How to move forward after the one you cared for dies? - Lutheran Sunset Ministries

A Farewell to the Quilt Auction

January 15, 2018 by Andrea Hikel 1 Comment

The 2017 Volunteer Auxiliary Quilt Auction was a success, bringing in more than $25,000. We’d like to thank our talented quilt donors, auction bidders, and hardworking Volunteer Auxiliary for another amazing year. The funds raised will fund numerous projects and equipment for the residents of Sunset, significantly adding to their quality of life.

Due to the diminishing art of hand quilting and the increased success of the Pot O’ Gold Thrift Store, our volunteers have voted to forgo this event. On behalf of the Volunteer Auxiliary, we thank everyone for their participation in this event. In the last 26 years, you’ve helped our ministry raise thousands of dollars, which were invested back into Lutheran Sunset Ministries. We cannot thank you enough for your support throughout the years. We ask that our donors find other worthy causes to donate their beautiful quilts to in the future.

Sharing the Love

December 6, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

Mark Twain once said, “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” This is a philosophy that the residents of Lutheran Sunset Ministries’ Sunset Home have adopted and put into action.

“One of the ways we have chosen to give back to our community is through our weekly offerings in Sunset Chapel,” said Sunset Home Campus Pastor Dave Anfenson. “Each month, we adopt a different charity and support them with what people attending the services have given through the month. There are three things we do when we adopt a new charity. First, we set aside time in our service for education regarding the charities mission. Second, we pray for the work they are doing in our communities. Third, we practice becoming the answer to our prayers through giving.”

In September, the residents of Sunset Home decided to donate to Hurricane Harvey relief. This endeavor was very well received by residents and their families, raising $1,000. These funds were divided up and sent to two churches that were affected by the storm.

In October, the congregation decided to donate offerings to the Family Abuse Center in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which raised $350. In November, $250 was raised for Community Cancer Association of Waco.

“One of my favorite things about Sunset Home is that life doesn’t stop once you get here,” said Pastor Anfenson. “If you enjoyed community, a vibrant spiritual life, art, joy, laughter or giving to your community before you got here, you can continue to enjoy those things once you move in.”

It has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with what Sunset residents have been passionate about throughout their lives. If they were interested in gardening, they can adopt a beautification project in the city. If they were involved in supporting people who are fighting cancer, they can support someone doing that in our community.

“The opportunities are endless,” said Pastor Dave, “and it has been a gift to our congregation to partner with others in central Texas to share the love of Christ.”

7 Tips for Travelers With Disabilities

November 13, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

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You can do more than you may think – but planning is essential

By Barbara and Jim Twardowski for Next Avenue

Jackie Witt always feels a little anxious before she travels. The 31-year-old can barely climb steps, finds walking long distances difficult, and can’t lift more than five pounds.

Witt, who has visited France and Ireland, has central core disease, which causes muscle weakness. “Because of my disability, I want to know everything I’m going to be faced with while traveling, which obviously isn’t possible,” she said.

One of her most difficult travel days was waiting for a ferry in Ireland during low tide. The only way to reach the boat was a perilous descent across moss-laden stone steps without a railing. A fellow passenger and Witt’s mother stood on either side of her as she navigated the slippery path. On the last step, a crew member picked Witt up and deposited her onto the deck.

“Even if we don’t necessarily see places the same way someone without a disability does, it’s so worth getting out there,” she said.

Three out of every 10 Americans with a disability traveled outside the continental United States within the last five years, according to a 2015 national survey by the Open Doors Organization (ODO). Experts predict the demand for accessible travel will only increase as the boomer generation ages.

While there are bound to be some snags you can’t anticipate if you’re disabled, it is possible to minimize them with careful planning.

Here are seven tips for making the most of your next adventure:

1. Choose the Right Destination

“People might be surprised to learn you can take an accessible trip to Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon rainforest,” said Timothy Holtz, the group travel coordinator for Flying Wheels Travel, an agency specializing in accessible trips. On his recent travels, Holtz saw the addition of ramps at temples in Japan, a wheelchair stair climber lift at the Acropolis in Athens and an elevator at the Roman Forum.

The world is a big place and many destinations are making huge strides to become barrier-free. Just last year, Germany launched a nationwide accessibility standard and certification program. The country is heavily promoting nearly 185 accessible things to do and places to visit in its online brochure, “Enjoy with Ease.”

Cities that are hundreds of years old will naturally be more difficult to navigate. But don’t make the mistake of assuming a destination is inaccessible. Instead, consult with a travel agent, especially when considering a multi-country trip or cruise.

