Category: Articles

Donations Take Vision
Hugo Higa, M.D., of Aesthetic Vision Center, is a Lion. A proud member of the Kamehameha Lions Club, that is!

As a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Higa encourages everyone to participate in Lions Club International’s Recycle for Sight program by donating unwanted prescription and reading eyeglasses, or sunglasses, to one of his Aesthetic Vision Center offices in Honolulu or ‘Aiea. Simply drop off the glasses you don’t use in his “Recycle for Sight” Box. According to The World Health Organization, 153 million people have uncorrected vision impairments.

“ I urge everyone to donate old eyeglasses to the Lions Club’s Recycle for Sight Program.”

Most of them are quickly diagnosed and easy to treat with corrective lenses. Still, millions of people in developing nations are pushed deeper into poverty, simply because they don’t have glasses. For children, clear vision means a better education, healthier development and a better quality of life. For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and economic strength. For seniors, it means less dependence on others. Sunglasses that offer protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays are also important to preserve eye health.

It costs Lions less than 8-cents to provide a pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone’s life. Lions Clubs collect millions of eyeglasses each year, making “Recycle for Sight” one of the its most popular and important activities.

“I’m very proud to be a Lion, and to be a part of all the great work they do,” said Dr. Higa. “Lions are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects, including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.”

The Lions Clubs International Foundation helps to fund Lions humanitarian projects. Its 45,000 clubs and 1.35 million members make it the world’s largest service club organization. Its also one of the most effective. Recently, for example, it:

Brought 3,000 volunteers together to build a playground for children of all abilities in California.

Fed 60,000 people in a township in South Africa.

Sent a team of eye surgeons to Honduras to treat more than 100 adults and children.

If you need your donation glasses to be picked up, please call Aesthetic Vision Center at (808) 947-2020.

To see the “Journey of a Pair of Eyeglasses” in the Lions program or for other information, please visit www.lionsclubs.org.

ABOUT AESTHETIC VISION CENTER

Hugo Higa, M.D. is a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, performing medical and cosmetic procedures. Aesthetic Vision Center is Dr. Higa’s thriving practice offering Aging Eye Health & Vision services, Aging Eye Cosmetic Surgery, Cosmetic Facial Surgery, a Medi-Spa and the newly-opened Hugo Higa, M.D. Hearing Center.

For more information, please visit the Web site at www.aestheticvision.com.
Hugo Higa, M.D., of Aesthetic Vision Center, is a Lion. A proud member of the Kamehameha Lions Club, that is! As a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Higa encourages everyone to participate in Lions Club International’s Recycle for Sight program by donating unwanted prescription and reading eyeglasses, or sunglasses, to one of his Aesthetic…
Never Too Old for Sex-Ed
Worrying about aging wasn’t a concern for anyone with AIDS in 1981, when the CDC reported the first five cases. In those days before any treatments were available, many who contracted the disease died within a few months.

Now, in 2011, older adults increasingly risk contracting HIV, and with 30 years of progress in research and treatment, most people with HIV/AIDS now live for many years after diagnosis and deal with aging concerns as well.

Older adults who are at risk of contracting HIV are those sexually active well into their 70s and 80s, and some use alcohol or drugs. Elders don’t worry about birth control, and often believe they won’t get sexually transmitted diseases, so they usually don’t take precautions to protect themselves from infection.

AIDS patients often experience health conditions common in older adults. Here, the author prepares for radiation treatment for throat cancer at Queen’s Medical Center.

HIV prevention messages are not targeted toward older adults, and many doctors don’t think (or are too embarrassed) to ask about sexual activity in their older patients.

The symptoms of HIV disease may appear differently in older adults, or may be mistaken for other age-related conditions, so detection and treatment are often delayed. While the majority of those with HIV/AIDS today are under age 50, the trend is clear: 30 years of AIDS requires greater awareness to protect older adults.

In Hawai‘i, more older adults, women and members of the Hawaiian and Asian-American communities are now contracting HIV than in the early years of the epidemic. The Life Foundation recently reported that a 60-year-old woman tested HIV-positive.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, in 2005, people over age 50 accounted for:

15 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases

24 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS

35 percent of all deaths of people with AIDS

These numbers are growing; more people now living with HIV/AIDS will experience health problems relating to both aging and HIV disease.

