Elderly Isolation: Words with Friends (etc.)

Welcome back to the Griswold Blog! As you may know, this is our second week of combating elderly isolation.

You’re online right now, so you know the social potential of the Internet. While it definitely has its dangers and drawbacks, when used correctly, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect and interact. So why not extend this social opportunity to your loved one?

There are many online sites dedicated to the elderly. From chat rooms and online classes to emailing and video chatting with family in distant locations, the computer offers a wealth of ways for your loved one to interact with other seniors! He or she may be hesitant to dive into the online world, and that’s natural! It’s crucial not to overwhelm, so when you bring up this interactive idea, keep it simple. Don’t go into detail about every aspect of the Internet’s extensive capabilities, especially if you’re an expert yourself.

So decide what you want to show your loved one -- show, don’t just tell -- and take it one step at a time. Don’t introduce another topic until your loved one feels comfortable with the first. For example, show him or her how to email. Then, when he or she feels good about the process, move onto a chat room for seniors or a game.

Your loved one will get a lot out of mastering a few aspects of the Internet. Not only will he or she be actively combating isolation, but the “teaching sessions” you spend together will show you truly care. Plus, playing a game like Words With Friends with a grandchild is an excellent way to make an elderly person feel young and savvy. 

You’ll love our next tip, seriously. Subscribe or stay tuned!

 

Elderly Isolation: Friends with Fur

Human beings are social creatures. Even when we lived in caves and hunted wooly mammoths, we did it in groups. There always has been, and always will be, strength in numbers.

As we stated in last week’s blog post, the elderly have a greater risk for isolation due to mental and physical decline, less active social groups and distressing life events that generally occur in later years. So this week, we’re dishing out three alternative tips to prevent social inactivity for your loved one. 

First, puppies and kittens aren’t just for little kids. Pets have some very positive effects on the elderly, too:

• Active -- Studies show that elderly people who own pets are more active than those who do not, which suggests that taking care of a “dependent” keeps them engaged and more active.
• Isolation Buffer -- The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reports that caring for a dog or cat buffers against isolation and loneliness in the elderly.
• Self-Worth -- The “caretaking role” involved in pet ownership often provides older people with a sense of purpose and responsibility, boosting their self-worth.
• Cheer -- The lighthearted interactions with pets -- from playing with and training them to simply petting them -- promote a cheery demeanor and reduces feelings of apathy that often come with old age.

These benefits are especially valuable to elderly individuals whose family and friends don’t live close by. So if think your loved one would enjoy the companionship of a pet, -- and if he or she is able to care for one -- propose the idea. Embrace the benefits of “pet therapy” together! 

Ready for Tip #2? Subscribe to our blog or check back soon. It’s a good one, so don’t miss out!

 

 

Engagement for the Elderly: A Caregiver Helps Connect

Keeping your loved one active and social can be tough and frustrating, especially if he or she is resistant to the idea or feels anxious about getting involved. But this social interaction is extremely crucial to living a long, happy and healthy life.

That’s why a caregiver referred by Griswold is committed to enhancing your loved one’s social engagement, and then maintaining it at the most appropriate and beneficial level.

The social services that a caregiver provides are unique to the wants and needs of your loved one, but may include:

• Helping your loved one reach out to old friends
• Coordinating visits with friends and family
• Finding local events and activities to attend or clubs and classes to join
• Transporting your loved one to the places where these events convene

Besides aiding in your loved one’s relationships with friends and family, a Griswold-referred caregiver also serves as another source of social interaction! A caregiver not only provides medication reminders and assistance with household chores, but he or she is also a friend to talk to and simply enjoy time with. And that’s truly what your loved one needs and deserves.

We hope you found this series on elderly social engagement helpful and interesting. Make sure to subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss next week’s blog posts, which will expand on this week’s topic about safeguarding against senior isolation.  

Engagement for the Elderly: How to Keep Your Loved One Social

When considering the most important areas of their lives, men and woman age 65 and older consistently rank relationships with friends and family second only to health. Keeping your loved one active and socially engaged is important to his or her mental, physical and emotional health.