2. Do Your Research

Individuals who opt to orchestrate their own trips will need to ask specific questions. For example, inquire about the width of hotel elevator doors; some are not wide enough for a wheelchair. When booking a cruise, review the cruise line’s policies regarding accessibility; some require passengers with disabilities to travel with a companion.

Begin researching destinations by visiting official tourism offices online. Be aware the terminology varies from one place to another. When conducting Internet searches, try a variety of terms, such as “handicapped,” “barrier-free,” “disabled,” “reduced mobility” and “special needs.”

3. Hire a Pro

Planning a trip abroad is a time-consuming task. Specialized travel agencies can book flights, cruises, accommodations, tours, shore excursions and transportation. Some will even arrange for a travel companion, rental of medical equipment and the purchase of travel insurance.

Before hiring an accessible travel agent, ask about his or her experience.

John Sage, the founder of two accessible travel companies — one focused on Europe (Sage Traveling) and one on the Caribbean (Accessible Caribbean Vacations) — spends days scouting destinations. Sage, who was injured in a snow skiing accident and uses a wheelchair, has visited 42 countries on four continents. Common obstacles he finds in foreign countries include a lack of ramps at curbs, steps at the entrance to buildings and narrow bathroom doors.

His thorough first-hand exploration informs clients on details like how many feet it is from their hotel to the nearest bus stop, routes that avoid cobblestones, and how to access the elevator at the Eiffel Tower.

4. Prepare for Air Travel

One of the biggest hurdles for people with mobility disabilities is flying. Maneuvering large airports, carrying medical equipment and navigating security can be exhausting. Passengers needing extra assistance should inform the airline when booking a reservation and upon arrival at the airport.

Most airlines board wheelchair users first, but these passengers will exit the plane last. Allow plenty of extra time to catch connecting flights —90 minutes is usually sufficient. Wheelchairs and scooters are frequently damaged by baggage handlers; to prevent this, carry any detachable parts, such as a seat cushion, onto the plane.

5. Book Hotels Wisely

Make room reservations early at hotels located in the city center and near major sights.

“You are competing with the rest of the people who have disabilities from around the world for a handful of rooms. The longer you wait, the worse the location and you’ll have to take a bus or taxi to see the attractions,” said Sage, whose Sage Traveling business typically reserves European hotels nine months in advance.

6. Plan How You’ll Get Around

Transporting mobility devices usually requires getting around in an accessible vehicle. In London, where the black cabs come with small ramps built into the floorboards, it’s fairly easy to hail an accessible taxi. Other destinations may have only a small number of accessible taxis and frequently must be booked 24 hours or even days in advance.

Typically, subways are not a good choice for wheelchair users, since elevators are nonexistent or inoperable. Many cities do have accessible city buses with ramps, though.

7. Be Flexible

Traveling has given Witt a new feeling of independence. Along the way, she’s learned it’s OK to ask others — even strangers — for assistance.

“Having a disability makes you resourceful and you learn to adapt to your physical environment,” she said. Now, she knows traveling requires pacing herself. Sometimes, she opts to stay on the tour bus and view the sights from afar.

“I’m stressed before I go, but I feel really good when I get back — I’ve seen the world,” she said.

Nine Tips to Decrease the Behaviors of Sundowning

October 9, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

By Suzi Bottlinger, Sunset Home Social Worker

Sundowner’s Syndrome or sundowning are terms related to behaviors that are experienced by someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia and happens around the time the sun goes down. There are many theories about why those with Sundowner’s Syndrome experience this, though it is known to be related to brain exhaustion. Increased confusion, agitation, sleep disturbances, and restlessness are just a few of the symptoms/behaviors of sundowning.

Typically sundowning occurs around dusk, though some experience it earlier in the afternoon. As the sun goes down and shadows are created, the shapes and change in lighting is distorted and has a negative effect on this person with Dementia. Because of the cognitive impairment, much of their communication is through non-verbal body language, which results in behaviors observed by the caregiver. Environmental stimulants such as radio/television, mowing, noise, or physical changes in living space certainly can contribute to agitation seen during the sundowning hours. Anxiety and exit seeking are common behaviors related to sundowning. It is exacerbated if the person has a history of and/or is currently abusing alcohol or drugs. Sundowning experiences may be individualized due to personalities, previous and current health diagnoses and treatment, and psychosocial factors

It is important for caregivers to be educated on Sundowner’s Syndrome to be able to provide effective support. Discussing symptoms of sundowning with the primary care physician is important so the doctor is aware of the progression of the disease and can help guide the caregiver. Keeping a log or journal of days, times, frequency and behaviors observed is helpful. Providing details of this log to the doctor is valuable in identifying possible physical health situations versus Sundowner’s Syndrome. Other health problems may influence behaviors; also, thus involving the doctor is essential. There are occasions that medication is prescribed to address the behaviors that result from sundowning. Medications are usually recommended only after the caregiver has exhausted all attempts to help the person and were not successful.

