Simple tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair and shaving can be overwhelming for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementias.  Memory impairment makes it difficult to remember how the task is done. They may look at the objects and not know what to do with them.  These tasks also require the skill of sequencing which they can no longer do. The emotions of fear, anxiety, and resistance can sabotage their efforts of accomplishing the tasks.

There are SOLUTIONS to these troublesome tasks. The caregiver should view the task as a new event and work on providing structure and the proper setting conducive to the activity. Boosting the person’s concentration and cooperation is the first step. Making sure that the environment has good lighting, a comfortable temperature, PRIVACY, AND NO INTERRUPTIONS IS MOST IMPORTANT.

Establishing a ROUTINE to do the tasks daily and at the same time is important. Continuing past and familiar activities is comforting.  For instance if the individual is accustomed to going out to   the hairdresser etc. then try to continue that activity. Within the home environment you could have the hairdresser or barber make the visit if going out is to stressful.

Remember that memory impairment makes multi-tasking impossible. Communicating instructions should be simple, identifying one step at a time, in a quiet and friendly manner.  Smiling and using a calm voice is most desirable.

If the grooming tools begin to be difficult to manage making adjustments by using an electric razor or making the toothbrush handle easier to grip will reduce the individual’s frustration.. Keep the tools in good working condition.  Be sure to clean the razor, remove hair from brushes and rinse the toothbrush.

Encourage the individual to do the tasks that he or/ she still have the ability to accomplish.  Please don’t lose patience. For instance, you may have to do part of the task and cue the person to finish the task. You may use visual and or verbal cues to make the activity easier. Maintaining WHAT THE INDIVIDUAL CAN DO IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SUSTAINING HIS OR/HER STRENGTHS AND CONFIDENCE.

Always be realistic with what you expect the person to do.  You may find that over time he or/ she may not continue doing the activity at all. Do not be forceful but always be creative, gentle and kind.  Remember not being able to recall your past nor control your future can be quite alarming.

As performing the tasks begin to fail introduce some new activity that does not require steps nor performance. For example let the individual use cologne or perfume, paint their nails or use dry shampoo. Life and living one’s life needs to be less stressful and calmer. Emotional support sprinkled with laughter and joy goes a long way in making life enjoyable. Eating ice cream instead of sour grapes will allow the individual to feel your concern and caring. Remember life is best lived within loving relationships and not disappointments. Even though the individual cannot perform the task within your timetable he or/she  still has 24 hours in which to get his grooming done. DON’T RUSH.

Independence!! We reflect on this brave new world that young people strive for – and sometimes overreach for — with not good to disastrous results. The open road beckons and epitomizes the independence of coming and going when and as we wish and, particularly, the coming of age.

How understandable then, that we cling to this reality and symbol of freedom for as long as possible, even beyond prudent judgment and safety to ourselves and to others.

Take Heart.
Awareness of age-related changes and compensation for such changes can keep your driving safer and longer and can minimize the risk to others on the road.

First, let’s confess that accidents on the road do increase with age.  From ages 60 to 70, accidents increase even as more elderly drivers are on the road.  This statistic climbs higher after the age of 75 according to the American Geriatric Society.  A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publication reported that in 1997, older people made up 9 percent of the resident population but accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 17 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. NHTSA reported further that on the basis of estimated annual travel, the fatality rate for drivers 85 and over is nine times as high as the rate for drivers 25 through 69 years old. Just the facts, ma’am. A piece of good news: older drivers involved in fatal crashes and fatally injured older pedestrians claimed the lowest proportion of intoxication–defined as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 grams per deciliter or higher.

Yes, we know that the functions essential to safe driving decline with age, such as visual acuity, hearing, and most importantly, reaction time.  Yet this does not mean that every senior citizen driver should hand in the keys.

Keep in mind that both medical conditions and the numbers of medications taken can increase the risks for accidents for the senior driver.  Understanding how age-related changes affect driving abilities will help seniors remain safe on the road.  And of course, please refrain from using alcohol prior to taking the wheel.

The following strategies can help seniors not only cope with the aging challenges of driving but also can provide increased levels of confidence.

