Freedom Eldercare Blog

"Same Time Next Year" By, Laura Mansfield, Manager, Media and Community Development at Freedom Home Healthcare

        Prior to joining Freedom, I owned a home care agency.  I often advised children of aging parents to be on the lookout for signs that their parent was deteriorating - a change in mental status, loss of appetite, depression, etc.  Unfortunately, my personal experience is somewhat of a cautionary tale.

        My Mom died this past August and it came as a tremendous shock. There was no acute condition that led to her passing, but rather a gradual deterioration in her overall health. My Mother was only 75 – young by today’s standards.

        I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the year or so before my Mother died. It wasn’t that I hadn’t noticed that she was slowing down and that daily living was becoming harder.  My sister and I had been successful in convincing my Mother that it was time for a live-in caregiver and that was working out well. But more changes were needed. When I talked with my Mother and suggested downsizing her home or putting in a stair-glider (to make life a little easier), or vacationing at the beach (to lift her spirits), she would act as if she were considering my suggestions. Ultimately her answer was always the same … “no”. My mother vehemently insisted that she was an adult and could run her own life.  I acquiesced. What I perceived to be sheer stubbornness was, in retrospect, my mother’s way of saying she was too worn out to make plans or changes. She was giving up right before my eyes – and I never saw it.

        So as this year comes to a close, I will once again advise children of aging parents to be on the lookout for signs that their loved one is deteriorating and needs help.  Sometimes the signs are subtle; look closely. If your parent resists your help, persist. When you were a child, I’m sure there were times that your parents made decisions that were in your best interest, yet they angered you. As parents grow old and roles change, sometimes as adult children, we need to love our parents enough for them to be angry with choices we attempt to make on their behalves. Maybe there was nothing I could have done to enable my Mother to be here with me now. But I encourage you to be observant and do whatever you can for your aging loved ones, with the hope that they will be here with you, same time next year.

      

"Tips on Helping Seniors Beat the Holiday Blues" By Janet Pincu, MSW, LCSW, LNHA, Senior Director of Client Services at Freedom Home Healthcare

Rosa was one of those unforgettable clients we are often blessed to meet during our careers.  She lived in an Assisted Living facility having moved to be closer to her family after being widowed.  She was visited often by devoted daughters and by a gang of attentive grandchildren.

Ohhhh, could she tell a story!  Her life with her husband, a renowned sculptor and artist, was an adventure with far-flung travels while hobnobbing with world dignitaries and other famous artists.  However, she was never a “happy” lady as she suffered from underlying depression most of her life. 

On 9/11 Rosa lost her favorite grandson when the towers fell.  This and the loss of her spouse, home and familiar routines exacerbated her depression.  The following Holiday she exhibited even more hopelessness and eventually the loss of her will to live. 

Rosa died the following Spring.  For Rosa that Holiday season had stood as a reminder of the losses and the changes that had come with life’s transitions. 

The Holidays – a time of joy and of celebration.  But it is also the season that can trigger sadness, despondency and loneliness in many, particularly our elderly.  Often isolated by distance from remaining loved ones and unable to travel due to declining health it can be a time when all the happiness of the season is absent.  Cumulative losses mark the lives of all as we age.  With the death of spouses, of family members and of friends, poor health, and shrinking finances seniors will feel these absences most acutely during the Holidays.  Some will deny any of these feelings so as not to concern their family or friends.

So what can we do to assist those that are at risk at this time of year?  Here are some tips:

1. Offer to take your loved one ones out of the house - to the mall, to a movie, to a family gathering.  Prevent isolation especially during the Holidays.
2. Encourage an older adult to talk - help them share feelings around recent or past losses.
3. Encourage an older adult to volunteer with a soup kitchen, church group or other organization. 
4. Ensure that the older person is not abusing alcohol.  We know that drinking too much can negatively impact a person’s mood.
5. Ask to hear the stories – help to create the legacies to be passed down.
6. It’s OK to feel sad- However, when someone’s mood continues to be sad, observe for symptoms of depression – loss of sleep, weight, appetite, fallings of worthlessness or guilt, fatigue, loss of interest, thoughts of suicide.

Keep an eye on your families; be alert to any changes or to a change in mood during the Holidays.

Old age does not have to be time of sadness and depression is not a normal part of aging.

     

“Safe Ideas for a Parkinson’s Home”

Making a house easy to navigate for an individual with Parkinson’s is very simple to do with some quick changes. View our room by room diagram for some fast ideas.

Whole House:

• Make sure all rugs are anchored and smooth.
• Keep furniture in its usual place and make sure wide spaces are placed between furniture to make it easy to move around.
• Invest in touchable lamps or those that react to sound.

Bedroom:

• Select loose clothing that is easy to take on and off. Velcro can be helpful.
• Make sure a firm chair is available to use when dressing and a footstool to use when putting on shoes.
• Avoid use of space heaters, electric blankets and other flammable fire hazards.
• Install a bed rail between the mattress and box spring.
• Use nightlights to keep the room from getting too dark and difficult to navigate at night.

Bathroom:

• Have grab bars and handrails securely installed in the bathroom.
• Use a shower chair and a hand-held shower spray. If tub baths are taken, use a tub transfer bench.
• Use only rubber or rubber back mats in the bathroom to keep it skid free and safe!

