9/05
Simple Steps to Keep Your Mind Sharp
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia, (a group of brain disorders that cause memory loss and decline in mental function over time) that affects more than 4.5 million Americans. Although common, Alzheimer's is NOT a normal part of aging.
Recently, AARP Magazine printed an article about Alzheimer's and ways to keep your mind sharp. The article states that although we cannot stop Alzheimer's disease, we might be able to delay its devastating effects by improving what is called neural reserve ¾ a built-in redundancy of the machinery of the brain.
Regular exercise, social interaction, and a healthy diet are important. So is doing familiar things in unfamiliar ways. It is believed by some that changing routines can stimulate nerve cells, enhance blood flow, and increase the production of chemicals that protect precious brain cells.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Switch Sides. Use your nondominant hand for routine activities such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, or buttoning your shirt.
2. Rearrange Things. Switching furniture around, rearranging items in kitchen cabinets, or just moving the location of your trash baskets can help remap the visual and spatial networks in your brain.
3. Puzzle It Out. Jigsaw puzzles exercise spatial intelligence and activate new pathways in the brain.
4. Share A Story. Take turns reading aloud with someone else. Both reading aloud and listening promote the interaction of the brain's left and right hemispheres and activate little-used pathways.
5. Smell the Roses. Smell is the only sense that connects directly to a part of the brain that is involved in processing emotions and storing memories. That's why scents can make people feel nostalgic. In the new Bob and Dudie Kieckhefer Strolling Garden at The Margaret T. Morris Center, residents who have memory loss enjoy the memory-stimulating fragrance of herbs and flowers. The garden is filled with other special features that focus on the five senses. At the Zen Sands for example, the residents can feel the texture of the sand and make designs, stimulating fond memories of planting, making sand castles or days at the beach. A garden is wonderful place to connect to your senses and the natural world - another way to keep your mind sharp.
THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) provides supportive health and social programs for adults, and respite for their families. Scholarship assistance may be available. THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER in Prescott (445-6633) is a residence for people with memory loss. We invite you to tour our care programs to discover how they might fit your needs.
THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) provide supportive health and social programs for adults, and respite for their caretakers. THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER in Prescott (445-6633) is a residence for people with memory loss. For a virtual tour, visit our web site at www.adultcareservices.org
9/05
BEST CHOICES WHEN EATING OUT
By Kate Cooper, Owner, Kate's House of Fitness-
Most Americans eat out at least occasionally, if not more often. Eating out at restaurants may pose a problem because that is looked on as a "special" occasion for which you do not want to make healthy food choices. Even if it is a frequent occasion it can be tough to make proper food choices because you cannot interpret the menu for the best options. Fortunately, restaurants are more accommodating than ever before. A survey by the National Restaurant Association found that nearly 90 percent of table service restaurants will alter food preparations on request. And fast food restaurants have recently made changes and added new items to accommodate the health-and-diet-conscious person.
Healthy Selections by Course
Beverages:
-Ice water or club soda
-Limit yourself to 1 alcoholic beverage
-Avoid caffeine
Salads:
-Ask for dressing on the side and use sparingly
-Use vinegar and lemon juice as an alternative to dressing
-Avoid high-calorie ingredients such as croutons, bacon, cheese, olives and anything fried
Sandwiches:
-Ask for spreads on the side
-Use mustard, lettuce, tomato & any fresh veggies to improve taste, texture, and satisfaction without adding calories
-Choose whole grain breads or wraps
-Choose lower-calorie fillings such as lean beef, chicken, turkey and tuna (unless high in mayonnaise)
Entrees:
-Broiled, roasted, grilled, stir-fried or baked low-fat meats such as seafood, skinless chicken or turkey breast, or lean cuts of beef (anything "loin", for instance)
-Ask that meats be cooked without butter, oils or added salts (watch out for words like "marinated" or any spices that can include large amounts of salt)
Side Dishes:
-Plain vegetables, without butter or salt
-Avoid sour cream and butter
Dessert:
-Choose fresh fruit, sorbet, Jell-O without cream/whipped cream
High Fat Indicators:
•Alfredo, Au Gratin, Batter Dipped, Béarnaise, Breaded, Creamy, Crispy, Flaky, Fried, Hollandaise, Parmigiana, Puffed, Tempura
Low Fat Indicators:
•Baked, Broiled, Flame-Cooked, Grilled, Marinara, Poached, Roasted, Smoked, Steamed
Choosing healthy alternatives when eating out does not mean giving up all taste.
Plenty of fresh well-cooked meals are satisfying and delicious! The more we get accustomed to eating less salt, sugar & high fats, the more our taste buds will function and we can enjoy the true taste and texture of whole foods.
PROTEIN: Who Needs It & Why?
By Kate Cooper, Owner, Kate's House of Fitness
-The Tri-Cities' Serious Source for Sports Nutrition
Protein is the building block of the entire body. Muscles, tissues (organs and skeleton), hair, nails, etc. are all composed of protein. Your body cannot build or maintain itself if sufficient protein is not available. From young to old, athletes to the overweight, high quality, clean protein consumption is vital. Experts estimate that the ideal protein intake for active adults is at least .9 grams per pound of body weight. If your goal is to add muscle and you are working out intensely then the recommended intake increases to 1 gram to 1.5 grams per pound of body weight. If your goal is to lose excess body fat then you still want to consume a good amount of clean protein to maintain lean tissue and ensure proper caloric balance without the added unwanted calories of bad fats and simple carbohydrates.
