Meriden Health Department News and Events
1. Health and Wellness Fair August 9
The Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP, in partnership with the Community Health Center of Meriden and the Meriden Health Department, will be hosting its annual health and wellness fair on Saturday, August 9, from 11:00am-2:00pm at the Meriden HUB location.
Health information and screenings will be offered from over 50 vendors; raffle items will be available as well as fun entertainment, Double Dutch jump rope demonstrations, and Step performers. This family event is free, and all are welcome!
For more information on the event, please contact Angela Simpson at 630-4237. This is guaranteed to be a fun, informational event for everyone!
Summer with Social Security – August 26, 2008
The Center for Successful Aging and MidState’s LaPlanche Clinic will be jointly sponsoring a presentation titled “Summer with Social Security” on August 26, 2008. The presentation will be held from 10:30-11:30am in the mezzanine of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street in Meriden.
A representative from the Meriden Social Security office will discuss the new “Direct Express” debit card program and how to use the internet to access social security services.
This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4222.
3. Let’s Start Walking – Meriden Movers program to start August 18
The Meriden Health Department will be starting the late summer/fall session of the Meriden Movers Community Walking Program on August 18, 2008. Those who live and/or work in Meriden are encouraged to enroll in the program for better health. Program participants will receive a pedometer and walking log to track their steps.
It is recommended that we walk 10,000 steps a day for better health. Wearing a pedometer – and logging steps – has been proven to help people stick with a walking program. Wearing a pedometer on a daily basis can also be an eye opener to see how much (or, how little) we move every day. Walking “buddies” are also highly encouraged.
Starting August 19, Meriden Movers will hold group walks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning at 5:30pm, at the Quinnipiac River Linear walking trail, located on the corner of Route 70 and Oregon Road in South Meriden. Residents are welcome to join the group at any time.
Pedometers will be ready for pick-up at the Health Department (165 Miller Street) the week of August 11, and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Registration forms and information on the program can be found on the Meriden Health Department website, www.meridenhealth.com, or by calling Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 630-4238. Remember, walk for health – every step counts!
4.
Meriden “Young at Heart” Group Welcomes New Participants
Are you over 55 and looking for fun activities? If so, the Young at Heart Discussion Group welcomes you! The group meets on Tuesdays from 10:30 –11:30am in the mezzanine of the Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street. Activities include lectures/discussions, field trips, luncheons, sing-a-longs, and more.
Upcoming events include:
August 5 – A discussion on West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, presented by Scott Bryden, Environmental Health Supervisor with the Meriden Health Department
August 12 – Kathy Olson, aka “The Bee Lady”, will discuss everything you need to know about honey bees.
August 26 –The Meriden Social Security office will discuss “Summer with Social Security”, specifically the new “Direct Express” debit card program and how to use the internet to access many social security services.
No registration is required for lectures and discussions. You must register for field trips. For more information please contact Julie Johnson at 630-4244. We look forward to seeing you!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Senior Care & Dealing with Depression
Caregiving and Depression
Caregiving and depression seem an unlikely duo, but it happens all the time. While in the process of providing exceptional care to others, many caregivers fail to provide themselves with proper care. How can such a situation develop? Providing proper care for others is oftentimes all-consuming, especially if the person receiving the care suffers from Alzheimer’s or is incontinent.
If you are an otherwise healthy and capable person but lately you’ve not been acting “right,” the stress of your job may be taking a toll. Depression may be setting in, especially if you find yourself crying for no apparent reason, and/or feeling tired, angry, frustrated, anxious, or alone. Pay attention to these feelings; they’ll likely get worse if you don’t take action.
Here are some tips for avoiding the depression that often accompanies caregiving:
Make Time for Yourself
Caregivers rarely take time for themselves. If you’re not taking time to rest, eat well and exercise moderately, you will suffer. Maybe not today or next week, but it will happen. It really doesn’t take long to plan and prepare nutritionally-balanced meals and snacks. Doing so gives your body the fuel it needs to perform all the tasks you ask of it. You’ve got to get uninterrupted rest, too. And as for exercise, everything counts. You don’t need to work out at a gym for an hour a day. Get exercise any way you can: gardening, housekeeping, going up and down stairs, walking the aisles of the grocery store, playing your favorite sport, even pushing a wheelchair can get your heart beating and your blood flowing.
