Right at Home, an international leader providing in-home companionship, personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently, is continually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective.
Sleep is an elusive state for the elderly. In fact, 12 to 25 percent of healthy elderly report sleeping problems. As the body ages, different sleep requirements apply. Younger persons need about 8 hours on the average, but older persons may need less, as little as an average of 6 1/2 hours. Younger people wake less at night and remain awake for shorter periods of time when wakened. Older adults do not experience as much deep sleep and sleep less overall. Younger persons generally complain of initiating sleep, while older persons generally complain about maintaining sleep.
Here are some tips for getting into good habits that can promote a good night's rest.
Since alcohol suppresses a hormone that helps regulate sleep, reduce or eliminate it as a remedy for sleeplessness. Stop drinking alcohol several hours before going to bed for the night.
Even though coffee may have never bothered you when you were younger, its effects may change as you age. Stop drinking caffeinated drinks early in the day, or change to tea as a substitute for coffee.
Save some energy and promote a sound night's sleep by turning down the heat at night. The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom temperature between 54 and 75 degrees F at night.
Avoid eating just before bedtime. Some experts recommend your last meal should be at least 3 to 5 hours before retiring.
If you need an excuse not to exercise, use it before bedtime. Try exercising in the early hours after you wake up (and the rest of the household is still sleeping).
Preparation for bed is a time to be a little obsessive. Establish a routine before bedtime that gets you in the mood to go to bed: reading, watching a little (relaxing) TV, brushing your teeth or any repetitive things that alert your body bedtime is approaching. Listen to relaxation tapes or relaxing music once you get into bed.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to form a regular schedule for sleeping and waking that rarely varies. Get your body used to a predictable schedule and stick to it.
If you need a nap, take a short one--a restorative 20 to 30 minutes might be the best. Don't take a nap in the evening or near to your regular bed time. Sometimes, a lowered activity level or health problems lead to napping, which in turn can lead to nighttime sleep disturbance.
If you suspect sleep apnea or any sleep-related movement disorder, such as restless leg syndrome, or another primary sleep disturbance, a sleep study may be helpful. Keep a diary of your sleep patterns and take it to your health care provider when you visit in case testing is needed.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK. For more information on Right at Home High Point, contact Greg Brewer or visit rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to http://www.caringnews.com.
Reference:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/14962-sleep-requirements-for-seniors/
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Older Americans Month
Right at Home, an international leader providing in-home companionship, personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently, is continually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective.
History
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."
Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition.
Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme—Age Strong! Live Long!—recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations. They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans.
These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.
Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history—America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.
While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.
In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services. Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.
The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly. Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK. For more information on Right at Home High Point, contact Greg Brewer or visit rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to http://www.caringnews.com.
References:
Administration of Aging
History
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."
Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition.
Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme—Age Strong! Live Long!—recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations. They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans.
These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.
Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history—America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.
While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.
In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services. Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.
The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly. Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK. For more information on Right at Home High Point, contact Greg Brewer or visit rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to http://www.caringnews.com.
References:
Administration of Aging
Monday, May 3, 2010
Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Memory
Right at Home, an international leader providing in-home companionship, personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently, is continually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective.
"Where did I park?" You dashed into the mall, visited a few stores, and now, shopping bags in hand, you realize you can't remember where you left the car.
"I've met that fellow several times…what is his name?" Names, phone numbers, even familiar words...things sometimes seem to be "on the tip of your tongue" but escape quick recollection.
When you think about your own aging process, what concerns you the most? Did you know that more people report apprehension about memory loss than about heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis or any other condition?
It is true that we experience memory changes as we age. Our speed of recollection and the amount of detail we remember decline. We become more likely to experience the classic "absentmindedness," especially when we are "multitasking" and not paying full attention.
On the other hand, for most of us, many aspects of memory will remain pretty much the same: our vocabulary and language skills, reasoning and logic, the ability to pay attention, acquired skills like playing the guitar or cooking an omelet…and that special quality that we usually refer to as "wisdom."
As with so many aspects of aging, sharpness of memory varies from individual to individual. Some of this is hereditary…yes, genes are a factor. But just as you can keep your body in shape by following a wellness regimen, there are also steps you can take to make it more likely that your memory will remain sound.
Why add stress to your life by worrying about your memory? Learn about the normal memory changes associated with aging, do all you can to take care of your brain, check out memory compensation strategies…and relax, knowing you're doing everything you can to keep your memory strong through your later years.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK. For more information on Right at Home High Point , contact Greg Brewer or visit rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to http://www.caringnews.com.
Reference:
Poststat
"Where did I park?" You dashed into the mall, visited a few stores, and now, shopping bags in hand, you realize you can't remember where you left the car.