By making sure your system has the protein and amino acids it requires you can speed metabolism & recovery, build new muscle, reduce workout related injuries and maintain healthy tissues. Proper quantities of protein and the timing of meals can stabilize blood sugar levels. This is important to keep you feeling good and energetic all day and stops your cravings for food that occur when your blood sugar levels drop. Diets that are too high in simple carbohydrates cause your blood sugar levels to go through peaks and valleys. You go from feeling a burst of energy and feeling full to those "afternoon lulls" and feeling hungry.
Here are some easy ways & appropriate times to add protein to your diet:
* To "balance" any meal - For instance, many people eat cereal for breakfast. Most cereals are primarily carbohydrates. By adding protein to your meal you have made your breakfast more balanced and complete. Your morning energy will be more stable and last for a longer period, as will your feeling of satiety.
* Right after workouts - your body goes into recovery mode. There is a half hour window directly following a workout where protein is vital and can be easily metabolized and synthesized to help muscle recuperate and build.
* Before you go to bed - Eating some form of protein before bedtime helps prevent protein breakdown that naturally occurs when we sleep. If muscle gain & /or recovery is your goal, then this is a crucial time to be sure your body has the protein it needs.
Excellent forms of protein can be found in whole food sources such as eggs, fish, poultry and lean cuts of meat. However, when you consider the amounts recommended -for example, 1g per lb. for an average female could be as much as 150g per day or the equivalent of 30 egg whites or 6 chicken breasts- it is difficult, if not impossible, to easily consume that amount of food.
Protein powders fill this gap. They are produced mostly from whey, egg, milk ,soy or any combination thereof. Some varieties are combined with complex carbs &/or essential fatty acids (EFAs) to make a more complete meal in itself. These days the flavor technology is amazing and there are so many flavors to choose from that one is sure to fit anybody's taste buds. There are the old favorites of Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry all the way to Peach Mango and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Protein powders are affordable, convenient, portable and don't need to be refrigerated or cooked. They are a simple way to get in the recommended amounts of protein and multiple meals per day to keep the metabolism active and working for you.
If you have a general nutrition question you would like Kate to address in a future article, please email her at kateshofpv@yahoo.com.
Information provided by Kate at Kate’s House of Fitness, 772-6813, corner of Windsong & Florentine, Prescott Valley.
Congratulations! You have just picked up your new eyeglasses! You have been fitted with the very finest ophthalmic materials. Your new lenses have been designed and manufactured to your Dr.'s and FDA's exacting specifications. Now, how do you keep them looking and feeling great?
There are a number of things you can do to prolong the life of your new glasses:
~Always keep your glasses in a case when not in use. This will protect your lenses from scratches and will also help to extend the life of your frame.
~To avoid scratching, never lay your lenses directly on any type of hard or abrasive surface.
~Be sure to use two hands when putting on or removing your glasses to help keep them in proper alignment.
~Do not let anyone else "try on" your glasses. Your frames have been custom fitted for you. Letting others wear your glasses may cause stretching or other damage.
~Clean your lenses and frames on a regular basis with an approved lens cleaner or mild soap and water. Wipe them with a clean dry cloth. To avoid scratching lenses, never wipe your lenses with Kleenex or paper towels. Paper products are made from wood fiber and will wear into the surface of your lenses. If there are particles on your lenses, be sure to wash them completely off the surface before wiping.
~Avoid using your shirttail to wipe your glasses. There may be dirt or debris caught in the fabric which could scratch your lenses. Also avoid using a cloth that has been washed with fabric softener or dried with fabric softener sheets as the fabric softener leaves a residue in the cloth which can create a filmy appearance on your lenses.
~Over time nosepads can become discolored. They can easily be replaced by your eyecare professional
.
~Your glasses will last longer if you have them adjusted periodically. This allows us to check for loose screws or other possible problems. If your frame breaks, do not attempt to repair it with tape or glue. Bring it to your eyecare professional so it can be repaired properly or replaced.
~As a general rule, never place your glasses down where you might forget and sit on them or step on them, such as on a bed, chair or the floor!
If you follow these general guidelines, your glasses should feel comfortable and look great. Remember to schedule a yearly eye exam even if your glasses are still like new to evaluate the health of your eyes and any changes needed for your best possible vision.
Information provided by Terri Antone, of Antone Optical.
Who's Hungry? (8/04)
The answer is, you never know. Maybe it's a local family whose Dad lost his job. They had enough savings for a couple of weeks, but a little food will help stretch the budget. Maybe it's an out-of-town construction worker, brought in at low wages, and living out of his car until he builds up some savings. Perhaps a senior couple that just got hit with a big medical bill that their social security and Medicare don't cover. Sound familiar?
You do care, and it bothers you to know that people around you are hungry. But what can you do? You can just do a little bit. Think about your pantry or cupboard. Do you have a few cans at the back that have been sitting there for a few months, never used? Maybe you bought too much tuna or tomato sauce when guests were coming. There are those cans of milk from the holidays. A couple of boxes of cereal the kids didn't eat. And quite a bit of soup you got on sale a few months ago. If you put that in a bag or box and add a few canned meals like hash or stew, that could feed a family for a few days. Frozen or refrigerated items are OK, too! Well, that feels good!