Pace Yourself
Do what you can, when you can. It may help to prioritize your caregiving duties. Focus on those daily tasks that absolutely must get done. Schedule the other tasks when you have time. Once you start to prioritize your work, you’ll notice that you actually get more accomplished. Prioritizing allows you to focus on one thing at a time, rather than putting your hands into multiple projects, none of which ever seem to get finished.
Ask for Help
Caregivers often feel they are alone, whether or not they truly are. There are many reasons why caregivers don’t seek assistance. But those reasons won’t help with your situation so put them away. Talk the need for help over with other family members, and together, figure out when others can come in so you can have a break. If you have no family members, you’ve got to hire in-home help, or make arrangements at a senior day care facility. Do whatever it takes to get time off. YOUR health depends on this.
Put a Moratorium on Guilt
No one gains from feeling guilty. In fact, guilt is an immobilizing emotion. Let it go and you’ll feel better instantly.
Have Some Fun
Keep social events on your calendar and your health will benefit. Get out to the movies, have coffee and a gripe session – do whatever it is that you enjoy – in the company of others.
_____________________________________________________________________________________-
1 )Personal Touch: Advantages of Individual Help
Sometimes life goes more smoothly when you’ve got a companion. Not only does a home helper give you someone to talk to, a companion can help ease your burden, no matter what that burden is. Sometimes as we age we lose our companions and when that happens, life can seem lonely and even unbearable. But it doesn’t have to be that way because nowadays, a home companion is someone you can hire.
Building a relationship
There are many advantages of having someone you can count on provide in home care and building a relationship is one of them. As with any type of relationship, your first experiences may seem a bit awkward and perhaps uncomfortable. After all, you’re total strangers and you’ll need time to get to know one another. You’ve probably got a routine and the in-home carer needs to learn it.
But soon enough you’ll hopefully be very comfortable with your home companion. And if you’re not, there’s a good chance you can talk with someone – a family member or the provider of your in home care – to see about finding another with whom you might get along better. After all, this person is coming in your home to help you so it’s important that you’re able to work together.
With the same individual coming to your home regularly, you can’t help but develop a relationship with that person. It won’t take long before you’re friends, chatting about nothing, going out to eat or to the movies, and helping you to cope with whatever life delivers.
Remain in familiar surroundings
The fact that this person is coming into your home is perhaps one of the biggest advantages of in home care. Rather than being uprooted, you get to remain in your home, a familiar place that’s filled with your all your belongings and all your memories. That actually can help the relationship with your home companion grow. Your photographs, your decorating style, your pets and the like can tell a lot about the person you are. Knowing more about who you are is what’s going to help your home companion understand you better.
By understanding you and your individual needs better, you’ll have someone on whom you can rely to give you the personal attention you need on a daily or regular basis. That personal attention might involve matters of personal hygiene, or housekeeping, or errand running, or help with daily tasks, or friendship or all of the above. The ability to pick and choose the type of assistance you need most and that you want is another of the advantages of individual in home care.
There are other advantages, too. Family can relax knowing that you’re getting the care and attention that they aren’t able to provide, alleviating their guilt and their worry. In home care is also an affordable option and if you contract the services of a company that’s reputable, licensed and bonded, there’s little chance you or your home will be victimized in any way.
( 2 )Understanding Memory Loss
What is memory loss?
Memory loss is something we all experience in life. We forget familiar names, we cannot remember where we left our wallets and purses the previous evening, and we can’t remember everything needed at the grocery store without having a list. This type of memory loss is perfectly normal and as we age, such mild forgetfulness may start happening more and more.
However there are also times when memory loss is not attributed to aging. For example, memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss can also happen after suffering a traumatic experience. It can happen if you suffer from depression or are lonely, sad, worried and even when you’re bored. It can result from dehydration, or after falling and hitting your head, or because of the way different medications you’re taking interact with one another. Excessive use of drugs and alcohol can also be factors in memory loss.
When does memory loss occur?
Every person is different, but most will begin noticing forgetfulness around mid-life. What happens with memory loss is that over the course of your life, your brain cells start to die off causing a normal decline in your brain’s ability to remember.
Sometimes brain cells become damaged, such as after a stroke or a series of mini-strokes. Strokes interfere with the normal flow of blood to the brain, oftentimes decreasing its supply. Head injuries can also damage brain cells and cause memory loss.