Kitchen:

• Use self-closing cabinets and drawers.
• Lower counter spaces and work spaces so that cooking and kitchen tasks can be performed from a sitting position.
• Use a food processor for cutting and peeling vegetables and other hard to eat foods.
•  Install nonskid rubber mats near sink and stove. Clean up spills immediately.

Office:

• Use a chair with a firm, straight back. Avoid chairs with soft cushions, swivel chairs or chairs with wheels.
• Make sure there are no exposed wires that could be tripped over. Plan where furniture is arranged so that extension cords aren’t needed.
• Use a telephone with large buttons so numbers can be easily dialed. Enter numbers into speed dial and use voice commands where technology allows.

Garage:

•  Have a phone put into the garage in case the person with Parkinson’s should fall or get stuck inside the garage and need to call for help.
•  Put things away and off the floor to avoid falling over loose objects. Minimize clutter.
•  Install handrails along walls and stairwells.

Outside:

• Seal and fix cracks in pavement.
• Install sufficient light on front and back porch.
• Install handrails along all staircases and entryways.
• Pick up tools and garden items to prevent falling.

      

"The Greatest Gift" By, Tara Smith-Keeler, Director of Operation at Freedom Home Healthcare

        Each year I come to the holiday season and like many I tend to take this time to really acknowledge and appreciate all the reasons in life to be thankful.

        With everything around us being so unpredictable including things like our health, the economy and even the unpredictable and seemingly crazy weather it's truly a blessing to be able to know there are such things in life like family that I know I can rely upon.

        I myself am blessed with both my parents, an older brother and sister, seven nieces and nephews and my husband with whom I look forward to coming home to each night after a long days work.  I am always welcomed home with a big kiss from him and some kisses from my three wonderful dogs that fill my home.

        I am also thankful for those in my life I consider my "other" family whom which I spend many of my days with throughout the year.  Those individuals are my coworkers at Freedom Home Healthcare and a team that I've been working with going on four years this upcoming spring.  

        Since childhood I have always wanted to have a career in which I felt I was making a difference in someone else’s life in some way and since beginning to work in home care a little over 10 years ago, I knew this field is where I wanted to be.  

        I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of providing comfort and care to those families and individuals who should need our services during a time in their lives when they may not be able to care for themselves.  

        I am also extremely thankful to be part of a team of individuals who share that same passion along with me and work each day with the same fervor and excitement as I do.  

        With all that is unpredictable around us it is clear that the Freedom team always ensures that those clients and families who depend on us know that we will be there when needed no matter what it takes.

        As we say often at Freedom we are a "Whatever it Takes!" team of individuals who are completely dedicated to ensuring that we can be one of those things in life on which our clients and families can depend.

        So today I'd like to say thank you to my Freedom family. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this family and wish you all and your families a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

     

“Important Questions to Ask When Buying a Hearing Aid”

Before investing in a new hearing aid, ask the hearing aid dispenser or audiologist the following questions:

• What features would be the most useful to me?
• What is the total cost of the hearing aid?
• What guarantees or warranties come with the hearing aid?
• How long do the guarantees or warranties last, and can they be extended?
• Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
• How much will servicing the hearing aid cost?
• Do you provide a loaner if the hearing aid needs repairing?
• What sort of instruction do you supply for the hearing aid?
• What does the person pay if he doesn’t buy the hearing aid after the trial period?
• Can assistive devices such as a telecoil be used with the hearing aid?

Getting used to wearing a hearing aid takes time:

• It may feel uncomfortable at first and you will need practice at adjusting the volume
  and/or program for sounds
• The sound heard is different because it’s amplified
• Try more than one device, if necessary, to find one that works well
• Most states have laws requiring a trial period before buying a hearing aid

     

“What does Grandma want for the Holidays?” By Nicole Brierty, Media Coordinator of Freedom Home Healthcare

            Thanksgiving has come and gone and it’s officially time to jump into the holiday season!  Although most retailers kicked off the festivities just before Halloween even rolled around, we are now down to the wire.  If you haven’t started thinking about your holiday shopping, its time to begin.

            For the past few years, there has been an economic standstill that has affected many of our budgets.  If we are going to spend the money on gifts, especially our elderly loved ones; we want to make sure that the gifts are practical.  Be sure to give them gifts they will use, gifts that won’t create clutter.  Don’t go crazy this year about what to get Grandma and Grandpa or your elderly Aunts or Uncles.

Gifts that are useful to your elderly loved ones can be:

• Stationary
• Body lotions, hand lotions, shampoos, etc.
• Herbal teas or their favorite coffees
• Sweaters, scarves or gloves
• Soft and comfy slippers
• Flashlights or emergency radios
• Home made cookies or cakes

Some of our elderly loved ones are dealing with vision loss.  No need to worry you can buy them:

• Telephones or clocks with large numbers
• Books or magazines with large print
• Magnifying glasses (if your grandma is fashionable, be sure to look for one that’s chic and stylish!)

        Some of our seniors have their pets that they love and adore and a gift for their furry friends can make them just as happy as receiving a gift for themselves. 

