Choosing a Senior Living Community Continuous Care Retirement Community
A Continuous Care Retirement Community a (CCRC) is the same as a Life Plan Community. In both cases a continuum of care is provided- independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Some CCRC’s offer memory care, and some do not. When healthcare needs change, the CCRC is equipped to handle the new needs on their campus. This is not true of most rental communities which may offer a few levels of care but not the entire array. The disadvantage of a CCRC is the price. Most require
Color Therapy for Dementia and For Everyone Else by Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion CEO
Color therapy can be beneficial for those with memory loss. Dementia specialists recommend using different colors to provide contrast in spaces and to help distinguish different objects. For example, painting a door a color that contrasts with the wall makes the door easier to find. Putting colorful tape on the handles of walkers makes them easier to locate. Some researchers suggest using the color pink will reduce combative behavior. The “pink effect” may reduce feelings of aggression and
Medical Alert Systems By Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
Medical Alert systems should provide reliable, 24/7 monitoring by trained monitoring agents, allowing seniors and their caregivers to live with less worry, at home or on the go. An Alert system should provide the following:If there is an emergency, you should be able to push the button on your pendant or wristband. Systems with Fall Detection will automatically send an emergency alert to the company if a fall occurs.A monitoring center should receive the alert, and a trained monitoring agent should
Extra Time in the Hospital to get Stronger Before Returning Home
Sometimes, your loved one is going to be discharged from the hospital, and you feel that person is not ready to come home. You can refuse discharge. Every state has a quality innovation network quality Improvement Organization. These government agencies help people with Medicare and Medicaid. See www.tiny.cc/QINmap KEPRO handles Florida, Georgia, etc. Kepro 844-45-9708 . It is a beneficiary and family-centered family quality improvement organization that can help you. Quite simply, this is
Adult Day Care by Nancy Ludin, CEO, The Jewish Pavilion
Adult Day Care is a community-based program. There are more than 4,000 centers across the country with more than 78 percent operating on a non-profit basis. All medical model adult day health care programs are affiliated and licensed under nursing homes. If you are considering an adult day health care program, here are some tips to help you get started in choosing the one best suited for your loved one. Select a daycare model: Decide whether you want a medical or social model.Medical Model Adult Day
Managing Medication by Nancy Ludin CEO Of the Jewish Pavilion
According to the American Geriatrics Society, more than 80% of older adults are living with multiple health conditions. With each new health problem, things may become exponentially more complicated! A senior may see multiple doctors. There are many appointments to coordinate, and a confusing array of recommendations to follow. Medication management is quite a challenge. Many seniors take 10 or more medications. This is super complicated because a drug prescribed for one health problem could worsen
Managing Medication by Nancy Ludin, CEO, the Jewish Pavilion
According to the American Geriatrics Society, more than 80% of older adults are living with multiple health conditions. With each new health problem, things may become exponentially more complicated! A senior may see multiple doctors. There are many appointments to coordinate, and a confusing array of recommendations to follow. Medication management is quite a challenge. Many seniors take 10 or more medications. This is super complicated, because a drug prescribed for one health problem could worsen
Ten Brain Boosting Activities by Nancy Ludin, CEO Jewish Pavilion
Sing- Seniors choirs offer joy and a feeling of togetherness. Musical instruments are appealing and playing boosts brain health. Safe Sauna bathing Researchers say that the heat may activate protective proteins and better cardiovascular functioning, reduce inflammation, offer better sleep, reduce stress, and increase relaxation. Tai chi. Tai chi is a slow-motion exercise for self-defense and meditation. Cultivate a positive attitude toward aging. Negative attitudes about aging have a striking effect on
Bathroom Safety by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
Statistics show that many preventable accidents like falls occur in bathrooms. Wet floors and small spaces are some of the causes for concern in a bathroom setting. Tips to aid in a transfer:Do not pull on a person’s arms or under their shoulders.Use a gait belt secured around the loved one’s waist for assistance.Explain each step of the transfer, then give physical assistance and verbal cues during the movement.Allow a loved one time to comprehend what’s expected and to follow through even if he or she
Communications with a Senior: When to Give up the Car keys?