Below are some tips to decrease the behaviors that result from sundowning:

Maintain a schedule for consistency
Schedule outings in the morning
Do not have caffeine intake in the afternoon
Assure proper lighting
Incorporate daily exercise into daily routine, preferable in morning
Encouraging a nap after the noon meal will help the person be more relaxed
Be aware of outside influences of noise, distractions, etc. that could be negative
Be patient
Expect repetitive questions and provide reassurance

7 Great Smartphone Fitness Apps for People 50+

September 19, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

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Need to get off the couch or lose a few pounds? These apps can help.

By Nancy Fitzgerald for Next Avenue

Kathy Rocchetti, 58, knew she needed to get in shape. It wasn’t her doctor who told her; it was her jeans.

“It was getting tough to pull them up over my hips,” the Philadelphia woman recalls, “and it was almost impossible to button them.” Now, 20 pounds lighter, those jeans glide right on and look like a million bucks.

What was the secret to her success? “Lots of things,” Rocchetti admits, including a wellness program at work. “But a big part of it were the fitness apps on my smartphone. It was like having a coach sitting on my desk all day, telling me to take a quick walk, do some stretches,or drink some more water. And when I’d go out with friends after work, a quick glance at my phone helped me decide what to order and what to stay away from. Apps like My Fitness Pal were great tools to help me reach my goal. Plus, they made it so much fun,” she says.

Putting Your Phone to Work

Rocchetti is part of a growing trend. In a recent AARP survey, 77 percent of participants aged 50-plus reported that fitness apps were useful. And smartphone fitness is definitely not just for twentysomethings — after all, 74 percent of people between 50 and 64 own a smartphone. Maybe you do, too. If so, like Rocchetti, you can put it to work to help you get stronger, slimmer and more energetic.

“The beauty of using smartphones for fitness is that they’re already embedded in our lives — you don’t have to go out and buy another device,” says Ted Vickey, professor of kinesiology at Point Loma University and senior adviser on fitness technology for the American Council on Exercise. “As long as your phone is with you, it can track everything from your daily steps to your pulse rate — and even the quality of your sleep. Plus, it can provide a powerful sense of social support when you share your accomplishments and challenges with family and friends.”

Huge Variety of Offerings

No matter your fitness level right now, there’s an app for you.

Just getting off the couch? Try the built-in fitness app that’s already on your phone. An iPhone has the Apple Health app, which counts your daily steps, tracks the number of flights you climb and analyzes your sleep; Android phones have similar built-in fitness features, like Samsung Health and Google Fit.

“Start out with one simple app and get comfortable playing with it,” advises Fabio Comana, faculty instructor with the National Academy of Sports Medicine in San Diego. “Use it to be more self-aware and build healthy habits. And when you’ve conquered that app, move on to the next level. Decide what your fitness goals are and find a new app to try.”

That’s easy — there are untold numbers of apps to choose from. Based on recommendations from experts, here’s a list of seven of the best. Most are free, though there may be charges for premium versions.