You have a bit more room in your kitchen, and someone has a few more days of survival. The Gospel of Grace food bank would be happy to accept and distribute any food, as long as it has not been opened. Personal care items are great, too! Call us at 775-0083. The Gospel of Grace is a food bank at 8169 East Florentine (just west of Robert Road) in Prescott Valley, that serves people from Cordes Junction through Paulden. A "branch" is located in Humboldt, operating out of the Desert Hills Fellowship. Gospel of Grace is a non-profit 501c3 corporation, so donations are tax deductible. If you need some food, you are welcome to come in Monday and Thursday from 4 to 5:30, or Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 to 12:30.
If you can do a bit more, the food bank needs a trailer to use to haul food from a food warehouse in Flagstaff and to transport food from food drives. Cash donations would be used to pay rent and utilities. Thank you! John & Kristin Jacobsen, The Gospel of Grace Food Bank, 775-0083.
Plan Less-Stressful Holidays
The holiday season can be the happiest time of year. Days are often filled with family and activities. But it can also be a time of increased stress when caring for a loved one. Your responsibilities don't take a vacation or get any easier during the holidays. These simple tips can help make the season more enjoyable for caregivers - or anyone:
The most important thing you can do is to take care of yourself. Taking care of you and your needs is essential to being able to provide care for someone else.
·Eat nutritious meals; don't fill up on those tempting sweets.
·Get a full night's sleep; take daily naps if needed.
·Keep exercising. Walking, stretching to holiday music, whatever you can do to keep active and limber helps.
· Maintain contact with family and friends.
· Utilize community resources.
Take time off for yourself… to shop, visit friends, or attend a party. You need a chance to laugh, renew relationships and handle the extra holiday tasks. Call a qualified care provider, like The Center Adult Day Services, or ask friends and neighbors for assistance. Start by taking a four-hour respite and see how comfortable you feel with the arrangements.
To help your loved one enjoy the holidays more, probably the most important thing you can do is keep things simple and familiar. That's not always easy with all the hustle and bustle, visitors, and events. These tips may help:
·Minimize holiday decoration clutter and its associated hazards.
·Schedule special holiday activities early in the day.
· Talk about past holiday events; review photos of family members who may be coming to visit
·Keep home parties and visits small and manageable.
If you consider what is important about the holidays and what you have to be thankful for -- good health, family and friends -- then you can let all the extra hassles fall away. Have a happy holiday season, enjoy your time together, and don't forget to take time for yourself.
Drop-in respite care is available at The Center Adult Day Services in PV, 775-3563 and Prescott, 445-6384. 24-hour respite care is provided at the Margaret T. Morris Center, 445-6633, an assisted living setting for people with memory loss.
HOME CARE OPTIONS… DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ARE?
(9/04)
Home care, which allows seniors to remain at home, is an increasingly popular way for seniors to receive medical care and assistance with daily living. Since home care is most needed at times when it can be difficult to make major decisions, it is best to know the types of care that are available before you or a loved one need them. The Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona offers the following information to help you understand your options.
Services that can be performed in the home vary from assistance with bathing, dressing, cooking and light housekeeping to physical therapy and skilled nursing care. Before using any agency or company, be sure to check with the state to see if it is insured and licensed. To be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid coverage, the agency must be certified as meeting standards set by the U.S. Department of Health.
HOMEMAKER AND HOME CARE AIDE AGENCIES offer non-medical services to seniors in their homes, such as bathing, dressing, cooking and housekeeping. Homemaker and home care aide services are usually not covered by Medicare, unless skilled nursing services are also being provided.
HOME HEALTH AGENCIES provide a variety of medical-related services from skilled medical care and physical therapy to assistance with daily living. These services are provided through physicians, nurses, therapists and home care aides. For cases in which an individual requires different types of care from more than one specialist, home health agencies coordinate a caregiving team to administer the needed services.
REGISTRIES serve as employment agencies that match seniors with a variety of home care workers and services for a fee. The senior or the senior's family is responsible for reference
checks, payroll and supervision. Unlike an agency or care manager, a registry does not automatically provide backup or emergency care, unless you ask for it in writing. Generally, the senior or senior's family pays the home care worker directly and then files for possible reimbursement from his/her insurance company.
INDEPENDENT PROVIDERS are nurses, therapists, home care aides and homemakers who are privately employed by seniors or their families. When looking for an independent provider, spend time talking to the person face-to-face. Ask about the person's experience and ask for at least two references. The senior or the senior's family is responsible for handling payroll taxes. Generally, the senior or the senior's family pays the home care worker directly and then files for possible reimbursement from his/her insurance company.
HOSPICE SERVICES are available to seniors who are terminally ill and have a limited life expectancy. Hospice care involves a team of skilled medical professionals and volunteers who provide comprehensive medical, psychological and spiritual care for the terminally ill within the patient's home. Hospice care is covered by Medicare if a physician determines the illness to be terminal and the life expectancy is six months or less. Coverage for hospice care is also available through Medicaid and many private insurance plans. Most hospices also provide free services to individuals who have limited financial resources.