• Hearty supplies of dog or cat food is always helpful
• Bones, toys, leashes and collars (again…make sure the accessories are trendy for your hip loved one!)
• Pet beds

        Some seniors are very active and are still extremely independent during their activities of daily living.  Gifts that may be helpful for the “always on the go” loved one, can be:

• Cloth shopping bags or supermarket gift cards
• Your loved one a movie lover?  Give them gift certificates to the local theater (it’s sure to satisfy!)

        There are a lot of seniors out there who need help around the house, taking care of themselves, or simply just need a companion.  Some seniors may not want to pay for it themselves, treat them to ongoing home care assistance on either a short term or regular basis.

        The most valuable gift of all…the one that your elderly loved one will cherish the most, is time with you and their family.  Be there to help and listen.  Go shopping with them and use those cloth shopping bags and gift cards, go to the movies together or even use that new dog leash and go for a walk on a beautiful winter’s day.  Your time is a gift that they will never forget.

Happy Holidays!

       

"Rules for Happiness" By, Candy Blau, MA, Senior Client Relations Director of Freedom Home Healthcare

In the 18^th century, Imanuel Kant, a Prussian writer and philosopher wrote the following:

Rules for Happiness:

- Something to do,
- Someone to love,
- Something to hope for.

I recently came across a paperweight which proclaimed the Five Simple Rules for Happiness :

- Free your heart from hatred.
- Free your mind from worries.
- Live simply.
- Give more.
- Expect less.

All the lists in the world won’t help you achieve happiness unless it is purposefully sought and strived for.  Happiness is a fleeting state, when you feel it, embrace it and be grateful. Happiness is a choice, choose it.

 

     

"On Giving Thanks" By Melissa V. Sirola, RN, BSN, MBA , Clinical Director, Private Duty Nursing of Freedom Home Healthcare

        This is the time of year we all count our blessings.  I am blessed with three beautiful children and many wonderful friends.  Like many of you, my children are the most important things in my life.  I am so proud of them and the fine young adults they have become.  They are all different and unique.  I love them unconditionally and completely.  I am sure many of you have similar feelings about your children.

        I am also thankful for my job.  We all spend so much of our lives at work and should love what we do.  I raised my children to understand that they should choose a profession that fills their souls.  They should do something useful with their lives; something that makes a significant contribution to the world.  I am a homecare nurse.  I love my job.  On a daily basis I get to help people.  I get to help children and adults live the fullest lives they are capable of living.  I help families keep sick children and loved ones with them at home where they belong.  I help families understand what is happening with the disease process affecting their loved ones and help them cope.  Wow….what an honor to be able to serve and help.  I also get to help and support the nurses and caregivers who work for me.  People forget that the nurses and aides who help us also need support and assistance to do their jobs effectively.  As a Clinical Director I get to support and encourage many nurses and aides who then help many more patients.  What an honor and privilege.  I have been a nurse for 15 years and have been humbled and honored the entire time. 

        So, as this Thanksgiving season approaches I encourage all of you to find something to be thankful
 for each and every day.  Whether it is the overwhelming joy of a new grandchild or the successes (and even the failures) of our children or something as simple as a beautiful sunset, enjoy it and be thankful.  And, if someone is taking care of you whether it is a family member, friend, companion, home health aide, or nurse take a moment to say “thank you” to people who seldom hear those words but are thankful each day for the opportunity to care for you.

     

"Great Expectations – From Our Parents As They Age" By, Barbra London, MSW, LCSW, LNHA, Senior Vice President of Freedom Home Healthcare

        It never ceases to amaze me that as long as I have worked with the elderly and their families I continue to be surprised by how many grown children keep expecting things from their parents that they just can’t give!

        “Dutiful daughters” who seek, until the last breathe of their mothers’ lives, the “thank you” or “I love you” they have been dreaming of since childhood but somehow has never been forthcoming are almost always left with feelings of anger and disappointment.

        Though there can be change in the mother-daughter relationship of an adult to adult one, this is often
 the most difficult of all relationships to achieve.  On countless occasions, I have experienced daughters, in frustration, questioning “when will my mother show me the love I deserve?”  The real answer rests within ourselves.  That is, we cannot change our mothers.  We have to stop expecting things from them they cannot give.  We must find the change within ourselves.  The only power we have to control is how we allow the behaviors of our mothers to affect us!  When we allow mothers (or anyone in our lives for that matter) to “push our buttons”, we give up our control to respond in a certain manner.  To manage our responses and learn to take care of ourselves is the first step to enjoying an adult to adult relationship with our parents, and others.

        This is a long, sometimes painful, but almost always rewarding journey. It starts with the desire to change a relationship.  It can often end with a great sense of empowerment, growth and personal reward.  Remember that no one can make us “feel bad” about ourselves unless we allow them!

     

"Dementia and Alzheimer’s" By, Nick Kirby of Freedom Home Healthcare

        I’ve attended two community events concerning dementia in the last two weeks. The first was a support group for people who are caring for their parents or spouse or siblings who live with dementia. The other was an educational seminar about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Both were eye opening.