1. Be aware of your own physical limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Today, adjustments to vehicles often overcome age-related handicaps.
2. Get annual screenings for vision and hearing. Wearing corrective devices will increase individual safety and protect the safety of others on the roadways.
3. Pay attention to other risks, such as snow storms, fog, ice and threatening weather conditions, especially at night or for travel along unfamiliar roads. Other risks to concentration include eating, drinking  and use of a cell phone. Seniors need to focus their full attention on the road.
4. Always drive the posted speed limit.  Driving too fast or too slow is disruptive to traffic and dangerous.
5. Take a refresher driver safety class.  Know the rules of the road, even if this means seemingly tedious review and memorization.

Following these simple steps can go a long way in making elderly driving much safer for everyone on the road and in keeping senior citizens behind the wheel to enjoy and hold onto that ever precious independent living.

Join Ivory House Health Services at the
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Rally.

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY RALLY
June 15, 2010
12 noon — 2 pm
Courthouse Patriot Plaza
400 Washington Avenue, Towson MD
JOIN US!

Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today BC-REST is a coalition working to educate and empower the community to identify, treat and prevent elder Abuse, neglect and exploitation in Baltimore County through the development of strategic alliances, advocacy and resource development.

Ivory House Health Services are Geriatric Care Managers and Certified Nursing Assistants working together to allow seniors to live more safely in the comfort of their own homes. If not possible to remain at home, our staff is knowledgeable about the many options for varied assisted living facilities that are available in the Baltimore area.  For more information call 1-800-704-3536

At the request of several Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule through December 31, 2010, while Congress considers legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule. Today’s announcement and the release of an Enforcement Policy Statement do not affect other federal agencies’ enforcement of the original November 1, 2008 deadline for institutions subject to their oversight to be in compliance.

“Congress needs to fix the unintended consequences of the legislation establishing the Red Flags Rule – and to fix this problem quickly. We appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Barney Frank and John Adler for getting a clarifying measure passed in the House, and hope action in the Senate will be swift,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “As an agency we’re charged with enforcing the law, and endless extensions delay enforcement.”

The Rule was developed under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in which Congress directed the FTC and other agencies to develop regulations requiring “creditors” and “financial institutions” to address the risk of identity theft. The resulting Red Flags Rule requires all such entities that have “covered accounts” to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” – that could indicate identity theft.

The Rule became effective on January 1, 2008, with full compliance for all covered entities originally required by November 1, 2008. The Commission has issued several Enforcement Policies delaying enforcement of the Rule. Most recently, the Commission announced in October 2009 that at the request of certain Members of Congress, it was delaying enforcement of the Rule until June 1, 2010, to allow Congress time to finalize legislation that would limit the scope of business covered by the Rule. Since then, the Commission has received another request from Members of Congress for another delay in enforcement of the Rule beyond June 1, 2010.

The Commission urges Congress to act quickly to pass legislation that will resolve any questions as to which entities are covered by the Rule and obviate the need for further enforcement delays. If Congress passes legislation limiting the scope of the Red Flags Rule with an effective date earlier than December 31, 2010, the Commission will begin enforcement as of that effective date.
In the interim, FTC staff has continued to provide guidance, both through materials posted on www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule, and in speeches and participation in seminars, conferences and other training events to numerous groups. The FTC also published a compliance guide for business, and created a template that enables low risk entities to create an identity theft program with an easy-to-use online form (www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/redflagsrule/get-started.shtm). The FTC staff also has published numerous general and industry-specific articles, released a video explaining the Rule, and continues to respond to inquiries from the public. To assist further with compliance, FTC staff has worked with a number of trade associations that have chosen to develop model policies or specialized guidance for their members.

As was the case previously, this enforcement delay is limited to the Red Flags Rule and does not extend to the rule regarding address discrepancies applicable to users of consumer reports (16 C.F.R.§641), or to the rule regarding changes of address applicable to card issuers (16 C.F.R.§681.2).