The Hawai‘i HIV/AIDS and Aging Coalition will bring greater public attention to this issue by observing National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day on September 18. The Coalition will also have a booth at the Blaisdell Senior Fair (Ewa Tabletop C) on September 23-25 to share information and resources with the community.

For more information:

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: www.theaidsinstitute.org/programs/education/national-hivaids-and-aging-awareness-nhaaa

The Body: AIDS and Aging information www.thebody.com/index/whatis/older.html

O‘ahu: Life Foundation 521-2437, www.lifefoundation.org

Hawai‘i: Hawai’i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation 331-8177 (Kona), 982-8800 (Hilo), www.hihaf.org

Maui: Maui AIDS Foundation 242-4900, www.mauiaids.org

Kaua‘i: Malama Pono 246-9577, www.malama-pono.org
Worrying about aging wasn’t a concern for anyone with AIDS in 1981, when the CDC reported the first five cases. In those days before any treatments were available, many who contracted the disease died within a few months. Now, in 2011, older adults increasingly risk contracting HIV, and with 30 years of progress in research…
Getting the Most from Your Medicare

Now is the time to get the most out of your Medicare. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can live a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease by exercising, eating well, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep you healthy. Preventive services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and can keep you from getting certain diseases. Preventive services include exams, shots, lab tests and screenings. They also include programs for health monitoring, counseling and education to help you take care of your own health.

New in 2011 – The Affordable Care Act makes many improvements to Medicare. If you have Original Medicare, you will now be able to get a yearly “Wellness” visit and many preventive services for free. Whether it’s online, in person or on the phone, Medicare is committed to helping people get the information they need to make smart choices about their Medicare benefits.

MyMedicare.gov – Visit online to get direct access to your preventive health information—24 hours a day, every day. You can track your preventive services, get a two-year calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings, and print a personalized “on the go” report to take to your next doctor’s appointment. Visit the Web site, sign up and Medicare will send you a password to allow you access to your personal Medicare information.

Medicare covers both preventive services, and other services that help keep certain illnesses from getting worse. The services are covered if you have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). However, the amount you pay for these services varies depending on whether you get your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare (sometimes called fee-for-service) or through a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). If you get your health care coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan, call your plan for more information.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 – December 7, 2011. Take the opportunity to review your current coverage and make sure it is what is best for you. For more information or to have a Medicare check-up call the Hawai‘i Sage PLUS program (SHIP) at 1-888-875-9229 or go to our Web site at www.hawaiiship.org for upcoming events. We would love to see you! Remember volunteering does the heart good . . . call us for opportunities.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov for the most current Medicare information. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Now is the time to get the most out of your Medicare. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can live a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease by exercising, eating well, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep…
Senior Independence Through Catholic Charities Hawai‘i

Rita Lontayao grew up on Kaua‘i. She married her husband in 1935 and lived with him in plantation housing, where they worked and raised their family. After many years on the plantation, her husband passed away. Then a few months later, the plantation closed, forcing her to move to alternate housing. She recalls the uncertainty of that time when she did not know how she would make ends meet without her husband, or his source of income.

That was 20 years ago. Rita now lives independently at D.E. Thompson Village, a senior housing project. For many years, Rita relied on her daughter for many of her needs. However, when her daughter passed away several years ago, Rita needed help and found it at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i.

Rita receives several services from Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, including case management and volunteer assistance. Her Catholic Charities case manager, Letty, originally helped to assess what Rita needed to help her maintain her independence. Letty made referrals for a Senior Companion for Rita, as well as for volunteer assistance through Catholic Charities.

A senior companion now visits Rita once a week and takes her to the grocery store each month to stock up on necessities. In addition, Rita has two Catholic Charities volunteers who visit her twice a week to provide companionship and run errands for her, including bringing her fresh fruits and vegetables. Letty visits her regularly to monitor her status and reassess her service needs.

“Without these services, Mrs. Lontayao would not be able to sustain her independence,” says Diane Terada, division administrator for Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s senior services. “At Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, we look at the whole individual to assess what kinds of services are needed. We are able to provide an array of services, from case management to housing assistance and more. Our case managers serve as the lynchpin to help assess what seniors need, help them access services and help monitor that they receive the level of services/benefits that are appropriate to keep them safe and able to maintain independent living.”