        The support group was more than eye opening – it was shocking. A few of the stories of the participants in the support group were difficult to hear. Families torn apart by the burden of caring for a loved one was something I have not experienced. The different ways siblings respond to this pressure – some assuming care giving responsibility while others totally throw up their hands and walk away – was upsetting. The role that money and dividing up the estate – sometimes before the parents have passed and sometimes involving money grabs by family members at the expense of other family members – was ugly and not something I expected. As I left that session, I better understood why dementia and Alzheimer’s receive so much attention in our society. They cause great pain and stress for many, many families.

        The second event I attended, the educational seminar, reviewed the biology of dementia and
 Alzheimer’s and briefly outlined the current research being conducted in the field. This event had nowhere near the emotional impact of the support group, but was just as interesting. One thing about Americans, we like to take problems head on. That is clearly what we are doing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. We are working hard to understand the root causes of the conditions and to find ways to address the root causes. We are working hard to find ways to understand and deal with the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s on individuals and families. I walked out of this session sobered, but with a sense we as a society are building the knowledge base and support systems we need to deal with the family and medical issues surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s. Let’s hope so.

     

"Can Your Aging Loved One Continue to Live Alone … Safely?" By, Laura Mansfield, Manager, Media and Community Development at Freedom Home Healthcare

        As a loved one ages it may be difficult for him/her to acknowledge that they can no longer remain safely and independently at home. Seniors may not realize how much they depend on family and friends; they may believe they are truly independent. If your loved one starts to exhibit cognitive impairments or have difficulty with daily tasks and routines, it is time to evaluate whether there are safety concerns to be addressed. After reviewing the following statements, if you answered “YES” to one or more items in a category, your loved one may need some support and supervision at home.

Activities Related To Daily Living

     He/she

• is less concerned about personal hygiene (ex. – not changing clothing or showering regularly, poor dental care).
• cannot shower or dress independently
• has developed incontinence issues.
• has difficulty preparing nutritious meals
• does not consume enough liquid
• needs reminders to taking her medications

Safety

     He/she:

• has fallen one or more times in the past month.
• is unsteady when walking/standing or increasingly reliant on a walker or cane.
• has gotten into driving accidents recently, even if they are minor
• has forgotten to turn off the oven or stovetop.
• has gotten lost or disoriented when driving or walking
• has out-of-date food or spoiled food in the pantry or refrigerator  

Other

     He/she:

• has unpaid bills or other mail/newspapers piling up
• is occasionally confused by his/her surroundings, people or date/time
• is starting to have difficulty making decisions, even those that are minor
• has been hospitalized due to recurring urinary tract infections, falls or mistakes with medications
• doesn’t care to socialize or go out as often

        It is never easy opening up a dialogue with a loved one about the need for change and it make take multiple conversations to get your loved one “on board”. The sooner you being to broach the subject, the sooner your loved one can safely regain an independent lifestyle … and you can regain peace of mind.

     

“Creating a Safe Environment for Those Who Have Experienced a Stroke”

According to the National Stroke Association, there are several tips and tricks to making a house more accessible for those who have experienced a stroke.

 

Forty percent of stroke survivors suffer serious falls within a year after their strokes.

 

To avoid falls:

 

• Clear paths to the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
• Move electrical cords out of pathways.
• Wear non-skid shoes and avoid slick surfaces.
•  Remove loose carpets and runners in hallways and stairwells or fasten them with non-skid tape to improve traction.
• Replace thick carpeting with lower pile carpeting to make wheelchair or walker movement easier.
• Install handrails for support in going up and down stairs and check to make sure they’re securely
  fastened to the wall.
• Consider stair glides, stair lifts, and platform lifts if stairs are required. 

 

Doing laundry will be less challenging with a few simple changes:

 

• Move laundry machines to a place where they are easily accessible.
• Stackable, front-loading machines may be easier to reach and take up less space.
• Use easy-to-reach, labeled detergents and laundry supplies.
• Have easy-to-read markings for wash settings.
• Use a nearby table or cart at the right height for sorting and folding.
• Use an ironing board that folds down from the wall. 

 

Making the bedroom safe and comfortable:

 

• Install a light switch near the bed.
• Move/reorganize clothes and personal items to make them easier to access.
• Use a nightlight and clear a path for easy access to the toilet at night.
• Keep a commode chair near the bed.
• Consider placing disposable “blue pads” underneath the sheets. 

 

Adjusting to challenges in the kitchen:

 

• If possible, use a stove with push-button controls at the front.
• Install automatic shut-off controls.
• Mount an over-the-stove mirror to help see stovetop contents if cooking while seated.
• Keep a clear space near the stove to place a hot pot or pan quickly
• Have oven mitts on hand.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Adjust the kitchen table so it is the right height for a wheelchair or for a chair with arms that supports posture. 

 

Special utensils help people with physically-impaired arms and hands at the table:

 

• Flatware with built-up handles which are easier to grasp.
• Rocker knives for cutting food with one hand.
• Attachable rings which keep food from being pushed off the plate accidentally. 