Where do you find these services?
Doctors, hospital discharge planners and geriatric care managers can assist seniors and their families in making home care arrangements. Geriatric care managers are health care professionals who assist families in dealing with the challenges associated with caring for the elderly. In addition, home care services are provided through community organizations at a low cost or free of charge. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for more information on these services.
To ensure that their loved one's needs are being met, family members should determine:
· Who will find, screen and recruit the home care service providers?
· Who will check previous work records? Will anyone perform a criminal background check? Will anyone perform random alcohol or drug tests?
· Who is responsible for paying the bills, the senior or the senior's family?
· Who is responsible for paying the home careworker's withholding taxes, workers compensation insurance and liability insurance?
· Has the home caregiver received appropriate training, such as CPR or first aid?
· Will there be one provider or will there be several different services needed for housekeeping, physical therapy, meals, etc.? Who will coordinate these different services?
· What is the backup system if a home care worker is delayed or doesn't show up? Who is responsible for finding the substitutes?
Information provided by Better Business Bureau, (BBB). For more information about the BBB, please call 602-264-1721 or visit www.arizonabbb.org. In Yavapai County, call 928-772-3410 or toll-free at 877-291-6222.
Take Classes for Fun, to Learn New Skills or to Stay Young
(9/04)
Adult Care Services offers a variety of educational and informative programs and classes for the community. People may take the courses for personal enjoyment, to learn something that will help improve their lives, or even to prepare for a new job. Many take our classes simply because they love to learn and it helps them keep active, informed and connected to a changing world.
Henry Ford said, "Anyone who stops learning is old,
whether at twenty or eighty.
Anyone who keeps learning stays young.
The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."
At The Centers Adult Day Services in Prescott and Prescott Valley, participants enjoy painting, gardening, ceramics and craft classes. Some people come just for the classes, but most are there for the full range of care services. These classes are not only fun, they are good therapy.
A volunteer training session, usually offered once a month on a Saturday, helps orient volunteers to opportunities at all three of our centers. Participants also learn about Alzheimer's disease and effective communication techniques. Volunteers often comment, "I wish I had known this before!"
Topical, informative community education classes are offered each month at the Center Adult Day Services in Prescott. Everyone is welcome. Join us October 20th for "The Effects of Secondhand Smoke on the Elderly," or December 8th for "Pharmacological Options." Both classes are from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
For personal and professional caregivers, our professional training staff teach courses in Supervisory Care, Personal Care, and Directed Care, as well as Medications and Diabetes seminars. For those interested in starting a small group home, the Manager's Course will prepare you for the state exam.
Whether you choose to expand your learning opportunities through Adult Care Services or through one of the many other formal and informal options in our Tri-City area, remember, learning offers many rewards.
‘Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.' - Albert Einstein
We invite you to see Adult Care Services' classes in action and learn how we might help provide activities and individualized care for your loved one with memory loss or other disabilities. We offer day and residential services. Call Joan at 445-6348 to arrange a tour.
The Benefits of Volunteering (8/04)
Volunteering is a great way to share your knowledge and time with the community and volunteering can help you live longer. Really?
Whatever your interest, there are volunteer opportunities for available in a wide array of fields, including health care, education, social services and the arts. The United Way Volunteer Center of Yavapai County is one link between volunteers and nonprofit organizations.
Now about living longer.
Volunteering has many benefits, besides the good feelings that come with helping others and making our community a better place. Experts say that volunteers feel higher levels of self-esteem, control over their lives, and general well-being. A recent study shows that volunteering may also boost physical health, and that older adults who volunteer have a lower mortality rate that those who don't.
If you can spare a few hours a week, consider becoming a volunteer. Or, if you are already volunteering, perhaps now is the time to add another organization. You'll make new friends, learn new things, and receive pleny of thanks for your generosity.
Volunteers are needed at The Centers Adult Day Services in Prescott Valley and Prescott, and the Prescott Margaret T. Morris Center, a residence for people with memory loss. People are needed to lead or assist participants with crafts, music, and recreation activities. If you love painting, you can teach painting, if you want to learn to paint, you can learn by assisting residents during a class!
People are needed for one-on-one activities, too. You can brighten someone's life by listening, reading, playing games or taking walks in the garden. Volunteers with phone or office skills are also needed, and special events and PR volunteers can help on an on-call basis.
Volunteer Sue Watkin says she helps because "I wanted to give something back to the Center for taking such good care for my mom, and I really enjoy working with the residents." Director of Activities and Volunteers, John Proffer says "Our volunteers make special connections, make a difference in the participants' lives, and enjoy the good feeling of helping others." Call him at 445-6633 to learn more about how you can help at any of the sites.
1/05
Adult Day Services: How Can They Help You?
The Administration on Aging has a new brochure explaining the services and benefits of Adult Day Services. This information is helpful for almost everyone, because care taking is part of everyone's life experience. Here are some of the highlights from the brochure:
What is Adult Day Service?
Adult Day Service centers provide social activities and health care services for adults with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments. People who attend the centers may live at home, with a caregiver, or at an assisted living home. Adult Day Service centers can improve the quality life of those who attend and help each person function at their best. Adult Day Services usually cost less than in-home care and the intensity of therapeutic activities and social contact is also greater.
