussing the possibility of hearing loss. It is important to be supportive regarding the options and opportunity for treatment. Motivation for the decision to seek treatment should be to increase their quality of life by providing the ability to participate in all social interactions to the best of their ability.

Medicare may not be enough to cover your health care needs as you age. But how do you know what kind of health plan will work for you?

Do you provide assistance for an older person who needs care? People of all ages can be caregivers, but it is very common for older people to become caregivers to their spouses or other loved ones, and – too often – they begin to neglect their own health at an age when they should really be paying more attention to it.

Caregiving is both mentally and physically stressful, and caregivers are considered to be at increased risk for physical health problems and depression. If you are a caregiver in your senior years, it is even more important that you take care of your own health.

The Health Effects of Caregiving

Whether caring for an ailing spouse or another loved one, many caregivers become so concerned with their care-providing role that they neglect their own health, putting themselves at increased risk of:

• Poor physical health: 16 percent of caregivers say that their health declined after they become caregivers.
• Psychological stress: Approximately half of all people who provide Alzheimer's care, a common type of elder care, report experiencing distress. The effects of psychological stress can be widespread and may include depression, burnout, alcohol and drug use, and other problems.
• Self-neglect: Caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to eat poorly, be sleep deprived, not exercise, not rest when ill, and postpone medical appointments.
• Death: Caregivers are at higher risk of dying than the general population.

Caring for Yourself While Providing Care

When you’re involved in the stress and chaos of providing elder care, or any type of caregiving, it can be difficult to take a step back and focus on yourself. Keep in mind: The loved one you are caring for will be the first to benefit when you make your own health a priority.

Follow these suggestions for taking care of yourself while providing elder care:

• Participate in stress-reducing activities. Find things that you like to do to relieve the stress of caregiving. Take a yoga class, garden, meditate, or spend time with a friend. Do these activities regularly and you’ll have a better sense of control over your situation.
• Get your own medical care. You may be spending a lot of time at the doctor with your loved one, but don't use that as an excuse to skip your own medical visits. Make sure that you are getting regular check-ups and any testing vital for your own good health.
• Exercise regularly. Exercising will help reduce stress and keep you in good physical shape. Book regular appointments for yourself to take a brisk walk, attend an exercise class, or do some other type of physical activity that you enjoy.
• Take breaks. It is important that you get some time away from caregiving, though this can be especially difficult if you are providing elder care for someone who needs around-the-clock attention. Don't be shy: Ask another family member to step in and help. A friend or neighbor might be willing to give you a break. Also inquire about respite care resources in your community; options include day visits or short stays at a senior care facility.
• Practice positive self-talk. Many caregivers impose a huge burden on themselves, so it is important for your psychological health to replace negative thoughts with positive thinking. For example, instead of telling yourself, "I never do anything right," try focusing on the positive by thinking, "My aging parents enjoy spending time with me." If possible, talk about this with your loved one, who may be able to give you peace of mind by letting you know exactly what you are doing right.

As you begin to focus on your own health, you will feel more vital and energized, which will improve the quality of care you give to your loved ones.

Get more information in the Everyday Health Senior Health Center.

Aging happens naturally, but aging well takes careful planning. Take steps to ensure that your financial, living, and medical needs will be met in old age.

Aging is a time of transition. Many people start taking steps to eat better, get regular exercise, and manage stress to extend their healthy years. But it goes beyond that: Healthy aging should include thinking ahead to the financial, medical, and family issues that you could face in old age.

Your Personal Security Plan

Older adults face many decisions in the last decades of their lives. Taking some time to look at the issues ahead and plan accordingly can make the future easier and more enjoyable for both you and your family. Here are some areas to consider:

• Your money. Saving for retirement is important, and you want to make sure you have enough money to live on and enjoy life in your old age. You also want to make sure that money is protected, that you can get to it if you need it, and that you have enough to take care of yourself and your family. You should also make decisions about what should happen to that money when you die by preparing a will or trust document that spells out your wishes.
• Your health care. You may need more health care in old age than you did when you were younger. It’s important to make sure that you have health insurance coverage, possibly a second plan to cover costs not met by Medicare, and that you understand the coverage and have enough money on hand to cover what your plan doesn't. Keep your health and life insurance policy information stored in a safe but accessible place.
• Your life. The onset of a health emergency – such as a heart attack, stroke, major injury, or terminal illness – is not the best time to make key decisions. Preparing advance directives like a durable power of attorney, a living will, and other documents that state your end-of-life wishes can save you and your family from unneeded stress in a time of crisis.
• Your care. It's tough to think about not being able to take care of yourself, but that point may come. Friends and family members may not be able to give you the level of care that you need when living with a debilitating illness. While you're still healthy and able, make decisions about potential living arrangements, like a nursing home or assisted living facility, hospice care, home health care, and other available care options, depending on your condition. Choose which options you prefer in various situations, and consider how you will pay for them.
• Your home. Your home may be easy for you to navigate and comfortable for you now, but think about how that may change when you get older. A big house with lots of stairs to climb may present a serious challenge if you have health or physical problems. Take stock of your living arrangements to see if safety modifications or remodeling can be done now to provide for your health at home later.

Protecting Your Partner

It's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to handle and pay for your care in old age, especially if you’re the primary breadwinner in your household. A debilitating illness such Alzheimer's disease or a serious stroke can quickly deplete your financial resources. Consider your health, and the health of your spouse, partner, or family members. Make preparations and provisions and develop a plan to deal with these issues in the event one of you becomes sick.

Although financial assistance for senior health care is available, it's best to begin planning well in advance. Programs like Medicaid have strict rules and regulations, and may not cover enough of your medical expenses for you to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Start looking at your financial options early and consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure that you and your family are cared for in your old age.

Figuring Out What You Need as You Age

When you’re ready to start planning, there are people who can assist you in making the necessary arrangements. An elder care attorney can advise you and your spouse or partner on legal issues and financial arrangements and draw up legal documents.

Also, consider having a geriatric medical assessment done. This process can give you a picture of your overall health. The earlier health problems are identified, the more input you’ll be able to have in your future care and the care of your family. Your health care team can help develop a plan to make sure your living arrangements are safe and will serve your needs in the years ahead. An assessment is an especially good idea if you are already experiencing some health problems or signs of dementia.

Although no one likes to think about getting old, putting a plan in place earlier rather than later can help you maintain the lifestyle you want to have as you enter your later years.