But with declining physical abilities and the resulting drop in confidence, your loved one likely feels less motivated to get out and get social. Here are some ways to keep your loved one engaged, at this time in his or her life when isolation poses greater risk:

1. Senior center – Check a local senior center for events and activities that would interest your loved one. If you aren’t aware of any centers, do a quick search online – you may be surprised to find that there is one around you. Most senior centers provide transportation and lunch for low (or no) cost.

2. Video chat – We’re lucky, in this age of technology, to have so many methods of communication available. Talk to your loved one about using Skype, or some other form of video chat, via computer. Introducing him or her to the latest technologies not only opens up new forms of communication, but also shows your loved one that you care enough to bring him or her into your world on a regular basis. It’s very likely that your loved one’s confidence will also be enhanced by mastering this “techy” tool!

3. Simple visits – You have a busy life with your own obligations and responsibilities, but it’s very important to find time to visit your loved one. If you have children, bring them along. One of the most exciting things for an elderly person is a visit from the grandchildren. Not only does it make them feel loved, but it makes them feel young! Of course, if in-person visits are not possible, the next best things are phone calls and/or video chats.

But you don’t have to do it alone! These posts are about being social, after all. So in our next post, we’ll talk about the social benefits that a caregiver provides. Subscribe on the left, or stay tuned!

Engagement for the Elderly: Why Social Interaction is Crucial

Happy and healthy relationships lead to happy and healthy living. But don’t just take our word for it! Studies have shown that cognitive function declines rapidly when communication with others is not regularly maintained. And unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Social isolation – and the loneliness, boredom and decline in self-worth that come along with it – is a common risk factor for suicide among the elderly.

So this week, we’re dedicating our blog posts to social well-being in older adults – so you can make sure your loved one maintains the relationships he or she needs to live a rich, happy and meaningful life.

But first, here are some fast and fascinating facts about the benefits of social interaction and the consequences of social isolation.

The health benefits of social interaction in older adults include:

• Potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Potentially reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced risk for mental health issues, such as depression and personality disorders

The risks of social isolation are:

• Feeling lonely and depressed
• Being less physically active
• Having a greater risk of death
• Having high blood pressure

Due to the natural decline in activity and obligations that comes with age, like getting up to go to work in the morning or driving the kids around, it can be difficult to maintain adequate social interaction. But it is far from impossible.

Subscribe to our blog by entering your email address in the field to the left, or check back soon for ways to keep your loved one engaged.

Elderly Heart Health: Crash Course in Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms

Heart attacks are serious business, so we’ll cut right to the chase. Here are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain or discomfort -- This is the most common heart attack symptom, usually occurring in the center or left side of the chest and lasting for more than a few minutes. The discomfort also may go away and come back and can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Some people report heart attack pain feeling like indigestion or heartburn.
• Upper body discomfort -- This includes uncomfortable feelings in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or upper part of the abdominal region.
• Shortness of breath -- This may occur with or before the chest discomfort.
• Nausea -- This can be accompanied by vomiting, light-headedness, sudden dizziness and/or a cold sweat.
• Fatigue -- Be wary of any sleep problems or lack of energy.

Not everyone experiences all symptoms, and it’s very possible that a person who has a heart attack may experience different symptoms with a second attack. Signs and symptoms can develop suddenly or over time -- sometimes within hours, days or weeks of a heart attack.

We know that heart attacks are very scary, but the best thing you can do is be aware of the signs/symptoms and call 911 right away if you think your loved one is having a heart attack. The sooner emergency help comes, the less damage the heart sustains.

Thank you for reading our series on heart health. We at Griswold Home Care challenge you to dedicate the rest of your life -- not just American Heart Month -- to ensuring that you and your loved one are showing your hearts love.

Subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss our next topic: tips for the elderly in maintaining relationships!

Elderly Heart Health: Crash Course in Disease Prevention

We’re back with another blog post about heart health, and this time, it’s about preventing heart disease.

It’s important for everyone to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle, but it’s especially crucial for the elderly. With age, the heart becomes less efficient and has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Blood vessels also lose elasticity and the development of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerosis, becomes more of a risk.

So here are some tips to not only show love to your heart and lead a healthy lifestyle, but also to prevent heart disease:

1. Say No to Smoking -- Smoking not only increases risk of cardiovascular disease, but also leads to other adverse health conditions. If you’ve been meaning to talk to your loved one about his or her smoking habit, now is the perfect time. Here are some uplifting stats from the Cleveland Clinic: 24 hours after quitting, the chance of a heart attack decreases, and one year after quitting, risk of heart disease is reduced by 50 percent!