Demystifying some common myths associated with memory loss
Memory loss cannot be reversed
This is true if the memory loss is a symptom of another condition or disease such as Alzheimer’s. However, if your problems are caused by drug interactions, a change in your prescription may help. If it’s due to excessive alcohol consumption, cutting back can help. If it’s because of a traumatic experience you may need professional guidance to help you to work through the situation. These scenarios are associated with “reversible” memory loss and as the name implies, the associated memory loss oftentimes can be reversed.
There aren’t any exercises for the mind
This isn’t true and mind exercises can help sharpen your memory so that you don’t forget quite as often. Eating right and exercising provide valuable nutrients and improve circulation to the brain. Playing cards, learning new skills, doing puzzles and brain teasers, and maintaining an active and social life can all benefit your mind and help you stay focused and alert.
Memory loss happens naturally as we age
While this is probably true, it is never a good idea to assume that your forgetfulness is “normal.” It could be the sign of another condition. That’s why it is very important to share this problem with your medical specialist. Urine and blood tests, CAT scans, and recall tests in which the doctor asks you questions in an effort to determine how well you recall information can all be administered to help rule out other causes of memory loss.
( 3 )New Ways for Seniors to Communicate with Sons and Daughters
Independent living is a popular choice among today’s elderly. The ability to remain in your own home where you can maintain your regular routine is both enjoyable and empowering. Whether your children live across the country or just across town, you’ll want to communicate with them from time to time. With all the technology available today, communication has never be easier. Here are some options.
Via the mail
You might think that using the mail is outdated technology, but it has many benefits. It’s easy to use, efficient, and it’s probably the least expensive of your communication options. Even though it’s earned the nickname “snail-mail” it’s perfect for sending birthday cards, photographs, newspaper clippings and short notes telling your children that all is well.
Communicating with family by email
Email is faster than using regular mail and can be used for all the same reasons. If you’ve got a computer, access to the Internet and you’re comfortable using a mouse and keyboard, you’re all set!
Landline telephones and cell phones
Phones are instantaneous methods of two-way communication that most everyone is familiar with. With so many calling plans to choose from, many of which offer free minutes and free long distance, using phones to communication is also affordable. The only potential problem with cell phones is their many features. Checking voice mail and adding important telephone numbers into address books are worth learning, but as far as other features like text messaging and setting ring tones, their use is purely optional.
Video conferencing
Like a scene right out of the Jetson’s, video conferencing is a technology that enables two-way video and audio communication. In other words, you can see and hear the person with whom you’re communicating. It doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment, either. If you already have a computer loaded with instant messaging software, all you need is a web cam and an Internet connection. You’ll also need a microphone and speakers, but computers usually have speakers built right in.
Getting help
You probably already know how to mail a letter and use the telephone. However, if need help setting up some of the other communication devices, here are some resources you can check out.
Local electronics stores
The larger chains offer technical services for hire. You simply explain what you need done, and the store will arrange the technical assistance you need.
Local organizations
Your local library and senior center are both great resources you can tap into. Again, you start by explaining your needs and hopefully you will receive back one or more leads you can follow up with.
Family and friends
If you have grandchildren, ask for their help the next time they visit. Children today are raised on the latest technology and within minutes they’ll have your cell phone ringing your favorite tune, your instant messenger loaded with all your contacts, and your web cam and speakers configured properly. Your children probably have the skills to do all this as well.
( 4 )Independence Day for the Elderly
One of the biggest issues Baby boomers face as they grow older is what’s going to happen as they slowly but surely get to the stage where they need help with day-to-day living. With the costs of nursing homes expected to continually increase in order to meet the demands of this large segment of the population, many seniors will need alternatives. Fortunately, they have several.
How in-home help is different
In home help is one such option. With this type of arrangement, you’re able to continue living in your own home and the help that you need comes to you. With more and more companies specializing in home care, it’s much easier than it was to find a home companion capable of meeting your exact needs.
For example, if you need around-the-clock in home care, that’s available. If right now all you need is a hand with household chores and errands, it’s easy to find a home companion who can assist you a few days every week. If you cannot prepare your own meals, get in and out of chairs, dress or bathe, or handle other personal matters without assistance, you can arrange to have a home companion stay with you during the daytime but not overnight.
