New Location for the Right at Home L.A. Blog

Along with the launch of our new website at www.glendale.rightathome.net we've moved our blog from our blogspot site to our new site.

We'll still keep our old blog up and running so you can visit it anytime right here at www.rightathomela.blogspot.com.

However, from this point forward we'll be posting on to our new blog site

So thank you to all of our old readers who are moving with us to our new site and we welcome all of our new readers.

Thank you for your continued interest in Right at Home.

Can a Robot Seal Really Take Care of Grandma?

Who doesn't want to hear more stories about senior citizens and robot seals? I sure don't and thanks to our friends at newser.com...we don't have to.

Is Paro—the adorable robotic seal designed to comfort the elderly—the best thing to happen to solitary seniors since the Clapper, or a tasteless substitute for human attention? Manufactured in Japan and recently cleared in the US as a Class 2 medical device, the $6,000 robot is intended as a sort of pet therapy (it can recognize voices and make "weird" sounds), just without the messiness of a living animal. But ethicists fear that we’re putting the emotional well-being of seniors in the hands (flippers?) of a gadget.

"Why are we so willing to provide our parents, then ourselves, with faux relationships?" asks one MIT professor. But Paro’s fans say it’s invaluable for certain needy patients, particularly dementia sufferers, reports the Wall Street Journal. The seal’s European distributor requires nursing home employees to take a class on the device, so they don’t allow patients to, in the words of one consultant, “escape into a strange seal robot’s universe.”

Senior Driving and Traffic Safety

While traffic safety is important for all drivers, seniors experience physical changes that can affect their driving abilities. Although some seniors can drive well into their 70s, 80s and 90s, others cannot. It can be a tough adjustment for people who are used to using their cars to visit friends and family, attend doctor appointments and go shopping. Seniors often equate losing their driving privileges to becoming dependent and losing control and spontaneity in their lives. However, there are simple safety steps older adults can take to ensure they are driving safely.

Vision
The ability to see clearly while driving changes with age. According to AAA, the amount of light needed to drive nearly doubles every 13 years. For example, a 45-year-old requires four times as much light as a 19-year-old, and a 60-year-old requires 10 times as much.

Change in vision is a common reason why many seniors have restricted licenses or have their licenses revoked. Good vision is crucial to driving and senior drivers should keep the following in mind:

• Get an annual eye exam. Your eyes change rapidly and early detection can slow the progress of many eye problems.
• Limit driving to the daytime. It takes more time for aging eyes to adjust to the glare of oncoming headlights.
• Keep your head and eyes moving. While driving look ahead of your vehicle for other vehicles, pedestrians, animals or hazards. While driving in the city look at least one block ahead and on the highway look 12 to 15 seconds ahead. Glance frequently in your rearview mirror.
• Keep your headlights, taillights and the inside and outside of your windshield clean. Choose a car with a clear windshield as tinted windows can reduce the amount of light entering the eye.
• Avoid wearing eyeglasses and sunglasses with wide frames that may restrict your side vision. Always keep your eyeglasses clean.

Medications
Many senior drivers take medications that may affect safe driving, leading to drowsiness and confusion. Seniors should talk to their doctors about the effects their medications may have on their driving abilities and follow these guidelines:

• Read the fine print. Many prescription and over-the-counter medication labels include the message “Do not use while operating heavy machinery.” Be cognizant of the warnings on your medications before getting behind the wheel.
• Consult with your doctor before taking any new medications. The interaction between certain drugs can affect your ability to safely drive.
• If any medications cause fatigue or disorientation, stop driving.

Physical and Mental Fitness
Driving takes strength, flexibility and coordination and seniors should continue to participate in physical exercise to keep their motor skills sharp. Mental fitness is also important as older minds sometimes react more slowly than younger minds. Here are some ways for seniors to enhance their physical and mental fitness:

• Take a brisk walk every day or start a garden in your backyard to stay physically fit.
• Stimulate your brain. Activities such as crossword puzzles, brain teasers and card games stimulate your mind and enhance your problem solving, memory, reasoning and concentration skills.

Alternatives for Older Drivers
A person’s driving ability is dependent on many factors. Chronological age is not always the best predictor of one’s ability to drive safely. If you or your loved one has had a series of minor accidents, is unable to concentrate, is getting lost on familiar roads or is unable to read or recognize ordinary road signs, it may be time to step out from behind the wheel. However, there are alternatives available. In-home care agencies such as Right at Home offer many companion services including transportation to doctor’s appointments and recreational activities, as well as shopping and errand services.

“We know that living independently has many benefits and we are privileged to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy a full life,” said Doug Dickstein, President, Right at Home in Glendale “All older adults and their loved ones should be aware of traffic safety.”

Seniors can also utilize public transportation where available. There are often community agencies that provide volunteer transportation services for seniors, as well. These alternatives can give retired drivers the independence they once had while keeping them out of harm’s way.

Custom Fit-Mouth Tray for Teeth Bleaching May Improve Oral Health of Senior Citizens

My father always told me to take care of my teeth. "Don't be like me," he said "take care of your teeth or you'll regret if forever." Of course, not all of my father's advice was so sage, like when he told me to buy Telecommunications and Technology stocks right before their bubble burst about 8 years ago or so...or the time when he claimed Costco Hot Dogs were the best hot dogs in their world (I like Costco Dogs, but they're not the best in the world). Still, for seniors trying to maintain their oral health, the following story from seniorjournal.com might strike some as interesting.

A tooth-bleaching agent may improve the oral health of elderly and special-needs patients, say dentists at the Medical College of Georgia and Western University of Health Sciences. Standard oral hygiene methods, such as brushing and flossing, can be difficult or impossible for patients with mental challenges or senior citizens with impaired manual dexterity.

Additionally, when health problems or medications cause xerostomia, or dry mouth, the lack of saliva reduces the mouth's natural protective mechanisms. These problems lead to plaque accumulation, cavities and periodontal disease, and could further impact the patient's health.

A report featured on the cover of this month's Journal of the American Dental Association noted that applying the tooth whitener carbamide peroxide through a custom-fit mouth tray might combat those problems. The report was based on a literature review and the authors' clinical experiences with special-needs patients and tooth bleaching.

"What we've noticed through whitening patients' teeth over the years is that as they bleached, their teeth got squeaky clean and their gingival health improved," said Dr. Van Haywood, professor in the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and co-author of the report.

Dentists have used carbamide peroxide, or urea peroxide, for decades to whiten teeth, but its original use was as an oral antiseptic. It removes plaque, kills bacteria and elevates the mouth's pH above the point at which enamel and dentin begin to dissolve, which results in fewer cavities.

"All these benefits lead us to believe that tray bleaching can be a very effective supplemental method of oral hygiene for patients facing greater challenges keeping their mouths clean," said Dr. David Lazarchik, associate professor in the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine and the report's co-author.

The trick is in the tray, Haywood said. After a complete dental exam, the dentist can make the custom-fit tray that the patient can wear comfortably at night or for several hours during the day. The carbamide peroxide gel can be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter.

Lazarchik said further research is needed to determine a specific protocol for using tray-applied carbamide peroxide specifically to improve oral health.

Activities for Senior Citizens in Los Angeles

As we head into the Dog Days of Summer, we thought the following list of activities and events for Senior Citizens throughout the Los Angeles area might of some value.

Summer Recreation Classes (City of Garden Grove)
Monday, July 5 7:00p
City of Garden Grove, Garden Grove
The Community Services Department offers year-round programs that provide a full range of opportunities for life enrichment, self improvement, personal growth, and artistic expression.

NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association)
Wednesday, July 7 1:00pm
Joslyn Senior Center, Covina

Lean 101 Workshop
Thursday, Aug 5 9:00am
Cmtc Headquarters, Torrance
CMTC Presents the Lean 101 Workshop August 5, 2010 - 9:00am - 3:00pm - Lunch provided CMTC presents the 2010 Lean 101 Workshop.

Google Seminars for Success - Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Aug 21 9:00am
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale & Mtg Center, Glendale
Google™ Seminars for Success Learn Google Analytics & Website Optimizer in the Classroom! Make it a full week of training: Join Stasia Holdren for Monday & Tuesday's Google AdWords Seminars for Success!

Super Senior Saturday "Seniorstock 2010"
Saturday, Aug 28 10:00am
Buena Park Senior Activity Center, Buena Park
Come Boomers, come Seniors to the grooviest aging health fair of the year. Join us for a far out day of peace, love and information.

9th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair
Sunday, Sep 26 10:00am
West Hollywood Park Auditorium, West Hollywood
The City of West Hollywood and LA Weekly present the multiple, award-winning West Hollywood Book Fair that will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 10 am.

Happy Independence Day!

Everyone at Right at Home would like to wish you a happy and safe Independence Day!

Caregiver of the Month - Julio M.

Right at Home is pleased to announce that Julio M. has been named Right at Home Caregiver of the Month for June 2010.

