Seniors May Need Help Overcoming Post-Holiday Blues

It's the day after Christmas and Right at Home is already bringing you down with news about depression - what's that all about? Well, it's certainly not our intention, but we did find the following article by Robert Preidt published in HealthDay News that we thought was relevant for this time of year, especially as so many of you may be leaving your parents or grandparents after the holidays and may not see them again for a while.

For many seniors, the holiday season can trigger melancholy as they think about lost loved ones, struggle with health issues or worry about money problems, according to the American Geriatrics Society.

To help overcome the seasonal blues, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging offers the following advice:

* Get out and socialize or invite family and friends over. Those who find it hard to get around should ask relatives and others for help traveling to parties and events.
* Volunteering can help improve mood. Contact the United Way or call local schools or religious organizations to ask about opportunities nearby.
* Don't drink too much alcohol because it can actually lower your spirits.
* Accept the fact that many people feel blue during the holidays and there is nothing wrong with not being "merry."
* Talking to someone about your feelings may help you understand the reasons why you feel sad.
* Watch for warning signs of depression. While holiday blues are temporary and mild, depression is more serious. Signs of depression include: persistent sadness; lack of interest; frequent crying; changes in appetite, weight or sleep; constant feelings of fatigue, restlessness, worthlessness, or guilt; suicidal thoughts.
* If you're depressed, contact your health-care provider. Depression is treatable.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging also offers tips for people with older loved ones who experience sadness during the holidays:

* Invite them out and to gatherings. Remember to take into account their needs, such as transportation or special diets.
* Lend a hand by offering to help with shopping and preparations for get-togethers in their homes.
* Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Acknowledge their sadness, including a sense of loss if family or friends have died or moved away.
* Suggest your loved one talk with a health-care provider. Many older people don't realize when they're depressed. Let your loved one know depression is a medical illness and there's no shame in having it.

Merry Christmas from Right at Home

Right at Home in Glendale wants to wish everyone a warm and happy Christmas.

Unique Christmas Gifts for your Grandparents

It's almost Christmas. You've bought gifts for your kids, your friends, your parents, maybe even your siblings. But don't forget your grandparents. Often times, it truly is the thought that counts, but as this article from Associated Content points out, sometimes you need to think outside that proverbial box when it comes to great gifts for your grandparents.

Need an idea of what to buy at Christmas for grandparents or other elderly friends and relatives? Some of the elderly have given up the hobbies they used to have, and may have moved to a smaller houses or apartments or live with family with little room for anything new.

If your grandparent is short of money, they may appreciate a card with a gift card or voucher for groceries. A surprise check to a utility company may come in handy for them. The gift giver can also make up a basket of the person's favorite food and drinks. When making a food basket, keep any dietary restrictions in mind.

A gift of a cleaning service or handyman (or a caregiver from Right at Home)might be appreciated by an elderly person who finds it hard to do any of these things for themselves. You may also print out a gift certificate and offer to do the cleaning, cooking or gardening yourself.

Elderly people tend to say they don't need a thing. But everyone including the elderly appreciates small luxuries. A gift certificate to a hair salon or even a spa for a facial or a massage is a great idea. Even a gift basket made up of moisturizers and bath supplies would be welcome as skin gets drier as we age.

Most elderly people stay home more often, some would like to get out more but don't socialize as much as they used to. A gift of an evening out would be welcome to a senior who has not been to a movie and dinner in a long time. Find out what the person likes and purchase tickets in advance. Maybe the person would like dinner and a movie, a play, concert etc..

A most unusual or interesting gift would be to purchase lessons for the receiver. A tennis or golf lesson, a ballroom dance class. Even learn to fly a plane! Talk to your grandparent and find out what their secret dream is.. You could possible make one of their dreams come true!

Elderly people also like music, movies and books just like younger people. Find out their favorite artists by talking to them. You would be surprised at what you find out. Getting an old album or movie or a signed book may just make their Christmas special.

Whatever you do just remember that grandparents are people too and sometimes the best gift of all is spending time with their family and friends making memories in front of the tree.

