The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

One in three senior citizens dies of Alzheimer's Disease or another dementia. In fact, women are at the center of the Alzheimer's epidemic with more than 2.5 times women requiring 24 hour care for the disease than men according to the Alzheimer's Association. The projections are that by 2050 the number of people with Alzheimer's Disease may triple. With the growth of Alzheimer's Disease and the projected growth, the impact of caring for family members and friends is a large burden physically, emotionally and mentally. Close to 60 percent of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers state that the stress of caring for their loved one is very stressful and more than one-third report symptoms of depression. According to information for the Alzheimer's Association, families and friends provided 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care in 2013. The total of that care is valued at $220 billion. Alzheimer's disease is the most expensive condition to care for in America. Considering that nearly one in five dollars spent by Medicare are for those suffering with Alzheimer's Disease or another form of dementia and that the total cost for Alzheimer's care in America in 2014 was $314 billion, we certainly see the needs for our families and ourselves to support the research to find a cure for Alzheimer's but also be prepared financially to receive the needed care in case of diagnosis. Skilled care in America can cost an individual over $100,000 on average annually and for home care services for seniors to remain at home cost on average $7,000 monthly for individual personal care needs. Two things are important for families to consider when preparing for senior care and long term care: Having a plan in place and financial preparation. A clear plan for where the individual would prefer to live and what kind of care they would like to receive will take away a lot of stress from loved ones who are acting as caregivers. It gives direction to those serving in healthcare as well in how to best provide the care you need and so desire. Financially, having long term care insurance or an alternate insurance that covers chronic illnesses including cognitive issues is a great start to making sure you or your loved one has the financial means to receive the quality care you will need. Speak with your financial advisor or an insurance professional who has the resources to assist you in setting up a plan for your long term care needs. There is nothing that we can do at this time to prevent Alzheimer's Disease but we can be prepared to help our children, grandchildren or other loved ones to assist with providing us the best care without the financial or physical burdens.

Take Time For Yourself

There are many challenges that a caregiver faces while caring for a loved one. The holidays can bring additional stress to the already busy working families. Often the caregivers of those in need of senior care services are raising their own families and juggling between adult day care, medical appointments for mom or dad and assisting with Activities of Daily Life(ADL's). This is a tremendous act of love to stand by our loved ones in a time of need, yet it is important to remember that we all deserve some time for ourselves - to rest, recharge and do things we enjoy. That is what respite care offers a family; a break. While some may face the guilt of leaving their loved one, it is necessary for a caregiver to make time for themselves to be the best they can be. It is not always easy, but respite care is available to assist families with a much needed break to decrease stress and give you time to enjoy the holiday season with your family. Southern Companions has been providing respite care and senior care services for over five years. Along with Caring Together in Hope, we are glad to help families with financial assistance with limited resources who need respite care. Don't get burnt out, run down and stressed out this Christmas. Take time for yourself. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions are searched for. ~ Maya Angelou

Help For Mom And Dad

It is very common for families that we are assisting with senior care to be unaware of the resources that are available to help their moms and dad's needs. With the growing numbers of seniors as well as chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease there is the growing need for families to be well informed, get the assistance they need and be prepared for the future needs of their loved ones. Southern Companions' goal is to be a helpful resource to families and direct them to their needs in addition to home care services. One of the ways that we stay informed of senior care providers and educated on senior care issues is through local senior provider networks. North Georgia Senior Resources is a senior provider group in the Gainesville area where our home office is located. It is a group of senior providers that meets monthly to support and serve our senior community through education, networking and outreach. NGSR is a member of the Hall County Chamber and participates in local events such as expos, Senior Health Day with Legacy Link and the Alzheimer's Walk. The monthly meetings allow the various senior providers the opportunity to meet and learn about other senior providers including assisted living communities, hospice, home health, senior financial services and much more. Another tool that is very helpful for families in the North Georgia Community is the North Georgia Senior Resources' website and the directory. For those families who are in need of direction and guidance in the senior care for their loved ones, please visit www.Northgeorgiaseniorresources.com for more information. If you are a senior provider, please visit our site to find out when our next meeting is and come visit us.

Dealing With Aging Parents and Family Members

Many families are wrestling with the numerous issues of caring for their aging parents and family members. There are many legal questions about trusts, living wills, and other important documents such as Power of Attorney. The aging population are trying to navigate through Medicare, Long Term Care Insurance, Supplemental Plans, among others to understand what care is covered under their current plan. Those who are in rehabilitation, physical therapy or recently home from a hospital stay are looking for assistance at home. Family members often struggle with providing the care their loved ones need and are looking for answers to the resources available for a variety of needs including In-Home Care, Adult Day Care, Assisted Living Communities and Home Health Services. Southern Companions partnering with Apex Benefits and Blue Ridge Law are holding a free informational seminar, Dealing With Aging Parents and Family Members, for those with aging parents to provide answers questions to frequently asked legal questions, Medicare, Insurance and Aging In Place March 3rd, 2014 at CSB Bank in The Blue Ridge Community Room from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Parents are welcome to attend. This seminar is FREE and open to the community.