Julio began working with Right at Home early this year. After working well on a case in Tarzana, Julio started working part-time for a gentleman in the West Hollywood area. His work ethic, compassion, and professionalism however eventually led to the patient request Julio to work full-time hours.

Julio is a prime example of what a caregiver can accomplish if they're willing to travel to where a case takes them, show up on time and work hard. He's an asset to our organization and we're proud to announce him as our caregiver of the month.

Congratulations Julio!

Hipster Culture is Having a Senior Moment

I saw this L.A. Times Article from last month, published shortly after Betty White hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live. I enjoyed it and thought you might enjoy it as well. It was written by Tricia Romano. You can cccess the full article, as well as the rest of the L.A. Times online, here.

The average age of the American hipster has just gone up, way up.

Samuel Halpern, the 74-year-old subject of a Twitter feed based on his profane observations (currently being developed into a TV show, tentatively named "Stuff My Dad Says," starring William Shatner) has 1.3 million fans who eagerly await his every uncensored utterance. Halpern is not the only senior citizen rocking the Internet: DJ Ruth Flowers, a.k.a. Mamy Rock, is a seventysomething former singer-turned-jet-setting dance music DJ with a penchant for sparkly headphones and track suits, who became a YouTube sensation this year, nabbing hundreds of thousands of hits after going viral on Twitter.

And Hollywood's latest It Girl is none other than platinum-haired, 88-year-old Betty White. After starring in a Snickers Super Bowl ad, the former "Golden Girls" actress became the center of a Facebook campaign lobbying for White to host "Saturday Night Live." Half a million people can't be wrong — she was scheduled to host the show Saturday.

Suddenly, at least in parts of the blogosphere, it's hip to be old — a paradoxical twist for a youth-obsessed nation that injects, pulls and carves away any semblance of age. The "olds" (as sites like Gawker.com dub those old enough to remember rotary phones) are the subject of Facebook fan pages, YouTube shows, Twitter feeds and even fashion blogs.

Why is our youth-obsessed society suddenly so fascinated with the 65-plus set. For one thing, they are almost exotic creatures in our fractured modern lives, glimpsed only on major holidays.

"There's been a fragmentation of the family, and older people seemed to be left behind — put them in a home and put them away," Flowers said by phone from Paris, where she was getting her hair twisted into platinum white spikes. "My grandmother was my life!" said Flowers, noting ruefully that she lives more than 100 miles away from her grandson.

Not surprisingly, this interest in the elderly is also somewhat narcissistic. It's not like young hipsters are gleaning bits of history from these grandparental figures, as Ruth Flowers did when she was young, learning about the Titanic and other world events.

No, they're interested in one subject above all else: themselves.

Talents Shouldn't Be Wasted

As someone who has two dogs and a cat in his household, I'm always sensitive to those with animals. This following humorous article from Jean Leedale Hobson in Senior Citizens Magazine is perhaps something a few of our readers can relate to. Log onto www.seniorcitizensmagazine.com to read more from that website.

Today, in a NO PETS ALLOWED apartment building, I am living vicariously through my grandchildren's parade of pets, empathizing with their pleasure and pain from my safe sidelines. Been there, done that , thank you.

I wasn't prepared for one aspect of motherhood -- an ongoing need to be an amateur veterinarian. Would a degree in Animal Husbandry have helped me to revive a turtle my little son had braved traffic to rescue when it was run over by a truck? Or, how to reverse the fate of an overfed goldfish?

I did temporarily wear a halo -- when my warm hands coaxed a weak flutter in a tiny bird that had crashed into a window. Or maybe it was my impersonation of Nellie Forbush in 'South Pacific' when she willed Emile, in great danger, to 'live, live, LIVE!' Whatever -- I was forgiven for recent failures in the turtle and goldfish episodes. In a household consisting of a softie-daddy, a tender-hearted mommy, two pet-adoring sons and a nurturing daughter, animal rights always overrode the human kind.

We collected cats, willingly or otherwise. One, definitely a male, (so said the friend who unloaded 'it' on us) unexpectedly presented us with sextuplets. Never dreaming that 'his' weight gain presupposed maternity, we missed out on preparing a blanket-lined basket for the event. The babies thrived, however, in spite of their unceremonious birth in the basement. And -- we made sure our friend never heard the end of it!

We named another 'Butterscotch', for his color and also his passion for that pudding, pestering me until I put some in his dish to keep him occupied while the kids ate theirs. Another name would have fitted -- 'Pablo' -- because of his penchant for Pablum. When tonsillitis had our younger boy on a soft diet, Butterscotch would leap onto the child's bed tray and, if I didn't intervene quickly enough, slurp the soft cereal with selfish disregard for the patient 's need.

Dogs? Of course our private petting zoo was home to plenty of dogs -- all Heinz 57 varieties of them. But that's another story ....

The smallest label I wore was that of 'writer' in my ongoing battle against commitments and the clock in my longing for creativity. Until Jingles entered the scene! We'd bent the budget on a cottage, telling ourselves we'd have fun on weekends, and a ready-made summer vacation spot. But was a pony even contemplated? No way! Until...

Fast forward to a May weekend and another cottager wanting to sell the pet his kids had outgrown. Presented with the price, Daddy vanished for a sudden swim, the kids pleaded, Mommy was a goner when a velvet nose nuzzled her hand, and the bankbook screamed 'No,no, NO!' But Mommy, on a wild impulse, promised to write stories night and day to earn enough to buy Jingles by the start of school vacation. Me and my big mouth , I berated myself, using up typewriter ribbons, paper, stamps and creative energy.The kids glued me to the typewriter, they helped around the house, and collectively we agonized over the wait for editors' reports as summer loomed and we feared Jingles might be sold. Before I could earn a gold star along with editors' checks,Daddy came through. With the joy of Jingles in the family, strangely the writer hardly missed the short-lived respect for her work! Writing was back at the bottom of the heap, and did she care? No -- she was too busy petting a pony.

A farmer near the cottage area kindly offered to board Jingles over the winter, and, at the time, strangely we happened to be pet-free at home. I vowed we would stay that way, closing my ears to our older son's pleading to take in his buddy's rabbit as the family was moving away.

"A rabbit indoors all winter? I think not! " said the wicked mother-witch.

The neighbors moved out, Scamper moved in and took over. He pee-d puddles and dropped raisins with blissful disregard for personal hygiene or the hours I spent with paper towels and a mop in my hands. I bought a cat comfort station, but he thought the litter was a tasty treat. I even contemplated putting him through the indignity of wearing disposable diapers.

At the height of my desperate threats to find him a new home, came snow and the need for a plastic boot tray inside the back door. Scamper chose, for his own bunny-reasons, to do his bunny-business on it one day. I grasped at a straw and at intervals through the day plopped him onto the tray and waited. Sure enough, perserverance won. Scamper's permanent residence and my sanity were both assured as we shared the credit and the curtain calls at the family's accolades for our success. I was re-installed as a nice person in the kids' estimation, the wicked witch had vanished along with Scamper's bad habits.

Now that I'm retired, with time on my hands, shouldn't my varied experience count for something? Wouldn't some pet shop owner appreciate my part-time services? Couldn't an overworked veterinarian find some menial tasks for a willing volunteer? Degrees I have none, but I respectfully (and humbly) submit that in one area I am a highly successful expert: I sure know how to housetrain rabbits!

This Father's Day, Remind Dad About Health Screenings

Father's Day is a great day to celebrate fathers! It's also a great day to take stock of men's health and well being, to help Dad enjoy many more Father's Days.

Men lead women in 14 of the top 15 causes of death in the United States. More than half of premature deaths in men are preventable. But most men are not aware that simple screening tests can dramatically improve their health. University of Maryland Medical Center experts offer this list:

Heart Health. Cardiovascular disease kills over 410,000 men each year. Risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, can begin in the thirties. Mandeep R. Mehra, MBBS, head of cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tells us that unfortunately many men do not pay attention to the heart and may feel invulnerable to heart disease.

Recommendations: (1) Blood pressure. Normal blood pressure in adults is below 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. One out of every four men has high blood pressure, but many men are unaware that they have it. High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer," because it usually has no noticeable symptoms until other serious problems occur. Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years, starting at age 18, or more frequently if it is at or above 140/90 or if you have other risk factors. Ask your doctor. Don't have time for an appointment with a health care provider? Stop by a neighborhood fire station for a free blood pressure check-up. (2) Cholesterol. Your total cholesterol number should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and your good cholesterol (HDL) should be 40 mg/dL or higher. A lipid panel test (a simple blood test that measures blood fats such as cholesterol or triglyceride) is recommended for all men age 35 and up, and much earlier if heart disease runs in the family.

Diabetes. This chronic disease can be life threatening if it is not controlled. Complications include: heart disease and stroke, blindness or vision problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, gum disease, sleep apnea, and depression. Risk factors include: obesity, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fat levels, and an inactive lifestyle.

Recommendations: According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men age 45 or over, especially those who are overweight, should be screened for diabetes. Testing is also strongly recommended in men younger than 45 who are overweight with one or more risk factors. If results are normal, testing is recommended every three years.