 

Helpful bathroom devices:

• Grab bars in shower or tub.
• Sturdy handrails.
• Raised toilet seat or toilet chair.
• Tub bench.
• Adjustable or handheld showerhead.
• Bathing supplies that are easy to reach and use.
• Easy-to-use water control knobs with easy-to-see settings or long-handled levers.
• Non-slip flooring strips installed inside and outside of the tub.
• Long-handled brush.
• Squeeze bottles and soap pumps.
• Washing mitt with pockets for soap.
• Soap-on-a-rope.
• Electric toothbrush.
• Flip-top toothpaste tube.
• Electric razor.
• One-piece faucet with lever handles or long extensions, allowing water to be turned on and off with a fist or arm movement.
• Cut-out or roll-under sink, which allows room for legs underneath the sink while seated.
• Suction pads to hold grooming tools or bottles in place on a counter, requiring just one hand to pick up or use.

Resource: National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to
 stroke. NSA provides the most up-to-date information on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for stroke survivors and their families. For more information on NSA contact 1-800-STROKES or visit www.stroke.org.

 

     

 

"What Would You Do?" By, Janet Pincu, MSW, LCSW, CALA, Senior Director of Client Services at Freedom Home Healthcare

        Sitting in my doctor’s office waiting room recently I couldn’t help but notice a woman sitting nearby.  She appeared annoyed, anxious and distracted.  Eventually an older woman, accompanied by her adult son, arrived and joined this woman.  It became apparent she and the gentleman were the adult children to the older woman.

        The conversation that followed amongst the three centered on Mom’s displeasure with having a home health aide in her home.  I surmised that Mom had just been discharged from a rehab center and the children were concerned about her safety.  Mom was worried that the aide living with her was bored and wanted to go home.  Brother and Sis were none to happy with Mom’s obvious resistance to home care and continued to make that clear.

        Eventually the siblings began a discourse on the advantages of an assisted living facility that they had just visited – apparently without Mom.  Daughter, with eyes focused on her newspaper, spoke of the bingo, the cooking class, and the arts and crafts.  Mom, with her eyes focused on a magazine, commented on how she never participated in these activities in her lifetime so why would she start now!!??

        Mom commented on how “no one could believe she was going to that place.”   She continued to argue why she wanted to remain in her home, how she was perfectly able to live on her own.

        And Daughter and Son continued to argue their case – for all in this waiting room to hear.  Increasingly angry with and disrespectful towards Mom this discussion escalated with Mom becoming more and more distressed.

        I became more uncomfortable as I was forced to witness what should have been a very private, though difficult, discussion within this family.  I was tempted to intervene in some way but restrained myself (NOT easy!)  At one point I looked around for the cameras thinking this might have been part of that TV program “What Would You Do?”

        The experience has stayed with me - Was there something I should have done differently?

       
     

"A Smile, a Touch, a Giggle" By Candy Blau, MA, Senior Client Relations Director of Freedom Home Healthcare

As Rosalynn Carter once said:

Care-giving is a universal subject, "There are only four kinds of people in this world":

• Those who have been caregivers;
• Those who currently are caregivers.
• Those who will be caregivers; and
• Those who will need caregivers.

        I have been most, and suspect I will have been all, by the time my life is over. I was a caregiver for my mother, I hired a professional caregiver to care for my father who lived his last months in my home, and now I help coordinate professional home health care for my mother in law, who desires to remain in her own apartment in familiar surroundings.

        All three experiences were different but have a common thread. Whether paid or unpaid, caregivers do what they do out of love and necessity.  When someone we know and love is vulnerable, it is our family and societal responsibility to assist to the best of our ability.

        I was fortunate to have been able to hire professional caregivers to assist with care for my father and mother- in- law. My father was physically frail and needed personal care services which I was unable and unwilling to provide. For his dignity and to preserve my role as daughter, it was best to hire a professional. They are trained, I am not. 

        My decision to hire an agency aide was simple one.  I wanted the support of an organization that would train, supervise, and be responsible for replacement assistance if the aide didn't show up, wasn't a good fit for our family, or had an emergency. I wanted to know that I wasn't on my own in the scary job of care-giving.  I called Freedom Eldercare, years before I worked there, to be the organization to provide the aide services we needed.  I had brought my father, who was living in California at the time, cross country to live with me. After a serious fall and injury which lead to physical and cognitive decline, it was not possible for me to be an effective long distance caregiver. As often happens, the plane from California was delayed in arriving.  When we arrived home at 12:30 am, the Freedom aide was waiting for us, ready to assist my father to his room and get him settled after the long journey.

        From that moment on, Hannah became an integral part of all of our lives. She was a delight  from the minute she walked into the house.  She was caring, loving and compassionate. She was a perfect fit for us; competent, willing, joyful, loving and anxious to do a good job. Hannah was from Ghana and although she had an accent, and my father was hard of hearing, they communicated beautifully.  Only 10% of communication is verbal, the other 90% being made up of gestures, expressions, and body language.  Hannah's smiles and gentle ways spoke volumes to my dad and me. I often heard laughter coming from my father's room, although I'm convinced that neither knew exactly what the joke was.

        One afternoon, while my dad was sleeping, Hannah and my husband were watching the 2006 World Cup Soccer match between the USA and Ghana. They were clearly enjoying the game together as I could hear a lot of cheering coming from both of them.  Four years later in 2010, after my dad had been gone for over 3 years, during the re-match between Ghana and the USA, the phone rang and it was Hannah.  She was now living in Boston, doing another type of work, but remembered her time with our family and just wanted to say hello.  I will be forever grateful to Hannah for helping to make the end of my father's life peaceful and comforting.

