(ARA) – In just two short years, the first wave of baby boomers will turn 65. For some, this milestone birthday may signal retirement; for others it may not. For all boomers, it should mean an increased focus on health care. Baby boomers can take steps now to help ensure many more healthy years.

A focus on early prevention – including regular tests for certain cancers and heart disease, a healthy diet and exercise – is an important start to staying healthy well into the golden years.

Most baby boomers will count on Medicare to support them in their efforts to stay healthy. In fact, Medicare has long been a source of comfort for those 65 and older who otherwise wouldn’t have health coverage. But as more people older than 65 seek care, they may find it increasingly difficult to get in to see a doctor, or they may find that their choice of doctors is limited because of planned Medicare payment cuts to physicians.

Prevention
“As we age, we have an increasing role to play in our health care to ensure our golden years are healthy ones,” says Dr. J. James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association. “Have regular discussions with your physician about any health problems or concerns you may have and make sure you are up-to-date on preventive exams.”

At age 50, it’s important to start annual exams for colorectal cancer, and men should have a prostate exam. For those boomers who weigh less than 154 pounds, screenings for osteoporosis should start at age 60. It’s also important to start annual exams with a physician before you reach age 65 to:

* Monitor and discuss blood pressure, cholesterol, needed vaccines and tests to monitor or prevent disease.
* Identify activities and goals to address healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco use cessation, moderating alcohol use and attention to stress and mood.
* Discuss screenings needed to prevent and/or monitor degenerative or chronic disorders in vision, hearing, bone density, cancer and obesity.

Access to care, choice of physician
Weighing in with legislators is another way boomers can take charge of their health care, because what happens in Washington in the next couple months, with regards to the health-reform debate, could have a significant impact on their ability to see their doctor of choice.

A recent AMA/AARP poll shows that nearly 90 percent of people 50 and older are concerned that the current Medicare physician payment formula threatens their access to care. Without permanent repeal of the broken Medicare payment system as part of health reform, physicians face steep payment cuts which might force them to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat.

“Without health-reform action by Congress, the 21 percent payment cut planned for this January puts many physicians in the difficult position of not being able to treat new Medicare patients and still keep their practice doors open,” says Rohack. “For years, Congress has taken short-term action to stop the cuts and preserve seniors’ access to care, but they can no longer put a Band-Aid on the problem. It’s time for permanent action to preserve the stability and security of Medicare and ensure seniors can keep their choice of physician.”

As the health system reform debate continues, and final legislation approaches, a permanent fix for the broken Medicare physician payment formula must be included to preserve access to care for the millions of baby boomers headed toward Medicare enrollment age. Replacing the physician payment formula with a system that better reflects the costs and practice of 21st century medical care will help improve quality and reduce costs by allowing physicians to increase care coordination, reduce costly hospital admissions and adopt health information technology.

“I encourage all baby boomers to take preventive action now to prepare for a long, healthy life, and to ensure that their physician will still be there for them when they begin relying on Medicare,” says Rohack.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit www.berkenseniorcare.com for information and assistance with home care for an aging loved one in the Dallas TX area.

Elders Abusing Their Adult Children Who Are Taking Care of Them

Carol Bradley Bursack

Original content located HERE.  

Why do elderly parents turn on the child that is trying so hard to take care of them?

Most of us have seen evidence of people being harder on the people they love than they are on strangers or even people they don’t like. One example that comes to my mind is a man that I have known. He was a jolly, good natured “good guy” in public, a salesman by trade, but a totally different person to his family – sullen, often angry and emotionally abusive. I’ve also known a couple of women who have admitted to behaving in a similar manner.

It’s not really news that people tend to be their worst with the people they love. Generally, this is thought to be the case because people feel safe enough with family to just “let it all hang out.” Their anger at their circumstances, which may or may not have to do with these family members, is the real cause. Other times, the behavior is because the person has an abusive personality with deeper problems lurking.

Whatever the reason, it’s not good. We owe the people we love our best selves. Not our “dressed for company” selves, but our compassionate, honest selves. However, most humans are very imperfect creatures. They will take out their frustrations on people they feel won’t desert them.

The question in the headline of this article says it well. “Why do elderly parents turn on the child that is trying so hard to take care of them?” This question came directly from an agingcare.com post and it got many responses from people struggling with the same issue.