Prostate Health. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. The best way for a man to protect himself is to catch prostate problems early, when chances of successful treatment are better.

Recommendations: Two prostate screening tests are advised: a physical exam, and a blood test, called a prostate specific antigen test. Dr. Michael J. Naslund of the University of Maryland School of Medicine recommends that men begin the physical exam and the PSA test at age 50. Two groups at higher risk for prostate cancer—men with a family history of the cancer and African-American men—should begin the screening when they are 40.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in men, after prostate cancer and lung cancer. Healthcare providers suggest one or more tests for colorectal cancer screening. These include a colonoscopy, which is used to visually examine the lining of the large intestine. Other screening methods include virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double contrast barium.

Recommendations: The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing colorectal cancer receive a colonoscopy every 10 years; or a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease should begin screening earlier.

Skin Cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, men are more likely to develop skin cancers than women. One form of skin cancer, called melanoma, causes about 73 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Recommendations: A monthly mole self-exam should be performed by men in all age groups. In addition, starting at age 20, a doctor should do a mole exam every three years. For men 40 and older, a doctor should do a mole exam every year.

Additional Screening

The University of Maryland team also reminds men to speak with their healthcare provider about the right schedule for dental exams, vision and hearing care screenings and immunizations.

Source: University of Maryland Medical Center.

Multigenerational Families: Moving in With Your Children

Stephanie Vendig was nice enough to interview us and give us mention in her recent monthly column appearing in the Los Feliz Ledger. Below is a transcript of her article. To read more in the Los Feliz Ledger, visit www.losfelizledger.com.


In my generation, the American ideal of self-sufficiency was strong. Children are supposed to grow up, leave home and then just visit. The parents are supposed to grow old pursuing an independent life without being a burden to their children. They would sell their house, move to a retirement community, or to an Assisted Living Facility. It was a modern way of thinking, unlike the “old-fashioned” way.

However, multigenerational households in America, as in many traditional societies in the world were always part of the landscape. But today, as people live longer and with economic conditions insecure, the “old-fashioned” way is reoccurring. According to the Pew Research Center, 16.1% of our population is taking on the responsibility of caring for aging relatives in their home. It may be the grown children whose own children have grown and left the home or it may be grown children who still have children under 18 years of age—the “sandwich” generation facing double responsibilities.

Psychologically, grown children returning to the parents’ home could be less of an adjustment for the parent (except for the fact you can’t go back to being a parent). In other words, “You are moving into my house. I already know my space.” But when the parent moves into the children’s home, they are more like a guest. You would be starting a new lifestyle. In either case, there needs to be an assessment of needs identified by both parties. Does the house need to be modified so the parent can function as independently as possible, what is the extent of assistance needed, and what opportunities will there be for socialization outside of the family?

Then there are considerations if the grown children are working or are unable to provide full time attention to the needs of the parents because of other responsibilities. Even with a family that provides a familiar and a comforting home, the parent could be shortchanged.

If you write “caring for older parents,” in the search engine of your computer, you will find a lot of ideas and resources on the subject. You can contact the Los Angeles Dept. of Aging, http://aging.lacity.org/ or call (213) 252-4000 for care giving supports.

Home care for parents can be tailored to your needs. Leanna Dickstein, co-owner with her husband Doug of the local agency, Right at Home (818) 956-5905, spoke with me about their home care services. They provide staff who have been screened (background check), bonded and insured. The tasks are customized to match the needs and the time periods required. The offer help for a variety of needs: like for or companionship or help driving the elder parent to appointments. The service also can be used for assisting in personal hygiene or medications reminders or meal preparation. Thus, a family caring for older parents often needs extra supports to reap the benefits of sharing their household.

The History of Flag Day

Today is Flag Day! This is an oft-overlooked holiday. It seems these days even Arbor Day gets more attention. And let's not even talk about Groundhog Day. There was a whole movie about Groundhog Day. But Flag Day...no movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis...no public spectacle featuring Al Gore and the guys from Wilco. So we felt we'd take this time to teach everyone a little bit about what Flag Day is all about.

There are two recognized definitions of the term, Flag Day. The first definition is used to designate a day to fly a flag of a certain area, mostly that of nations. The second term is that a day is set aside to honour an event specifically involving a national flag (eg. creation/adoption).

Flag days are usually codified in national statutes, however, a decree by a head of state of the specific country can also order flag days. The display of the national flag on this day, mainly to fix it at either full or half staff. The locations of where the flags are flown (and how are they flown) can be also dictated by national law or decree.

In the United States, Flag Day (more formally, National Flag Day), is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.

Recreation is a Necessity for Senior Citizens

We picked up this article from http://going-strong-seniors.com/wordpress/. Feel free to visit for more information on this and other topics to senior citizens.

As our citizenry grows older, there is a expanding focus on training and acquiring long term leisure competencies. Research shows that recreation is a principal portion of one's own social patterns. Recreation has an important function throughout the lives of older adults by contributing to a more rewarding quality of life. People who participate in recreational actions as older citizens report significant life satisfaction compared with people who do not.

Physical recreation is especially important. Engaging in physical activity minimizes almost every danger of disease, including heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer as well as diabetes. Participation in recreational actions boosts mental well-being too. Once again, studies exhibit that older people who participate in recreational pastimes possess healthier coping behaviors in reaction to demanding life occasions and day-to-day frustrations. They understand that social support is relevant and available because of these activities.

The fact is that many of us have come to view our retirement years as a time of decreasing activity and social interaction. This can result in the belief that they're incapable of recreational activity or that it will not be offered to them. They frequently cite scarce financial resources, lack of transportation or declining health
as reasons for avoiding these important pursuits/ Although there's some validity to these concerns, we often overlook the improving resources which are aimed at maintaining wellness among senior citizens. Some of these resources are:

* Travel programs. Fees are generally required, nonetheless deep discounts for seniors are typically offered.
* Volunteering. Seniors bring valuable experience, wisdom and compassion to others
* Elderhostel. A world-wide travel program bringing affordable adventure and learning to seniors
* Theme parks. Senior days! Special entry fees!
* Entertainment and arts. Museum and theatre tours often present discounts and transportation to seniors
* Local parks and recreation programs. Fantastic outdoor activities
* Community Gardening. Check with your local parks and recreation office
* Senior citizen centers. Free or reduced price meals and a lot more!
* Book clubs. Reading and socialization are a potent therapeutic combination for the actual brain

It is imperative for senior citizens and those who care for them to seek out recreational opportunities even if they may feel reluctant to do so. Research indicates that seniors who participate in these kinds of actions tend to stay active.

Western cultures sometimes view their older populations as economic and social liabilities. Actually when these 'old people' are nurtured, they become assets. Recreational diversions can assist and motivate seniors to contribute their valuable time and wisdom.

June is "Home Safety" Month

June is “Home Safety Month,” an opportunity to educate and empower older adults and their families to take action and increase the safety of their homes. The aging population can continue to live safely and independently in their homes by implementing fall prevention and fire safety habits.

“No one wants to think about being injured at home as it is a safe haven for many of us,” said Doug Dickstein, President of Right at Home in Glendale. “Thankfully there are many simple actions you can take to help save lives and prevent injuries. Right at Home is available to help older adults and their loved ones identify and correct household hazards that can lead to slips, falls and other dangers.”

For many older adults, falls can be a life-changing event leading to less mobility, independence and even death. According to the Home Safety Council, an average of nearly 5,000 Americans age 65 and older die from fall-related injuries in their homes each year. Right at Home offers free in-home assessments that include a safety check walk-through of a senior’s home to identify potential fall hazards and other safety ideas. For more information on these assessments, contact Doug Dickstein at 818-956-5905 or doug@rahglendale.com or visit www.glendale.rightathome.net. The Home Safety Council also offers the following tips for fall prevention:

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and ensure they go from the top to the bottom.
• Tape small rugs to the floor or do not use them at all as they can be a tripping hazard.
• Have plenty of lights at the top and bottom of the stairs and be sure to keep them clear of debris.
• Place night lights in the bedroom, hallway and bathroom.
• Lay a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower and have grab bars installed.

Older adults and their families are also encouraged to prepare for fire emergencies. Older adults are twice as likely to suffer injuries or lose their lives in a fire than the general population, according to the Home Safety Council. The Home Safety Council also offers the following tips for fire safety:

• Make sure there is a least one working fire alarm on each level of the home, located inside or near sleeping areas.
• Create a home escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Move the bedroom to the first floor to escape outside quickly in case of a fire.
• Keep escape routes clear and make sure doors and windows open easily.
• Keep a phone in the bedroom to call for help if necessary.
• Always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove and avoid loose clothing while cooking.
• Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays on a sturdy table and stay alert while smoking.
• Plug only one cord into each electrical outlet and unplug appliances when not in use.

“Taking many of these simple safety steps can help to keep older adults living safely and independently in their own homes,” Dickstein said. “We know that living independently has many benefits and we are privileged to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy a full life.”

Caregiver of the Month for May 2010 - Charmie L.