The Centers Adult Day Services in Prescott and Prescott Valley reminds caregivers that day services also provide respite - a time for caregivers to attend to their own health and family needs.
Is Adult Day Services For You?
Do you worry about your loved one's safety at home alone?
Do you worry that your loved one is unhappy or bored sitting at home all day?
Do you worry about the health of your loved one?
Do you want to keep your loved one home as long as possible?
Who Should Use Adult Day Services?
Adults who need supervision or assistance to live at home and to do day-to-day activities.
Adults who can't attend a senior center due to their need for assistance and supervision.
Adults who are considering moving to a care home.
What Can Adult Day Services Offer?
Activities:
Physical and mental exercises to improve functioning.
Creative expression via music art and dance.
Socialization and friendships.
Support with activities of daily living.
Nursing Services:
Monitoring vital signs and observing health changes.
Administering and monitoring medications and injections.
Respiratory treatments.
Continence re-training
Assisting with personal care.
The brochure also provides information about selecting a Center that is right for you and your family, as well as a useful site visit checklist. If you would like a copy of the full brochure, please call Lynn Carey at Adult Care Services, 771-2335 ext. 14.
We invite you to tour our care programs to discover how they might fit your needs. THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) provide supportive health and social programs for adults, and respite services for their families. THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER in Prescott (445-6633) is a residence for people with memory loss.
Did you know that Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s Del E. Webb outpatient Center, located at 3262 N Windsong Dr. here in Prescott Valley, offers the following services:
•Adult Fitness, Cardiac Rehabilitation, 759-5920
•X-Ray and Lab Services, 759-5800
•Home Health, 759-5900
•Hospice, 759-5910
•Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, 759-5940
2/05
CAREGIVER TIPS
Seventy percent of people with Alzheimer's disease live in the home, and are cared for by family and friends. The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of San Diego suggests ways we can make the home environment safer, and reduce stress on both the caretaker and care receiver.
These three tips are from Cynthia Johnson, OTR/L.
1. Think in a prevention mode;
2. Change the environment rather than the behavior; and;
3. Minimize danger so that your loved one can have maximized independence.
Safety tips for caregivers to implement around the home:
1. Begin on the outside of your home, making sure that the walkways and driveways are evenly surfaced and free from rocks, hoses, shrubs, or other material that can be tripped over.
2. Steps should be even and sturdy with non-skid or textured treads.
3. Handrails should be on all stairs and extend past the first and last steps. Using reflective tape on the edge of the stairs is also helpful in orienting to the edge of the stair.
4. Remove any poisonous plants.
5. Fence in the backyard, and put a lock on the gate to prevent wandering into dangerous situations
Caring for a loved one who needs around-the-clock attention for safety and health reasons is a tremendous commitment and act of love. However, even the most dedicated caretakers need time to attend to their own health and family needs. Adult day service centers offer respite for caregivers, and social activities and health care services for your loved one on a drop-in basis. You can use these services when you need them most, without any long-term obligation. Did you know these services usually cost less than in-home care and provide the extra benefits of new friends, activities and outings?
We invite you to come in for a tour to see how our programs might fit your needs. THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) offers respite for caretakers and supportive health and social programs, meals and transportation in a safe and caring environment for your loved one. If your needs extend to full-time residential care call THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER (771-2335) For a virtual tour, visit our web site at www.adultcareservices.org
3/05
DRIVING ON A WING AND A PRAYER
For one who began driving Dad's old farm tractor at 14, who has driven their RV through dozens of states, or has been driving for over fifty years with nary a fender bender, the thought of NOT being able to drive is quite distressing.
In the U.S. driving means freedom and independence. After decades of enjoying this freedom of driving, it is very difficult to relinquish one's driving privileges. But with today's traffic congestion, speeders, road hazards, and the changing weather conditions of Northern Arizona - driving can be very challenging and stressful.
Imagine then how much worse it is for anyone with diminished mental ability. How one deals with the subject of driving privileges can be difficult and highly emotional for the driver and their family.
Certainly, people with advanced dementia or memory loss must not drive. But it isn't so clear-cut for those in the early stages. It can be a difficult balancing act between maintaining a loved one's independence and ensuring their safety - as well as the safety of other commuters. It is imperative that the person's independence, pride and dignity be maintained while the issues are discussed and decided. If you have a family member who was formerly a safe and careful driver, but is now experiencing difficulty with normal driving functions such as parking, navigating turns or getting lost in familiar places, their driving competency must be addressed.
Brochures and information that can help anyone who needs to address driving privileges with a loved one can be obtained through Adult Care Services or other resources. In time, if your loved one's memory or daily living skills continue to decline, equally challenging issues must be addressed: help with daily care and socialization, or a change of living arrangements. That is the time to contact Joan Ryan, social worker, at Adult Care Services (445-2847). She will be happy to meet with you to discuss your family's needs.
We invite you to tour our care programs to discover how they might fit your needs.
THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) provide supportive health and social programs for adults, and respite for their families. Scholarship assistance may be available. THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER in Prescott (445-6633) is a residence for people with memory loss.
Other Health Related Topics
American Diabetes Association website: www.diabetes.org For more information call 888-DIABETES or visit this website: main.diabetes.org/site/.