My take on this is, unless the elders are people with personality disorder – which is a mental illness – they “turn on” the one adult child who is showing the most love by doing most of the care because they feel safe enough to do so. They don’t consciously abuse this son or daughter, but they are frustrated and need to vent this frustration about getting old, having chronic pain, losing friends, having memory issues, being incontinent – all of the undignified things that can happen to us as we age. On a gut level, they trust that this caring person won’t leave them.

First, consider: Why wouldn’t they feel frustrated? They suffer so much loss and feel every bit of it deeply. They see their own mortality written on the wall with only the date of death left blank. They feel humiliated and betrayed by their bodies. Does this make it right to lash out at the one person who is breaking her neck, and perhaps her marriage and bank account, to care for them? Absolutely not.

I think it helps if the caregiver can do her best to not take personally every insult. It also helps to be able to detach with love. My experiences with that kind of treatment don’t stand up to many of the horror stories I read on the forum, but I was subjected to some pretty nasty treatment by my mother a few times.

She was a wonderful, loving person, at heart. But her escalating physical frailty and frustrating memory issues, coupled with other dementia problems such a losing the ability to make good decisions, would cause her to lash out at me.

There were times when I was nearly in tears by the time I left her after my daily visit to the nursing home. I’d had several family members in this home and knew the staff well. They knew me and they knew my mom. One day, when Mom was really nasty to me, the nurse, who couldn’t help overhearing, told me to just skip a visiting day. I couldn’t imagine carrying out her advice, so I ignored it. Things smoothed over, but eventually the same scene happened again. The nurse said once more, with emphasis, “Carol, just skip a day.” This was a Sunday.

That Monday morning I found I just could not make myself go to the nursing home for my daily visit. I didn’t do this to be stubborn or to “show her.” I was just hurt and exhausted. I knew Mom was well cared for by the staff. I gave myself a deserved day off. I didn’t even call her on the phone.

When I went to visit on Tuesday, Mom was sweet as pie. I couldn’t believe the difference. The nurse was right. I needed to stand up for myself. When my mom got verbally abusive, even though I understood that it was frustration with her situation that caused this behavior, I learned that I still needed to take care of myself. I (sort of) learned a tough lesson there. Even people with dementia can often sense when they have crossed the line. If the caregiver shows that she won’t be treated in an abusive manner, the elder will often behave – at least for awhile.

This, of course, is harder if the parent and caregiver live together. However, if you are wounded enough by mistreatment, you can say that you are hiring an in-home caregiver to come in, since your company seems to not be agreeable to them. Then do it.

Research care agencies ahead of time. Then when a day with your parents gets so bad that you need to take a stand, reach for the phone and say that you are calling the Whatever Agency to arrange for a substitute caregiver. Tell them that you are no longer taking abuse, and when they are in such a mood, you have relief arranged. Follow through, unless you see immediate results.

You never know. Maybe finding a little respite for yourself by getting help will allow your parents to gain a new appreciation for all you do, while still letting them see a new face. And you will get a breather. Maybe getting a little help would be good for everyone. Whatever you decide, you don’t have to take abuse. If they become abusive, you can calmly say you won’t be treated like that and walk away. If the elders can’t be left alone, then you need to send for reinforcements. But most likely, when you stand up for yourself, acknowledging their pain and frustration, but saying that while those are things you can’t fix, you are doing your best, and if that isn’t good enough they will have to find someone else.

Be prepared, as bluffing won’t work. Be kind, calm and stress your love. But be strong in your resolve. The philosophy I lived by – “please everyone no matter what it costs to me” – taught me some things I hope I will never forget. I have feelings and I count. My unending patience is not always a virtue. And taking a stand early on can help a great deal throughout the whole caregiving journey.

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Carol created a portable support group – the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Her sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs.com include helpful resources as well as links to direct support.

Visit www.berkenseniorcare.com for assistance with home care for an aging loved one in the Dallas TX area.

Aging in place can be done with style and grace

(ARA) – Aging in place – updating one’s home to accommodate changing needs and abilities as one ages – doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a home’s style and decor. From attractive lighting designed to work well for aging eyes to barrier-free shower stalls that compete in beauty and practicality with what you might find in a luxury community for those 55 and older, plenty of home modifications now make it possible to age in place gracefully and stylishly.