Right at Home is proud to announce that Charmie L. has been selected as the Caregiver of the Month for May 2010.

Charmie has been working a 12-hour overnight shift with a patient recovering from a stroke tirelessly in the San Fernando Valley for the past few months and has been praised by the family for her competency, professionalism and charm.

We'd like to thank Charmie for all of her great work and congratulate her on being selected caregiver of the month for May!

Ad Men Use Beatles to Sell Senior Care

The other day I was in my car listening to the radio. On came the song "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. When I was in high-school, I became a fan of Pink Floyd and had friends who were huge fans of the band and "Wish You Were Here" is probably my favorite Pink Floyd tune. I saw them in concert at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island in 1989 - 14 years after that track was released.

When the song ended, I turned to another station and heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.

Nirvana released their album Nevermind in 1991, which included the iconic, "Stairway to Heaven" of my generation - "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I thought about it, and I realized that even though "Smells Like Teen Spirit" seemed more current; seemed more modern it was actually now a 19-year-old song. Which of course made "Wish You Were Here" at 35 year old song and all of this made me feel rather--older than I thought I was.

So when I ran across this little nugget in the Wall Street Journal, it made me wonder how some of our clients might feel if I started advertising our homecare services to the sounds of Frank Sinatra...or Chuck Barry...or, Pink Floyd?

The songs you loved when you were 23 may someday be used to sell you retirement care. Researchers have homed in on that age as the likeliest time when music that triggers life-long nostalgia is heard. People who watched the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show at 23 are now turning 70, and a Florida care home is using images of the one-time youth sensation as part of a nostalgia-based ad campaign.

The good feelings nostalgia generates are a potent tool for marketers, and, execs at the care home say, help improve life for seniors with little short-term memory. The care home runs a pop-culture program taking residents back to their youth. "They might not remember what they had for lunch, but they can sing along with Sinatra and know all the words," the facility's director of sales tells the Wall Street Journal.

Social Security’s Online Services Take Top Three Spots in Customer Satisfaction Survey

Sticking with our theme of Senior Citizens on the Net, this recent survey taken from SeniorJournal.com shows the Social Security website being used and well-received by Seniors throughout the country.

The Social Security Administration’s online services, heavily used by senior citizens for matters dealing with Social Security and Medicare, have been recognized as the “best in government” and exceed top private sector sites in customer satisfaction, according to a news release.

In the latest results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator and benefit application remain in the top spots, each with a score of 90, and the Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs application placed third with a score of 87.

“Online services are vital to good public service and I am pleased that Social Security continues to provide the best in both government and the private sector,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security.

“The Internet provides the public with the ability to conduct business at their convenience and at their own pace, without the need to take leave from work, travel to a field office, and wait to meet with an agency representative. It also reduces the time spent by our employees processing claims and frees them up to spend more time handling complex cases.”

Social Security’s three top-rated online services also meet or exceed the private sector’s highest score, which was recorded by Netflix, with a score of 87. The ACSI notes that this shows “that government sites can satisfy visitors just as well as, or even better than, private-sector sites.”

The ACSI is the only uniform, national, cross-industry measure of satisfaction with the quality of goods and services available in the U.S. According to ACSI, “Any website, whether in the private or public sector, that scores an average of 80 or higher can be considered superior in meeting site visitors’ needs and expectations.” Social Security’s Business Services Online, with a score of 82, also meets this superior threshold.

To view all of Social Security’s online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Social Networking Offers Many Benefits for Seniors

Seniors are increasingly turning to social networks for companionship and support. Social networking provides opportunities for seniors to meet new people, stay in touch with family and friends and support their hobbies and interests. Facebook was the third most popular online destination for people 65 or older in November 2009, compared to the forty-fifth most popular destination in 2008, according to The Nielsen Company.

The most popular social networking site is Facebook, which is used by 90 percent of senior social media users, according to a recent eMarketer study. However, experts from aging, healthcare and senior services have joined together with social media experts to create interactive sites connecting seniors through common interests, such as Eons and Vibrant Nation.

“Social media is giving seniors a voice and an outlet to communicate without limitations,” said Doug Dickstein, president of Right at Home in Los Angeles, a provider of in-home care throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. “It is not only bridging the generational gap with their grandchildren and younger generations of their families, but allowing them to create new social groups at a stage in their life when it is often difficult to do so.”

Benefits of Social Networks
The benefits of social networks are similar to the benefits of real-world groups of friends and families. About one-third of people 75 and older live alone, according to a 2009 study from AARP. Many seniors feel a sense of isolation, and social networking is an easy solution to find companions with shared likes and interests through groups, discussion boards, polls and relevant articles. Topics ranging from gardening to travel to volunteer opportunities are engaging seniors.

Social networking is a great option for seniors with limited mobility, as it can be done independently from the comfort of their own homes. They also may deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone. The Internet offers methods of communication that work for almost everyone. They can independently view photos of their grandchildren, follow their family’s activities and reconnect with old friends. Many sites also feature engaging and stimulating brain games to keep aging minds young and vital.

As seniors age, they often reach out for support for life challenges and health issues. Many social networking sites feature discussion boards and groups focused on health, aging and fitness. The encouraged open communication can help combat depression and provide a support group without leaving the home.

Tips for Getting Started
Social networking can help seniors stay connected like never before. But many may feel apprehensive about embracing the growing technology. They may ask themselves “How do I know where to begin?” or “Why should I join in?” Seniors may want an introduction to the basics of Internet use. Many community centers and organizations offer introductory classes to help seniors feel more comfortable while venturing out into social networking spaces. Also, social networking has a language of its own. There are many online resources available for seniors to become familiar with terms including “status update,” “wall” and “pokes,” including this recent article from AARP.

Seniors must also decide which type of community to join. Some, like Eons, are more interest-focused, while others, like Facebook, offer the opportunity to connect online with family and close friends. Most sites are free and require only an email address and password. Once an account is setup, seniors can add to their profile, express themselves and interact with people all over the world.

However, every age group has vulnerabilities online and seniors are no exception. It is important to be aware of hackers, scammers and identity theft. By getting to know the privacy settings on the site being used, seniors can control who can and can’t see the information they are sharing. Seniors should also be aware of emails from friends selling products and services or requesting money. If it doesn’t sound right, their friend’s account may have been hacked without them realizing it. This recent article from Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, offers 10 ways for seniors to stay safe online.

Social networking provides seniors with a sense of purpose. They can feel empowered by making new connections and staying involved in society without having to rely on their loved ones for transportation or assistance. Seniors can easily enjoy the benefits and discover the joy of connecting with others online.

Older Americans Month 2010 Promotion Theme: ‘Age Strong! Live Long!’

"May is Older Americans Month - a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans and support them as they enter the next stage in life,” according to a news release prepared by the Administration on Aging for local media as part of the effort to encourage communities nationwide to celebrate this month with special activities and events.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme - “Age Strong! Live Long!” - recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations, according to the AOA news release.

“They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans,” adds the news release.

“These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.

“Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history - America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.

“While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.

“In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services.

“Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.

“The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly.

"Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting http://www.eldercare.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116 to find out what you can do to strengthen services for older Americans, this month and all year round.”

History of Older Americans Month

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.

Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."

President Jimmy Carter decided in 1980 that what was once called Senior Citizens Month, should be called "Older Americans Month," which has become the tradition.

Historically, Older Americans Month has been promoted as a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country.

Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

excerpted from SeniorJournal.com

Health care reform bill 101: What does it mean for seniors?

The recently signed Health Care Reform Bill has many people thinking. Some people are excited about what it may mean to their ability to access health services; others are scared about what benefits might be taken away. This overview posted back in March by the Christian Science Monitor offers an overview of what Seniors might expect.

Many senior citizens worry about the effect that the health care reform bill may have on them. After all, they generally use the health care system more than do younger people. And those living on fixed incomes may have little leeway in their budgets to help if their health costs rise.

Would the healthcare reform legislation that President Obama plans to sign into law on Tuesday affect seniors in any direct way?

The short answer is “yes.”

Healthcare 101: What the bill means to you

The longer answer is that some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.

Here are some specifics on these changes:

Medicare cuts

Under the healthcare reform bill, government payments to Medicare Advantage – plans that are run by private insurers such as Humana and are an alternative to traditional Medicare – will be cut by $132 billion over 10 years. (Those plans currently get somewhat more per person from the government than traditional Medicare does.)

Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that seniors in traditional Medicare don’t get. It is possible that these extras will be dropped as Medicare Advantage plans feel a budget squeeze.

In most areas of the United States, this reduction will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2011, although in some places it will take longer.

The bill does not contain cuts to traditional Medicare benefits. However, Medicare payments for home healthcare would be reduced by $40 billion between now and 2019. And certain payments to hospitals would be cut by $22 billion over that same period.

Medicare enhancements

The bill would bolster the existing Medicare prescription-drug benefit by addressing part of its “doughnut hole” problem.

Right now, after a senior has spent $2,700 on drugs in a year, coverage stops until that same person has spent $6,154 on drugs, when it starts up again.

