Technology is ever-advancing these days, with information on new devices everywhere. For early adopters, this is seen as helpful and even normal. However, for some seniors, adapting to new devices can be challenging due to physical limitations. Vision loss is one of the more common problems experienced, as is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that typically affects older adults.
Those of us in the home healthcare business have the opportunity to witness and share amazing stories of families in need each and every day. These stories come from the connections and meaningful moments between care providers and those they care for.
The average life span has increased more in the past century than in all the years humans previously existed. As approximately 10,000 baby boomers (those born between 1944 and 1964) are turning 65 every day, it would appear that we will have a large influx of aging people over the next couple decades who may need services appropriate for “old people.” But is 65 really old?
How do family members prepare for the day their senior needs more help — the kind of help that requires loved ones to re-prioritize their lives? If only there were a date set aside for this change in everyone’s life. Planning on change at this level has never been easy because a plan may not be in place. A sudden fall or illness could change everything and it could happen anytime.
When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief.
Family members must prepare now for the day their senior needs more help — the kind of help that may require them to reprioritize their lives. If only there were a date set aside for this change in everybody’s life. But we must keep in mind that a sudden fall or illness could change everything — and it could happen at any time.
When planning for the in-home care of their kupuna, family caregivers may have difficulty looking at the home environment and adapting it to provide proper care. For example, a room layout that worked well when the loved one was mobile may not be ideal when circumstances change and bed-bound care is required. Back injuries, sprains and preventable falls can have significant consequences that can adversely affect quality-of-life. Here are some tips to ensure the care environment is safe…
There is nothing more frightening than the image of a 93-year-old helping a 96-year-old step into the shower or stumble down a stairway. While this scenario is becoming more common in Hawai‘i, the reality is this generation wants to take care of themselves.
The unexpected can occur at any time, no matter how prepared we think we are. A crisis will bring families together in an instant. If you are distanced from the area, there are ways to manage the situation. Working as ‘ohana with strong communication will help coordinate what is needed. Recently, I experienced a crisis when my mother fell and broke the head of her femur — otherwise known as a hip fracture.
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) will present its biennial conference, Foresight 2021 and Beyond, on Sept. 15 and 16.
Facing the potential that the COVID-19 variants may keep this virus around, it makes sense that practitioners are looking for other treatments to slow the spread of the disease. The results of a clinical trial in India using two natural supplements to treat COVID-infected individuals showed that these herbal products can speed up recovery time from the disease.
When the vaccine for COVID-19 is finally available, the decision to get inoculated will depend on where trust lies. When the doctor recommends a vaccine, will folks get it? The term “inoculation” was used as early as the year 1000 AD, when Chinese doctors were trying to eradicate smallpox. Their method involved grinding up smallpox scabs and blowing them into nostrils.
Amid all the COVID-19 restrictions, there is a bright spot — the opportunity for families to celebrate the holidays together by engaging creatively in a way that’s enjoyable and safe for everyone.
While younger members of the family are on the go and ready to run around the house, seniors (especially those with dementia) will prefer quieter, more structured activities.
An increasing number of family caregivers are performing more complex medical care for their family members at home. According to Home Alone Revisited: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Care, a report prepared jointly by AARP and the United Hospital Fund, there is an increase in the number of family caregivers performing tasks that would, in the past, have been provided under the direct supervision of a medical professional.
Time can stop when memories are lost for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. At certain stages, the brain loses its recent (short-term) memories. The brain — and therefore, the present — is in the past for those with memory loss. Current thoughts are drawn to distant memories.
Compassionate care involves addressing the needs of the individual as a whole — their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. While providers dedicate themselves to managing the physical symptoms of aging and disease, seniors may experience other pain as well, on a mental and spiritual level. Why is this happening to me? What will happen when I die? Will my family survive my loss? How will I make it through this? The time has come for us to find other avenues to help our family members cope.
As parents age and grown-up children take on more responsibilities in managing their care, unforeseen challenges often arise. The roles of parent and child reverse as adult offspring increasingly manage the often complex affairs of their parents. This change can create tension when family members share more time together, such as at get-togethers and holiday celebrations.
In home care, a question I often get asked is how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s who asks the same questions over and over again. To better understand and manage what’s going on, it helps to first know a bit about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It’s a progressive disease, where brain cells deteriorate and eventually a person can’t make sense of the world. When short-term memory is affected, it can lead to repetitive behaviors, like talking or asking about the same things over and over. In essence, your loved one can’t recall having already asked a question because of their memory loss.