For questions regarding this Enforcement Policy, please contact Naomi Lefkovitz or Pavneet Singh, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2252.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180
(Red Flags May 2010)

Mary St.Pierre
NAHC
228 7th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
202 547-7424

Traveling is such a wonderful way to entertain yourself, break up the boredom in one’s life and enjoy the company of your family or friends. Taking the trip also helps your make new friends who can become pen pals or travel companions.

In planning your trip there are numerous things that should be added to your travel list of DO NOT FORGETS.  No one wants to spoil the trip by forgetting an important item.   Your list of DO NOT FORGETS should include the following:

• Make sure you have all your medicines poured and placed in your carry on.  Always be sure to take at least 5 days additional medicine in case your return trip becomes delayed or extended.  You do not want to worry because you didn’t take enough medicine. Do make a list of your prescription information which will allow you to order more medicine if needed.
• Make you sure you include antacids, antibiotic lotions, cortisone lotion, bandaids, sun tan lotion, and any other personal items that you use regularly.
• Make sure that wherever you are going does not require you to have any special vaccinations.  Even modern countries can have outbreaks of disease occasionally.
• Make sure that your jewelry is costume and not heirlooms.  You don’t want to lose anything special which would put a damper on your trip.
• Make sure that you have a copy of the most recent medical record, your advance directives, power of attorney for medical and financial matters. This is important if you become ill while away.
• Make sure that your walking shoes are the most comfortable you can buy. Sore feet are not a good experience on vacation.
• Make sure that you consider your safety when planning side trips.  Take into your consideration your health limitations and be realistic about what you can accomplice. Breaking bones on your trip can be quite detrimental to the continuation of your trip.
• Make sure you have an extra pair of prescription glasses and sunglasses.  Losing eyeglasses or misplacing them while traveling is quite common. Numerous pairs of contact lenses are also necessary
• Make a list of your emergency numbers, your medicines, your hotel etc. and place in your wallet. You may need them.
• Make sure your passport stays in your room or in the hotel safe when touring.
• Make sure your wallet is kept in your front pocket or in an safe place when it can not be taken easily.
• Make sure your clothing is climate appropriate and allows for ease of movement and comfort.
• Make sure you bring a sun hat. If your head is not covered with much hair make sure it is covered with a hat.
• Make sure if you have serious allergies that you carry a card or wear a bracelet. Make sure you carry whatever medicine your doctor orders for an allergic reaction and keep it on you at all times.  Make sure you always inform your waiter of any food allergies and question what is contained in fancy foods.
• Make sure while on vacation you leave your computer at home and your blackberry.  Vacation is not an extension of work.
• Make sure you leave unnecessary credit cards at home.  Make sure you have the numbers of the card companies kept in your room.  If they are stolen or lost you can then report them immediately.

This is your seasoned traveler signing over and out.    Be sure to continue to look for more travel ideas for seniors in the future.

Brain Aerobics: The Light at the End of the Tunnel

One piece of excellent news in the past year was that brain health seems to be improving among older Americans. A large national survey from the University of Michigan found that over a 10–year-period ending in 2002, memory loss and thinking problems were down significantly among senior aged 70 and up, from 12.2 percent to 8.7 percent.  That’s a change that translates into hundreds of thousands of men and women, though Alzheimer’s is still a top concern for millions worldwide.

Researchers aren’t sure why the decrease in cognitive impairment is occurring, but they suspect that a better educated and more affluent older generation that is less likely to smoke and more likely to eat better and get regular exercise may be helping to keep the brain young.

Here is a list of wellness approaches and prevention facts that may help set the tone for a brain healthy year.