2. Say Yes to Exercise -- One of the best ways to show the heart love is to get it pumping. It’s especially important for your elderly loved one to remain as active as possible. Medical experts recommend 30 minutes daily, which your loved one can break into three 10-minute sessions. And remember, walking counts as exercise! Go on a 30-minute walk with your loved one for some heart-happy quality time together.

Exercise Extras: Keeping active also enhances circulation, helps with healthy weight maintenance, aids in smoking cessation, improves cholesterol levels and reduces stress. It also decreases risk of stroke by 20 percent in moderately active people and by 27 percent in highly active people!

3. Say No to Unhealthy Food -- This section deserves a few sub-sections… because it’s that important.

Cut back on unhealthy fat -- This means saturated and trans fats. Experts recommend that saturated fats make up less than 7 percent of daily calories and that trans fats be cut out completely. Remember, it’s not about cutting out all fats -- good fats like monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and omega-3s are not only good for the heart, but they’re necessary for mental functioning/concentration and help to manage mood, fight fatigue and control weight.

Lower cholesterol – Make sure your loved one’s diet is full of foods high in soluble fiber (like oatmeal, kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes) and omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or albacore tuna, canola oil and ground flax seed). Fish oil supplements are good for those who aren’t fans of fish. Also, nuts like walnuts and almonds are excellent for lowering cholesterol… and while they’re on the list of foods that contain “good fat,” the fat content is pretty high, so keep the portion sizes moderate!

Kick fruits & veggies in high gear -- Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, low in calories and contain substances that help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Reduce salt intake – This means cutting back on processed foods and decreasing the amount of salt you or your loved one add while cooking and eating. Avoiding the addition of salt altogether is always a good idea.

Eat with moderation & variety – You know those huge portions you get at restaurants? They’re not idea for a healthy diet of moderation, especially for someone who is less active due to age or handicap. Make sure your loved one’s portion sizes are sensible. Also, make sure he or she is eating a variety of foods. Here’s what a healthy plate looks like: 1/2 colorful veggies, 1/4 meat, poultry, fish, tofu or legumes and 1/4 whole grain products.

4. Say Yes to the Doctor -- Make sure your loved one is visiting the doctor regularly to check up cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Eating well and exercising aren’t the only ways to promote wellness; sometimes, medications are necessary.

You care for your loved one with all your heart. That’s a fact. So show your love by making sure that he or she is leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. Also, consider a Griswold-referred caregiver to keep track of medications, nutrition and appointments!

We hope you enjoyed this post! Subscribe to our blog or check back soon for our next heart-healthy topic: signs and symptoms of a heart attack. 

Elderly Heart Health: Crash Course in Heart Disease

It’s February, the month when reporters spend a significant amount of time and energy observing a groundhog, the month when roses and romance get special recognition and, most importantly, it’s American Heart Month! To commemorate this month-long awareness of the blood-pumping organ, we’re dedicating this week’s blog posts to heart health.

Warning: The following statistic might get your heart pounding a bit…

Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States, taking the lives of more than 600,000 Americans each year! So it’s quite an understatement to say that this is a serious issue. Arm yourself and your loved one with education on healthy heart habits and heart disease prevention. Don’t worry, Griswold is here to help. “Home is where the heart is,” after all, and as a home care provider, we’re very passionate about healthy, happy hearts.

To jumpstart this series on heart health, here’s a list of 6 types of heart disease (with 1 sub-type as an added heart-pumping bonus):