There are certain signals that might mean it is time to give up the car keys. Unfortunately, very few seniors pay attention to these signs:You are nervous behind the wheel.Your reactions are too slow due to your vision.You have trouble reading street signs.You've had a near mishap because you didn't see a pedestrian, an object or another vehicle.You get lost easily.Your hearing has decreasedYour legs no longer work perfectly We suggest you start talking about these issues with your parents as early as
Elder Abuse information from the Orange County Commission on Aging
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of day is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. The events took place on June 15th. Older Americans may be unable
How to Get the Elderly to take in fluids by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
As we age, the amount of fluid in our bodies begins to decrease. This means there are fewer water reserves available for your body to use as you get older. There is a lowered thirst response. The natural aging process weakens the body's ability to signal it does not have enough fluid. This means older adults don't feel as thirsty as younger people do, and they may not realize they need to drink water. Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 liters of fluid per 24 hours. This
Tips for Keeping Good Medical Records, by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
One of the most important roles of a caregiver is to coordinate the medical care their loved-one receives. As medical needs grow, we often need to see specialists, have lab work done, go to therapists, and change care facilities. We would like to assume that our loved-one’s complete medical information is automatically moved from one office to another. This rarely occurs. It falls on the caregiver to ensure that critical information is received and read by the healthcare provider. Having a binder with all
Tips for Keeping Good Medical Records, by Nancy Ludin< CEO, Jewish Pavilion
One of the most important roles of a caregiver is to coordinate the medical care their loved one receives. As medical needs grow, we often need to see specialists, have lab work done, go to therapists, and change care facilities. We would like to assume that our loved one’s complete medical information is automatically moved from one office to another. This rarely occurs. It falls on the caregiver to ensure that critical information is received and read by the healthcare provider. Having a binder with all
Last Chance to Bid - Auction at 3 p.m. on Friday
The last opportunity you'll have to bid on more than 325 auction items is coming up quickly. In fact, you only have until 3 p.m on Friday to make your offers. Click this link to register and win big! There are more than 100 restaurant gift certificates to choose from. There are trips around the world. You can buy your next golf foursome or choose from dozens of different spa packages. Theater tickets! Attraction passes! Seats at great concerts! Need a holiday gift? There's one for all of your friends
Always Interrupt! By Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
Seniors in elder communities living do not have much going on in their day. They look forward to meals and sometimes to activities. They receive very few visits. Therefore each visit is super important and very essential to their well-being. When you visit a senior in an elder care facility they're likely to be asleep. People sleep because they're weak and exhausted, but they also sleep because they're bored. If you encounter a sleeping senior, please take the time to wake the individual up and say
Reach The $700 Billion Senior Care Market
Did you know by the end of the decade, one in five people in the United States will be considered senior citizens? That's 20 percent of the entire population! Caring for our senior population is a massive business - around $750 billion is spent on senior care every year. This is a market that you must try to reach, even if you think you are not a product or service for seniors. After all, the companies caring for seniors need everything from paper clips to construction services, marketing help to legal
Hearing Loss & its Effect on Cognition by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
If you find a loved one asking repetitive questions, becoming more confused and forgetful, you may assume they have dementia, but the cause could be hearing loss. Long-term brain function is impacted by hearing loss. In a recent Johns Hopkins study, those who did have hearing loss suffered more substantial cognitive impairment more than three years sooner than others with normal hearing levels. Dr. Frank Lin found that cognitive diminishment was 41 percent greater in the seniors with hearing problems.
What Medicare Doesn’t cover by Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion, CEO
A number of people call the Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion and ask me whether Medicare will cover their Independent , assisted or killed living and the answer is “no.” They are shocked and often angry. What You Need to Know Before Turning 65: Most people pay into Medicare through their payroll for all their employment years, thinking that once they turn 65, the coverage will be free. In reality, Medicare has several expenses. High-income earners pay more in terms of copays,
What is Elder Abuse? By Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
Elder abuse is “An intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.” It is a term under which 5 types of abuse are reflected: 1. Caregiver neglect- family members who live with their elderly parents may leave their loved ones alone while they are at work. While they would not leave their children alone, the senior with dementia may be just as vulnerable. 2. Financial Fraud &
Safety for Someone with Alzheimer’s by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in ten people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander. Wandering is best described as a tendency to roam or walk around without a clear destination or purpose. For those with Alzheimer’s disease, the destination or purpose of the walk is often forgotten, causing them to become confused or lost. As a caregiver, you are must be concerned about the safety of someone who wanders. There may be no harm in wandering a contained space, but for someone with dementia who
Hurricane Safety by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
The state of Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season (June-November.) When there is a warning of a hurricane or other natural disaster, elder-care communities ensure the comfort and safety of their residents. Senior communities have a Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Plan which consists of recommendations from regulating authorities such as the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) as well as precautionary guidelines and procedures developed from their
You Can Help a Senior Today!