7 Great Fitness Apps

My Fitness Pal. Free for iOS and Android. Want to drop a few pounds — or just eat healthier? There’s an app for that. My Fitness Pal is a one-stop shop for setting your weight-loss goals, recording what you eat and tracking all your activities. With a food database of more than 5 million items and a barcode scanner, you can make the best choices at home, in the supermarket and in restaurants. There’s even a recipe importer to help you cook healthfully — and creatively.
Map My Walk. Free for iOS and Android. Walking is one of the best ways to get in shape. Just lace up your sneakers and download this free app. It uses the GPS in your phone to map out walking routes and records details of your workout, including duration, distance, pace, speed and even elevation. It’ll calculate the number of calories you’ve burned and even generate a history of your walks, so you can track your progress over time. (If you’re a runner or a cyclist, try Map My Run or Map My Ride.)
Pocket Yoga. Free for iOS and Android. Yoga can help you lower blood pressure, ease stress, reduce back pain and even lose weight. But if you’re intimidated by the yoga pants and the pretzel-shaped poses, here’s a simple, gentle way to get started at home. From a database of illustrations and videos that show you how to do more than 200 poses designed by certified yoga instructors, you can begin your personalized yoga practice — or move on to a more advanced level.
Johnson & Johnson Official 7-Minute Workout. Free for iOS and Android. Short on time? Who isn’t? With this app, that’s no excuse not to exercise. Move through an easy seven-minute workout for beginners; if you’re more advanced, try more accelerated versions. Find short instructional videos and a timer that keeps you on task for those seven precious minutes. And, because the app includes a rest interval between each portion of the workout, this is a great way to do interval training, which can help improve heart health and control glucose.
Instant Heart Rate. Free for iOS and Android. Everyone knows that exercise can make your heart healthier. But how much exercise is too much — and how can you determine that “sweet spot?” Doctors say the best way is to monitor your heart rate, and the easiest way to do that is with this app. Just put the tip of your index finger on the camera lens of your phone and voila — an accurate reading in seconds, plus reports and charts.
Tai Chi for Seniors. iOS $3.99. This ancient Chinese practice has been called “meditation in motion.” It’s great for both your mind and your body. Studies show tai chi improves flexibility, increases muscle strength and helps with balance and aerobic conditioning. With this app, find 64 demonstration videos with step-by step instruction from a tai chi master, and audio guides, too. Everything you need to begin your healthful tai chi practice.
iRideInside. iOS $3.99. Has your stationary bike morphed into a coat rack or gathered dust in the basement? Turn it back into a great fitness tool with this app. Customize your workout according to your fitness level, choose music to listen to as you pedal, enjoy coaching videos while you ride and get reports to track your progress.

3 Aging Decisions to Make Before Someone Does for You

September 5, 2017 by Andrea Hikel 1 Comment

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Even if we need to give things up, we can still decide when and how

By Debbie Reslock for Next Avenue

Sometimes, growing older feels like one loss after another. No longer being able to drive or stay in our own home is difficult to accept. If we feel we are forced into those decisions, it can be harder still.

Yet when we put off making the decisions ourselves, others are pressed to step in. On the other hand, when we understand what we’re afraid of, we’re able to discover options that can alleviate the fear and take responsibility for the decisions that are truly ours to make. Here are three aging decisions to make before someone makes them for you:

1. The Decision to Stop Driving

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers in their 50s and 60s have one of the lowest crash rates of any age. This starts to rise after the late 60s and early 70s and increases more rapidly after 75. But there’s not a universal age when driving is no longer safe.

What we fear most is the loss of independence. Having a car means freedom. Asking for rides feels like we’re a burden. It affects our health as well.

“You can age at home, but if you can’t drive or have access to transportation services, it can be very isolating,” says Natalie Galucia, executive director of the St. Louis-based Village to Village Network. The network collaborates to support the Village Movement, a membership organization that provides key services for aging-in-place.

To make the driving decision yourself, first complete a short self-assessment for an honest look at your driving skills. Then, make adjustments to your driving if needed. There’s a wide range of choices before hanging up the keys, including taking a refresher driving course or avoiding high-speed highways. Finally, determine how you’ll decide if it is time to stop driving. Plan for that day and what possibilities will help you keep your freedom.

You should also consider alternatives to driving. These include: the local bus or rail system, which often provides discount fares for those 65+; transportation offered through senior centers, churches or other organizations; membership to The Villages or similar programs providing transportation and ride services including Uber, Lyft or taxis. Depending on your area, accessible vehicles are often available.

2. The Decision to Stay in Your Home

The first choice here may be deciding where your home will be. The presence of adult children in multiple states or recreational preferences all weigh on the decision. Many things can play a role in whether to stay put, according to Lyndall Hare, a Charlotte, N.C., gerontologist.

And it’s not just the dwelling we may need to worry about. “If you’re living in areas of the country that are booming, you may be getting pushed out,” Hare says. “As gentrification sets in, property taxes increase and some might find they can no longer afford their neighborhood.”

We can struggle with the choices, but we’re trying to hang on to our self-sufficiency. And we often ignore reality when we say we want to age in homes that can’t support that. “What worked for you in your 30s, 40s and 50s may not work the same when you’re in your 60s, 70s and 80s,” says Galucia.

Review the checklist from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for what makes an age-friendly home. Then, talk to a remodeler about which modifications your house might need. (The NAHB has a list of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists.)

Think, too, about what situations might make you uncomfortable living alone and actions you can take to avoid them.