Changes as your needs change
In addition to providing you with one-on-one assistance, in home help offers another advantage, that of flexibility. So as your needs change, it’s easy to vary the amount and type of in home help you’re provided. Even if your health declines, in home help allows you to comfortably live out the rest of your life right in your own home, if that’s what you choose.
With a home companion assisting you as needed, you’ll be relieved from doing those time-consuming daily tasks that need to get done and you’ll have more time available to use as you choose.
Unlike an assisted living facility where you’re limited to participating only in scheduled activities, with in home help, you’re free to set your own schedule. You won’t be limited to grocery shopping once a week on Tuesday mornings. If it’s Friday and you’re in the mood for a treat, you can have your home companion run to the grocery store to get you what you want.
A trivial example perhaps, but it’s that type of freedom that’s fueling the growing trend towards in home care. With in home help, you choose the activities in which you want to participate. With so much going on at senior centers, wellness centers, and right in your own community, your days can be as busy or as carefree as you choose.
With someone helping you around your home, you’ll have more time to volunteer, visit with friends and family, see a movie, work out, sunbathe, shop, whatever. Unlike assisted living with prearranged meals and eating times, you can eat what you want, when you want.
If the freedom to continue living the life you want appeals to you, then take time to find out why so many seniors and their families are choosing in home help to help meet their elderly care needs!
______________________________________________________________________________________
VOLUNTEERING AT MIDSTATE
Volunteers provide invaluable assistance to all areas of MidState Medical Center. The Volunteer Department is looking to increase volunteer staffing in several key areas of the medical center.
Due to our expansion project, volunteers are needed to provide escorting and transport services at the new entrance to the Emergency Department. There is high demand for volunteers in our Emergency Department reception area. These volunteers provide customer service to all visitors and patients by providing friendly visits and act as liaisons, ensuring that all individuals are comfortable and keptwell-informed during their stay.
“Soft Touch” volunteers provide hand and foot rubs to our patients. Training in the technique of “soft touch” will be held in the fall. If you enjoy meeting and greeting the public, and have excellent customer service skills, please contact the Volunteer Office at 694-8275or e-mail MidStateVolunteers@midstatemedical.org.
Meriden Health Department News and Events
1. Health and Wellness Fair August 9
The Meriden-Wallingford Branch of the NAACP, in partnership with the Community Health Center of Meriden and the Meriden Health Department, will be hosting its annual health and wellness fair on Saturday, August 9, from 11:00am-2:00pm at the Meriden HUB location.
Health information and screenings will be offered from over 50 vendors; raffle items will be available as well as fun entertainment, Double Dutch jump rope demonstrations, and Step performers. This family event is free, and all are welcome!
For more information on the event, please contact Angela Simpson at 630-4237. This is guaranteed to be a fun, informational event for everyone!
Summer with Social Security – August 26, 2008
The Center for Successful Aging and MidState’s LaPlanche Clinic will be jointly sponsoring a presentation titled “Summer with Social Security” on August 26, 2008. The presentation will be held from 10:30-11:30am in the mezzanine of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street in Meriden.
A representative from the Meriden Social Security office will discuss the new “Direct Express” debit card program and how to use the internet to access social security services.
This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4222.
3. Let’s Start Walking – Meriden Movers program to start August 18
The Meriden Health Department will be starting the late summer/fall session of the Meriden Movers Community Walking Program on August 18, 2008. Those who live and/or work in Meriden are encouraged to enroll in the program for better health. Program participants will receive a pedometer and walking log to track their steps.
It is recommended that we walk 10,000 steps a day for better health. Wearing a pedometer – and logging steps – has been proven to help people stick with a walking program. Wearing a pedometer on a daily basis can also be an eye opener to see how much (or, how little) we move every day. Walking “buddies” are also highly encouraged.
Starting August 19, Meriden Movers will hold group walks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning at 5:30pm, at the Quinnipiac River Linear walking trail, located on the corner of Route 70 and Oregon Road in South Meriden. Residents are welcome to join the group at any time.
Pedometers will be ready for pick-up at the Health Department (165 Miller Street) the week of August 11, and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Registration forms and information on the program can be found on the Meriden Health Department website, www.meridenhealth.com, or by calling Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 630-4238. Remember, walk for health – every step counts!
4.