Given Hawai‘i’s rapidly growing senior population, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i remains dedicated to creating and providing services that keep seniors engaged and independent. Services include case management in various senior housing projects, transportation, housing assistance, respite for caregivers, medication management education, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center activities and volunteers who provide a companionship.

“We have seen the tremendous difference our programs make in this community,” adds Terada. “Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s goal is to help seniors stay healthy, get the resources they need and live independently for as long as safely possible.”

For more information on senior services provided by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, please visit www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org. Or call (808) 524-HOPE (4673).

GIVING BACK

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i also provides volunteer opportunities for those wanting to give back to their community. Interested volunteers can be a friendly visitor for seniors assisting them with small tasks from helping to read documents to escorting seniors to doctor visits. All volunteers are trained in providing services. If you’re interested in this personally rewarding opportunity, call the paraprofessional services at 524-HOPE (4673).

Rita Lontayao grew up on Kaua‘i. She married her husband in 1935 and lived with him in plantation housing, where they worked and raised their family. After many years on the plantation, her husband passed away. Then a few months later, the plantation closed, forcing her to move to alternate housing. She recalls the uncertainty…
Lanakila Meals on Wheels

Recently, Meals On Wheels Association of America President and CEO, Enid Borden, visited Lanakila Meals on Wheels in Liliha.

Borden spoke on national and local senior hunger issues, volunteerism trends and toured the Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ facilities. “Out of the 5,000-plus Meals on Wheels programs across the country, Lanakila is one of the best,” Borden said. “However, even with so many great programs, about 1 in 9 seniors in our nation are at risk of hunger due to poverty and our aging population—with someone turning 60 every 7 seconds.”

“We live in the richest nation in the world and nobody needs to go hungry,” continued Borden. “That’s what I like about Lanakila, which means ‘victory’ in Hawaiian. It’s victory over hunger, and I encourage individuals, corporations and the public sector to support this great organization.”

A program of Lanakila Pacific, a private Hawai‘i-based nonprofit, Lanakila Meals on Wheels aims to run a sustainable service. It receives less than 60% of its funding from government grants; the remaining 40% is donated by individuals, businesses and volunteers. All proceeds from Lanakila Pacific’s social enterprises, including Lanakila Kitchen’s catering and school meal services, go back into Lanakila Meals on Wheels.

As Hawai‘i’s largest meal provider for seniors, Lanakila Meals on Wheels delivers about 250,000 meals each year at O‘ahu homes and at 17 Kupuna Wellness Centers.

Interim Director Lenny Fabro said the program is driven by about 200 volunteers who help package and deliver meals.

“We try to make it easy for folks to get involved,” Fabro said. “People can volunteer once a week, or groups or companies can Adopt-A-Route and take turns delivering meals.”

According to Meals On Wheels Association of America, nationally, more than 6 million seniors face some form of food insecurity. In Hawai‘i, 5.24%, (more than 60,000 seniors) are at risk of going hungry.

Lanakila Meals on Wheels services on O‘ahu: 531-0555

Donations: www.lanakilapacific.org/donate

Volunteering: www.lanakilapacific.org/volunteer, or call Tiffany at 356-8541

Catering at Lanakila Kitchen: www.lanakilakitchen.org, 533-3054

General inquiries, 531-0555

Recently, Meals On Wheels Association of America President and CEO, Enid Borden, visited Lanakila Meals on Wheels in Liliha. Borden spoke on national and local senior hunger issues, volunteerism trends and toured the Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ facilities. “Out of the 5,000-plus Meals on Wheels programs across the country, Lanakila is one of the best,”…
Living at the Best Place … in the Best Years

15 Craigside is Hawai‘i’s newest not-for-profit senior living community. It welcomed its first residents on March 4, 2011. It is the first continuing care retirement community in Hawai‘i geared to moderate-income seniors who believed that a retirement community with a full continuum of care was not possible until now.

This brand new community features 30 studio and 140 one-bedroom apartments, offering independent living, assisted living services in one’s apartment, and an on-site 41-bed licensed skilled nursing and intermediate care center to support its residents. The community features a contemporary wellness and fitness center, an indoor heated pool, a convenience store, beauty salon, craft studio and meeting rooms, a multi-purpose room for guest lectures, music performances and spiritual observances, a library and computer center and more.