“We need a sense of belonging wherever we live, so if you do move, consider how you’ll integrate yourself into the new community,” Hare says. And if you don’t move, those you count on for support might, so be ready for change, she adds.

Moving to a home in an active adult community offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, built-in activities and opportunities to make friends.

3. The Decision to Take Care of Yourself

Struggling with daily life not only presents challenges as we age but can contribute to depression and isolation.

No longer being self-reliant is hard to accept, but it can be the reality. If help is needed, some people find professional assistance more comfortable than care from a family member. But cost is often a factor.

To make this decision, research in-home and home-health care services and their costs, familiarize yourself with your local Area Agency on Aging’s services and review your finances to determine additional resources you might need for home care.

Then, consider alternative options such as:

Adult day centers that offer meals, transportation or activities
Home health care services provided by licensed professionals, including physical or occupational therapists and nurses
Home care agencies that help with the activities of daily living
Local programs that combine all three

The Need to Be Proactive

We’re not the first generation to navigate aging, and some aspects never change. “Frailty will look the same, even for baby boomers,” says Price. “But the interactions and how we approach it can be different.”

We didn’t make it this far without knowing that life can go its own way, regardless of our plans. But if we want to make our own decisions about how we live, we need to be proactive.

“Ask yourself what your life will look like 20, 30 or 40 years down the road, what might need to change, and then start making some of those changes now,” Galucia recommends. “Because if you wait till later, it can be a crisis or need an emergency-type fix,” she says.

And that’s a sure way the decisions can be taken out of our hands.

The VA Program That Pays for Long-term Care for Vets

August 3, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

This little-known benefit can be a help, but expect red tape.

By Richard Eisenberg for Next Avenue, written in 2015

Here’s a frightening statistic from the just-released United States of Aging survey: Only three percent of professionals supporting people 60 and older say they are very confident older Americans will be able to afford their health care costs as they age. (The survey was conducted by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, National Council on Aging and UnitedHealthcare.) One reason: The steep and rising cost of long-term care.

What Long-Term Care Costs Now

The median price of a private room in a nursing home is $91,250, up 4.17 percent from a year ago, according to Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Long-Term Care Survey. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College estimates 44 percent of men and 58 percent of women will use nursing home care. Many more will need long-term care in assisted living facilities or at home.

This is why I want to tell you about a little-known Veterans Administration (VA) program that pays for some long-term care costs for vets and their families, called the Aid and Attendance Benefit.

(Sorry for sounding like one of those reverse-mortgage TV commercials.) You might want to check out Aid and Attendance for yourself or for your parents.

Never heard of this benefit, which has been around for more than 60 years and covers some expenses for in-home care, nursing homes and assisted living facilities? You’re in good company. “I think it’s wildly underpublicized,” said Maureen Lyons of the Moynihan Lyons estate planning and elder law firm in Riverside, Calif.

The Little-Known VA Long-term Care Benefit

By one estimate, only five percent of vets entitled to the benefit apply for it. In a January 2015 Los Angeles Daily News article, Robert W. McKenrick, of the VA’s Los Angeles Regional Benefit Office, said: “My personal opinion is that if one veteran is unaware of their benefits, that’s one too many.”

Honorably-discharged wartime veterans older than 65 and their widowed spouses who are eligible for a VA pension and require the “aid and attendance” of another person or are housebound may be eligible for what the VA calls “additional pension benefits for care assistance in the home or in an assisted living community.”

Aid and Attendance pays up to: $1,788 per month to a single veteran, $1,149 to a surviving spouse, $2,120 to a married veteran and $2,837 to a veteran couple. The benefit is tax-free.

Who Is Eligible for Aid and Attendance

To qualify, the applicant must either:

Require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, undressing, bathing, cooking and eating
Be bedridden
Be a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
Or have eyesight limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less

Now here’s the catch: applying for and receiving the money is daunting.

“It sucks the life out of anyone who attempts to crawl through the maze of paperwork and process,” wrote Randi Kreiss in The Riverdale Press.

The VA says it takes 156 days (roughly five months), on average, for an Aid and Attendance claim to be processed after someone applies by writing to a VA regional office and submitting evidence. But some frustrated applicants have run into infuriating red tape and much longer waits.

One Vet’s Three-Year Wait

The Daily News article cited the heartbreaking story of Frank Fassnacht, an 84-year-old former projectionist for Disney who’s now living in a Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) home. He applied for Aid and Attendance three years ago, according to Naomi Rodda, MPTF’s Director of Community Services.