Meriden “Young at Heart” Group Welcomes New Participants
Are you over 55 and looking for fun activities? If so, the Young at Heart Discussion Group welcomes you! The group meets on Tuesdays from 10:30 –11:30am in the mezzanine of the Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street. Activities include lectures/discussions, field trips, luncheons, sing-a-longs, and more.
Upcoming events include:
August 5 – A discussion on West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, presented by Scott Bryden, Environmental Health Supervisor with the Meriden Health Department
August 12 – Kathy Olson, aka “The Bee Lady”, will discuss everything you need to know about honey bees.
August 26 –The Meriden Social Security office will discuss “Summer with Social Security”, specifically the new “Direct Express” debit card program and how to use the internet to access many social security services.
No registration is required for lectures and discussions. You must register for field trips. For more information please contact Julie Johnson at 630-4244. We look forward to seeing you!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Senior Care & Dealing with Depression
Caregiving and Depression
Caregiving and depression seem an unlikely duo, but it happens all the time. While in the process of providing exceptional care to others, many caregivers fail to provide themselves with proper care. How can such a situation develop? Providing proper care for others is oftentimes all-consuming, especially if the person receiving the care suffers from Alzheimer’s or is incontinent.
If you are an otherwise healthy and capable person but lately you’ve not been acting “right,” the stress of your job may be taking a toll. Depression may be setting in, especially if you find yourself crying for no apparent reason, and/or feeling tired, angry, frustrated, anxious, or alone. Pay attention to these feelings; they’ll likely get worse if you don’t take action.
Here are some tips for avoiding the depression that often accompanies caregiving:
Make Time for Yourself
Caregivers rarely take time for themselves. If you’re not taking time to rest, eat well and exercise moderately, you will suffer. Maybe not today or next week, but it will happen. It really doesn’t take long to plan and prepare nutritionally-balanced meals and snacks. Doing so gives your body the fuel it needs to perform all the tasks you ask of it. You’ve got to get uninterrupted rest, too. And as for exercise, everything counts. You don’t need to work out at a gym for an hour a day. Get exercise any way you can: gardening, housekeeping, going up and down stairs, walking the aisles of the grocery store, playing your favorite sport, even pushing a wheelchair can get your heart beating and your blood flowing.
Pace Yourself
Do what you can, when you can. It may help to prioritize your caregiving duties. Focus on those daily tasks that absolutely must get done. Schedule the other tasks when you have time. Once you start to prioritize your work, you’ll notice that you actually get more accomplished. Prioritizing allows you to focus on one thing at a time, rather than putting your hands into multiple projects, none of which ever seem to get finished.
Ask for Help
Caregivers often feel they are alone, whether or not they truly are. There are many reasons why caregivers don’t seek assistance. But those reasons won’t help with your situation so put them away. Talk the need for help over with other family members, and together, figure out when others can come in so you can have a break. If you have no family members, you’ve got to hire in-home help, or make arrangements at a senior day care facility. Do whatever it takes to get time off. YOUR health depends on this.
Put a Moratorium on Guilt
No one gains from feeling guilty. In fact, guilt is an immobilizing emotion. Let it go and you’ll feel better instantly.
Have Some Fun
Keep social events on your calendar and your health will benefit. Get out to the movies, have coffee and a gripe session – do whatever it is that you enjoy – in the company of others.
_____________________________________________________________________________________-
1 )Personal Touch: Advantages of Individual Help
Sometimes life goes more smoothly when you’ve got a companion. Not only does a home helper give you someone to talk to, a companion can help ease your burden, no matter what that burden is. Sometimes as we age we lose our companions and when that happens, life can seem lonely and even unbearable. But it doesn’t have to be that way because nowadays, a home companion is someone you can hire.
Building a relationship
There are many advantages of having someone you can count on provide in home care and building a relationship is one of them. As with any type of relationship, your first experiences may seem a bit awkward and perhaps uncomfortable. After all, you’re total strangers and you’ll need time to get to know one another. You’ve probably got a routine and the in-home carer needs to learn it.
But soon enough you’ll hopefully be very comfortable with your home companion. And if you’re not, there’s a good chance you can talk with someone – a family member or the provider of your in home care – to see about finding another with whom you might get along better. After all, this person is coming in your home to help you so it’s important that you’re able to work together.
With the same individual coming to your home regularly, you can’t help but develop a relationship with that person. It won’t take long before you’re friends, chatting about nothing, going out to eat or to the movies, and helping you to cope with whatever life delivers.