        It was sometime after this personal experience as a client who benefited greatly from the services from

 Freedom Eldercare, that I started working for the company.  Although my degree in Gerontology had afforded me many career opportunities caring for and about the elderly, I had never worked in home care.  My professional and personal goals are now aligned.  I am privileged to be able to help families experience the peace of mind and support I felt as a caregiver.

    

"Hope...Strength...Prevention: How to Protect Yourself from Breast Cancer and Help Find a Cure" By, Nicole Brierty, Media Coordinator at Freedom Home Healthcare

        It is more than likely that someone you know has been affected by Breast Cancer; my family is one of them.  My aunt was only 27 years old when she was diagnosed with the disease and sadly lost her battle in 2006, when she was thirty-one.  Furthermore, I have had friends, co-workers and several family members on my husband’s side who have survived or died from the disease.  Nevertheless, the cause is close to my heart.

        One in every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  According to BreastCancer.org, in 2010, about 261,100 new cases were discovered; 1,970 of them being males.  On the positive side, also in 2010, there were 2.5 million survivors.  Although statistics show that the threat in women, and in some men, is high, there are ways to reduce your risk.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer (from LHJ.com)

• Maintain a Healthy Weight:  Extra pounds boost estrogen production which feeds cancer growth
• Focus on Good Fats: Limit your intake of polyunsaturated and saturated fats in your diet
• Eat Your Veggies: Carotenoids are great cancer protective pigments found in fruits and vegetables
• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol intake is linked to elevated levels of cancer-feeding estrogen
• Choose to Breastfeed: Not only is this beneficial for your newborn, but also suppresses the body’s production of estrogen
• STOP Smoking:  Those who smoke are twice as likely to get an aggressive form of Breast Cancer
• Avoid Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics:  Studies show that the more antibiotics you take, the higher you are at risk
• Over 40? Go For Regular Screenings: 80% of Breast Cancer is in women of the age of 40

The Importance of Early Detection

        The purpose of screenings are to detect cancer before the symptoms begin.  Early detection means using an approach that allows breast cancer to be diagnosed earlier than it may have transpired.  Breast Cancer that is found because of noticeable symptoms are more likely to be spread beyond the breast.  Doctors suggest that early detection tests for Breast Cancer saves thousands of lives each year and more lives can be saved if women and their doctors took advantage of these tests.

What Can You Do to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness?

• Promote Self Examinations: Taking a few minutes from your day, once a month, can potentially make a difference (for more information, visit the National Breast Cancer Official Website)
• Volunteer: There are many organizations you can help! Most organizations rely on their volunteer efforts
• Tell Your Story:  If you have been affected by the disease, share your story with others on websites like Women’s Health or The Breast Cancer Site
• Donate:  Make a contribution to organizations that fund Breast Cancer Research (Learn more about how donations help at the American Cancer Society Official Website)

        Many individual’s favorite way to promote Breast Cancer Awareness is to SHOW SUPPORT by walking for the cause.  On October 16^th, I walked for the 5^th year in a row for Team Lori Ann; a team that my mother created in honor of my aunt who had past away in 2006.  Each year is more and more amazing because more people come together to support the cause.  This year, thousands gathered in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey and raised over $600,000 for the fight against breast cancer.  Seeing all of those people who have been affected by the disease, and seeing those who have survived is a true inspiration.  You can be apart of supporting the cause.  As the American Cancer Society says, “You can create a world with less cancer, and more birthdays.”

 
  

"A Birthday Tradition" By, Laura Mansfield, Manager, Media and Community Development at Freedom Home Healthcare

        When I was growing up, our family wasn’t always a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. Yet, despite our dysfunction, every year on my birthday, my parents made it seem as if the world stopped to celebrate “me”.

        Over the years, there was a single birthday tradition that came to mean the most of all. First thing in the morning, each and every birthday, my phone would ring and I would be greeted by my mother’s cheery rendition of “Happy Birthday”.  From there, we would talk about my birthday plans for the day, but it was her birthday song-gram that I looked forward to each year and that truly heralded the start of my special day.  It is a tradition that my Mother continued with each of her five grandchildren, who seemed to enjoy it as much as I did.

        A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease accompanied by dementia. This year, a few months before my birthday, I answered the phone and heard my mother singing “Happy Birthday”. After my mother finished singing, I thanked her, as I normally would. Then suddenly, softly, she said: “It isn’t your birthday is it? Did I miss it?” I opted for an honest answer and cheerily replied: “No mom, it isn’t my birthday; you didn’t miss it - so no need to worry! Lucky me … I’ll get to hear you sing twice this year!”

        Perhaps, on that day, my mother prophetically knew something that I did not. My mother was placed on hospice in June and passed away on August 10^th – just three days after my birthday. And so it is with mixed emotions I look back on the un-birthday call I received from my mother earlier this year: happy and blessed that I had the opportunity to hear her sing her birthday song to me one last time and saddened that my birthday will never be the same.