"I've met that fellow several times…what is his name?" Names, phone numbers, even familiar words...things sometimes seem to be "on the tip of your tongue" but escape quick recollection.
When you think about your own aging process, what concerns you the most? Did you know that more people report apprehension about memory loss than about heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis or any other condition?
It is true that we experience memory changes as we age. Our speed of recollection and the amount of detail we remember decline. We become more likely to experience the classic "absentmindedness," especially when we are "multitasking" and not paying full attention.
On the other hand, for most of us, many aspects of memory will remain pretty much the same: our vocabulary and language skills, reasoning and logic, the ability to pay attention, acquired skills like playing the guitar or cooking an omelet…and that special quality that we usually refer to as "wisdom."
As with so many aspects of aging, sharpness of memory varies from individual to individual. Some of this is hereditary…yes, genes are a factor. But just as you can keep your body in shape by following a wellness regimen, there are also steps you can take to make it more likely that your memory will remain sound.
- Remember to…practice good nutrition. We can choose foods that help protect memory. The good news is, if you are one of the many adults who try to follow a "heart smart" diet, you are also on track for "memory smart" menu choices. Avoid: cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats. Choose: fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil or canola oil. Even on a day-to-day basis, nourishing meals improve alertness and help us retain memories. Take a multivitamin—but don't take megadoses that could be toxic.
- Remember to…stay physically active. Just as a "heart smart" diet helps protect the brain, heart-strengthening aerobic exercise also helps ward off Alzheimer's disease, stroke and other memory-damaging conditions. Obesity has been found to be a risk factor for dementia, so maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about an exercise program that is right for you.
- Remember to…sleep well. You've probably noticed that when you don't get enough good quality sleep, it is harder to concentrate the next day. And did you know that memories of the day are "filed away" in the brain while we sleep? People who suffer from sleep disturbances often experience memory problems. But many sleep disorders are treatable, so speak to your healthcare provider if you experience trouble falling asleep, bothersome wakeful periods during the night, or snoring (which might suggest sleep apnea—a disorder that causes interruption in breathing during sleep).
- Remember to…treat depression and avoid stress. Both cause chemical changes in the brain that can be so severe that a person's family or physician mistakenly suspects Alzheimer's or other dementia. If you are feeling overly stressed, or if depression is making it hard for you to focus and concentrate, talk with your healthcare provider. Counseling, meditation and other relaxation techniques can all help.
- Remember to…quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Many substances found in cigarette smoke damage the brain and impair memory. And while a number of studies suggest that drinking in moderation might actually be beneficial, having more than a drink or two per day can be highly toxic to the brain.
- Remember to…challenge your mind and memory. Mental stimulation encourages new connections between brain cells…so when it comes to the memory, "use it or lose it" isn’t just a cliché. Seek out a variety of mentally challenging activities! Learn a new skill—take up an instrument or study a foreign language. Join a club, volunteer, find extra ways to stay socially connected. Visit a museum or work a difficult puzzle. Passive activities, such as watching TV, don’t offer the same benefits.
- Remember to…have a memory fitness strategy. It is actually possible to increase memory sharpness through training. Visualization, concentration and other effective memory skill techniques skills improve the retention and accessing of memories. And people of every age use supplemental technology—from simple sticky notes to voice recorders, personal organizers, day planners…the possibilities are endless!
- Remember to…use seatbelts and wear a bike helmet. Head injury can result in catastrophic damage to the brain and memory. Along those lines, take proactive steps to protect against all accidents. Especially if you are an older adult or family caregiver, take steps to protect against falls at home. Remove clutter that might trip you up, install handrails by stairs if needed, and consider a fall prevention course if you are concerned about falls.
- Remember to…bring up memory concerns at your next healthcare appointment. Share with your doctor if you have experienced problems, especially disorientation, forgetting recently learned information, or a sudden inability to complete familiar tasks. While it's tempting to be in denial about memory impairment, early diagnosis of conditions such as Alzheimer's or mini-strokes allows aggressive treatment to begin right away. And if problems stem from reversible or controllable conditions, the sooner treatment begins, the better!
- Remember to…have your healthcare provider review your medications. Our lives are improved and extended by many of the medicines we take—but overmedication and the side effects of some drugs can dull the memory. Common culprits: tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain medications, high blood pressure drugs. Your physician may switch you to a different drug or dosage to lessen the effect.
Why add stress to your life by worrying about your memory? Learn about the normal memory changes associated with aging, do all you can to take care of your brain, check out memory compensation strategies…and relax, knowing you're doing everything you can to keep your memory strong through your later years.
About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK. For more information on Right at Home High Point , contact Greg Brewer or visit rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to http://www.caringnews.com.
Reference:
Poststat
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