Remain in familiar surroundings
The fact that this person is coming into your home is perhaps one of the biggest advantages of in home care. Rather than being uprooted, you get to remain in your home, a familiar place that’s filled with your all your belongings and all your memories. That actually can help the relationship with your home companion grow. Your photographs, your decorating style, your pets and the like can tell a lot about the person you are. Knowing more about who you are is what’s going to help your home companion understand you better.
By understanding you and your individual needs better, you’ll have someone on whom you can rely to give you the personal attention you need on a daily or regular basis. That personal attention might involve matters of personal hygiene, or housekeeping, or errand running, or help with daily tasks, or friendship or all of the above. The ability to pick and choose the type of assistance you need most and that you want is another of the advantages of individual in home care.
There are other advantages, too. Family can relax knowing that you’re getting the care and attention that they aren’t able to provide, alleviating their guilt and their worry. In home care is also an affordable option and if you contract the services of a company that’s reputable, licensed and bonded, there’s little chance you or your home will be victimized in any way.
( 2 )Understanding Memory Loss
What is memory loss?
Memory loss is something we all experience in life. We forget familiar names, we cannot remember where we left our wallets and purses the previous evening, and we can’t remember everything needed at the grocery store without having a list. This type of memory loss is perfectly normal and as we age, such mild forgetfulness may start happening more and more.
However there are also times when memory loss is not attributed to aging. For example, memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss can also happen after suffering a traumatic experience. It can happen if you suffer from depression or are lonely, sad, worried and even when you’re bored. It can result from dehydration, or after falling and hitting your head, or because of the way different medications you’re taking interact with one another. Excessive use of drugs and alcohol can also be factors in memory loss.
When does memory loss occur?
Every person is different, but most will begin noticing forgetfulness around mid-life. What happens with memory loss is that over the course of your life, your brain cells start to die off causing a normal decline in your brain’s ability to remember.
Sometimes brain cells become damaged, such as after a stroke or a series of mini-strokes. Strokes interfere with the normal flow of blood to the brain, oftentimes decreasing its supply. Head injuries can also damage brain cells and cause memory loss.
Demystifying some common myths associated with memory loss
Memory loss cannot be reversed
This is true if the memory loss is a symptom of another condition or disease such as Alzheimer’s. However, if your problems are caused by drug interactions, a change in your prescription may help. If it’s due to excessive alcohol consumption, cutting back can help. If it’s because of a traumatic experience you may need professional guidance to help you to work through the situation. These scenarios are associated with “reversible” memory loss and as the name implies, the associated memory loss oftentimes can be reversed.
There aren’t any exercises for the mind
This isn’t true and mind exercises can help sharpen your memory so that you don’t forget quite as often. Eating right and exercising provide valuable nutrients and improve circulation to the brain. Playing cards, learning new skills, doing puzzles and brain teasers, and maintaining an active and social life can all benefit your mind and help you stay focused and alert.
Memory loss happens naturally as we age
While this is probably true, it is never a good idea to assume that your forgetfulness is “normal.” It could be the sign of another condition. That’s why it is very important to share this problem with your medical specialist. Urine and blood tests, CAT scans, and recall tests in which the doctor asks you questions in an effort to determine how well you recall information can all be administered to help rule out other causes of memory loss.
( 3 )New Ways for Seniors to Communicate with Sons and Daughters
Independent living is a popular choice among today’s elderly. The ability to remain in your own home where you can maintain your regular routine is both enjoyable and empowering. Whether your children live across the country or just across town, you’ll want to communicate with them from time to time. With all the technology available today, communication has never be easier. Here are some options.
Via the mail
You might think that using the mail is outdated technology, but it has many benefits. It’s easy to use, efficient, and it’s probably the least expensive of your communication options. Even though it’s earned the nickname “snail-mail” it’s perfect for sending birthday cards, photographs, newspaper clippings and short notes telling your children that all is well.
Communicating with family by email
Email is faster than using regular mail and can be used for all the same reasons. If you’ve got a computer, access to the Internet and you’re comfortable using a mouse and keyboard, you’re all set!