        It was my husband’s birthday this week – the first family birthday since my mother’s passing. Sadly, I could not bring myself to sing. I wondered, aloud, if I would ever be able to sing “Happy Birthday” without feeling sadness or tearing up. “I promise”, my husband replied, “one day, on our
grandchild’s first birthday, you will pick up the phone early in the morning for an inaugural “Happy Birthday” song-gram.  I hope my husband is right, for in that way my mother will live on in the hearts of a new generation of our family that never had the opportunity to know her, but will hopefully be inspired to carry on her very special “Happy Birthday” tradition.

    

"A Fall Can Ruin Your Day . . . And Your Family’s!" By, Liz Moss, BSN, RN, Director of Clinical Services at Freedom Home Healthcare

Falls are a common occurrence for seniors. However, many of them can be prevented. An avoided fall can make all the difference to your quality of life and to the stress level of your family. I know what I am talking about. My 88 year old Mother fell down our steps while we were having the carpeting on the stairs replaced. The months she spent in  halo traction were not pleasant for her and were a major source of worry for me and my family.

Falls occur because of:

• Safety issues around the house - such as unsecured throw rugs or burnt out light bulbs
• Declining vision – have you and your parents had your eyes checked recently?
• Medication issues – has a physician reviewed your prescriptions and their interactions recently?
• Declining ability to maintain our balance and coordination – sometimes our bodies misbehave during common tasks – life happens!

So, falls occur, but there are things we can do to prevent them:

• Regular exercise to help you keep your balance and keep your body strong so it can save you when trips occur
• House audits conducted by people who don’t live with you who walk through your house helping to identify:
      - obstructions to free travel through the space
      - throw rugs and other things that might cause slips or falls
      - wires and cables that aren’t where they should be
      - And lots more

What can you do?

• Remind your loved ones not to take their environment for granted. The best way to prevent falls is to be aware of the possibility of trips and falls during daily activities, even daily activities you have done without thought for years.
• Get more information. Call us at Freedom Home Healthcare, 201-883-1200 or follow our Official Blog, Facebook and/or Twitter Page. 
• Please click the photos below for a checklist for “Preventing Falls at Home” checklist, and “What You Can Do To Prevent Falls” brought to you by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
  
  
  
    
    

“How to do the Heimlich Maneuver”

The Heimlich Maneuver® for Choking Adults

A choking victim can’t speak or breathe and needs your help immediately. Follow these steps to help a choking victim:

1. From behind, wrap your arms around the victim’s waist.

2. Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim’s upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel.

3. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into their upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Do not squeeze the ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands. 

4. Repeat until object is expelled.

Unconscious Victim, or When Rescuer Can’t Reach Around Victim:

Place the victim on back. Facing the victim, kneel astride the victim’s hips. With one of your hands on top of the other, place the heel of your bottom hand on the upper abdomen below the rib cage and above the navel. Use your body weight to press into the victim’s upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat until object is expelled. If the victim has not recovered, proceed with CPR.

The victim should see a physician immediately after rescue.

Don’t slap the victim’s back. (This could make matters worse.)

Source: www.heimlichinstitute.org/choking.php

  

 

"Home Modifications for Persons with Vision Impairments"

The basic principles to keep in mind when considering home modifications for persons with vision impairments are reducing clutter, improving lighting, and utilizing color and contrast. These principles can help individuals to safely maintain a level of independence while also making objects more visible.

Steps and Stairways

• Mark the leading edge of the first and last steps with bright paint or light-reflecting tape that contrasts with the background color of the flooring.
• Cover the landing areas at the top and bottom of the stairs with carpeting that provides contrast with the texture of the stair treads.
• Paint staircase handrails in a bright color that contrasts with the walls and flooring.
• Place a tactual mark, such as a piece of masking tape or a rubber band, on the handrail at the top and bottom of the staircase to give advance warning of steps or stairs.
• Use solid, brightly colored, and/or textured hallway runners to clearly define walking spaces.

Lighting, Glare and Windows

• Try to maintain continuous lighting levels throughout the home. If possible, install supplementary lighting in entryways, hallways, and at the top and bottom of each staircase to eliminate shadows or excessively bright areas.
• Install fluorescent ceiling fixtures for general room lighting, supplemented with incandescent, LED or halogen lighting in desk lamps, table lamps and floor fixtures.
• Use flexible-arm lamps for close work, such as reading, meal preparation and writing.
• Use nightlights to create a lighted pathway for movement from one room to another at night.
• Install dimmer switches on incandescent lamps and ceiling fixtures to control illumination levels and glare.
• Use mini-blinds or vertical shades to control direct sunlight.
• Use lamp shades that are light-colored and translucent; generally, this type of shade allows the maximum transmission of light without glare.

Kitchen and Dining Areas

• Use white plates on a dark tablecloth, or place dark dishes on a white or light-colored cloth. If possible, avoid using clear glass cups and dishes.
• Use brightly colored fluorescent tape to increase the visibility of drawer pulls and the edges of cabinet doors.
• Paint cupboard or cabinet doors in a solid bright color to make them stand out against the walls and counters. Replace cabinet hardware with brightly colored contrasting handles.
• Use brightly colored raised marking dots on the stove, oven, and microwave controls to allow for easier adjustments.
• Wrap brightly colored contrasting electrical tape around pot handles to make them more visible.
• Reduce glare by using a non-glare floor wax, using non-glossy placemats and tablecloths, and placing rugs (with the edges secured) over glare spots on high gloss floors.
• Use a reversible black and white cutting board to provide contrast. For example, onions, potatoes and yellow squash will show up more clearly on the black side, while the white side will provide greater contrast with tomatoes and green vegetables.