15 Craigside also offers a number of attractive lifestyle features, including a small e-café/bistro with wireless communication and technology, and a private dining area for special occasions, complete with a quality menu selection of many types of cuisines to entice the palate.

President and CEO, Emmet White, notes that “our new community welcomes small pets—so furry loved ones also undergo a pet ‘interview’ to assure their compatibility with the community.”

The development of the community brings life to the perception that 15 Craigside is a place where active and happy seniors want to spend the “best years” of their lives. “Imagine the possibilities!” says White with enthusiasm, “What would you be able to do if you had someone else cooking and cleaning and maintaining your home? We have seniors who engage in writing and painting, creating Websites, learning how to ‘Skype,’ volunteering and doing things that they never had time to do before. It is an exciting time providing the means for a very fulfilling life.”

Suzie Schulberg, 15 Craigside’s Chief Operating Officer, has been with the Arcadia Family for more than 10 years and has assembled a team  that is providing top-notch service to residents. She reports, “The life care guarantee, with a continuum of care, assures our residents assistance and care at all levels in a safe, secure and refreshing environment. The people who have decided to come to 15 Craigside have so much to look  forward to and have so much to share … it’s a wonderful community.”

If you are interested in visiting 15 Craigside, please call Maryanne Sullivan at 533-5437 to schedule a tour.

15 Craigside is Hawai‘i’s newest not-for-profit senior living community. It welcomed its first residents on March 4, 2011. It is the first continuing care retirement community in Hawai‘i geared to moderate-income seniors who believed that a retirement community with a full continuum of care was not possible until now. This brand new community features 30…
How to Hire a Caregiver

If you are hiring a caregiver for yourself or another loved one, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person, “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State when it comes time to pay taxes.” After all, taking on the responsibilities of withholding taxes (and then paying the taxing authorities), buying Worker’s Compensation insurance, paying Social Security and Medicare tax, and all the rest, may seem daunting if you have never done it before. Be aware, however, that the IRS and the State will probably take the position that the caregiver is an employee, that you are an employer, and that all of the legal obligations that attach to those labels apply to your situation.

IRS Publication 926 gives very helpful guidance to those hiring household employees, including caregivers. You would do well to go through that publication and consider all of the questions it poses, several of which might never occur to you. For example, can your prospective caregiver legally work in the U.S.? How do you verify that, and what records must you keep to prove that you satisfied your obligation to verify the caregiver’s status? On that subject, you can find all of the information and forms you will need at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, www.uscis.gov.

Depending on your budget and the number of caregivers you need, it may make sense to look into local employment or caregiver agencies. This simplifies your job. You can contract with the agency, and the agency will be the caregiver’s employer and will deal with all of the details of being an employer. You will pay a premium for this kind of service, but the agency’s experience and employment expertise may make the extra cost seem like a bargain.

Another set of issues arises if you opt to be the employer of a caregiver, and then your employee is injured on the job. If you have made sure to carry the right kinds of insurance, you will be fine. However, the consequences of failing to do so can be financially disastrous. An agency will probably carry Worker’s Compensation insurance, but you should be sure to talk with your personal insurance professional to find out if there is anything else you should do to protect yourself through your homeowner’s and umbrella policies.

The bottom line is that you should not hire a caregiver without addressing your legal responsibilities and potential liabilities. Ask your trusted advisors — your CPA, your lawyer and your insurance professional — for guidance, and check out the resources cited above. You will be glad you did.

If you are hiring a caregiver for yourself or another loved one, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person, “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State…
Blending the East And West for Optimal Health

Eastern medicine, or sometimes called Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Its primary philosophy is to keep the body, mind, spirit and emotions in balance and in sync with our environment. Eastern medicine takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns of nature and applies them to the human body. The core of Eastern Medicine is Qi, or “vital energy,” and can be thought of as another word for “function,” for example Lung qi is the lungs’ function of gas exchange.

It is believed that there are channels of Qi energy that run throughout the body called Meridians. If an area on one or more of these Meridians becomes stuck then disease or pain may result and an imbalance will occur. Once the energy is freed, disease or pain may decrease or cease to exist altogether. A practitioner of Eastern Medicine may use acupuncture, herbs, massage, diet, and/or exercise to balance the body and allow Qi to flow freely.