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) -- This is the most common form of heart disease, affecting over 13 million people and topping the list as the number one killer in the United States. CAD occurs when a buildup of cholesterol and plaque causes arteries to harden and narrow, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. This is what usually causes heart attacks.
• Irregular Heart Rhythm -- Also known as “arrhythmia,” this encompasses all disorders that cause the heart to beat in an irregular pattern. When the heart beats faster than normal, it is called “tachycardia.” When the heart beats too slowly, it is called “bradycardia.” Many factors can affect your heart's rhythm, such as a heart attack, blood chemistry imbalances, abnormal hormone levels or even some medications.
• Heart Valve Disease -- This is also common and affects the function and performance of the heart valves. Valve problems may be present at birth or caused by infections, damage to the heart, heart attacks or another type of heart disease.
• Congenital Heart Disease -- This is the most common type of birth defect and occurs during fetal development. It refers to any problems with the structure of the heart -- from aberrations in the walls or valves of the heart to abnormalities in the arteries or veins near the heart.
• Pericardial Effusion -- This is a buildup of fluid in the pericardium, which is a membrane, or sac, that surrounds the heart, holds it in place and helps it work properly. It can be caused by an infection, cancer, heart surgery or kidney disease.
• Cardiomyopathy --This refers to any disease of the heart muscle that causes it to become enlarged or thicker and more rigid.
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy -- This is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, but it’s also a significant cause of sudden and unexpected cardiac death in any age group.

Now that we’ve got the introduction to heart disease out of the way, it’s time for the fun part: how to show your heart some love! You don’t want to miss this advice on how to promote heart health and prevent heart disease for you and your loved one, so subscribe to our blog or check back soon!

Family Caregivers for the Elderly: Acknowledge Your Limits

It cannot be denied that caregiving for an elderly loved one takes a lot out of you. Even if you consider yourself to be a strong person inside and out, it is crucial to take time for yourself before you become worn out. Mentally burning out is more common than you think for caregivers:

• 20% of employed female caregivers over 50 years old report symptoms of depression compared to 8% of their non-caregiving peers, according to a 2010 MetLife Study.

• 40% to 70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression with approximately a quarter to half of these caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression, according to the Assessment of Family Caregivers: A Research Perspective.

Griswold wants you to know, and to truly believe, that you deserve to ask for help. You deserve to take some time for you. This is not selfish! It’s necessary, not only for your health and wellbeing, but also for the health and wellbeing of the one you care for. If you are burnt out, your caregiving spirit and energy is sure to suffer. Here are 7 ways to acknowledge your limits and ask for help:

1. Make others aware that you need help. Don’t be afraid to ask for some assistance! And if necessary, demand it. No one can help you if they aren’t aware you need help.
2. Set pride and guilt aside and admit it if you’re struggling. The guilt you’re feeling is most likely only in your head and will subside when you talk it out with someone else.
3. Keep communication open and clear. Talking about fears or bad feelings dilutes their burden and makes you feel less alone and isolated.
4. Research the services that are available. Griswold provides a wealth of full-time, part-time and respite care services that can help you with your caregiving responsibilities and provide you with the peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for.  
5. Involve yourself socially. Isolation is a huge trigger for depression, so find activities and groups in your community that interest you and join in!
6. Make rest a priority. Purposely schedule time off to decompress and relax.
7. Say no. Don’t be afraid to decline a request. As a caregiver, it’s natural to want to help everyone out as much as possible and say “yes-yes-yes” all the time, but this is not your job. You deserve to say “no-no-no” once (or twice) in a while.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s series on Caregiver Appreciation. And we’ve said it before, but we truly can’t say it enough -- Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all that you are and all that you do. 

Be sure to check back next week, or subscribe to the Griswold Blog for more advice and information on quality and affordable home care!

Family Caregivers for the Elderly: Quotes for You

At Griswold, we want to make sure all of those who care for elderly loved ones get the thanks they deserve. So here are some meaningful quotes to remind you of your own strength and compassion:

• “One person caring about another represents life's greatest value.” - Jim Rohn

• “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” - Kahlil Gibran

• “In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with.” - Brian Tracy

• “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

We’re also fully aware that the incredibly rewarding experience of caregiving often becomes frustrating and lonely. Here are a few quotes for those times when caregiving becomes particularly straining, and when mental, physical and emotional exhaustion begin to take over:

• “Opposition is a natural part of life. Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition such as lifting weights we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” - Stephen R. Covey

• “Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.” - William James

• “The greatest discovery of the 20th Century is that our attitude of mind determines our quality of life, not circumstances.” - William James

• “Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

Unfortunately, because of the straining demands and constant accessibility that caregiving requires, many caregivers succumb to mental or emotional fatigue. Stay tuned for our next post, which will focus on the ways to avoid depression as a caregiver, or subscribe to our Blog!