In the Bathroom

• When towels, washcloths, and bath mats need replacing, purchase solid colors that contrast with the tub, floor and wall tile.
• Float a brightly colored sponge in the bathtub to help determine the water level and avoid overflow.
• Transfer soap, shampoo, and other bath products to brightly colored plastic bottles or wall-mounted containers that contrast with the tub and wall tile.
• Use soap-on-a-rope or a wash mitt with a soap pocket to help locate soap more easily and prevent dropping and slipping on it in the tub or shower.
• Drape a contrasting bath mat over the edge of the tub or apply a strip of contrasting colored tape along the entire edge of the tub to make it easier to see.
• Replace a white toilet seat with a brightly colored one that contrasts with the walls and fixtures.

Bedrooms and Closets

• Use a bedside lamp with a “clap-on” feature, or one that can activate by simply touching the base.
• Install flexible-arm lamps wherever needed for reading or identifying clothing and medication.
• In closets, install battery-operated lights that can be mounted on the wall.
• Attach a bed caddy to the side of the bed to hold eyeglasses, medication, and tissues.
• Anchor all lamps in place to avoid knocking or pulling them over.

In the Living Room

• Is the lighting too dim, too bright, or does it cover too small an area? If so, consider increasing the wattage of light bulbs (within recommended limits), repositioning lamps, or adding additional lighting.
• Add dimmer switches to lamps so that light intensity can change as needed.
• Try rearranging the furniture so that a reading chair is positioned to take advantage of natural sunlight.
• Reposition the television to reduce glare on the screen.

Other Considerations

Keep the following color and contrast principles in mind when evaluating a home:

• Solid, bright colors such as red, orange, and yellow are generally the easiest to see because of their ability to reflect light.
• Distinguishing colors within each of the following groups may be more difficult for some individuals who have low vision:
  • Navy blue, brown and black
  • Blue, green and purple
  • Pink, yellow and pale green
• Place light-colored objects against darker backgrounds. A white sheet of paper is more visible against a brown desktop or dark blotter.
• Place dark objects against lighter backgrounds. A dark chair will stand out better against white or cream colored walls.

  

 

"The Doer and the Dud" By, Candy Blau, MA, Senior Client Relations Director of Freedom Home Healthcare

        When it comes to family dynamics, especially during stressful times such as caring for a aging parent, seemingly adult children sometimes revert to child like behaviors. They often take on roles that fit their birth order, life styles, personalities, sex and belief systems.  The child who lives far away often 'swoops' in and challenges or criticizes the local sibling for decisions or outcomes.  The emotionally distant son or daughter, trying yet again to receive approval from their parent, often becomes bossy and overbearing to his or her siblings.

        Let's face it, care-giving is tough. It's tough for those who live close because they are responsible for the lion's share of the physical care and arrangements. It's tough for those who don't live close because they often feel out of the loop or  the decision making and consequently feel guilty. 

        Factor in the financial needs for mom or dad's care and brothers and sisters sometimes begin looking into each other's figurative backyards to see what they can/should be providing in the way of financial support if necessary. 

        Caring for an elderly parent is often a breeding ground for playing out past emotional issues.  This need not be the case. There are plenty of jobs for everyone.  One of the keys to managing elder care is the distribution of responsibilities.  Only children often complain of not having anyone to share the responsibility with and children with multiple siblings often complain of being overburdened, resentful, and unappreciated.

        The key word in care-giving should be CARE.  People care in different ways. Some believe that giving money is the way to show love. Other's  believe that putting one's own life on hold and becoming a martyr is the only way to show love. They are both wrong.  Caregivers need to manage their resources of time and energy, and balance physical, emotional and financial realities.

        There are many opportunities for a long distant sibling to be involved in meaningful ways. There may be bills to be paid that can be done remotely, researching care options online and even the responsibility of food shopping can often be done via computers.  Local caregivers will still be intimately involved in such things as medical appointments and coordination of services, but these activities need not be all-consuming. There are professional geriatric care managers to help families navigate the system. There are licensed home care companies which provide skilled, responsible and quality in home care services. There are eldercare attorneys and geriatricians, all trained to assist in care-giving.

        Even with the availability of professional resources to assist, it is seldom the case that all siblings feel equally satisfied with their own and each other's contribution.  There is often someone who feels they have done it all (the doer) and that their sibling(s) did little or nothing (the dud).

        The key to managing these feelings lies in getting back to basics......Everyone does the best that they can.

        We often equate doing with loving but that isn't always the case.  If tasks are done in a grudging or angry manner, the act of giving is tainted. It is done with a sense of obligation, not joy.  Conversely, if a phone call from the out of state sibling brings laughter and joy to an aging parent, this is a job well done!

        Care-giving for a frail aging parent shouldn't be a time to play out 'Mom loves you Best". It should be a time for each family member to do their own personal best, and not judge each other.  After all, how many parents really benefit when their children are fighting?