1. Keep socially engaged. Make sure you are going out regularly and keeping up with your family either through e-mail, letters, phone calls and planned reunions. Your friends also need the same attention. Giving attention certainly helps you receive in kind.
2. Eat healthy food, fruits, vegetables, proteins. Practice good nutrition. Understand what is best for your brain. Eat plenty of fish, vegetables and avoid fatty and friend foods. Clogging those veins prevents adequate blood supply to your brain.
3. Keep your immune system healthy. Treat yourself well, get at least 8 hours of sleep daily, and recognize any depression and deal with it with your physician, eat healthy.
4. Lower your blood pressure. Work on taking your BP medicine daily, eat less salt, lose weight if necessary, and exercise regularly.
5. Do brain health and memory activities. Find word puzzles and do them frequently. Play word games such as Scrabble, puzzles, play memory word games, and matching pictures.
6. Physical activity—at least 30 minutes each day. This can be walking, cleaning house, sweeping the carpet, walking the steps, and chair exercises. These 30 minutes can be divided into 10 minute increments.
7. Treat Depression. Prolonged depression and untreated depression places a burden on your brain. It causes memory impairment.
8. Treat pain and chronic pain. Remember medications can cause forgetfulness and problems with ambulation.
9. Play card games. Fish, bridge, matching colors, solitaire and hearts. Play trivia, and how something is the same and different.
10. Establish good relationships that consist of a give and take. Allow yourself time with your friends.
11. Practice being happy and laugh frequently. Read the comics, get books that you enjoy and bring laughter into your life.
12. Stay mentally challenged. Attend adult education classes. Renew your interest in old hobbies. Learn how to do new things. All of these activities demonstrate help you prevent memory loss. Formal lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s.
13. Practice good weight management. Having a thicker middle increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s’ disease. Belly fat in particular may be bad for the brain.
14. Work at a job which keeps your mind sharp into old age. The more complex the job, the better the memory and thinking skills held up after retirement. Retirement may not be for everyone.
15. Avoid a routine that keeps everything the same. For instance, Drive different ways to the market, friend’s houses’ and the malls.
16. Keep your Cholesterol in check. Keeps TRACK of the numbers. High numbers can create and does increase clogging of veins in the brain.
17. Pass the fish. If you like fish such as tuna, salmon and other types of oily fish may help to lower the risk of memory decline and stroke. Avoid fried fish.
18. Learn the computer. Surf the web for new information and ways of doing new games etc.This helps your brain to be involved in decision –making and complex reasoning.
19. Ask you primary physician to check vitamin levels—Vitamin D and B12, Check your Thyroid functioning.
20. Keep important phone numbers in your memory and on occasion test yourself. Change your pass codes monthly and memorize them and do always keep a cheat sheet.
21. Avoid falls and hitting your head as you age. Make sure your balance is okay and your house is safe. This includes throw rugs being picked up, having grab bars in the bathroom, good lighting and using it. Watch the steps-Highlight with red and yellow tape at the start and finish of the steps. Do not carry too much at one time.
22. Remember memory impairment is not part of normal aging. See your physician and tell him what is going on.
23. Keeping your heart healthy will keep your brain healthy. What is good for the heart is good for the brain.
24. Managing risk factors may delay or prevent cognitive problems later in life.
25. Keep your wellness program going with your physician. Make sure he checks your Vitamin D, B12, Folic Acid, and Thyroid functioning. Dysfunction in any of these areas can cause memory problems.

Elderly Driving

Awareness of age -related changes and compensation for them can keep you driving safely.

Accidents increase with age.  From 60 to 70 the accidents increase the more that elderly drivers are on the road.  This statistic gets higher after the age of 75 according to the American Geriatric Society.  The functions essential to safe driving deteriorate with age, such as visual acuity, hearing, and reaction time.  This does not mean that all senior citizen drivers should hand in the keys.

Keep in mind that medical conditions and the numbers of medications taken can both increase the risks for accidents for the senior driver.  But, you can remain safe on the road by understanding how age-related changes effect your driving abilities.  And of course,  do not use alcohol prior to driving.

The following strategies can help the senior cope with the challenges of driving as he/or she ages.

1.  Be aware of your own limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

2. Get yearly visual and hearing screenings. Wearing the corrective devices will increase the seniors safety and others on the roadways.

3.  Pay Attention to other risks such as snow storms and other poor weather conditions.  These include fog, ice,  eating, drinking  or use of a cell phone. Seniors need to focus their full attention on the road.

4. Always Drive the posted speed limit.  Driving to fast or slow is dangerous.

5. Do take a refresher driver safety class.  Know the rules of the road.

Following these simple steps can go a long way in making elderly driving much safer for everyone on the road, and keeping senior citizens behind the wheel while maintaining independent living.