Said Rodda: “We keep getting the runaround. The turnover there is so high it’s hard to find a consistent person to help you. In the five years I’ve been doing this, I’m now working with my fifth different VA service officer.”

I first learned about Aid and Attendance from Lyons when we both participated in the recent Intergenerational Summit on Aging sponsored by Kendal, a not-for-profit provider of retirement communities and services, and hosted by public television station WHYY-TV of Philadelphia, Pa.

Tips for Applying for the VA Benefit

Here’s Lyons’ advice to others who want to receive this VA pension supplement:

You may be denied the Aid and Attendance benefit if your assets are too large. “The VA doesn’t have a hard and fast rule on how much assets you can have,” said Lyons. “I’ve found that it’s generally not more than $80,000, depending on your age.” (That doesn’t include your home.)

Get help from an elder law attorney to apply. The rules and paperwork can be a bear, so a pro who’s familiar with them can make the process more tolerable. The lawyer may also be able to assist you in preserving assets and get the benefit. “A lot of middle-class folks can really benefit from this sort of planning,” said Lyons.

Be prepared to document your long-term care expenses and provide all the application materials. “You must show the VA your ongoing prescription and in-home or assisted living expenses every month,” said Lyons. “And if you had a previous marriage, you must show the VA your divorce decree.”

Be patient. “When I was doing this a few years ago, it could take nine months before a client saw the money. Lately, it’s been more like four months,” said Lyons.

You can learn more about the Aid and Attendance program at the VA’s website.

9 Ways Family Caregivers Can Get a Break

July 17, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

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Here’s how to get respite care, and sometimes get help paying for it

By Sherri Snelling for Next Avenue

“Respite care” can be a little difficult to understand. The words don’t make it clear who is being helped. The “care” goes to the person who needs it due to illness or disability. The “respite” — a chance to rest and recharge — goes to the family member or other volunteer who would normally be on the spot, doing the caring. As for who gets helped by this? Everybody does.

“If family caregivers don’t take the time needed to care for themselves, we will face an additional health care crisis,” says Lily Sarafan, CEO of California-based Home Care Assistance, which provides support services including respite care. “Caregiver burnout can be associated with serious health issues including depression, and yet burnout is still not recognized as a real health issue in the eyes of many caregivers. Families and communities need to develop sustainable care plans that do not just rely on a single individual.”

Even when caregivers do recognize their need for respite, they might not seek it. For many, it’s hard to carve out the time or money to arrange respite care.

One place that tries to make the process easier for caregivers is the nonprofit ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center. ARCH is a searchable online state-by-state guide to respite service providers and sources of funding to help pay for care.

“Don’t wait until a crisis to use respite,” says Jill Kagan, ARCH’s program director. “If you wait until you are overwhelmed, it is less effective than if you plan consistent respite breaks.”

Here are eight more places that can help families get respite care:

Government-Funded Programs for Respite Care

Eldercare.gov / Your Local Area Agency on Aging — Eldercare.gov is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging. It has a searchable locator feature for finding aging and caregiving resources, and it will lead you to one of the best one-stop-shops for help in your region, your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). AAAs are knowledgeable about all federal, state and local programs that might apply to your situation, including respite services and any financial aid that might be available to you. There are, for example, waiver and voucher programs that provide free respite care covered by Medicaid for those who meet program requirements. Kagan cautions that the waiting list for these programs is long, however. AAAs also administer federal dollars from initiatives such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Federal money that AAAs distribute to service providers in your community helps subsidize those services and lowers out-of-pocket costs for families.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — If you are caring for a veteran, look into the respite care provisions of the Veterans Administration (VA) Standard Medical Benefits Package, which allows for 30 days of free respite care per year for qualifying veterans and caregivers. The respite can be provided in the home, through an adult day care center or through VA nursing homes called Community Living Centers.

Legacy Corps — This program for military families and caregivers is part of AmeriCorps, run by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. Legacy Corps volunteers, many of them military veterans and caregivers themselves, provide companionship in the home to care recipients — up to 10 hours a week, in some cases — allowing the family caregiver to take a break. Caregivers must apply and be accepted. Get more information on Legacy Corps through the VA Benefits Administration office in your area or through your region’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Most ADRCs are part of an Area Agency on Aging. If your ADRC is a separate entity, your AAA will be able to help you connect with it.