“It’s no longer necessary to give up your home’s good looks for a more institutional-looking appearance just to achieve a safer, more usable house,” says Eric Kozak of Premier Care In Bathing, leading makers of walk-in baths. “You can age in place and retain the style that makes living in your home comfortable and safe, and maintain your independence at the same time.”

With more than 78 million baby boomers growing older in the United States, aging in place – and how to do it well – is a hot topic for many homeowners. If you’re planning ahead or thinking it’s now time to update your home to accommodate changing needs, keep a few things in mind:

Kitchens and baths are commonly the most challenging rooms in the house for people, like many seniors, with mobility issues. Updating these rooms can go a long way toward helping you stay in and enjoy your own home for as long as possible. “Bathrooms, in particular, pose safety issues. Falls are one of the leading reasons seniors must go into nursing homes and most home falls occur in the bathroom,” Kozak says.

When renovating your bathroom, focus on the important elements, including low-level entryways, accessible grab bars, easy grip faucets and showers with safety screens. Other elements include safer, slip-resistant flooring; brighter, more flexible lighting; and safe access to the shower or bathtub.

Walk in showers

Stepping in and out of a tub or shower is one of the riskiest times for people with mobility challenges. Appropriately placed grab bars – now available in designer colors and textures – can help improve safety in these high-risk areas. Another option that’s high on safety and style is to replace a current shower or tub with a walk-in shower like those now offered by Premier Care In Bathing, whose walk-in bathtubs have made bathing safer and more convenient for thousands of Americans with mobility issues. The walk-in showers are a good option for wheelchair users or in rooms where a full-size tub is not practical.

Two size options, 48 inches and 60 inches, ensure convenience and luxury. A waist-high, folding screen, designed with proprietary technology, keeps water inside the shower and not on the bathroom floor. From the waist up, you can add your own decorative touch with the shower curtain design of your choice, hung on a gracefully curved rod like the ones found in quality hotel baths. Dual Delta showerheads provide the option of an overhead shower or a hand-held shower, and a safe and relaxing folding seat. Installation can often be done in just a day or two.

Visit www.premier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 578-2899 to learn more.

Flooring

That tile floor that you adored in your 40s can be a slip hazard when you reach your 70s. In fact, any hard bathroom floor surface such as linoleum, vinyl or tile can put you at increased risk of slipping and falling. Carpeting might be a better option, one that is slip resistant and warmer and softer on the feet. Many manufacturers now offer materials that are attractive and able to repel moisture. If installing carpeting isn’t practical for you, use area rugs with sticky backing to help ensure safe footing in high traffic areas, like in front of the commode, sink and bathtub.

Lighting

Aging eyes not only need more light to see, they need better quality light, especially at night. Avoid dim lighting; older eyes need several times more light than younger eyes to see well, experts say. Increase the amount of light in your bathroom and consider using naturally brighter bulbs like compact fluorescent bulbs, which are also energy-efficient.

Be aware of glare, as well. Bright lights bouncing off all-white bathroom surfaces can create glare that makes it difficult to see and navigate for older people, especially at night when they may not be fully awake. If your bath is all white, paint the walls a light color in a finish that will help reduce glare. Use area rugs on white floors to help break up the expanse of white and reduce glare.

“Boomers aging in place will find more options than ever before to do so with style,” Kozak says. “Safety should be your first concern, but you can also enjoy good style and beautiful design as well.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit www.berkenseniorcare.com for information and assistance regarding home care for an aging loved one in the Dallas TX area.

Visit www.berkenseniorcare.com for information and assistance when considering home care for an elder loved one in the Dallas, TX community.

Caring For Elders – 6 Pitfalls of Providing Care

By Hal Robertson

1. Dealing with a resentful spouse and upset children

If your family is one that likes to do a lot together and are use to weekend getaways, going to kids ballgames all the time, or just spending time watching TV together, major adjustments may have to be made when you become the caregiver for your elder.

This situation can cause feelings of anger and resentment in your spouse and children. They’ll feel cheated that you aren’t able to spend the time with them that you have in the past.

A great way to help them understand the situation is to take them with you when you are caring for your elder. This will help them understand exactly what it is you do, how important it is to your elder and why you haven’t been around at home as much.

Having children help with things such as exercise, or with make up applications may be something your children may enjoy. Not only that, but it will help them in becoming more caring human beings.