Knowing Alzheimer's

Right at Home Glendale owner Doug Dickstein had the great pleasure of working every now and then with Griffith Park Senior Center's Stephanie Vendig during his tenure as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in 2006-08. Stephanie also writes a monthly column for the Los Feliz Ledger, a local paper serving the Los Feliz, Atwater Village and Silver Lake areas. Below is a re-print of her most recent article.

Alzheimer’s, for us older adults, is cause for anxiety, especially since this disease, a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, is connected to our aging.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 report just released, nearly 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; most develop symptoms after age 60. This number is expected to double within 20 years. In fact, 50% of us, 85 and older, will probably succumb to Alzheimer’s or other related dementia conditions. Total healthcare costs are three times higher for Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementia than for other people age 65 and older, putting a financial burden on both families and programs.

Alzheimer’s is prevalent for various reasons. People are living longer. This means that more people will exhibit the full impact of dementia because it takes time to develop. Previously, you would die of other conditions before you die of Alzheimer’s. Because women live longer than men, their incidence is higher. In addition, the large group of “Baby Boomers”—78 million—is now reaching the age when the disease becomes evident. And finally, there is no cure at this time to restrain the increase.

In early stages, called “mild cognitive impairment,” the person shows a pattern of deficient memory and reduced performance on cognitive tests, but is still maintaining activities of daily living. In addition, depression, irritability, anxiety, aggression, and apathy are more apparent. Where once it seemed useless to get a diagnosis as early as possible, it is now worthwhile because studies into the earliest stages of the disease suggest that certain behaviors may slow cognitive decline, or that specific medication might slow the progression.

The saddest feature of Alzheimer’s and dementia is the toll on the person’s family who become caregivers. As a person’s behavior becomes more unpredictable, it is the caregiver who must increasingly be the manager of the person’s life. The stress and the time necessary to make sure that the person is safe and functioning is all consuming.

Check out Leeza’s Place about support groups and activities for the caregiver. (323) 932-5414 or ywyte@leezasplace.org. The Los Angeles City Dept. of Aging, with its multipurpose centers, provides resources for training, support groups, case management, and in-home respite care or adult day care: (213) 252-4030 or (800) 510-2020.

For comprehensive information on Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementia conditions, go to www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers, www.alz.org (Alzheimer’s Association), www.mayoclinic.com, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus. If you don’t have a computer, come to GPACC and get help there.

Senior Classes Offered by No. Hollywood Poly Adult School

Brain Fitness:
Based on UCLA’s Department on Aging, this course offers information on brain structure, ways to protect and practice memory skills, to live well. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Piedmont, 6750 Whitsett, North Hollywood and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Valley Storefront, 12821 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood.

Popular Music Appreciation:
Historical study of America’s Tin Pan Alley composers, using film, documentary, lyrics, life stories and discussion format. Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., The Valley Village Senior Apartments, 12111 Chandler Boulevard, Valley Village and Wednesdays at The Sunrise, 4610 Coldwater Blvd, Studio City.

Piedmont Music Ensemble (Chorus):
Learn about rhythm, breathing techniques, harmony singing while rehearsing the great songs of the 1930s and 1940s as well as Beatles music. No professional experience necessary. Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., The Piedmont, 6750 Whitsett, North Hollywood.

Intergenerational Tutoring:
Job-training in tutor-mentoring with opportunity to practice skills with high school students needing assistance with exit exams. Thursdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., The Valley Village Senior Apartments, 12111 Chandler Blvd., Valley Village.

Help During the Holidays

As we get closer and closer to Christmas and New Year's, we want to remind everyone that Right at Home is here for all of your in-home care needs. From light housekeeping to transportation to meal preparation to assistance with bathing and dressing, Right at Home can supply your loved one the qualified, trained and thoroughly background checked caregivers that you need.

The Holiday season is a time to de-stress and enjoy your time together with your family and friends. Rest assured, Right at Home is here to help you when you need us. We take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Even on Christmas Day or New Year's Eve, we'll have someone there to answer your calls.