Nonprofit Grant Providers for Respite Care

Some organizations offer support specific to the illness or disability a family is dealing with, including these two programs for Alzheimer’s respite care:

Hilarity for Charity — This nonprofit, started by actor-comedian Seth Rogen and his wife Lauren Miller Rogen, has provided grants for 191,000 hours of respite care for families living with Alzheimer’s disease. Care is provided by Hilarity for Charity’s partner in this project, the Home Instead Senior Care Network. Caregivers can apply at Hilarity for Charity.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America—The foundation provides annual grants to its nonprofit member organizations for respite care in local communities. Find out which organizations provide grants to caregivers at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website.

Additional Respite Care Tips for Further Exploration

Try reaching out to other disease-related organizations (e.g., the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, Easter Seals) to ask about grants or programs that give free or reduced-cost respite care. Check also with adult day care centers and faith-based organizations. Many have ways to provide or support respite care. Again, your Area Agency on Aging might know about these resources and be able to help you connect with them.

Programs also exist outside of the usual caregiving settings. The Family Caregiver Alliance based in San Francisco offers Bay Area residents a Camp for Caring. In this successful 20-year-old program, care recipients are cared for in a “camp” setting with health care professionals while family caregivers can stay at home and take a break.

Employers, Friends, Family

Your Workplace — A 2016 report from the Society for Human Resource Management showed both good and bad trends for working caregivers. On the positive side, 75 percent of employers with 50 or more employees provide full (unpaid) family and medical leave coverage under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), up to 12 weeks of leave. Some states, such as California, have paid leave under the FMLA. The report also found that the number of employers offering access to respite care has doubled since 2005. Still, only six percent of all employers include this respite care benefit in their employee assistance programs. Check with your employer to learn which benefits are available to you as a caregiver.

Online Hubs for Care Coordination — Several online communities have been created to ease the task that falls to caregivers when friends and family want to help out — specifically helping with coordination. Most of these sites offer an online calendar where the caregiver can list tasks for which he or she would like help: grocery shopping, picking kids up from school, sitting with the care recipient so the caregiver can take a jog or a yoga class. Using these sites requires being willing to ask for help and inviting your friends and family into your private online community so they can see what you need and volunteer to do it. Two of the largest of these sites are Lotsa Helping Hands, which supports more than 100,000 caregiver online communities, and CaringBridge.

Caregiver Co-ops — These co-ops let caregivers bank “social capital” in the form of volunteer hours. Individual co-ops decide how their banking system will work, but in general the principle is that a caregiver who gives volunteer hours to help another caregiver can ask for equivalent hours of help from co-op members later on. Ask around at caregiver support groups to see if there’s a caregiver co-op in your community. Or consider starting a co-op with other caregivers you know.

8 Things to Avoid This Summer If You Have Allergies

June 16, 2017 by Andrea Hikel Leave a Comment

With the weather working against you, here are ways to limit symptoms

By Robin Wilson for Next Avenue

With the hot and humid weather of summer, the symptoms of allergies are in full swing for many. As an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and author of Clean Design: Wellness for Your Lifestyle, I want to help you keep those symptoms to a minimum. Here are eight things to keep in mind:

Fruit is not always your friend. Many of our favorite fruits, from apples and bananas to peaches and plums, can cause symptoms similar to grass or tree pollen reactions. If you are sensitive, place the fruit in the microwave for 10 seconds to deactivate the proteins, and never eat the peel.
Cleaner is not always better. In general, the old saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” is true. However, a little exposure to dirt and germs is actually a good thing, because it strengthens the immune system. When cleaning, always use a non-toxic cleaner, and remove excess books, magazines and other clutter from your sleeping area to reduce dust buildup.
A vintage pillow equals heavy symptoms. If your pillow is older than three years and has not been washed, it weighs more now than when you bought it and is loaded with dust mites that are next to your face while you sleep. Get a new one. Use hypoallergenic pillows rather than down, and put on a zippered pillow protector that you wash weekly for a double barrier. Wash your pillow twice a year and replace pillows every three years.
There’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Poodles, Labradoodles and Yorkshire terriers are all considered hypoallergenic because they don’t shed hair, but there’s no scientific proof that these breeds produce lower amounts of Can f 1, the most common dog allergen. Avoid exposure to pets, never allow them on the bed and always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after playing with an animal.
Tear out the carpet. Tile and hardwood floors are a much better choice, but must be vacuumed or cleaned on a regular basis to eliminate dirt and dust. Shake out and vacuum area rugs on a regular basis, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You can also use a HEPA air purifier to keep your home’s air as clean and safe as possible. The true HEPA filter captures up to 99.97 percent of microscopic airborne particles such as dust, pollen and pet dander that pass through the filters (that is as small as 0.3 microns — 250 times smaller than the width of a human hair).
Watch out for indoor mold. Mold is a huge trigger for allergies and asthma, and it’s more prevalent than you realize. Watch for mold in the dishwasher and refrigerator pan which can build up quickly and with very little warning; on your air conditioning system and on any wood, paper or cotton materials that sit in water for too long.
Freeze stuffed toys. Your child or grandchild’s favorite stuffed animals can harbor dust mites, which can trigger allergies and asthma. Freeze all stuffed toys for 24 hours in a Ziploc bag to prevent buildup at least once a month
Keep the outside world from coming in. Always take off your shoes before returning indoors and keep all outdoor tools and toys in a garage or shed. If not, you will be dragging the outdoor dirt and pollen into your living area, and provoking allergies and asthma.

