Hydration

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Jiuseppe M Russo RD, CD-N, Clinical Dietitian Manager

Staying hydrated is so crucial especially during the summer months.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, we are more likely to be involved in more outdoor activities.  These are the times we really need to make sure we are drinking more than enough water.

Below are some tips to staying hydrated during the summer months:

  •  Keep water with you.  Seeing the glass or bottle sitting next to you can remind you to drink.

  • Add citrus fruits or fresh herbs to give your water a flavor boost.

  • Try frozen fruit bars for a water-packed dessert.

  • Do the at-home test.  Check how dark or light your urine is.  While not as exact as lab tests, it will give you an idea of how you are doing.  Aim for almost clear.  It if is dark, it is time to drink more.

Updated Your Alzheimer’s Education Yet?

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By Pamela Atwood, MA, CDP

Still think aluminum causes AD? Were you taught to use reality orientation? Always wondered what Snoezelen is? At a loss when someone asks you about “respite”? Think behaviors are expected and only fixed with medications?

There are dozens of resources, facts, approaches and research updates in the world of dementia care. To some, these are not news. For people new to the field or new to needing the information, these updates are not always included in Alzheimer’s 101 sessions.

I’m always amazed when I read a “doctor” who has a newspaper column referring to risks of aluminum or mercury amalgam as causes of Alzheimer’s. And although I feel like I speak about it all the time, I’m continuously amused when people say “I heard we’re supposed to use reality orientation” – it’s amusing because it’s so counter-intuitive. The people saying that are seeking confirmation because they know it feels wrong.

Here are some basics you won’t hear about in Alz 101:

  1. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Institutes on Aging & Health, there is insufficient evidence to indicate any causative effect from aluminum or mercy amalgam fillings. Some studies exist but the science has yet to be validated and replication of research yielded different results.
  2. Reality orientation should only be used for non-emotional subjects, such as “when is Bingo.” People with Alzheimer’s should not be “reoriented” when asking where their parents are – telling someone their parents are dead is unpleasant any time. Retraumatizing a person with dementia is complex and cruel.
  3. Snoezelen is a term for multisensory environments. It’s originally a Dutch concept from their words for rest/relax (doezelen) and explore (snuffelen). Now it is also a brand name (like Kleenex is to tissues). In a multisensory environment we use aromatherapy, fiber optic lights, water tubes and sound machines, depending on the person’s interests and reactions.
  4. Respite (pronounced Res-pit) means support for a caregiver to get a break. Services may be provided routinely to get the caregiver to a social event or just to rest, or intermittently for him/her to get to a doctor or family special event.
  5. Behaviors are common, and usually the result of coping with stress (including from the environment) or pain. My favorite behavior meds are PAIN MEDS. Please don’t let me be in pain when I have dementia! Most of the time, behaviors can be managed through prevention by knowing the individual’s triggers. Our motto is ALL BEHAVIOR HAS MEANING.

Learn about more Alzheimer’s updates by following this blog, following us on Facebook & Twitter and joining our newsletter lists at www.agingcareacademy.org and www.hebrewhealthcare.org. You can also request specific educational information from us. Contact us for resources or training options.

In on the Secret? 3 Under-Publicized Parkinson’s Disease Treatments

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Pamela Atwood, MA, CDP, CLL Director, Dementia Care Services Hebrew Health Care, Inc.

I had the great opportunity to meet with our local Parkinson’s Disease (PD) support group yesterday. The group is affiliated with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and meets monthly (2nd Tuesdays at 3:30) in West Hartford. We are honored to host this terrific, supportive, knowledgeable group of patients and friends & family. Yesterday we welcomed the new APDA CT Chapter Executive Director, Mary Ellen Thibodeau.  She’s amazing, and she let us in on the newest treatments for PD.  Some of the members had never heard of them ~ and we’ll let you in on the secret too!

DBS – Deep Brain Stimulation – many PD patients have heard about this before. DBS is like a pacemaker for your brain. It is considered when medications are less effective, and helps patients have symptom free hours in their days. In our area, there are fewer centers which offer this treatment than there were 5 years ago. However, the eligibility has changed. If you were told in the past you were “too old” ask again! There is no longer an age requirement, but doctors do consider functional ability/potential, ability to utilize Sinemet, and medical feasibility.

