Sleep Requirements for Seniors

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/

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

Tips for Caregivers of those with Alzhiemer's from Right At Home High Point

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Basic activities of daily living – eating, talking, sleeping, finding things to do – are often hard to manage for both the person with Alzheimer’s and the caregiver. Here are some tips that may help you cope.

Daily Activities: What to do all day?

What to do all day? Finding activities that the person with AD can do and is interested in can be a challenge. Building on current skills generally works better than trying to teach something new.

• Don’t expect too much. Simple activities often are best, especially when they use current abilities.

• Help the person get started on an activity. Break the activity down into small steps and praise the person for each step he or she completes.

• Watch for signs of agitation or frustration with an activity. Gently help or distract the person to something else.

• Incorporate activities the person seems to enjoy into your daily routine and try to do them at a similar time each day.

• Try to include the person with AD in the entire activity process. For instance, at mealtimes, encourage the person to help prepare the food, set the table, pull out the chairs, or put away the dishes. This can help maintain functional skills, enhance feelings of personal control, and make good use of time.

• Take advantage of adult day services, which provide various activities for the person with AD, as well as an opportunity for caregivers to gain temporary relief from tasks associated with caregiving. Transportation and meals often are provided

Communication: Special Considerations

Trying to communicate with a person who has AD can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.

• Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.

• Avoid talking to the person with AD like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren’t there.

• Minimize distractions and noise—such as the television or radio—to help the person focus on what you are saying.

• Call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.

• Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.

• If the person with AD is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.

• Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.

Mealtimes and Nutrition

Eating can be a challenge. Some people with AD want to eat all the time, while others have to be encouraged to maintain a good diet.

• View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction and success for the person with AD. Try to be patient and avoid rushing, and be sensitive to confusion and anxiety.

• Aim for a quiet, calm, reassuring mealtime atmosphere by limiting noise and other distractions.

• Maintain familiar mealtime routines, but adapt to the person’s changing needs.

• Give the person food choices, but limit the number of choices. Try to offer appealing foods that have familiar flavors, varied textures, and different colors.

• Serve small portions or several small meals throughout the day. Make healthy snacks, finger foods, and shakes available. In the earlier stages of dementia, be aware of the possibility of overeating.

• Choose dishes and eating tools that promote independence. If the person has trouble using utensils, use a bowl instead of a plate, or offer utensils with large or built-up handles. Use straws or cups with lids to make drinking easier.

• Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

• As the disease progresses, be aware of the increased risk of choking because of chewing and swallowing problems.

• Maintain routine dental checkups and daily oral health care to keep the mouth and teeth healthy.

Sleep Time Ideas

For the exhausted caregiver, sleep can’t come too soon. For many people with AD, however, the approach of nighttime may be a difficult time. Many people with AD become restless, agitated, and irritable around dinnertime, often referred to as “sundowning” syndrome. Getting the person to go to bed and stay there may require some advance planning.

• Encourage exercise during the day and limit daytime napping, but make sure that the person gets adequate rest during the day because fatigue can increase the likelihood of late afternoon restlessness.

• Try to schedule more physically demanding activities earlier in the day. For example, bathing could be earlier in the morning, or large family meals could be at midday.

• Set a quiet, peaceful tone in the evening to encourage sleep. Keep the lights dim, eliminate loud noises, even play soothing music if the person seems to enjoy it.

• Try to keep bedtime at a similar time each evening. Developing a bedtime routine may help.

• Restrict access to caffeine late in the day.

• Use night-lights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom if the darkness is frightening or disorienting.

Remember, each person with AD is unique and will respond differently, and each person changes over the course of the disease. Do the best you can, remind yourself to take breaks and look for help when you need it. Right At Home High Point is here to help you.

Contact Us at:
Phone 1: 336-760-7131
Phone 2: 877-760-7131
Fax: 336-760-3046
Email Us

For more information about Alzheimer’s caregiving skills, visit the National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center Website

Alzheimer Disease Awareness - Ten Signs from Right At Home High Point

November is National Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month. As you visit with your family members during this holiday season or provide in home care on a daily basis it is important to notice any changes in their personal behavior especially these top 10 warning signs, from the Alzheimer’s Association:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What's typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").

What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

If your loved one is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it is important to have them evaluated by their doctor as soon as possible.

Right At Home in High Point is here to help you manage your family member's care and provide peace of mind when you can't be there.

Phone 1: 336-760-7131
Phone 2: 877-760-7131
Fax: 336-760-3046
Email Us


Additional Alzheimer's Disease Resources (click on the titles to visit their sites):

Alzheimer’s Association - 877-IS IT ALZ

National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center –

ADEAR - Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center. U.S. National Institute on Aging.
ADEAR maintains information on Alzheimer’s disease research, diagnosis, treatments, clinical trials and federal government programs and resources. AD Lib, ADEAR 's literature database, has nearly 8,500 materials related to Alzheimer's disease that includes fact sheets, textbook chapters, journal articles, brochures, teaching manuals, directories, videos and other media, bibliographies, program descriptions, monographs, newsletters and reports.

Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).
ADI is an international membership group of Alzheimer associations. The ADI site links to member association sites throughout the world. It also provides information in several languages, statistics on the number of people with dementia worldwide, and the implications for the distribution of research funding, especially in developing countries.

Alzheimer Research Forum
This Web site reports on the latest scientific findings, from basic research to clinical trials; creates and maintains public databases of essential research data and reagents; and produces discussion forums to promote debate, speed the dissemination of new ideas, and break down barriers across the numerous disciplines that can contribute to the global effort to cure Alzheimer's disease.

Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research
Fisher's site is a comprehensive portal for caregivers, family members, people living with Alzheimer's and the general public.

Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Center
The Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Center has easy to understand, practical in-depth information on Alzheimer’s and care-giving.

Web MD.com Alzheimer’s Health Center
This site has a broad range of information, with an emphasis on information for individuals who are concerned about memory problems or have Alzheimer’s disease.