One of the main differences with Western medicine is that it focuses on a specific disease or symptom. In Eastern Medicine, the physical body and emotional well-being are both examined for an individual “constitutional” diagnosis. For example, two people can both be diagnosed with depression, but treated completely different based on their own unique “constitution.”

In the West, when something happens we ask, “What can we do about it?” In the East, when something happens they ask, “What caused it?” Eastern Medicine looks for the underlying causes of imbalances and patterns of disharmony within the body and views each patient individually.

Because of these differences, Eastern and Western medicine should be seen as complementary as opposed to alternatives to each other. Both have their advantage and drawbacks, which is why when utilized together, we can gain optimal results. Research has shown that Eastern medicine can effectively complement Western medicine when the two systems are used for acute, chronic or life-threatening disease. In China, a combination of Eastern and Western medicine has been shown to be more effective in treat certain cancers than Western medicine alone.

Many major hospitals across the United States now offer Eastern treatments such as acupuncture. Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific here in Honolulu is an excellent example where acupuncture is offered along with physical, occupation and speech therapy to help patients recover  from orthopedic surgeries, stroke, trauma and other injuries.

As we transition through to the golden years, we are naturally more susceptible to an increasing number of chronic illnesses and prevention becomes critical to maintaining our most optimal levels of well-being.

Eastern medicine, or sometimes called Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an ancient system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Its primary philosophy is to keep the body, mind, spirit and emotions in balance and in sync with our environment. Eastern medicine takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns…
Friends & Family Fighting Fraud

The best protection against fraud is information and communication.

Being open and aware of what’s going on in our friends’ and family’s lives; taking the time to talk about day-to-day events and even watching over each other is vital for many reasons.

As much as we’d like to believe in the spirit of human kindness, we all know that there are people out there who would like to relieve us of our hard-earned money in unethical ways—fraud and scams.

No one is invulnerable to these scammers. We are not protected by race, religion, age or economic status. The best tools we have available are knowledge and education. Knowing what frauds are out there, and how to deal with the scammers should we encounter them.

Encourage our friends and family to use open communication and common sense. That, united with good resources and information, will go a long way in the fight against fraud.

One of the ways in which you can help prevent yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim of fraud or scams is to ensure that someone is watching over them on a regular basis. If you or a loved one feels like you are being pressured into a bad business deal or has encountered something that seems too good to be true; contact Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information about topics affecting marketplace trust, visit www.bbb.org.

The best protection against fraud is information and communication. Being open and aware of what’s going on in our friends’ and family’s lives; taking the time to talk about day-to-day events and even watching over each other is vital for many reasons. As much as we’d like to believe in the spirit of human kindness,…
Tips: Five Hints for Caregivers

While some people receive care from paid professionals, more are relying on the unselfish assistance of families, friends, and neighbors. The stress, exhaustion and extreme emotions faced by caregivers can be overwhelming. Following are some hints for those facing this situation:

1. Physical

Place a high priority on taking care of yourself, as caregivers often neglect their own health. Keep all of your medical appointments. Learn to manage appointments and other obligations using an electronic or manual calendar.

2. Emotional

Schedule time for yourself. Even the most loving efforts to care for a family member can result in stress, frustration, anxiety, physical exhaustion, anger and depression. Don’t abandon the rest of your daily life, and don’t become a martyr. Ask for help.

3. Financial

Talk to independent financial experts. The financial burden on caregivers can range from temporary inconvenience to serious hardship. Experts will be able to evaluate the situation objectively and offer alternatives and advice.

4. Family

Many primary caregivers are also still raising children. Involve family members in caregiving, and lighten your workload by sharing responsibilities. Don’t underestimate children, as they can and will help.

5. Personal Life

Be sure to have one. Take advantage of respite services when you feel the need to recharge.