For information anytime about American Cancer Society, call their toll free number,
1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Some of the Food Banks in Our Area
Chino Valley Food Bank,1943 N Voss Dr., CV 636-8478
Good Neighbor Food Services 3795 N Hwy 89, CV 636-9018
Prescott Community Cupboard Food Bank, 116 N Summitt Ave 778-4622
Yavapai Food Bank, 8400 E Spouse Dr., PV 775-5255
Websites of the month: Still trying to quit smoking, try contacting the Arizona Smokers' Helpline, they offer self-help materials they can mail, referrals to local quit programs, and free and confidential phone counseling. Some of the materials are accessible on their website at www.ashline.org. Or you can call them at 1-800-556-6222, to help you get you started. This is a program for Arizona residents.
Other websites that might be helpful for you: www.quitnet.com, www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ or www.nobutts.ucsd.edu/interactive/default.asp
Good luck!
Give Peace of Mind to Those You Love Make Your Wishes Known Today
Recent events have led many to think about what type of care they would want if an accident or illness were to leave them unable to express their wishes.
Advance planning is the best way to prepare for life's difficult decisions. Knowing your healthcare preferences can alleviate stress on you and your loved ones.
The Office of Arizona Attorney General has information that can help with your life care planning, including easy to understand descriptions of the most important steps to take, and the following forms on their website:* Durable Health Care Power of Attorney,
www.attorneygeneral.state.az.us/seniors/life_care/LifeCarePlanning.
* Living Will (End of Life Care)
* Durable Mental Health Care Power of Attorney
* Letter to My Agent (Representative)
* Pre-Hospital Medical Directive
Another aspect of advanced health care planning that should be discussed while you and your loved ones are still healthy is how you wish to be cared for if you become physically or mentally limited, or develop Alzheimer's disease.
Many people do not want to burden their family with the sometimes stressful and physically challenging responsibility of 24-hour caretaking. Would you prefer to spend a few days a week at an adult day services center with engaging activities and new friends, allowing your caretaker a much-needed break? Or what if your actions and forgetfulness placed your loved ones in hazardous situations? Would you prefer an assisted living residence for people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias? A place that provides specialized care and activities to help people live every day to the fullest; someplace where your loved one could visit you often and participate in your day without having the full responsibility of providing for your physical and medical needs every minute of every day?
These choices are not easy to think about or discuss, but knowing your preferences will help your loved ones during difficult times. It is a gift you can give them today, for tomorrow.
THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) provide supportive health and social programs for adults, and respite for their caretakers. THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER in Prescott (445-6633) is a residence for people with memory loss. For a virtual tour, visit our web site at www.adultcareservices.org
JOIN US FOR A GARDEN OPEN HOUSE AND CELEBRATION,
Saturday - June 18th - 3-5 p.m.
Margaret T. Morris Center, 878 Sunset Avenue - Prescott, 445-6633
Come see and experience this one-of-a kind garden designed especially for people with memory loss.
Many of you have followed the evolution of the beautiful Strolling Garden at The Margaret T. Morris Center in Prescott near the rodeo grounds off Fair Street. On June 18 the garden will be dedicated in honor of Bob and Dudie Kieckhefer, as a tribute from their children. The dedication will be followed by a public open house and garden celebration from 3 to 5 p.m.
The new garden's therapeutic and recreational areas were designed to allow assisted living residents with memory loss to live a fuller life, participate in outdoor activities, and reminisce with family and staff. As mental function declines, senses become more important. The garden's unique design stimulates these senses while at the same time providing a place of security, beauty, and peace. The plants, art, and garden habitats provide positive sensory stimulation ¾ interesting things to see, touch, hear, smell and even taste.
One popular feature is the expanded covered patio with gardening beds. The patio is large and cool enough for group activities and meals, and it provides a full view of the garden and its colorful plantings and features. At the raised garden beds residents can plant and tend flowers, vegetables, and herbs throughout the seasons.
Much of the garden's sensory-focused art was created by local artists Juanita Hull Carlson and Royce Carlson. Their whimsical designs provide points of interest for conversation and interaction. This art also serves as landmarks, making navigating through the garden clear and easy. Brightly colored metal sculptures, wind driven mobiles, painted garden tubs, and a fountain lined with memory tiles all add to the sense of adventure, interest, and activity to be found around every corner.
We invite you to see for yourself what so many have helped to create and grow. Come see the hummingbirds and butterflies, try your hand at creating a sand design, smell the different flowers and herbs, take home some seeds to start your own sensory garden, enjoy refreshments and music, and most of all stroll though the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature.
What is Glare?
Glare is concentrated reflected light. Glare dampens color, reduces contrast and is a major cause of highway accidents every day. It wreaks havoc on your eyesight--impairing your vision, straining your eyes and making you squint. Glare causes the blinding shine on pavement and automobile hoods and bumpers. Glare makes the water at the lake look like a sparkling mirror.
Unfortunately, glare is not the only thing you need to avoid. UV light also causes serious eye damage. Sunlight related eye diseases include cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, cancer of the skin surrounding the eye, and photokeratitis.