For many seniors, moving into a senior living facility can be very lonely. They miss their family and friends. They miss their religious customs. They miss their traditional meals. That's where The Jewish Pavilion comes in. Every day, we're out visiting our seniors, giving them time to connect and keep their lifelong traditions alive. The organization is in more than 50 local facilities, visiting hundreds of seniors. Plus, our Orlando Senior Help Desk provides free resources to anyone who needs help
Care for Veterans By Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
If you or your spouse served in the military, you may be eligible for aid that can be applied to the cost of care services. The VA Aid and Attendance pension was established to provide financial benefits outside the traditional VA residential care system. It specifically helps veterans and their spouses finance daily personal care services if needed. These services include Personal grooming assistance, medication assistance, help transitioning into bed and incontinence management. These are referred to
Summer Safety by Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion, CEO
Summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. Older adults are at risk for these conditions, and this risk can increase with the combination of higher temperature, individual lifestyle and general
Dehydration & Seniors by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
Dehydration is dangerous no matter what your age, but seniors are at a greater risk for dehydration than other age groups. Dehydration happens when you don’t drink enough water. When your body's water content is too low, it causes damage quickly. Dehydration is especially prevalent on hot days or after vigorous exercise. Mild or moderate dehydration is easy to recover from, but severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention. Risks for senior dehydration include:Diarrhea and vomiting –In
The Benefits of Drinking Water for Seniors
Water, the most important liquid on the planet, makes up roughly 60% of the human body. That is why it is so important to stay hydrated. Most doctors agree that you should try and consume 8-10, eight ounce cups (64-80 fluid ounces) of water each day. The health benefits of drinking water are numerous. Keeps your skin hydrated. Your skin is mostly made of water. When dehydrated, it can lead to disorders and wrinkles. Drinking water is the easiest and cheapest way to stay looking young!Lubricates your
Nutrition for Seniors by Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion
Nutrition is about eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients it needs. Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies can function. They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Good nutrition is important for energy at every age. It may also help prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. But as you age, your body and life change, and so does what you need to stay
Leaving Someone with Dementia Alone
Estimates indicate that approximately one third of people with dementia and 1 in 7 of those with Alzheimer's disease lives alone. A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean a person cannot safely live independently. Some people may be able to live on their own for some time after the initial diagnosis. Others may be at too much risk to continue living alone. It is common for people living with dementia to go through a series of stages from complete independence to living with someone or needing
Exercising our Brains
By Nancy Ludin, CEO of the Jewish Pavilion Most people notice changes in their thinking and memory as they grow older. Neurologists tell us that some older adults develop dementia, most memory changes are age related and normal. Staying physically active benefits every organ in our bodies—and that includes the brain. Our brains also need a good mental workout. Studies show that cognitive decline can be reduced through a combination of daily activities like using a computer and playing word
10 Tips For Living With Someone Who Has Dementia
Agree, never argue.Divert, never reason.Distract, never shame.Reassure, never lecture.Reminisce, never say “remember…”Repeat, never say “I told you…”Do what they can do, never say “You can’t…”Ask, never demand.Encourage, never condescend.Reinforce, never force. Patience and encouragement are essential when caring for loved ones. While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of
Hoarding - Seniors
No one likes a dirty house, where stuff is chaotically piled on top of each other just like in a flea market. The situation isn’t helped by the fact that retirees can turn into ‘hoarders’, filling every free space of their home with old junk because ‘it might come in handy one day’. Many older folk tend to hold on to useless items that may become room obstacles which increase their chance of tripping and falling. . Dirt and dust buildup and other unsanitary living conditions may also have serious health
Exercise
Seniors living at home may forgo exercise. They may have limited access to the proper equipment and fitness programs and lack motivation. Senor communities offer a full range of gym equipment. They also offer a wide variety of classes such as chair exercise, yoga, weight lifting, dance etc. Daily on-site opportunities to improve mobility, strength and overall wellness make a world of difference. In a senior community, the support of friends may be a motivator as well. We all know that regular exercise