Hence the “doughnut hole” nickname.

Beginning in 2010, people who fall into this hole will get $250 from the government to help. Thereafter, according to the bill, the US will gradually increase the percentage of drug costs it pays within this gap. By 2020, the US will pay 75 percent of senior drug costs between $2,700 and $6,154.

Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab for annual wellness visits.

Medicare payment advisory board

Healthcare reform legislation also establishes what it terms an Independent Payment Advisory Board, made up of 15 members, that would submit legislative proposals to reduce per capita Medicare spending if that spending grows too fast.

“Too fast” is defined as exceeding the growth rate of Consumer Price Index measures for a five-year period that ends in 2013.

If that happens, beginning in 2014, this board will submit proposals to Congress and the president for consideration.

Some critics have charged that this board will be the leading edge of Medicare reductions. Legislative wording in the healthcare reform bill prohibits the board from submitting any idea that would ration care, raise taxes, or change benefits.

Caregiver of the Month - Susan P.

The Right at Home caregiver of the month for this past April was Susan P.

Susan becomes the first Right at Home caregiver to win the Caregiver of the Month award a second time.

Susan has been working four (4) different cases for Right at Home in the Glendale & Atwater Village areas and is one of the longest tenured employees at Right at Home.

In the past month, Susan not only continued her diligent work but also actually helped get a client to return to Right at Home after a brief break and her excellence even had them increase the amount of hours they wanted her to work.

Congratulations Susan!

Happy Cinco de Mayo from Right at Home

While it's true that May 5th has very little resonance in Mexico, it's still celebrated here stateside - especially in beautiful Los Angeles.

So Right at Home would like to wish everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo!

Assembling the Right at Home Team

The 2010 NFL draft recently took place – the day when pro football teams “draft” college football players they believe will improve their chances of being successful.

When I was a kid I loved the draft. Between the 4th and 12th grade, I faked being sick every single draft day so I could stay home and watch this annual event. Whether something would shock you (the Raiders always do something kooky) or just confuse you (the Giants once drafted a player who was blind) I always find the NFL draft to be fascinating.

So what does this have to do with providing caregivers? Well I feel that we hire caregivers not unlike teams evaluate college players. We check references (teams review college games) and conduct competency tests and background checks (teams conduct athletic tests) before we’re ready to draft – or more accurately hire – someone as a caregiver.

We recognize mistakes we’ve made in hiring and learn from that. Sometimes we’re pleasantly surprised with how good one of our caregivers turns out to be.

And as time passes, you assemble your team. Caregivers like Susan from Glendale, our 2008 Caregiver of the Year, who’s has been called “family” by virtually every client she’s worked with; Megan from Eagle Rock, who hasn’t shown up late in nearly 2 years; George from Santa Monica, who one client called “truly gifted” or Charmie from Reseda who her client refers to as “the kindest person ever.”

Not all of our employees turn out to be the equivalent of an All-Star player. But you can trust that at Right at Home we make sure we have our own Super Bowl caliber team ready to help you and your loved one when you need us the most.

Tips for Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 5

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 5 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Gets mad when told “No” they can’t do something?

Avoid responding with a flat-out “No” to their request. Let them know that you have considered the issue and understand their viewpoint, but explain that it’s not a good idea right now. Indicate that maybe next time, or at a later date, you will be able to handle their request. Cheerfully distract their attention to something else more positive. Most of the time, they will completely forget about this request and have a different one by the next day.

Just like some children, the more some elders are told “No” they can’t do something, the more they will keep fighting to do it. It can become a test of wills for power and control. In some instances, it may be best to just let them have their way (if there is no danger). Usually they will come to the conclusion on their own that it really wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Tips When Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 4

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 4 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Prefers to stay in bed or do nothing-”waiting to die”?

This could be an ulterior motive to get more attention, or it may be a sign of depression. Carefully evaluate what’s going on. Drop in unexpectedly a few times and observe their level of activity. If you suspect depression, ask their doctor to consider prescribing an anti-depressant. There is such a wide range of effective medications available today that there may be no need for them to suffer.

Then, get your parent enrolled in Senior Day Care to create a life outside of lying in bed all day. They have to have something to look forward to, friends to see, varied activities to do. You cannot supply all this stimulation yourself day after day. Go with them a few times, have lunch and introduce them to everyone to encourage the making of new friends. Additionally, many centers have a shuttle service to pick them up and bring them home.

If your parent is a “Sundowner” who wants to sleep all day and be up all night, there are a few things you can do to alter this pattern. In the morning, open all the windows and drapes to let in fresh air and sunlight; make lots of noise by turning on the radio and television, running the vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, etc.; plan activities, exercise and visitors. Getting an hour or two of sunlight daily can help regulate their circadian rhythm. Ask your doctor about Melatonin that may help them sleep at night. Make sure they are not getting any caffeine from coffee or chocolate in the evening. Also, have their doctor regularly review all of their medications to see if any may be causing daytime drowsiness. If possible, switch them to be taken at night.

Tips Wend Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 3

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 3 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Has become suspicious and paranoid?

Don’t make light of it, argue, or tell them that their fears are irrational. Calmly acknowledge how awful it must be to feel that way and assure them you don’t think they are crazy. Make them feel safe, loved, and assured of your continued support. Report these symptoms with examples to their doctor. If you get an unconcerned attitude from their doctor that it’s just part of the aging process, insist on taking them to a geriatric psychiatrist for evaluation. With the proper medication, these fears may be greatly reduced.

Tips When Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 2

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 2 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Complains about real or imagined physical symptoms?

Set a time limit for these health “complaint” sessions. Listen, be sympathetic, and offer solutions. Then, declare the complaint time over and divert their attention to a different topic or activity. If the moaning and groaning doesn’t stop, give three warnings, use the silent treatment, then walk away.

Try a simple test to see if their symptoms might be psychosomatic or just for attention. The next time they complain of a minor ache or pain, quickly put a vitamin pill in their mouth, pretending the pill is an aspirin. See if the mysterious pain immediately goes away. Don’t tell them that their pains are not real, but privately let their doctor know what you discover.

Together, write down their symptoms in order of what bothers them the most. When you go to the doctor, see which symptoms they actually end up complaining about. Have the doctor address each issue, take notes, and cross each item off the list as they are reviewed. If your loved one is embarrassed to complain to the doctor, take charge and make sure the doctor knows all symptoms including: sleep, appetite, energy changes, memory problems, alterations in mood, inability to do basic things, incontinence, depression, anxiety and anger. Speak with the doctor in private if necessary.

Frequently bring all medications (prescriptions and all over the counter vitamins, etc.) to the doctor’s to make sure there are no interactions. When a new medicine is prescribed, ask if any specific foods and alcohol should be avoided while taking this drug. Should this drug be taken with or without food? Should this drug be taken at a certain time of day? Is it all right to continue normal activities, such as driving? All drugs have side effects, and can interact with each other and produce further complications.

Get a lock box for their medications if you have any suspicions that they are not being taking appropriately. Hide a spare key someplace in their home in case you forget or lose your key, or if someone else has to give the medications if you cannot get there.

Tips When Caring for an Elderly Loved One

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This week we will highlight some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

How Do I Handle My Elderly Loved One Who:

Makes constant unreasonable demands?

Focus on the positive things you can do for your parent and don’t emphasize the things that you can’t. If you continue to eventually give in to their extreme demands these behaviors will get worse. Assertively set your boundaries of what you will and won’t do ahead of time and stand firm, giving sympathy and empathy where appropriate. Don’t let your better judgment be swayed by your sense of responsibility. If their demand strikes you as illogical or irrational, BIG FLAG-it is! Call the Alzheimer’s Association to find out where your loved one can be tested for dementia. If the bad behavior stops, give positive reinforcement by acknowledging their ability to control their conduct. You may want to give a specific reward to further encourage them. If the negative behavior continues, give three warnings, use the silent treatment, then walk away.

Home Care Helps Seniors Manage Painful Conditions

Pain isn't "just a part of growing older"

Though physical pain isn't inevitable as we grow older, seniors are more likely to have arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, angina, shingles or other conditions that cause pain.

Home care worker with senior clientPain diminishes quality of life and independence. It even increases the risk of falls. And yet, while older adults are more likely to experience pain, they are the least likely to ask for or receive relief. Many believe they are "just getting older." Or, they hesitate to speak up because they "don't want to be a bother."

How can family help? If your loved one is experiencing pain and hasn't recently raised the subject with his healthcare provider, encourage him to request an evaluation of his current pain control regimen, and to discuss alternate solutions that might be more effective. Today's pain specialists have a wider array of treatment options than ever before.

Finding the right "prescription" for pain control is only the beginning. Following the doctor's instructions best ensures positive results, but a senior who is experiencing chronic pain may find it difficult to comply with the pain control strategy. Families can help by offering encouragement and helping with practical tasks. And when family can't be there, professional home care services can provide an extra measure of support.