The good news is you can help protect your eyes with proper sunglasses. All sunglasses are not created equal! Only polarized sunlenses can block both direct and reflected glare and 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Through OPTICAL QUALITY polarized sunlenses colors are more vibrant, details are sharper. Ask your eyecare professional for a pair for glare!
Information provided by Terri Antone, of Antone Optical.
THE PRIVACY RULES OF HIPAA AND THEIR EFFECT ON TRUSTS AND HEALTH CARE DOCUMENTS
On April 14, 2003, the privacy rules of HIPAA took effect. These regulations, considered to be the largest development in health care legislation since the 1965 enactment of Medicare, apply to virtually every physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist and health care provider in the nation. The privacy rules affect everyone's access to health care information.
HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. § 1320d.
Congress was concerned that the wrongful dissemination of personal health care data was only a keystroke away, so it authorized the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations that would implement and govern the vast electronic exchange of information.
The regulations stress that providers must undertake "reasonable efforts to limit protected health information to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose of the use, disclosure or request". What added fuel to the fire are the penalty provisions of HIPAA. For each disclosure violation, there is a $100.00 fine. If the violation is knowing, there are criminal penalties of a $50,000.00 fine and up to one year in prison. If information is provided or obtained under false pretenses there is a $100,000.00 fine and up to five years in prison. If the wrongful sale, transfer or use of the information was for commercial advantage, there is a $250,000.00 fine and up to ten years in prison. As a result, much of the personnel in medical field are convinced that they will be fired, fined and/or jailed if the inadvertently release health care information to an unauthorized person.
Health care documents that were previously drafted that do not include wording for HIPAA are being adjusted or re-drafted to allow persons (which could include a spouse), immediate and hassle-fee access to the medical records of family members or loved ones on whose behalf that they are or may be working for in the future. Similar problems arise with a Successor Trustee of a Trust who may need to assume the duties of Trustee upon the incapacity of the existing Trustee. Trust documents are also being adjusted to accommodate the HIPAA rule and may require a Trust amendment to allow a Successor Trustee access to medical records.
Having your documents reviewed to insure that they encompass the new privacy regulations of the HIPPA rule may be a good idea.
Lori Kort, Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparer, T.F.C. Estate and Document Service
8/05
10 TIPS FOR FAMILY CARE GIVERS
Caring for a loved one with memory loss or other health issues is a big responsibility. Here are ten tips from the National Family Caregivers Association.
1 Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks.
2 Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
3 When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
4 Educate yourself about your loved one's condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5 Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
6 Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
7 Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back.
8 Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
9 Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
10 Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
Review Tip 1 again. It may be the most important to the health of both the caregiver and the care receiver.
If you know of a caregiver in need of relief from their responsibilities, call THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563), or Prescott (445-6384) which offers supportive health and social programs, meals and transportation, in a safe and caring environment. Participants truly enjoy their time at The Centers and families rate the services as excellent.
THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER, (771-2335) a residence for people with memory loss also welcomes short-term respite stays. Call, or visit www.adultcareservices.org today.
8/05
Children Vision
Your child's eyes must function properly to accomplish the many visual tasks he or she will encounter in the years ahead. Because you cannot look through your child's eyes, it's impossible for you to judge how well he or she sees. Children do not know what they are supposed to be able to see, therefore they may not complain until the problem becomes advanced.
Do not confuse a vision screening (a brief check which tests how well a child sees an eye chart from a distance of 20 feet) with a comprehensive examination. Problems with near vision, eye coordination, and focusing are among the many problems not identified in a vision screening. Also, state pass/fail guidelines for a vision screening are NOT 20/20!
80% OF LEARNING IS VISUAL! Untreated, vision deficiencies can affect learning speed and ability, athletic performance, and even a child's self-esteem. School screenings are statistically likely to identify only 1 out of 4 children with a vision problem. Reduced vision is often not detected until it well exceeds an unacceptable level.
Yearly eye exams are important as vision can change very rapidly in children. School starts soon - schedule your child's comprehensive eye exam today!
Information provided by Teri Antone of Antone Optical, 775-9393.
7/05
Respite: What Caregivers Need Most
Family caregivers of older persons who are unable to care for themselves are truly generous, compassionate and loyal individuals. These caregivers are "on duty" all day, every day of the year.
But at some point, even caregivers need a break from their round the clock responsibilities. All caregivers need respite. If you have a neighbor, friend or relative who has taken on the responsibilities of caregiving, do them a favor by reminding them to take some time for themselves. After all, they need to stay healthy and refreshed if they are to continue taking care of their loved one.
Respite care can be provided in the home by relatives, friends or through a trusted agency. Adult day services centers are also a good choice. These centers provide health assessments, personal care, activities, and friendship. For overnight or a few days care, a licensed assisted living center with trained caregiver, nursing and activities staff can provide the comforts of home in a safe and secure setting.
Caregivers can use respite time to attend to their own health needs, visit the doctor or dentist, or attend exercise classes. Taking a mental break is another way to stay healthy. Caregivers may use the time to shop, visit friends, attend a concert, or see a movie by themselves. With the help of a trusted assisted living center, they may even be able to take a much-needed short vacation, attend a family wedding, funeral, or reunion.
