Hard Work/ Heart Work

Waiting too long

Fritzi — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:28:05 +0000

Recently, in moves with my senior clients and their families, the issue of “waiting too long” has arisen. For adult children, recognition of the needs of the parents can take awhile as we don’t want to accept or acknowledge failings or frailty..and it is not easy for the parent(s) to accept or acknowledge the changes either. However, I would encourage you to look carefully for changes in habits, eating, sleeping, socializing, remembering, steadiness, etc and begin to formulate what the alternatives may look like for your family…as senior move managers, we provide services after a series of decisions have already been made but I would suggest that we are a valuable resource early on to provide guidance and resources as we acknowledge that change is inevitable.

Murder in Boston nursing home

Fritzi — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:12:25 +0000

There was a sad story out of Boston that a 98 year old woman was indicted for the murder of her 100 year old roommate in the nursing home. They had disagreements over furniture placement and likely other issues…but this incident serves to remind all of us about the vigilance that must be embraced in our work with seniors. While, as senior move managers, we are not likely to encounter such a devastating event, we need to remain cognizant at all times about the emotional as well as physical state of our clients. The stresses of moving can trigger declines in health as often as the new socialization can offer health benefits.

Re-thinking our rooms/spaces

Fritzi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:02:39 +0000

When the thoughts first come to mind that a physical move out of the house is going to become a likelihood, our instincts are to start to call movers and get prices. We suggest that the process better starts with the destination home in terms of size and location. This becomes an opportunity to re-think how we use the spaces in our current homes, especially those rooms with seemingly designated uses…an example is the dining room. While we may have had large family gatherings for years in a larger home, the use of the dining room space may begin our re-thinking and re-orienting. Perhaps the dining room really becomes the new office space, den space, guest space…it is all about how the new home/apartment can best fit the new needs and lifestyle. It is just a start and the planning for the use of each room will maximize the design opportunities.

Remote Elder Care still requires action

Fritzi — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:39:18 +0000

The opportunities for remotely monitoring the health of patients is growing. There is more publicity about heart monitors, etc and the daily updates to doctors offices for the quick review and easy adjustment of medication for patients. Business Week (Nov. 16) describes a patient who weighs himself and takes his blood pressure; daily the medical staff can review his status without extra trips to the office and make adjustments to his medication if necessary. The wisdom and economics of these systems will certainly become more prevalent as the acceptance rate by patients increases and the cost savings to the health care system is realized.

However, I have seen clients with the machines in their homes, still in the box. One lady, chair-bound for the most part, stares at this heavy scale in a 6 foot high cardboard shipping box. She knows that it represents a better way for her to stay in touch with the doctor and the durable equipment company delivered it on time…and still it sits in the box…so while the technology is arriving every day to help us all, the key is really in the implementation and followup.

Volunteering

Fritzi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:59:42 +0000

There are more opportunities all the time as the message about volunteering and community service pervades our national consciousness. AARP has a new venue (www.createthegood.org) in which you can put your zip code and organization or category of work and the database provides a list of opportunities locally. It is a great way to learn about ways to help.

Portable Shower

Fritzi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:59:56 +0000

Another innovative product is the Foldaway Wheelchair Shower. It is a completely self-contained portable shower stall that can be used anywhere there is access to warm water, a drain and a 110V outlet, such as a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom for which the regular bathing facility is inaccessible. The portable shower can be set up in less than 5 minutes out of the box, roll in, shower and roll back out. It weighs less than 40 pounds and folds to 6 inches flat for easy storage.

Larry Weinstein, AARP’s National Livable Homes Consultant, states that this is the first truly new and exciting bathing product for seniors. It allows seniors who rent, who live with family or want to travel the availability of a shower.

Having the conversation about LTC

Fritzi — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:15:14 +0000

Nearly half of Americans will need long term care at some point in their lives. Right now, one in five over the age of 50 is likely to need care within the next 12 months so it is imperative to start the conversation with family members. Here are some tips:

-Have the conversation sooner than later.

-Prepare yourself by taking the initiative to learn the options.

-Ask permission to have the conversation with your loved one and look for opportunities in connection with significant family events, like reunions. But keep in mind that the conversation should be private.

-If you meet resistance, be patient and try again another time.

-Be a good listener-learn the wants and needs by showing respect and acknowledging your loved one’s right to make choices.

Home Safety-evaluation considerations

Fritzi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:48:30 +0000

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control states that falls are the number one cause of home injury and there are studies that suggest that environmental factors play a significant role in those numbers. The second most common home injury is burns, primarily from fires. Poisoning is the third most common, mainly occurring with medicine non-compliance with older adults more likely than other age groups to suffer adverse medical reactions.

One of the challenges of working with older adults is the identification of a safety hazard for that particular individual. For example, a person with severe arthritis may have more difficulty with a chair that is too deep or too low. In addition, if a person relies on another for an activity of daily living (ADL), then finding a solution to increase autonomy and reduce caregiving would be a preferred solution.

In either situation, it is better to begin analysis for home modification by considering environmental, rather than personal deficits.Too often, older adults blame themselves for their inability to engage in activities and therefore, are wont to explore solutions. It is our opportunity to present the environmental assessment and modifications as positive outcomes for increased independence, safety and comforts.

Stay tuned for specific recommendations.

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Fritzi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:05:34 +0000

Doors-Remote Control/Keyless

Fritzi — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:33:56 +0000

One of the innovations in door locks is the remote control system that allows you to lock and unlock the door with a remote control device. There is a push button code and the regular key option. There are some systems that will lock/unlock via cell phone or other home security system technology.

This technology is interesting for people for whom getting to the door may be difficult or impossible, if they are bedridden. The addition of a remote entry system could be combined with an intercom for visitor identification.

Other technologies for remote door opening systems are employed in public places in compliance with the ADA. These systems can also be installed in the home so that someone who is wheelchair bound or even using a walker could have a remote device to open the door for them.

There are several manufacturers of door systems. For more information about the systems themselves, installation and representatives in your areaincluding Black & Decker (www.bdhhi.com) , Kwikset (1-714-535-8111) and Open Sesame Door Systems (1-800-OPEN-911).