Home care professionals have learned from years of experience that supporting pain management is a vital quality of life element for the seniors they serve. Home health aides support pain management in several proactive ways:

Medication management: The doctor may prescribe pain control drugs. Common drugs include:

* over-the-counter products such as aspirin and ibuprofen;
* opioid drugs such as morphine and codeine;
* antidepressants;
* muscle relaxants;
* steroids; and
* topical medications.

It is important to take these medications correctly, but this can be a challenge, especially if your loved one has multiple health conditions. A home health aide can remind your loved one to take medications on time and in the way they are supposed to be taken. The aide can also take your loved one to the pharmacy or pick up prescriptions, help with pill organizers and dispensers, and report any signs of side effects.

Promote compliance with physical treatments. Medications are not the only option for pain relief. Your loved one may benefit from physical therapy, which might include massage, heat and cold, biofeedback or electrical treatments such as a spinal cord stimulator or TENS device. Pain control specialists might also prescribe relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi or breathing exercises. A home health aide can transport your loved one to appointments or classes. If home exercises are prescribed, the aide can provide encouragement and supervision.

Encourage physical activity. Staying active may well be the most important "medicine" for your loved one's health. Study after study confirms that physical activity improves arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease and other painful conditions. And exercise increases the production of endorphins, the body's own pain reliever. Families report that the presence of a professional caregiver gives their loved one the self-confidence to follow their individual exercise plan, and to be more active in general.

Decreasing depression and anxiety. Pain isn't "all in our head," but how we think about pain does make a difference. Depression, anxiety and loneliness magnify the perception of pain. Families understand this, and often worry about their loved one being home alone while they can't be there. An in-home caregiver can provide transportation to the senior center, to Bible study or to other social events your loved one enjoys. Seniors report that just having another person around the house is a mood brightener that "takes your mind off your aches and pains."

Dementia care support. Pain control is especially challenging when a loved one has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Sometimes pain underlies behavior changes such as wandering and aggressiveness. Yet your loved one may be unable to express that they are feeling pain. According to professional in-home caregivers, it's important to be aware of signals that indicate pain, such as slower movements, decreased function, wincing or irritability.

Untreated, pain can lead to a cycle of decline that makes it impossible for a senior to stay in his or her home or retirement community. Persistent pain that has an impact on physical function, psychological function or quality of life should be treated appropriately. In-home care can be an effective addition to the pain management team.

Senior Care Tax Deductions

With taxes due in just a few days its a good reminder that often times in-home care can be deducted from your taxes.

Our friends at caregiverlist.com provide a nice little recap of possible tax deductions for care below.

As the tables turn and children become the caregiver for their parents, and as the senior care expenses begin adding up, family caregivers often ask if Uncle Sam offers a tax deduction similar to the tax deduction for child care.

The answer is, yes, if you are able to claim the elderly relative as a dependent (your parent does not have to live with you but you must be providing for more than half of their financial support, which includes food and transportation). If you and your parent meet the Internal Revenue Service's criteria, you will be able to deduct up to $3,400.00 from your taxable income (for year 2007). Social Security benefits are not counted in most cases.

In addition, the Internal Revenue Service lets you deduct medical costs as long as they are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. This may include the medical (and dental) expenses of everyone listed on your tax return, including your spouse and dependents. You may be able to include some of the expenses paid for a parent, along with expenses for a caregiver.

Keep in mind medical expenses include travel expenses to and from medical treatments, along with uninsured treatments, such as hearing aides and false teeth. If more than one child participates in the financial support of the parent, some families rotate the deduction to a different child each year.

Please do consult your accountant and review the specifics on the IRS publication guides (IRS Publication 502 covers medical expense deductions and IRS Publication 554 covers dependent care deductions).

A new baseball season offers new chances for family to come together

So we've all seen Field of Dreams. James Earl Jones, playing a reclusive author, talks about playing and talking baseball with his father. The whole reason for Kevin Costner to build his "Field of Dreams" in a cornfield is to recreate a chance to finally play catch with his father.

Similar sentiments are expressed by Daniel Stern in City Slickers when he reminisces that no matter how bad things got between his father and him he could always talk baseball with him.

My father wasn't necessarily a great baseball guy, but he is the reason I became a New York Met fan growing up in Jersey. My father grew up in Queens and was a fan of the Giants. After they moved west and along came the expansion Mets in 1962 it was just natural for my father to become a Met fan and thus it seemed natural that I too cheer for those Miraculous Mets.

We once had a client here at Right at Home who, after he retired, worked as an usher for many years with the Dodgers. Disease overtook him, but I remember stopping by once just to say "hi" and then sitting with him for the next 2 hours as we watched the Dodgers play the Arizona Diamondbacks. He could be a difficult client, but you could just tell how appreciative he was of having someone to watch the game with.

The 2010 baseball season just started. The Dodgers and Angels are both expected to be in contention. The Yankees and Red Sox continue to throw obscene amounts of money at players while teams like the Royals and Pirates just can't seem to compete. Everyone thinks the Phillies will the National League East and everyone thinks the Nationals will finish last in the National League East.

But regardless of who your favorite team is, this might be a nice time to visit your father or grandfather (or even mother - my mother-in-law is a huge Colorado Rockies fan and watches every game) and watch a baseball game with him. It might be appreciated far more than you know.

How the City Crisis Hits Home

It's been a little while since I posted an article from Stephanie Vendig of the Greater Griffith Park Senior Center, but her take on Los Angeles' budget crisis is certainly worth a read. You can read Stephanie's column every month in the Los Feliz Ledger at www.losfelizledger.com

The news is bleak for our city, including our school district, as never before. And when you add in the State, it is pretty catastrophic. For these local public entities these days, it is not about tightening the belt or getting rid of the fluff. We are talking about core services that impact all of us, in one way or the other. In order to avert bankruptcy or other costly consequences, there is a scrambling to find all kinds of ways to reduce the financial burden.

The recommendations of Miguel Santana, City Administrative Officer, in his “Three-Year Plan for Fiscal Sustainability” report to the Mayor and the City Council on January 29th spelled out the alarm in 273 pages. LA’s economic woes are mainly due to the economic recession beginning in 2008 as a consequence of our local real estate downturn, which has been severe, and the unemployment rate higher than in all previous recessions. The revenue that mainly comes from, sales, business, hotel, communication users, and gas user’s taxes, hasn’t been enough to cover the costs. Currently, the City Council and the Mayor are struggling to come to agreement on the recommendations.

Because of my involvement with Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks at the Griffith Park Adult Community Center (GPACC) I am paying attention to this crisis a little more than usual. The department is asked to reimburse the general fund for their utility costs, which has not been done in the past, and for their pension costs. As a result of these and other recommendations, the department may end up with a different sense of itself in order to live within the budget. However, these recommendations raise the specter of potentially hurting the recreational function of the department.

Already, layoffs have started with Recreation Coordinators, Child Care programs, and Therapeutic Centers. The early retirement of some Facility Directors may mean no replacement, and a group of current Facility Directors has been warned of possible layoffs by July. There are more than 390 sites, including 28 senior centers that provide recreational opportunities in Los Angeles. The idea that quality recreation programs can operate with limited staff is not very reassuring. Not only that, if there is not enough experienced and trained staff within these programs, the recreation part of “Recreation and Parks” will suffer.

I would say it is letter-writing time. We should remind councilmembers that cost-saving decisions must not result in the substantial reduction or the potential elimination of the recreation function of the department. Los Angeles deserves better.

Happy Easter from Right at Home

All of us at Right at Home would like to wish all of you a very happy Easter Sunday.

Caregiver of the Month - Annette P.

Right at Home is proud to announce that Annette P. has been named the Right at Home caregiver of the month for March 2010.

Annette is a C.N.A. currently going to school to become a Registered Nurse. She has worked with Right at Home since last year, primarily working 5 days a week on a case in the Los Feliz area for the past 5 months. As the case has grown more difficult and the clients needs have increased, Annette continues to work diligently to provide the best care possible while navigating a difficult family dynamic as well.

We are proud to have Annette has an employee of Right at Home.

Congratulations Annette!

Hobbies for Elderly or Disabled Persons

So often we get asked by family members for different things a caregiver can do with their loved one to keep them active. Below is an article from disabled-world.com that helps provide some ideas.

Has it just occurred to you that your retirement has left you turning in circles?

You finally have your well earned freedom and you don't know what to do with it anymore? There are many hobbies out there that you can take part in and we will be speaking of some in this short article. Hopefully we will awaken an old passion of yours and get you to enjoy it as much as you dreamed of enjoying it then.


Writing - With all the beautiful moments of joy you may have lived in your lifetime, might it inspire you to creative writings and thoughts. Why not write a book or novel that will be passed down to your children and their children. We all have so much to say so why not write it so that all can be said? Feeding your mind with creative writings, love stories with a little bit of fantasy and such can be a great aid to staying happy. Filling your mind with passionate stories may bring back the passion in many other areas of your daily routines.