Too often, caregivers try to do it all themselves. Family and friends should be alert to caregiver stress, burnout and health problems. Offering or recommending respite care can be one of the best ways you can help. You may even remind them of this expert advice: "Taking time out, away from the care of an impaired person, is one of the single most important things that you can do to make it possible for you to continue to care for someone." -Mace and Robins, The 36 Hour Day.
THE CENTERS ADULT DAY SERVICES in Prescott Valley (775-3563) and Prescott (445-6384) provide supportive health and social programs for adults, and respite for their caretakers. THE MARGARET T. MORRIS CENTER in Prescott (445-6633) is a residence for people with memory loss. For a virtual tour, visit our web site at www.adultcareservices.org.
7/05
Snoring, Sleep Apnea and Insomnia
The Sleep Disorders Center of Prescott Valley opened in December of 2004 and has been providing diagnostic services and consultations for the Tri-city area and as far away as Phoenix up to Flagstaff.
Dr. Robert Rosenberg, Medical Director of the center, recently commented that the majority of patients seen in the lab are troubled by snoring, sleep apnea and/or insomnia.
"Snoring affects approximately 90 million American adults and can lead to fragmented and un-refreshing sleep" states Dr. Rosenberg. "Sleep Apnea, a disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep, is also very common and can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure and stroke if undiagnosed." The good news is that both problems are very easily treated.
"Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, can have a very serious impact on quality of life, productivity and safety" Dr. Rosenberg further explains. "People with insomnia are four times more likely to suffer from depression, and lack of sleep can contribute to illness, cause problems at home, on the job, or while driving." The National Sleep Foundation reports that 48% of Americans report trouble sleeping. Women are 1.3 times more likely to report insomnia than men, and people over age 65 are 1.5 times more likely to complain of insomnia than younger people.
In the interest of educating our community and offering help to those who think they may have a sleep disorder, the clinical director, Mari Hirst, is available to take phone calls from anyone who needs information. Questionnaires and free screens are also available on websites such as the National Sleep Foundation at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/.
Information provided by Sleep Disorders Center of Prescott Valley: 928-772-6422.
8/05
Restless Legs Syndrome & Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that produces an intense, often irresistible urge to move the legs because of unpleasant feelings in them. Symptoms can also include uncomfortable sensations in your legs that range from a tingling, prickly aching to a burning sensation. This sensation most often occurs in the evening, especially when attempting to relax or sleep. Movement can provide temporary relief but the impulses may consistently return. The cause of RLS is unknown, and is usually diagnosed primarily through a health professional's evaluation of your symptoms. Sometimes a sleep study may be required, however this is more commonly used to establish the presence of Periodic Limb Movements.
About 85-90% of patients with RLS also exhibit Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs). This condition is characterized by the jerking of a person's leg (or arm) during sleep. This may occur for only a few minutes or last for hours. In severe cases the twitches may last all night. The movements themselves seem to do no damage, however they can cause brief arousals that will fragment sleep.Unlike RLS, which is primarily diagnosed on the basis of history and symptoms, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) is diagnosed by having a sleep study performed.
Both disorders have a profound negative impact on quality of life, including daytime functioning, work performance, and social and family life. For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome or Periodic Limb Movements during sleep, please contact the Sleep Disorders Center of Prescott Valley @ 928-772-6422.
In the interest of educating our community and offering help to those who think they may have a sleep disorder, the clinical director, Mari Hirst, is available to take phone calls from anyone who needs information. Questionnaires and free screens are also available on websites such as the National Sleep Foundation at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ .
Information provided by Sleep Disorders Center of Prescott Valley, 928-772-6422.
7/05
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED GLASSES?
Eyeglasses are used to correct vision problems. Vision problems can have wide-ranging symptoms. These are some of the most common symptoms.
- Difficulty seeing distant or near objects clearly.
- Squinting.
- Difficulty driving, especially at night.
- Headache, fatigue, eyestrain.
- Watery uncomfortable eyes or excessive blinking.
- Inability to read fine print.
- Difficulty reading signs or seeing the television clearly.
- Discomfort with computer screens.
- Holding reading material at arms length to focus.
- Difficulty changing focus from near to far.
Not all vision problems require eyeglasses, and not all problems that require eyeglasses readily show symptoms.
It is important to have your eyes checked regularly. Your optometrist will advise you on the condition of your eyesight and the best form of treatment.
Information provided by Teri Antone of Antone Optical, 775-9393. Have a question, email her at: antoneoptical@peoplepc.com
9/05
Granite Mountain Home Care and Hospice News
Granite Mountain Home Care and Hospice is pleased to announce the addition of home hospice care for terminally ill patients.
Dr. Robert Friedman has joined the staff as full time Medical Director. He will be available to make home visits on both our home care and hospice home care patients. He will work closely with the patient's primary care physician to assure continuity of care.
We are actively seeking compassionate individuals interested in providing volunteer services to our Hospice patients.
We will provide a training program for all interested persons.
Please contact Sue Cogswell, Volunteer Coordinator at (928) 445-2522.
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© 2004 Lonesome Valley Newsletter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
DEC 2005
Last update - Dec. 22, 2005. Newsletter comes up around the middle of each month. Please check back for December’s website updates within the next few days. To view things submitted after the current month’s printed version, go to the Updates tab on left. If this page doesn’t display properly, click here as to why.