So if you do need a caregiver, don't hesitate to give us a call at 818-956-5905.

Happy Hanukkah

Right at Home in Glendale would like to wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a safe and joyous holiday.

New Research Study is Seeking Participants

Right at Home would like to bring your attention to an online research study . Participants will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

Chapman University in Orange, California is conducting a research study that examines interpersonal communication patterns of people who have provided unpaid long-distance care to an individual who is age 55 or older in the past year. The purpose of this study is to learn more about your interactions and experiences as a distant caregiver. They are seeking volunteers to complete an approximately 15 to 20 minute online survey that includes questions about demographic and relational information, your interpersonal communication with the individual receiving care, and your health.

To qualify for this study and receive compensation, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Be age 18 or older;
2. Live long-distance from the care recipient; and,
3. Have provided unpaid care for a friend or family member who is age 55 or older in the past year.

Distance caregiver participants who fit the above criteria and who provide valid email addresses will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card via email within 1-2 weeks of completing the online survey.

If you would like to participate, please click on the following web link:

Please note: Survey responses may be randomly verified before participants are compensated. Individuals may participate only once and receive one gift card.

If you have any questions or concerns about this research, please contact the study coordinators at bevan@chapman.edu or sparks@chapman.edu.

Increase In Diabetes Will Fuel Explosion Of Alzheimer's Dementia

We thought this article, written by Dr. Scott Mendelson, would be a very interesting read for everyone. We see so many clients suffering from both diabetes and Alzheimer's and this article discusses some interesting parallels between the two. Dr. Mendelson is the author Beyond Alzheimer's.

In a new report published in the December issue of the journal Diabetes Care, it is predicted that in the United States the number of people suffering from Diabetes will double over the next 25 years. This is bad news for those of us concerned about the looming epidemic of Alzheimer's Dementia.

Diabetes is a disease of metabolic function in the body that is defined as an inability to control levels of sugar in the blood. However, Diabetes does far more than disturb blood sugar levels. Diabetes adversely affects the functions of virtually every organ in the body. Consequently, it is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other illness, among which are various forms of dementia.

There are actually two types of diabetes. Diabetes Type I, often referred to as Juvenile Onset Diabetes, is most often seen in children and young people. This form of Diabetes results from a loss of pancreatic function and subsequent decrease in the production of the essential hormone, insulin. The other, far more common form of Diabetes is Diabetes Type II, or what is sometimes referred to as Adult Onset Diabetes. Diabetes Type II is not primarily due to a lack of insulin, but rather to a loss of the body's sensitivity and response to insulin. Whereas Diabetes Type I is usually caused by infections or autoimmune diseases of the pancreas, Diabetes Type II is almost always the result of poor diet, stress and lack of exercise. That is, it is generally the result of poor lifestyle choices. It is Diabetes Type II that is expected to grow in such disturbing fashion over the next 25 years.

Diabetes Type II is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's Dementia. Indeed, having Diabetes Type II is thought to at least double the risk of developing Alzheimer's Dementia. Over the last ten years we have greatly increased our understanding of the relationship between Diabetes Type II and Alzheimer's. The most obvious reason that Diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer's Dementia is because it increases the incidence of heart disease; high blood pressure; high levels of fat in the form of triglycerides in the blood; decreases in the levels of the good cholesterol, HDL; and increases in levels of the bad cholesterol, LDL. All of these factors are individually known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's Dementia. These conditions also increase the risk of stroke and other forms of damage to blood vessels in the brain, which thus increases the risk of vascular dementia. Unfortunately, vascular dementia accelerates the pathological changes that occur in Alzheimer's Dementia. Thus, vascular dementia is itself a risk factor for Alzheimer's Dementia.