Music - Music is a big part of our lives. We always have some long forgotten favorites, a moment of joy can follow the sound of an old soothing melody you used to know so well. While you hold time in your hands why not go on the lookout for all of your lost favorites with the thought of bringing them to play in your home. That may be one step to keeping a nice healthy smile on your face, and a warm feeling in your heart as you sink into comfort. So put your favorite music on and let it play as you find an interest for these other hobbies.


Cooking - Now is the time to excell in cooking more then ever. There is not much that can make you more proud then one of your successful recipes. Make lots of it and give some to your children and grandchildren, to your neighbors and friends. There is no way to more appreciate life then with good food, and if you can make the best food... keep that smile on your face. There are so many things out there to experiment with take everything that looks plausible and mix it together, give it your own touch toss it around in the oven or on the stove. Be proud of getting better at it and you will often end up with miracle food, that being when you can't help enjoying it.


Homemade Soap - One of the fastest growing hobby businesses of the last 10 years is soap making. The process of soap making can be a tedious somewhat dangerous enterprise, which begs the question, why? Why are so many Americans pursuing a task our colonial ancestors were glad to be rid of? Mainly because it is such a fun and enjoyable pastime creating various fragrances and shapes out of your own bars of soap. You may even find yourself earning some extra money selling your homemade soap. See our article on how to make homemade soap.


Yoga and Exercise - You can start off with yoga, if you haven't done yoga before simply improvise and it will still work. Put on some of the most soothing songs that you can. Or even better then music are those tapes of relaxing sounds of nature, or anything similar like where you can hear birds and water streams. Then simply sit down in your most comfortable position for a moment and listen to the soothing sounds. Relate to the sounds of nature and as your eyes are closed imagine yourself there. Imagine that you are no longer yourself but part of what you are hearing, you are the water and the birds, as you are the leaves and the wind. Now slowly stretch in a manner that would be most comfortable to you. Attend to your body and muscles, and stretch them with ease slowly in whatever direction they desire going. You may do it for as long as you feel completely emptied of bad thoughts. Then you can face the day with some more physical training.


Knitting and Crochet - For all women, be aware that every family needs at least one person who is able to fix the holes in all that nice clothes. Most of the time your grandchildren will make you the elect. If it is something you like doing, why not? You may sharpen your skills and even make clothes from scratch, get creative and make surprises. What is more fun then having your own fashion design shop in the comfort of your home? It is an art so complex and the possibilities are endless, get in with your own style and wear the clothes you make. Then make something your children may like while practicing for getting better at what you love doing. Free Crochet Patterns


Grow and Even Sell Herbs - Not only is herb growing a fantastic hobby for the elderly and people with disabilities, it can also be a very very profitable pastime. Herbs are in huge demand these days due to the huge increase in popularity of natural healing and treatments using age old remedies such as herbs and spices and not to mention the healthy eating trend that is taking the country by storm. Fresh herbs be used for home remedies and cooking and are also very popular dried. They can be turned into products, such as herbal balms, essential oils, and various ointments. Do some research and you will soon see exactly what a huge market and potential you have for earning money from a product that costs next to nothing to produce. Not to mention the lovely fresh herbs you will have to add to your own dishes. More on how to make money growing and selling herbs.


Wood Work - For all men with some extra space in their house or garage, some Wood Work can be the real deal. Make wood railings, desks and tables then replace your old ones that were bought at a store by the ones that you have made. After a while you can start making your own wild designs, each looking better then the last. You may eventually decide to get back what making them is costing you by selling them to people you know or by finding a way to get your work known to your neighborhood. In any case the making of beautiful furniture is always appreciated by both you and all who may set their eyes on your work, they might even buy one of your projects to motivate you. What you can do is really limitless, from chairs to mobile walls and wall corners, tables and foot stools. Add your own touch to everything around you, make your own furniture and interior decorations, it's hard to beat the end result. Both the beautiful environment it will bring to your home and your creative mind running loose in it's construction.


Collecting - Collecting pretty much anything can be a fun hobby. Take something you like, whether it's stamps or coin collecting and give yourself an objective. Let's say you want 100 of a certain type or model, then you can do that. If you want to collect all the different types and models, that could be another option. What you can do is try and get your hands on all the coins from 1900 to 2008, when you have succeeded that objective you can stretch the date back to the 1800's and go for those, it is an easy hobby and not too much maintenance is required after you are up and started. It really on requires the first initial search through your own change and how you are going to be holding it in an organized fashion. There are some coin folders you can get in certain shops which can then be placed inside a book. You can then flip the pages which are coin holders and transparent so that you can well see where you are at, and which ones you are missing. Then once you get a little change after a purchase simply search through it and see if you might have the ones you are missing between 1995 and 1998. Have Fun!


Laugh and Giggle - Jokes, comedy shows and family games where improvising is involved are just a number of ways for having fun. Set up a date where you and your family can get together and have a night of fun and laughter. Put on some comedy shows in the living room, get busy with some jokes in the kitchen and find a place to play some role playing comedy with your family and friends. One fun game is where everyone takes turns to imitate a profession, action or person. Without talking or giving hints through speech, the person who is standing must try to act as what they have chosen to be. For example if one were to try to imitate an electrician they would try and pretend they are playing with wires or fake getting an electric jolt. Then everyone else tries to be the first to guess what that person is imitating, the one who does guess it first then becomes the one who must stand up and role play. Whatever you can do to laugh more and have some fun is good, give yourself some time and do so as much as possible. It's just one of those things that will keep you healthy.


Model making - Building miniature planes cars and buildings. Some of these come as puzzles while cars and planes come with parts and pieces along with an assembly plan. Once assembled you can paint the car or plane the way you want it to look like and give it your own style, or paint it the way the assembly plan tells you to, as to make it what it is originally supposed to look like. There are also small to big buildings you can make which come as puzzles. Some of these can have from hundreds to thousands of pieces or less, depending on your patience. Once built they are good for collection and are worthwile once you are done, since you have worked hard for it to achieve it's final state. This can be a very fun hobby and starting a collection on a shelf is always pleasing.


Go for a walk - Take a slow relaxing walk and don't be scared of what is going on around you, see what the young one's are doing in the city. Let yourself fall into well being and no one will take it away from you. There are too many elders out there who walk staring to the ground while avoiding all eye contact, we should not be hiding we should be proud of what we are and have been.

Although you are older now you should not be treating yourself lightly, be good to yourself. Now that you no longer work you can be MORE active then anyone else. Don't not let fear from television programs or news stations keep you from taking a walk everyday. The world is yours now, go out and explore without thought that you are old and vulnerable for it will keep you from living.

Get yourself back in shape, it is not impossible in any way. It can only get better if you take it slow and then slowly get more and more active.
From walks to short joggings, when inside your home why not try a few jumping jacks. There is nothing to be shy about, and you shouldn't feel that you can't be doing it. Slowly but surely you will feel yourself live again as you attend to your own good.

How to Care for Loved Ones After a Stroke

Kayla Harris penned the following article on how to care for a loved one who suffered from a stroke.

A stroke can be a positive or negative life-changing event. Whatever will it be for your loved one, only one thing is for sure—a stroke can be very challenging. It’s easier to accept the negative effects of stroke than struggle and turn them into a positive life-changing event. But you can do something to help your loved one turn this negative into a positive thing.

You see, people who have had a stroke start to become frustrated about their selves because they can do few things and they can’t live the life they once had. But with the support of people who love them, they surely can feel better, at least. At most, your care and support might help your loved one recover from stroke for good. Either way, your support for a stroke victim will surely be a positive thing for them. Here are some ways on how you can take care for a loved one after they’ve had a stroke:

* Rehabilitation. Undergoing rehabilitation is very important before returning home. But some stroke victims refuse any rehabilitation effort usually because of hopelessness. If that’s the case, you should encourage the stroke victim to undergo rehabilitation efforts. Explain to him the benefits of a rehabilitation program and how important it is.

* Practice. Your loved one will learn a lot of things in the rehabilitation program. You will learn what these things are, too. It’s very vital to encourage him to continue practicing what he has learned from the rehabilitation program. Offer your assistance also especially for complicated activities so that the patient won’t end up frustrated.

* Have fun. Being happy while suffering stroke is next to impossible. But if you initiate fun activities with a stroke victim, he might forget about the condition and be happy. By doing what the victim enjoys, he will surely see the bright side of life.

* Assistive devices. Stroke victims will find it hard to practice mobility. But with assistive devices, they can do better with their usual everyday things-to-dos like walking, getting dressed, and eating. These devices will help the patient do things on his own, and it is not only helpful for his development but for his self-esteem.

* Joining groups. Encourage the stroke patient to join groups especially established for stroke victims. Exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow victims will help him realize that he is not alone and that his condition is curable. Perhaps, he’ll also learn that having a stroke is not the end of his world.

Most stroke victims can still be cured depending on how determined they are and how their loved ones inspire them to continue fighting. After all, there’s no better option for you and your loved one but to try every possible way to recover from stroke. Struggling is better than doing nothing even though it can be very difficult for you and your loved one. But the stroke victim usually sources out strength from people around him. You should be stronger and determined than the victim—it’s the best way you can do to help.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

All of at Right at Home want to wish everyone a happy - and safe - St. Patrick's Day!