Tough Conversations with an Aging Parent

May 15, 2017 by Andrea Hikel 1 Comment

Whoever said being a kid was going to be easy! As our parents age, we are met with the dilemma of the realization that they may not be the same way they used to be. When we were small, we looked to our parents to be strong, competent and to have all of the answers. Now the tables may have turned slightly, and it can be hard to accept. Tough conversations, many of them much like they may have had with us growing up, are now up to us to have with them. Here are just a few of the dreaded topics that can any child of a senior parent may encounter.

DRIVING

What do you say when you know your parent is no longer fit to drive? Hoping that your parent will just come to the realization that they are no longer capable due to vision problems, hearing, reaction time, etc., well, that probably isn’t going to happen. If you think they are just going to come up to you and hand over the keys, think again. Asking your parent to drive with you in the vehicle to allow you to access their driving skills can give you an insight into how serious the issue may be. Before starting the conversation, have some ideas for solutions such as a schedule for you or another sibling or friend to drive them to appointments, grocery shopping etc. This is also an opportunity to spend quality time with your parent. Some of my most fond memories are of when I took my grandmother to her weekly grocery shopping trip. Because she could no longer drive safely, we had a standing “date” for our weekly outing. Sometimes we would go out to eat afterwards or go home and cook together.

NUTRITION AND MEDICATION

Staying healthy means eating regular meals and taking medications as directed. As we age, our taste buds may not function efficiently. Food doesn’t taste the way it used to. Appetite may decrease. Access to food that is appealing or packaging that is hard to open can deter seniors from eating. Forgetfulness or not understanding how important medications are can lead to skipped doses, or overdosing. Going over favorite foods, opening packages and putting food into easy access containers can be helpful. Cooking small meals and putting them into freezer safe /microwave safe containers is another way to insure a meal is ready to eat. Setting up meds in a weekly dose type container makes it easier for seniors to keep up with.

BILLS AND FINANCES

Managing finances can be tricky. Most people do not want to turn over their checkbook or bill paying to someone else. This is a real control issue and needs to be taken on with respect for your parents. Ask them about having bills automatically paid through the bank, and deposits such as social security checks made directly into their account. Control is maintained and at the same time, transactions are made securely.

PERSONAL CARE AND HYGIENE

This is a delicate issue and a hard topic to approach. It can range in severity from incontinence, to skipping showers, to not going to the eye doctor or making that appointment for a hearing screening. Poor hygiene is one of the early signs that something is wrong. Sometimes one parent will try to take care of the other, and the result is that usually they both suffer. The caretaker ends up in as bad shape or worse, as the person they are trying to care for. Suggesting home health come in to assist may not be met with acceptance by your parent. Sometimes involving their physician to help make the idea seem more of a medical issue (which it really is) will be necessary.

There are many topics that come up as our parents age, but the most important thing to remember is to allow them to maintain their respect and dignity. Don’t talk down to your parents. Don’t treat them like children. Listen! Remember to allow them to express their ideas, fears and concerns and discuss them truthfully. Freedom and control are two important parts of life that we feel like we lose as we age. Someone is always telling us what we can’t do anymore. Sometimes our bodies let us know before anyone has to tell us! All any of us can ask is that we are allowed to do as much as we possibly can for as long as we want to do it. Sometimes the combination of issues related to health and well-being are such that the conversation about assisted living or skilled nursing must be discussed.

Visiting an assisted living and touring skilled nursing can take some of the fear out of what that can be like. Times have changed and these types of environments can be enjoyable and enriching while providing peace of mind for safety and security. The important thing is allow our parents to keep living.

Article written by Sunset Home Director of Nursing Sandra Van Zandt, a program of Lutheran Sunset Ministries.

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