2. Feelings of being unappreciated by your elder

This can be a tough situation. Here you are giving your all and making significant sacrifices. Yet, all you hear are complaints, criticism. All accompanied by a complete lack of gratitude from your elder.

The danger here is that you may want to simply give up, begin visiting with less frequency. offering less care – all at a time when your elder needs you more than ever.

Support groups can be good places to turn for help with issues that arise from feelings of being under appreciated, but you may want to turn to someone who you are close to. They’ll be able to provide some objectivity in dealing with the situation.

Keep in mind that if your elder has always been an ornery or ungrateful type of person, they sure aren’t going to change now. But where you are closer to them now, you are going to be impacted by it even more than before. It’s also important to understand, however, that if these ungrateful type of traits are just surfacing now that they are likely tied to their illness and not directed at you personally. It’s very difficult to be treated poorly in either case, but especially so if you’ve never experience these actions from your elder before.

It’s certainly difficult, but you’ll have to try your best to build up a Teflon exterior so that you don’t end up being resentful, rude and obnoxious to your elder when they need your understanding the most right now.

3. Feelings of being unappreciated by your family

This can be a big issue, especially when you are doing a great job with caring for your elder. At first you may be very happy with yourself for doing such a great job, but over time, you may begin to get the feeling your efforts are being taken for granted. Once this happens, you may find yourself focusing on all the times you are missing out on because you are the primary care giver for your elder. These feelings can spiral out of control, if you aren’t able to keep them in check.

If this happens to you, I’d recommend searching out a support group. There are plenty out there – in person groups or online groups. You’ll quickly find that you are not alone in your feelings. You’ll likely find others are quick to provide support and ideas of how to best deal with your feelings.

4. Dealing with lower earnings

Without question, those who are directly involved with elder care end up with all sorts of issues that can and often do impact your earnings. Lost time from your job – not to mention lost career advancement opportunities – along with stress related illnesses and lower productivity at your job can all cause you to see a significant loss in wages. While nearly half of elder care givers in the United States are able to hold down a job while being the primary care giver for an elder, their earnings are generally impacted to some degree. Of course a lot depends on how much care is needed by your elder.

While lower earnings is certainly a cause for concern, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 allows you for up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off to care for a family member, so losing your job immediately after determining you need an extended period of time off is no longer a concern.

5. Dealing with unemployment

While many people are dealing with unemployment issues right now as a result of the economy, this is something elder caregivers have been dealing with for a long time. A full 12% of working caregivers end up having to leave their jobs to provide their elder with full time care, especially if siblings aren’t able to assist with the care giving.

It’s not uncommon for this situation to adversely impact the elder you are caring for as they are fully aware of the sacrifice you have made. Some will offer to pay you for their care if they can afford to do it, but if you can avoid this, do so. Taking money to provide care can end up in feelings of guilt on your end and feelings of resentment in your elder.

If you’ve had to give up your job, you will want to bring this up in a family meeting when discussing your elder’s care. Make an itemized list of your costs and lost income. Perhaps other family members will be able to chip and and help you with expenses and lost income.

6. Dealing with your guilty feelings

Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, you could have always done a better job? This thought is usually accompanied by feelings of guilt. How about when you lash out at someone in frustration? Yep, there’s another. Guilt is a very common feeling when caring for an elder.

No matter how hard you try, you aren’t going to be able to change you feelings. These feelings of guilt are all part of the elder care package. Even though you can’t change your feelings, it’s important to realize that you are doing your best with the resources that are available to you. Throughout your time as a care provider for an elder, you’ll be faced with varying degrees of these type of feelings. When one goes away, it’ll be replaced by another feeling – either positive or negative. Know that these feelings are normal.

However, if you find you are having persistent negative thoughts and continual feelings of guilt, you may want to see your doctor as these can be signs of easily treatable depression. While you are providing care for your elder, you’ve also got to consider your emotional state as well. Don’t be afraid to get help.

Hal has been writing articles online since 2005. Not only does he specialize in elder care issues, he also maintains a number of informative web sites as well. You can check out his latest website Indoor Kerosene Heater which features the Dyna-Glo Kerosene Heater

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hal_Robertson

February is American Heart Month.  Here is valuable information about the warning signs of an impending heart attack.  Visit us at www.berkenseniorcare.com if you need help for an aging loved one in the area.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Original content found HERE.