Rising Costs for Seniors in 2010

How much does it cost to grow old in the United States? Many people look forward to retiring with a healthy savings account and dream of spending their days traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. But as seniors are living longer – the average life expectancy in 2010 is 78 – they are also becoming financially vulnerable when it comes to their ability to meet essential expenses and cover projected costs over their lifetimes.

“Some seniors are faced with a growing financial gap between income and basic needs,” said Douglas Dickstein, owner of Right at Home in the Greater Los Angeles area. “However, there are resources available to help seniors continue to live independently.”

Rising Costs
Seniors and their loved ones are dealing with the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and healthcare. While the average Social Security benefit for a couple is $21,569 per year, basic living expenses exceed an average of $31,000 per year.

Rising healthcare costs are a main concern for seniors. Research has shown that Medicare covers only about half of a senior’s medical expenses, contrary to the common belief that Medicare will cover most costs. Seniors spend more on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses than any other age group and their spending is more than double the average of non-elderly adults, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. Seniors, ages 65 and older, spend an average of $4,888 annually for deductibles, co-payments, premiums and other healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.

Many seniors also must deal with the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. The costs associated with senior care can vary greatly depending on the number of hours of service needed each day or week, where you are located in the country and the level of services you need. According to a recent survey by MetLife, the hourly rates of home health aide workers and respite care providers range from $8 to $40 per hour. Monthly costs vary widely because of the varying time periods that someone may need care. For example, some people use home care a few hours a day while others use home care around the clock. Cost can also vary depending on the services utilized in your home. The cost of assisted living facilities ranges from $850 to $4,000 per month, while the average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $6,400 per month.

Available Resources
There are many options and tools available to help seniors pay for these necessary expenses. One option is the purchase of long term care insurance. Just like other insurances, with long term care insurance, policy owners pay a premium for coverage in the event that you will need home care, an assisted living facility or a nursing home in the future. There are many different types of policies that you can choose from, some that even protect against inflation. Of course, the best time to apply is when you are healthy, young and not in need of it.

Long term care insurance can be an important investment in your future, but it’s very important to have all of the facts before you buy. Before you make any decision on whether or not to purchase long term care insurance, you should seek the counsel of your financial advisor, elder law attorney or insurance agent to fully review all of the different types of coverage available.

Another option to pay for costs associated with aging is a reverse mortgage, which allows homeowners ages 62 or older to access the equity they have in their home. The lender makes payments to you, the homeowner, not the other way around. Think of it this way: a reverse mortgage gradually reduces the amount of equity you have in your home by the amount of the payments advanced to you, plus interest on the amount advanced, plus any fees you finance as part of the deal.

The money that is accessed can be used to make improvements and modifications for safety and accessibility, pay for home care needs or a variety of other expenses. The funds you receive are likely to be tax-free and will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits. For more information on reverse mortgages, you can call the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse at 1-800-569-4287 to obtain contact information for an HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a list of FHA-approved lenders in your area. AARP also offers information about reverse mortgages you may find useful, including alternatives to a reverse mortgage. The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) is another great Web site to visit for more information.

Right at Home Owner Doug Dickstein quoted in L.A. Times

Right at Home owner Doug Dickstein was interviewed and quoted for a recent L.A. Times article written by Michelle Hofmann. To read the article in its entirety regarding purchasing homes for the multigenerational family, here is a link to the story online

Right at Home welcomes a new Staffing Coordinator

Right at Home in Glendale is happy to announce that they've hired Joanne Acosta to as a Staffing Coordinator.

Joanne has worked as a staffing coordinator for four years at 2 other companies and after taking a short break for school is back working in the industry she has a passion for.

Joanne will be in charge of hiring, staffing and scheduling our caregivers as well as other office administrative duteies.

We are so pleased that Joanne chose to join the Right at Home team!

Caregiver of the Month in February - Megan M.

Congratulations to Megan McHone for being named our caregiver of the month for the February 2010.

Megan has worked for Right at Home for just under a year and has worked on a variety of companion care cases. She is currently working part-time on three (3) different cases and has always been extremely well received by all of our clients.

Full of style and sass, Megan has become a breath of fresh air both for the clients she serves as well as our office staff. Megan, who owns her own catering business and also volunteers at Meals on Wheels, is a great part of the Right at Home team.

Congratulations Megan!

Senior Citizens Can Add Quality Years to Life with Exercise

My 79 year-old father has not only taken the best physical care of himself. He loves Red-Meat and Bacon; has no qualms about chomping down on sugary snacks; and has been a smoker for virtually his entire life. However, health problems have slowly started to weigh him down the last few years and he finally took his doctor's advice and went on an exercise program. And you know what? It's working. He recently told me he never exercised before because it was, in his words, "A Pain in the $*%#." but he now extols the virtues of exercise even in later life stating he feels better now than he has in a few years. If this personal anecdote isn't enough to get you or your loved one up and moving, than perhaps this article highlighting a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne study from a few years ago will.

A study has found that previously sedentary senior citizens who incorporated exercise into their lifestyles not only improved physical function, but experienced psychological benefits as well.

“Exercise is a lot like spinach … everybody knows it's good for you; yet many people still avoid it, forgoing its potential health benefits,” say the authors.

But researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, led by kinesiology professor Edward McAuley, who study the effects of exercise on aging point to their new findings that may inspire people to get up, get out and get moving on a regular basis.

"The implications of our work are that not only will physical activity potentially add years to your life as we age, but the quality of those years is likely to be improved by regular physical activity," McAuley said.

The UI research indicated positive psychosocial and cognitive outcomes -- in effect, significant quality-of-life gains -- among participants who remained physically active long after they began an initial randomized, six-month exercise trial consisting of walking and stretching/toning exercises. Results were gleaned from a battery of surveys and assessments administered at one- and five-year intervals following the initial exercise regimen.

McAuley said the study -- which assessed physical activity levels, quality of life, physical self-esteem, self-efficacy and affect in a large sample (174) of adults over age 65 -- is believed to be the only one to date to examine the relationship between physical activity and quality of life over such a long time.

"Self-efficacy," McAuley noted, can be defined as "the belief, or self-confidence, in one's capacity to successfully carry out a task"; while "affect" refers to reported levels of happiness or contentment.

The researchers found that participants who continued to be physically active a year after baseline responses were recorded -- through engagement in leisure, occupational or home activities, such as house-cleaning or gardening -- were "fitter, had higher levels of self-efficacy and physical self-esteem, expressed more positive affect and reported, in turn, a better quality of life."

Increased physical activity over time, as indicated by results of the five-year follow-up, "was associated with greater improvements in self-esteem and affect. Enhanced affect was, in turn, associated with increases in satisfaction with life over time," the researchers noted.

"Our findings are important on several fronts," McAuley said. "First, we demonstrated that physical activity has long-term effects on important aspects of psychosocial functioning through its influences on self-efficacy, quality of life and self-esteem."

"Second, there is a growing interest in the relationship between physical activity and quality of life, especially in older adults. However, much of this work suggests a direct relationship between the two. Our work takes the approach, and the data support it, that physical activity influences more global aspects of quality of life through its influence on more proximal physical and psychological factors such as affect, self-efficacy and health status."

A related, two-year study conducted in McAuley's lab looked at the roles played by physical activity, health status and self-efficacy in determining "global quality of life," or satisfaction with life among older adults. The research focused on a different sample of 249 older black and white women. Results of that study will be published in an article titled "Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Influence of Health Status and Self-Efficacy" in a forthcoming edition of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

In that study, the researchers tested three potentially competing models of the physical activity/quality-of-life relationship and ultimately concluded that their findings "offer a strong theoretical foundation for understanding physical activity and quality-of-life relationships in older adults."

McAuley said the study's results confirm earlier findings by other researchers suggesting "changes in levels of functioning in older adults with chronic conditions were not predicted simply by health status or disease state, but also by physical activity and self-efficacy."

In other words, he said, there is a tendency among adults with lower self-expectations of their physical abilities to give up -- to reduce the number of activities they engage in as well as the degree of effort they expend toward that end.

"These reductions, in turn, provide fewer opportunities to experience successful, efficacy-enhancing behaviors leading to further reductions in efficacy," McAuley said. "Our data would suggest that such declines are likely to lead to subsequent reductions in health status and, ultimately, quality of life."

Results of the study appear in an article titled "Physical Activity Enhances Long-Term Quality of Life in Older Adults: Efficacy, Esteem and Affective Influences," published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine. Co-authors with McAuley on the report are UI kinesiology professor Robert W. Motl; psychology professor Ed Diener; and current and former graduate students Steriani Elavsky, Liang Hu, Gerald J. Jerome, James F. Konopack and David X. Marquez.

Co-authors of the study with McAuley are Motl; kinesiology and psychology professor Karl R. Rosengren; and graduate students Konopack, Shawna E. Doerksen and Katherine S. Morris.

The research was funded by grants from the National Institute on Aging.