Landline telephones and cell phones
Phones are instantaneous methods of two-way communication that most everyone is familiar with. With so many calling plans to choose from, many of which offer free minutes and free long distance, using phones to communication is also affordable. The only potential problem with cell phones is their many features. Checking voice mail and adding important telephone numbers into address books are worth learning, but as far as other features like text messaging and setting ring tones, their use is purely optional.
Video conferencing
Like a scene right out of the Jetson’s, video conferencing is a technology that enables two-way video and audio communication. In other words, you can see and hear the person with whom you’re communicating. It doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment, either. If you already have a computer loaded with instant messaging software, all you need is a web cam and an Internet connection. You’ll also need a microphone and speakers, but computers usually have speakers built right in.
Getting help
You probably already know how to mail a letter and use the telephone. However, if need help setting up some of the other communication devices, here are some resources you can check out.
Local electronics stores
The larger chains offer technical services for hire. You simply explain what you need done, and the store will arrange the technical assistance you need.
Local organizations
Your local library and senior center are both great resources you can tap into. Again, you start by explaining your needs and hopefully you will receive back one or more leads you can follow up with.
Family and friends
If you have grandchildren, ask for their help the next time they visit. Children today are raised on the latest technology and within minutes they’ll have your cell phone ringing your favorite tune, your instant messenger loaded with all your contacts, and your web cam and speakers configured properly. Your children probably have the skills to do all this as well.
( 4 )Independence Day for the Elderly
One of the biggest issues Baby boomers face as they grow older is what’s going to happen as they slowly but surely get to the stage where they need help with day-to-day living. With the costs of nursing homes expected to continually increase in order to meet the demands of this large segment of the population, many seniors will need alternatives. Fortunately, they have several.
How in-home help is different
In home help is one such option. With this type of arrangement, you’re able to continue living in your own home and the help that you need comes to you. With more and more companies specializing in home care, it’s much easier than it was to find a home companion capable of meeting your exact needs.
For example, if you need around-the-clock in home care, that’s available. If right now all you need is a hand with household chores and errands, it’s easy to find a home companion who can assist you a few days every week. If you cannot prepare your own meals, get in and out of chairs, dress or bathe, or handle other personal matters without assistance, you can arrange to have a home companion stay with you during the daytime but not overnight.
Changes as your needs change
In addition to providing you with one-on-one assistance, in home help offers another advantage, that of flexibility. So as your needs change, it’s easy to vary the amount and type of in home help you’re provided. Even if your health declines, in home help allows you to comfortably live out the rest of your life right in your own home, if that’s what you choose.
With a home companion assisting you as needed, you’ll be relieved from doing those time-consuming daily tasks that need to get done and you’ll have more time available to use as you choose.
Unlike an assisted living facility where you’re limited to participating only in scheduled activities, with in home help, you’re free to set your own schedule. You won’t be limited to grocery shopping once a week on Tuesday mornings. If it’s Friday and you’re in the mood for a treat, you can have your home companion run to the grocery store to get you what you want.
A trivial example perhaps, but it’s that type of freedom that’s fueling the growing trend towards in home care. With in home help, you choose the activities in which you want to participate. With so much going on at senior centers, wellness centers, and right in your own community, your days can be as busy or as carefree as you choose.
With someone helping you around your home, you’ll have more time to volunteer, visit with friends and family, see a movie, work out, sunbathe, shop, whatever. Unlike assisted living with prearranged meals and eating times, you can eat what you want, when you want.
If the freedom to continue living the life you want appeals to you, then take time to find out why so many seniors and their families are choosing in home help to help meet their elderly care needs!
______________________________________________________________________________________
VOLUNTEERING AT MIDSTATE
Volunteers provide invaluable assistance to all areas of MidState Medical Center. The Volunteer Department is looking to increase volunteer staffing in several key areas of the medical center.
Due to our expansion project, volunteers are needed to provide escorting and transport services at the new entrance to the Emergency Department. There is high demand for volunteers in our Emergency Department reception area. These volunteers provide customer service to all visitors and patients by providing friendly visits and act as liaisons, ensuring that all individuals are comfortable and keptwell-informed during their stay.
“Soft Touch” volunteers provide hand and foot rubs to our patients. Training in the technique of “soft touch” will be held in the fall. If you enjoy meeting and greeting the public, and have excellent customer service skills, please contact the Volunteer Office at 694-8275or e-mail MidStateVolunteers@midstatemedical.org.
0 comments:
Post a Comment