Caregiver's Beacon Newsletter October 2011

[Guest guest]

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The Caregiver's Beacon

" Tell me why – Show me how – Hold my hand "

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October 1, 2011 Vol. 12 No. 7

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ALZwell Caregiver Support and ElderCare Online

http://www.alzwell.com and http://www.ec-online.net

Serving the Needs of Caregivers Since 1996

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If you are having trouble reading this newsletter, please go to

http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Newsletters/beacon10111.html

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

As we head into the Autumn months and soon the Winter months, it is a good idea

to take a look at your elder's home to make sure that she is prepared for cooler

days and colder nights. Many aging people complain about " being cold " all the

time, but this may be a sign that they are in danger of " hypothermia, " or

dangerously low body temperature. If your elder is not eating well

(malnourished), is diabetic or lives in substandard housing, she may be at risk

for hypothermia.

Hypothermia can be exacerbated in the elderly due to changes in the way aging

people perceive cold, skin diseases, inactivity or immobility, medications (such

as antidepressants or benzodiazepams) or alcohol abuse. Low body temperature can

lead to slowed speech and reflexes; high blood pressure; or depressed breathing.

Some of these symptoms are often hard to detect in impaired elderly people, so

be alert to these risk factors.

What should you do when it gets too cold?:

- Make sure your elder has warm socks (with anti-skid soles), gloves and a hat

(even indoors);

- Ask a local handyman to weatherproof windows and doors to eliminate drafts;

- Identify any symptoms and make sure your elder's doctors are aware of risks;

- Buy a small electric or ceramic space heater;

- Encourage your elder to stay in the warmer rooms of a large house;

- Place a reliable thermometer in your elder's room – don't let the temperature

fall below a comfortable level, and never below 65 degrees F.;

- Encourage exercise, even if it is just walking around the house; and

- Make sure your elder is eating properly since inadequate caloric intake is a

key risk factor

Even mild hypothermia is considered a serious condition in an elderly person and

might require hospitalization. If you suspect that your elder is experiencing

hypothermia, call for emergency help and slowly rewarm your elder with blankets,

socks, hat and gloves. Caution: Rapidly rewarming an elderly person can be

deadly. Please refer to the Merck Manual of Geriatrics in ElderCare Online's

Medical Research Assistant at

http://www.ec-online.net/Assistants/medresassistant.htm for more information on

medical care for aging people.

Best Regards,

O'Boyle, Publisher

ElderCare Online

ALZwell Caregiver Support

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Keepin' Up With ALZwell: The Anger Wall

Feature Article: " Protecting the Rights of Assisted Living Residents " by

Jewell

Our Sponsor: Watch the Video! The Prism Personal Care Planner and Organizer

Caregiver Support: The ElderCare Forum

Book Review: Diabetes Book Reviews

Home Care: " How to Choose a Cane, or Crutches " by O'Boyle

Subscription Information

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KEEPIN' UP WITH ALZWELL: The Anger Wall

All Caregivers get angry. It's OK! Let it out on the ALZwell Anger Wall. You do

not need to be a registered member to post here -- you can do it anonymously. Be

warned that there is some pretty graphic stuff posted here. We're not here to

judge what you should be saying or thinking. Sometimes you need to get those

dark thought off your chest and move on.

Let it out at … http://eldercare.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/4021010423

FEATURE ARTICLE: " Protecting the Rights of Assisted Living Residents " by

Jewell

The transition from independence to a full-time assisted living community can be

a difficult and even painful process for aging seniors, as well as those who

love them. However, families facing this situation should be able to rest easy

knowing that each senior who makes the move to a new care center will be

receiving the best care possible, and that any care plan developed will be

specifically tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Sadly, seniors cannot always be sure that the kind of treatment they expect is

what they will receive. Stories of nursing home abuse are all too common, and

reports can be found frequently in the news detailing the mistreatment that

helpless patients have received at the hands of careless, or sometimes even

intentionally abusive attendants, nurses, or other nursing home staff members.

Read the complete article at…

http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Articles/assisted-living-resident-rights.html

OUR SPONSOR: The Prism Personal Care Planner and Organizer

Keeping track of important information can be difficult. In the event of an

emergency, you will want to have all of it handy. This workbook enables you to

collect vital information and use it to save time when visiting with your loved

one's doctor or other advisor. You do NOT store information on a computer -- you

keep it with you at all times so it remains secure and private.

Please note that we now have an explanatory video…

http://www.alzwell.com/eldercare_planner.html

Prism Complete Planner and Organizer Special Edition $19.95

Our special edition of the popular Prism Personal Organizer and Prism Medical

Manager combines the two original workbooks under one cover. This high-value

workbook would normally cost you $36.

Keep track of personal information in the event of an emergency. Have the

information handy when meeting with lawyers, doctors, accountants, or home care

aides. Be prepared with essential information for applying for Medicaid or other

benefits.

Be prepared for doctor appointments with symptoms, previous medical conditions,

and healthcare information. Make the most of the limited time that the doctor

has for you. Use as a notebook to write down exactly what the doctor tells you,

avoiding medical errors.

The Special Edition includes all of the pages and worksheets PLUS all of the

downloadable extra worksheets. Watch the new explanatory video and order it on

our secure server at … http://www.alzwell.com/eldercare_planner.html

CAREGIVER SUPPORT: The ElderCare Forum

The ElderCare Forum has been continuously providing support to caregivers since

1997. The technology certainly has changed over the last 14 years. One thing

that has not changed is the valuable exchange that has served so many caregivers

over those years.

This is a safe place for people to share ideas, humor, anger, and make lasting

relationships. No topic is out of bounds. Drop by today to browse or join in the

discussions. We have currently over 4,500 registered members.

Visit the ElderCare Forum at http://eldercare.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x

BOOK REVIEW: Diabetes Book Reviews

Our partner website " Diabetes Care and Information " has several fresh book

reviews for you to consider. Even if you don't have diabetes or care for someone

who has the disease, you will find the fitness and healthy living books of

interest.

Visit the Diabetes Bookstore at …

http://www.diabetes-care-info.org/diabetes-books.html

HOME CARE: " How to Choose a Cane, or Crutches " by O'Boyle

Perhaps your loved one has suffered a stroke or has recently received an

artificial hip. Maybe old age and frailty have impaired her balance and

stability. Finding the appropriate mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or

crutches, can speed rehabilitation and provide secure footing.

Finding the right mobility aid requires a little research: one size does not fit

all. Once the device has been obtained, it is important to be shown how to use

it properly with the assistance of a rehabilitation specialist, physical

therapist, or your healthcare provider. The benefits of these devices can be

enormous in enhancing safety and promoting independence.

Read the complete article at…

http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Articles/choose-cane-walker-crutches.html

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

The Caregiver's Beacon is published monthly by ElderCare Online and ALZwell

Caregiver Support. To subscribe to this free newsletter, visit the subscription

information page at

http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Newsletters/subscribe.htm.

You may also go to the main page of the website at http://www.ec-online.net or

http://www.alzwell.com and add your e-mail address to the white box and click on

the " Subscribe " button (just one click!).

© 2011 Prism Innovations, Inc. All Rights Reserved.