A Grateful Heart

There is a song that we used to sing in church as a child that said, "There's a roof up above me, I've got a good place to sleep. There's food on the table And shoes on my feet. You gave me your love Lord And a fine family, So thank you Lord for your blessings on me." I remember that song fondly because it reminds me of the simple things and that among all the many things we may lack to find a moment to be grateful for the things we have. Many families have struggled with the economy and for the aging social security does not seem enough to live on. We sometimes struggle not only financially but emotionally, mentally and physically. The Thanksgiving Season is a time of harvest. In the traditional sense, we learned in school about the Pilgrims and Indians and how they shared of their crops and harvest. Thanksgiving is a time of both harvesting and giving. Truly in our gratitude we find in our hearts to give to those around us. As we take a moment this time of the year to be thankful for our families and a table full of pleasantries, may we also find it in our hearts to share of our abundance however big or small. May we also be thankful to the giver of all life, love and good things. A grateful heart is truly a grateful heart. Happy Thanksgiving!

Independent or Assisted Living: Options and Answers

There has been a growing trend in the last couple of decades to provide a social, safe and an active community lifestyle for seniors. The biggest need for those 65 and older is assistance with medication followed by bathing. As we age, we began experiencing balance issues and many injuries are caused by falls for those 60 and over. Assisted living facilities and Independent Retirement Communities are providing secure environments for seniors. Aging In Place is a way for older adults to have everything they need right where they are.

Assisted living is a living arrangement that assists with personal care needs such as housekeeping, bath, and mobility assistance while also offering a variety of meaningful social activities. Assisted living assists aging adults with keeping their independence with little assistance. Independent Living provides a variety of housing options from apartments to free standing homes. Services provided by Independent Living Facilities are yard maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services. Often Independent Living communities will provide entertainment and limited transportation for their residents as well.

While searching for the right living environment, consider these three things: The type of atmosphere that is right for you, current and future needs, and stay for a weekend. When choosing a place for retirement consider if it meets your needs with accommodations for family visits, if doctors are nearby and the proximity of churches and friends. Ask if the facility allows you to bring your own furniture. Get an activities calendar and a meal schedule. The second area to consider is your current or future needs. If you currently have a chronic illness such as Parkinson's Disease or MS, then you will want to find a facility that is most qualified for your level of care. Thinking ahead also can help from the need of moving again. A great way to understand Assisted Living or Independent Living is to go for a weekend visit. Most communities welcome families of individuals to visit and have an apartment available. This is a great way to get an idea if that retirement community is right for you and your needs.

There are services available as well for those searching for Assisted Living and Independent Living care. A Place For Mom is a wonderful research to help families and individuals find the best retirement community for their needs.

~April Cummings
Marketing Director, Southern Companions
www.SouthernCompanions.net

Online Dating After 50

Many individuals over the age of 50 are now finding themselves single as the result of a divorce or death of a spouse. For individuals 50 and older, isolation is a troubling issue. Life changes and we become ‘empty nesters’ or find ourselves alone from results of life changes. Studies have shown that as people get older close friendships decline and it seems harder to build new relationships. We know that social connection is an important part of a healthy and happy life. Men and women over 50 are interested in finding a companion or love but many are not sure how to meet new singles.

With the growing trend of online dating, mature adults have found a great way to connect. Mature dating sites have become popular with curious baby boomers back in the dating scene.  These sights are designed for those looking for love and/or companionship. For example, OurTime.com is a sight designed specifically for adults 50 and over. There are other sites such as SeniorPeopleMeet.com that are age specific and now AARP has an online dating site for 50+. Online dating is a great way to connect and meet new local singles to find companionship or soul mate.

Here are a few tips for online dating after 50:

1.      1. It’s okay to be choosy!

Be specific about deciding what you want and don’t settle for anything than less than you deserve. At any age we all need to recognize our value and what we are bringing to the table.

2.      2. Be agreeable.

Focus on the things that are truly important values and limit political views or confrontational topics.

3.      3. Photo is first.

Post a nice photo with a smile. A smile goes a long way and is an attractive quality.

4.      4. It’s in the initiation.

Ladies, allow the men to initiate. Men will pursue when they are interested and they enjoy the challenge. Men, don’t be shy! Women love the attention and want to see your winks, pokes, and notes.