While some people receive care from paid professionals, more are relying on the unselfish assistance of families, friends, and neighbors. The stress, exhaustion and extreme emotions faced by caregivers can be overwhelming. Following are some hints for those facing this situation: 1. Physical Place a high priority on taking care of yourself, as caregivers often…
Message from the Editor – June / July 2011

As we kick off the summer, it is time to start spending more time with our friends and families, and to be thankful for our health. Although the summer days are long, our time is short. Take a moment to call and say hello to a family member or friend. Personally, once a year I spend several days with my entire family (30+ and growing) to play sports, go to the beach, eat meals together and reminisce about the good ol’ days. We spend hours talking story and, yes, we probably tell the same stories each year, but none of us mind. I tell all my friends that this is what keeps our family together. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

My family, like yours, is the most important part of my life. My elders are especially dear to me. I always want to make sure that they are happy, comfortable and protected. This is was my motivation behind inviting Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro to be featured in our cover story. He has committed part of his term to senior issues, including raising awareness about elder abuse. In this issue he explains his agenda for improving crime prevention and fighting for justice for seniors.

Lastly, I’d like to mention that Generations Magazine was recently chosen by the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu to be a recipient of the Lei Hulu Award for Volunteer Friendly Businesses. The award was given to us at the Mayor’s 45th Senior Recognition Program.

We are very proud of this award and thankful for the recognition by the Mayor of our business. We are always looking for your comments, stories, events and pictures. Please contact us to submit any of the above.

Live well and get involved!

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

As we kick off the summer, it is time to start spending more time with our friends and families, and to be thankful for our health. Although the summer days are long, our time is short. Take a moment to call and say hello to a family member or friend. Personally, once a year I…
Tips: Caregivers With Elderly on the Go

Moving and transferring the elderly is a challenge for many caregivers, especially those who lack formal training. But, the process can be made easier and safer by learning some simple tips.

1. Educate yourself on how to move the elderly, especially those who are frail. Caregivers should receive training from a physical therapist before an elderly is discharged from a hospital or nursing home. Proper training can reduce injury and risk to both the elderly and the caregiver.

2. Use equipment. Purchase a gait belt at a local medical supply store to help grip onto an elderly person and decrease the chance of injury. Other useful items include shower rails, grab bars and hospital beds.

3. Wear proper clothing. The elderly and caregiver should wear covered shoes or non-slip socks. Slippers and high heels are discouraged.

4. Communication is the key. Make sure the elderly does as much as he or she can to get from one place to another. This requires talking them through the process and keeping sentences specific and brief, especially for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

5. Get rid of hazards. Pets, loose mats and color-coordinated items are dangerous to the elderly, who are prone to tripping over things, especially at night.

6. Provide adequate lighting. By age 65, people require 60 percent more lighting to distinguish differences in tone. Caregivers can also mark edges of the stairs and add more contrast to areas in the house to make it safer.

7. The elderly should not grab onto caregivers. Sometimes the elderly get scared and grab caregivers around the neck, which is dangerous. It’s best to offer a safer part of the body to hold onto, like the forearm.

8. Do what’s best for yourself AND the elderly. Families have to make critical decisions about knowing when it’s becoming too difficult to care for someone. Caregivers should keep themselves healthy, have respite time and take care of their backs.

9. It’s technique, not muscle. People tend to think that moving and transferring requires physical strength, but learning basic tricks is the key. A simple phrase to remember is, “nose over toes” to help caregivers remember that they need to get the elderly person’s body to go forward in order to get up.

10. Be cautious…when helping an elderly person who has fallen. Most caregivers think they need to pick up someone immediately after a fall. But, it’s important to watch for red flags like confusion, dizziness, pain and limbs turned in abnormal ways. If it seems safe to move the elderly, pick them up from underneath the arms or they can crawl to a chair or couch that they can use to pull themselves up. For larger people, ask for help or call 911. Meanwhile, provide the elderly with a pillow and blanket. Gently roll them on their side if they’re in a position that could cause choking.

DISCLAIMER

Information provided by Ann Low, academic coordinator for clinical education at Kapi‘olani Community College. She works with the PTA program in the Health Sciences Department and also teaches a section of the KCC’s Family Caregiver Training Series.

This series of caregiver tips is brought to you by the Kupuna Education Center at Kapi‘olani Community College. For more information, please call 734-9211.

Moving and transferring the elderly is a challenge for many caregivers, especially those who lack formal training. But, the process can be made easier and safer by learning some simple tips. 1. Educate yourself on how to move the elderly, especially those who are frail. Caregivers should receive training from a physical therapist before an…

Category: Articles

ABOUT AESTHETIC VISION CENTER

For more information:

GIVING BACK

1. Physical

2. Emotional

3. Financial

4. Family

5. Personal Life