It has more recently become apparent that insulin itself plays an important role in brain chemistry, and that disturbances in the body's response and sensitivity to insulin may play a role in the pathology of Alzheimer's Dementia. Thus, in respect to the growing epidemic of Alzheimer's Dementia, the predicted increase in the incidence of Diabetes is particularly ominous. The hallmarks of the damage done to brain tissue in Alzheimer's Dementia are plaques of abnormal amyloid protein, and tangles of abnormal forms of the brain protein tau. Insulin plays an important role in maintaining normal forms and functions of those proteins. A lack of insulin or insufficient sensitivity to insulin in the brain results in increased build up of amyloid plaques.
Interestingly, the enzyme that breaks down insulin in the brain after it has served its purpose, an enzyme known as Insulin Degrading Enzyme (IDE) is also able to destroy amyloid plaques. Insulin stimulates the production of IDE, and when there is insufficient insulin activity, there is also a decrease in the presence of IDE that could help reduce amyloid plaque build up. Another curious relationship between amyloid and insulin is that amyloid protein resembles insulin closely enough to bind to insulin receptors in the brain and block the effect of insulin. Thus amyloid plaques further decrease the brain's sensitivty to insulin. Insulin also prevents the production of abnormal neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein by inhibiting an enzyme in the brain known as glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). GSK3 adds phosphate to tau protein and "hyperphosphorylation" of tau protein causes it to tangle.

Beyond its direct effects on amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau, insulin serves as a growth factor in the brain that helps maintain nerve endings where neurons communicate with each other. Maintenance of these nerve endings is essential for what is referred to as "neural plasticity". Neural plasticity allows us to learn and adapt to changing conditions, and without it our brain function deteriorates. Insulin acts to reduce inflammation in the brain. It is known that inflammatory processes play a major role in the progression of Alzheimer's Dementia.

Although increases in the incidence of Diabetes Type II will almost certainly increase the number of individuals who will develop Alzheimer's Dementia, there is also a hidden danger. In most cases, Diabetes Type II arises in individuals who have first developed the condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is the presence of high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. The other characteristic of Metabolic Syndrome is high blood sugar. However, the levels of blood sugar in Metabolic Syndrome are not high enough to reach those necessary to diagnose Diabetes. In fact, Metabolic Syndrome is often referred to as "pre-Diabetes".
The underlying cause of Metabolic Syndrome is thought to be insulin resistance, and it is largely due to poor lifestyle choices, that is, too much sugar, too much saturated fat along with it, too much stress, and too little exercise. The frightening fact is that along with the doubling of cases of Diabetes Type II, there will also be an enormous and less apparent growth in the number of individuals with Metabolic Syndrome but not actual Diabetes. Unfortunately, Metabolic Syndrome, even when it does not progress to full-blown Diabetes Type II, is also a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer's Dementia.

The answer to this looming health catastrophe, which will destroy both lives and financial plans, is the dissemination and implementation of common sense protocols of preventative medicine. We must reduce our intake of sugars and simple carbohydrates; reduce our intake of saturated fats, particularly when consumed along with simple carbohydrates; fight obesity and maintain ideal weight; promote exercise and stress reduction; and build a health care system that is dedicated to prevention of disease and monitoring for signs of risk factors for disease that can be improved or reversed. If these steps are not taken, our society faces a heartbreaking and extraordinarily expensive future of ill health, regardless of what type of health care plan congress is able to establish.

Caregiver of the Month for November

Right at Home is pleased to announce that the caregiver for the month of November is George S.!

George has worked for Right at Home for a little over a year now. Already a Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.), George is currently in school to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.). Despite this hectic schedule, George has worked a variety of cases for us, including most recently filling in a 24-hour shift over Thanksgiving!

George almost never says "no" to a case, willing to travel from Inglewood to Woodland Hills; from Eagle Rock to Santa Monica; without ever a complaint. He's also received nothing but praise from our clients, who call him "a gentleman", "a super nice guy" and "a class act." He is one of our most reliable caregivers and we always know our clients are in good hands when George is on the case.

Congratulations to George S.!

December Issue of Caring Right at Home Now Available

Be sure to check out our latest edition of the Caring Right at Home eNewsletter at www.poststat.net/RightAtHome. In it you’ll find informative articles on Long-Term Care, holiday visits may be the time to discuss home care, confusion and forgetfullness: the right diagnosis is important, and coping with medical challenges during the holidays. Let us know what you think!