At some point in our lives, most of us will be given the opportunity to care for someone with cancer. Even though our experience with cancer may be limited, we may have learned enough to ask initial questions of the patient after the diagnosis is made.
After gaining years of experience working and caring for the elderly, I can imagine many ways to describe what “aging” means. There are multiple factors that determine if one is considered old. In other words, a high number of years someone has been on this Earth does not define them as being old. In today’s world of medical technology, health products and smarter lifestyles, it may be hard to identify our kūpuna.
How do family members prepare for the day their senior needs more help? The kind of help that requires loved ones to re-prioritize their lives. If only there were a date set aside for this change in everybody’s life. Planning on change at this level has never been easy because a plan may not be in place.
At some point we’ve all had times of forgetfulness or misplacing things. Our keys get lost or we draw a blank trying to remember where the car is parked or what we just ate for breakfast. We can usually sort it out and remember things with some time and patience. But when is forgetfulness or memory loss of concern?
Today, more seniors are receiving care in their homes for medical conditions. Many receive it following a hospitalization or discharge from a rehabilitation center and have complex needs. Seniors who require them may have difficulties adjusting to their care and can benefit from transitional care during this period.
Home healthcare providers are often asked what makes a better caregiver. The answer is that, while many factors come to mind, an interest in learning is high on the list, and essential to a caregiver’s progress. For example, an important role caregivers have is recognizing when an individual’s health condition is changing. Those who can reflect and learn from these changes often develop into better caregivers.
In home care, a question I often get is how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s who asks the same questions over and over again. To better understand and manage what’s going on, it helps to first know a bit on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
As a handpicked Labradoodle, Ruby is highly trained and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a certified therapy dog. She loves her time visiting children and adults in hospitals or in their homes, and she enjoys the special relationships she has meeting and greeting everyone.
Most seniors I meet say they prefer to age in place and live at home for as long as they can. Who wouldn’t want that, right? But living out your life safely at home may require a bit of help and experience. Home healthcare is particularly suited here; clients can manage their care with medical professionals to help make safer and more informed decisions.
Serving Senior Veterans by Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Senior Travel Assistance by Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Animal Assisted Therapy by Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
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May 8, 2023
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii invites you to its 20/23 Web Series on Fraud Prevention: Scam Free in 2023. Learn from Hawaii residents, and local and national experts, including top security officers from American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - Hawaii Department of the Attorney General; Better Business Bureau and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation.
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May 17, 2023
You're invited to join host Percy Ihara today for our monthly workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel. Topics include finances, gerontology, legal mistakes, support services, long-term care options, reverse mortgages and many more. Call 808-600-4383 to RSVP. Seating is limited. 8:30am – 4:30pm
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May 21, 2023
You're invited to enjoy a catered lunch and seminar at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe at noon on Sundays, May 21, June 4, July 16 and July 23.
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May 24, 2023
Musical memories will come alive on Wednesday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. as The Makaha Sons and Hawaii Theatre host Music & Memories, a concert to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii. Honoring and celebrating music’s role in our lives and the memories that come alive through music, the concert will feature a lineup of local, talented musicians including Nā 'Ukulele 'Ekolu, Kawika Kahiapo, Bobby Moderow, Jr., Robi Kahakalau, and The Makaha Sons.
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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May 27, 2023
Henrietta Lacks was a Black woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer which quickly consumed her body despite treatment. She died at only 31 years of age in 1951. While undergoing treatment, researchers took samples of her cancerous tumor and Henrietta’s HeLa cells changed the world. Henrietta's phenomenal HeLa cells continue to lead to the most significant advancements of our time, from polio to the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
Hear from Alfred Lacks Carter, Jr., Henrietta’s grandson, about her story and how her descendants honor her legacy.
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
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June 4, 2023
You're invited to enjoy a catered lunch and seminar at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe at noon on Sundays, May 21, June 4, July 16 and July 23.
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June 16, 2023
The Hawaii Okinawan Center presents a day of products and services for seniors, including valuable information for caregivers and their family; health, safety, financial, cultural booths. Win a 4-night stay at the California Hotel in Las Vegas courtesy of Vacations Hawaii. Free admission.