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!

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.

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.

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.

Is It Time to Give Up the Car?

For most of us, the automobile represents independence, control and mobility. We couldn't wait to get our first driver's license when we were teenagers, and we would like to keep driving as long as possible.

However, some of the normal changes of aging can make driving more challenging. Hearing loss, vision problems, decreased reaction time, memory loss and lessened manual dexterity are all limitations that tend to increase as a person ages.

Seniors and their loved ones should discuss driving safety, and periodically assess driving abilities to honestly judge whether the senior adult is safe behind the wheel. There may come a point when any one of these conditions or a combination of several make it difficult and risky to keep driving.

Some older drivers become increasingly nervous about their driving ability, and consequently become less mobile in the community. Some keep driving until an incident occurs—a scare, a minor accident, or worse—and then quit driving abruptly, without having made plans for what they will do without the car. And others are in denial, refusing to face up to limitations until family members or the department of licensing step in.

Seniors who have successfully made the transition from being a driver urge others to plan ahead and be proactive. One 80-year-old man who abruptly stopped driving after an accident counsels, "Don't wait for circumstances to make decisions for you!"

Giving Up Driving Doesn't Mean Giving Up Mobility

The first thing to do is to add up the cost of owning and maintaining a car. Car payments, insurance, repairs, gasoline, parking fees—all these should go into your calculation. For most people, the total is considerable. Think of those dollars as money available for alternative transportation.

Knowing your loved one has this "transportation allowance" available, begin to calculate the alternatives, and ask your loved one these questions:

* Do you live on or near a bus or rapid transit route? Where are the places you can conveniently travel using public transportation? If you've never explored your local bus, subway or light rail, take a field trip! Just hop on and take a ride some day, making sure you know how to return to the same spot. Look for grocery stores, dry cleaners, other shopping possibilities along the route.

* Do you have family or friends who might enjoy giving you a ride to church, to your doctor's office, to the barber or beauty shop, or on a weekly shopping trip?

* Is there special transportation for seniors in your area? Where will they take you? How convenient is it? How much lead time is needed to use this service?

* How much do cab rides cost to your usual destinations? Will a cab company take "standing assignments" on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? Once you have figured out how the first three modes of transportation will work, use taxi cabs to fill in the blanks.

* Don't forget walking! We get in the habit of driving, even though some local destinations are near and provide a little extra exercise.

With this kind of planning, many seniors lose their anxiety over giving up driving. It may not be easy, but having a workable plan for getting where you want to go is a major step forward.

When the time comes to put away the keys, be creative in your approach. Encourage your loved one to try:

* Leaving the car in the garage for a while and see how they get along not using it.

* Setting a trial period for trying out transportation options.

* Giving the car to a favorite charity or a grandchild.

* Selling the car and using the money for an alternate transportation fund.

When seniors and families first begin to have concerns about the senior's driving, that is the time to begin planning a post-driving strategy. Think of this as just another challenge to be addressed, and then put your heads together, using your best problem-solving skills to keep your senior loved one active and mobile.

What's the Role of Family?

Don't let the topic of driving safety become a "taboo" subject in your family. Seniors have the right to make their own decisions as long as they're able, including the decision to keep driving. But family members have the right, and the responsibility, to be concerned about the safety of their loved one and of strangers who might be hurt in an accident. There is obvious potential for conflict here, but you shouldn't let it reach that point. Be willing to talk candidly about the issue, and be open to some risk-reducing compromises. Work together to create a plan that respects while it protects.

Learn More About Alternate Transportation Strategies

The National Center on Senior Transportation website offers information for older adults, caregivers and transportation providers to promote the greatest independence and mobility for seniors in the community.

Knowing Alzheimer's

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Classes Offered by No. Hollywood Poly Adult School

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

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

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

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

Help During the Holidays

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

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

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

Happy Hanukkah

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