LSVT Loud – This is a speech-therapy-based program that helps patients with their voice. PD patients lose the strength in their voices, and to them, they feel as if they are yelling when people ask them to speak up. This program is a Medicare/insurance covered intervention, which is intensive but with dramatic results. Therapy is given 1 hour a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks.

LSVT Big – This is a physical-therapy-based program, also covered by Medicare and insurance, for functional movements. It also has dramatic results, but is a newer program, and not many PTs are certified yet.

Hebrew Health Care will continue to host the PD support group monthly. For more information or to be added to our invite list, email us at patwood@hebrewhealthcare.org today!

For more information on these interventions or other information & supports for Parkinson’s Disease, visit www.apda.org and contact your local chapter.

What Should I look for in an Assisted Living Community?

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By Joan Carney, Vice President, Hebrew Life Choices and Executive Director,  Hoffman SummerWood Community and Valerie Bartos, Director of Community Relations, Hoffman SummerWood Community

What are Assisted Living Communities and are they alike?

Assisted Living Communities provide rental housing for older adults. In addition to housing, they also provide personalized care and supportive services. Examples of personalized care include assistance with bathing or dressing and medication management. Among the supportive services that are offered are meals, housekeeping, transportation, and activities. In the state of Connecticut, assisted living communities must be registered as managed residential communities (MRCs), with an assisted living services agency (ALSA) providing personal care services. The ALSA is licensed and regulated by the Department of Public Health.

How are Assisted Living Communities different?

Assisted Living Communities can be owned by for-profit organizations or by service-driven entities. Some communities are one of many, while others are unique and one of a kind. Assisted living communities can vary greatly with regard to pricing, amenities, staffing, services offered and overall philosophy. Some communities provide specialized services for memory care. Though most assisted living communities are private pay, some communities participate in a Connecticut pilot project which pays for some of the cost through Medicaid.

How do I know if Assisted Living is right for my loved one?

If your loved one is having difficulty with preparing meals, bathing or dressing, managing medications, shopping or getting to medical appointments, or just having trouble taking care of their home, assisted living may be the answer. Often, the real question is not so much “Is assisted living the solution?” but rather “Which assisted living community is the right one for my loved one?” Here are some helpful tips:

  • Visit more then one community during your search, and on different days, to learn what programs and services are offered at each.

  • Ask what makes the community different from other communities and ask about the longevity of their key staff, as this is a good indicator of level of commitment.

  • Meet other residents who live there and ask to speak with family members of residents; they can be a very helpful resource.

  • Inquire about having your loved one spend an afternoon, dine with the members, and participate in some programs to get a better feel for the community.     

In addition to utilizing  Hoffman SummerWood Community (www.hoffmansummerwood.org) as a resource in your search for assisted living, The Connecticut Assisted Living Association ( www.ctassistedliving.com) and the Assisted Living Federation of America (www.alfa.org) offer a wealth of information for the consumer.

Promoting Communication Health

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Compiled by, Lisa Mowry, Speech Therapist,
Hebrew Health Care Rehabilitation Services from
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

To reinforce the important messages about communication disorders during May (Better Hearing and Speech Month), the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) released tips to raise awareness to help more than 70 million Americans age 55 and older identify and prevent a speech, language or hearing disorder.

As people age, normal changes occur in hearing, language, memory, and swallowing. Once an individual turns 55, their changes of having a hearing loss, suffering a stroke, developing dementia or Parkinson’s disease increases which can lead to a related communication disorder.

Warning signs of speech, language, and hearing problems include:

• Sudden trouble talking, thinking, or moving parts of your body – this could be a sign of a stroke, and you should see a doctor immediately.

• Turning the TV louder or asking people to repeat themselves.

• Trouble remembering appointments or how to do familiar tasks.

• A hoarse voice or easily losing your voice.

• Trouble speaking clearing that gets worse over time.

Tips for preventing communication disorders:

• Reduce your risk for stroke – stop smoking, control your blood pressure, exercise regularly.

• Use helmets and seat belts to prevent brain injury.