Aid & Attendance Benefit
Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses, 65 years and older, may be entitled to a tax-free benefit called Aid and Attendance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. They must have serve some time in active duty. The benefit is designed to provide financial aid to help offset the cost of long-term care for those who need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. The benefits are quite significant. The single veteran may earn
Emergency Assistance
Seniors often fall or get hurt. Anxiety about when and if help will be available in an emergency may be very stressful. Most senior communities offer alert systems in each apartment. Immediate help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even if all the front desk person does is call an ambulance, a senior can count on help arriving soon. Why do fire trucks respond first? Firefighters are often required to obtain EMT certifications, and when they get to a scene first, they can provide treatment
Living at Home- Transportation Issues
The instinct for many older people is to stay at home as long as possible. Even if a person at home has visitors, he or she may still be alone most of the time, especially if he or she no longer drives. The cost of hiring a driver on top of living expenses may amount to more than the cost of senior living. Reliance on others when you want to go someplace may be quite challenging. When someone makes the move to a senior community, he or she will be offered scheduled bus trips to the supermarket,
When should Senior Living be Considered?
Being a part of a caring community, whether it’s family, friends or an organization, is known to reduce stress. When determining whether it is time for senior living, ask yourself or family member the following questions:Are you frequently socializing and connecting with others?Are you exercising regularly?Are you eating fresh, nutritious meals?Are you setting goals and enjoying a sense of purpose? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to consider senior living. While most
How to Choose a Home Care Company
At the Orlando Senior Help Desk of the Jewish Pavilion, we are frequently asked to recommend a home care company. There are a few things to consider such as years of experience. Ideally, the caregiver you hire has worked with other individuals with similar medical condones. You want a home companion who has had good training and continuing education. There are many personal attributes that are imperative such as warmth and compassion, attentiveness, patience, good communication skills etc. Agencies
Home Health Care
Getting extra support at home can be a terrific source of relief. Agencies offer companion care such as CNA’s (certified nurse’s assistants or HHA’s Home health aides.) Normally, these individuals take a brief course on how to care for someone. Another option are skilled health care providers who have had years of schooling such as nurses, physical therapists etc. Normally, Medicare and Medicaid pays for some home care after a hospital visit. Most home care providers will assist with transportation,
Empowering Patients and their Loved Ones
When visiting a doctor or hospital bring along a notebook or tablet and take notes. It is important to ask question of your health care provider about the benefits and side effects of medications or procedures. I suggest that you, or a loved one, researches the same information on line so that you feel well informed. There are times when a second opinion should be sought, especially preceding a surgery. I recommend you bring along an advocate. Sometimes, it is hard to process so much new information.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the
Does Independent Living offer True Independence?
By Nany Ludin, CEO of the Jewish Pavilion What is independent living? It is simply a housing arrangement for adults ages 55+. Generally, the housing is better for older adults because it is more compact, easier to navigate (no stairs) and no maintenance or yard work to worry about. Most communities offer amenities, activities and services such as recreation centers or club houses and classes such as arts and crafts, lectures, exercise etc. Many offer evening programs such as movies and holiday
Adult Day Care
Adult Day Care Centers are designed to provide care and companionship for older adults who need assistance or supervision during the day. Programs offer relief to family members and caregivers, allowing them to go to work, handle personal business, or just relax while knowing their relative is well cared for and safe. Adult day care program encourage socialization and may delay or be an alternative to institutionalization. There are two types of adult day care: adult social day care and adult day
Choosing a Senior Living Community- Location
Every aspect of selecting a senior living community can be a challenge. The first consideration is location. Most seniors in Florida love living in warm weather and dread the thought of moving to live near their adult children who may reside in colder regions of the country. At the Orlando Senior Help Desk of the Jewish Pavilion, we receive many calls from elderly people who worry about declining without having local family to care for them. Over the years, many seniors have chosen to go north to live