• Get regular checkups, including hearing tests, to stay in top form.

• Protect your voice – don’t yell or talk in noisy places, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking.

• Turn down the TV or radio when you talk with others – you’ll hear each other better and you won’t have to speak loudly.

• Keep your mind sharp – do puzzles, read, and keep up with current events.

• Stay active and social – do things with friends and get involved in your community.

PROMOTING COMMUNICATION HEALTH 

For most Americans 55 and older, unlike many disabilities, speech, language, and hearing problems can be prevented. The key is early identification and intervention; the earlier a problem is identified the sooner treatment can begin.

If you suspect that you or family members have a communication disorder, consult a certified speech language pathologist or audiologist. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists play an important role in working with individuals who are 55 and older. These professionals can assist this age group in differentiating between normal aging and having a communication disorder. They can provide tips and techniques to prevent communication problems and keep your speech, voice, and language in top form.

For more information about speech, language, and hearing disorders and prevention, visit http://www.asha.org or contact Lisa Mowry, our Speech-Language Pathologist at lmowry@hebrewhealthcare.org.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 166,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.

DO PEOPLE “SHOULD” ON YOU? AVOID IT WITH THESE SECRETS FROM OUR SUPER-CAREGIVERS

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Pamela Atwood, MA, CDP, Director of Dementia Care Services

“Super-caregivers” are those who are able to keep most-of-it together while still providing the support their loved ones need. Everybody would love to be a super-caregiver; those who are shared the secrets to their success. Here are the top 3 tips from super-caregivers. Email patwood@hebrewhealthcare.org for the full list of 10 secrets.

1) Go to bed each night and get up each morning on time so you can start the day rested and without rushing.
If you’ve been reluctant to keep to a schedule, now is the time to develop a new habit. Sleep hygiene is essential to balanced wellness and effective caregiving.

2) Say no to commitments that will not fit into your time schedule or that compromise your mental or spiritual health, even if someone says it’s something you “should” do.
Our rule of thumb is “don’t let anyone SHOULD on you!” Know your schedule and stick to it by limiting tasks and activities which are draining. If you have something you cannot avoid, ensure you have something pleasurable to do after to re balance your spirit.

3) Delegate tasks to capable others.
For people who mean it when they offer their help, delegate tasks to them. Start with things that are tedious, difficult or stressful for you: grooming the dog, painting the deck, finding the best deal on heating oil or grocery delivery services.

For more information on caregiving tips and stress relievers, follow this blog, and join our mailing list for helpful ideas and resources. Get your FREE TOP TEN SUPERCAREGIVERS TIPS by emailing patwood@hebrewhealthcare.org TODAY!

Up at Night? Is it a Sign of Early Alzheimer’s?

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By Pamela Atwood, MA, CDP, CLL, Director of Dementia Care Services

Research reported earlier this week suggests a possible link between poor sleep and amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The report in the well-respected Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology has been referred to in many print and electronic venues – and with misleading assumptions. We wanted our readers to be sure to review research CAREFULLY. Keep in mind:

  1. This is a study of 145 people.

  2. It suggests a CORRELATION between sleep and increased proteins (the 145 did not have Alzheimer’s, but have higher levels of protein – which is NOT a diagnosis but “preclinical AD”).

  3. Correlation does NOT mean cause.

  4. Some venues correctly point out that if you have problems sleeping you should NOT worry that you might have the early-stages of AD. There are many reasons one might have problems sleeping – and many people with AD sleep well every night.

  5. All research needs to be scrutinized carefully (Who paid for it? Was there good science behind it? What other variables might have contributed to the findings?) and repeated by independent teams.

There was also a research study reporting a link between problems sleeping and weight gain.  We can all figure out that while sleepiness may weaken our resolve to stick to healthy habits, it’s generally food and lack of exercise that CAUSES weight gain.  Don’t lose sleep about this AD study folks. Rest assured that more research needs to be done before we will know the cause and cure for AD. Contact YOUR DEMENTIA EXPERTS at Hebrew Health Care today for more information about research and the risk factors that may lead to dementia –email patwood@hebrewhealthcare.org or call 860-920-1810.