Spotlight on Elder Law: How to Hire a Home Health Aide and Keep Future Medicaid Eligibility
As long term care needs increase, hiring home health aides often becomes necessary. Paying an aide, however, if not done correctly, can cause Medicaid ineligibility years later, after funds run out.
Qualifying for Medicaid requires spending down assets below $2000. Transferring assets may cause Medicaid ineligibility if you do not receive something of equal value back. Medicaid calls this a "penalty". However, and this is key, you must prove to Medicaid that assets transferred are not subject to a penalty. If you pay the aide cash (or check) but don't keep proper records Medicaid will assess a penalty. The aide may be reluctant to give you anything in writing, either because of immigration or income tax issues.
The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by the average cost of nursing home care. When one applies for Medicaid there is now a 5 year lookback period, meaning Medicaid will look back 5 years from the date of the application to find transfers. They will add together all the transfers made during that time. The penalty will begin when all other assets have been spent down and the individual enters a nursing home and applies for Medicaid.
Let's say Jane hires a home health aide at $700 per week cash, or $3000 per month. She keeps the aide 3 years until her funds run out and now needs round the clock care. A nursing home becomes the only option. She applies for Medicaid but is told, "Sorry, you're not eligible for 16.2 months. You'll have to private pay until then." Of course, Jane has no more money. She'll have to come up with the funds some other way, perhaps from family members. But at $8500 per month or more that may not be possible.
How did Jane get into this mess? Because Medicaid treated her payments to the aide ($108,000) as transfers subject to a penalty. How can you avoid Jane's problem? By keeping records to prove the payments were not gifts, which probably means paying withholding taxes and workers compensation insurance. Another, perhaps better, solution is to hire a home health agency that will supply the aide. Your contract with the agency will satisfy Medicaid that no gift is involved.
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Tune in to Yale Hauptman's monthly audio podcast on elder law issues at www.elderlawtodaypodcast.com.If you're not yet on our mailing list go to http://hauptmanlaw.com/requestinfo.asp to sign up.
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Spotlight on Elder Law is distributed for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information or to receive future mailings contact Yale S. Hauptman at Hauptman & Hauptman, P.C.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Time is Not on Your Caregiving Side
Time is not on your caregiving side
by Joy Loverde
If you don’t make good use of your time when you are gathered together as family during this holiday season, you will never ever get that kind of quality time to make plans for the future with your aging parents. In the eldercare world, change happens quickly. If you choose to say and do nothing this time of year, you lose. There is a reason why my book, The Complete Eldercare Planner is over 350 pages long. THERE’S A LOT OF STUFF TO PLAN FOR AND TALK ABOUT right now.
The possibility that your parents may need the family’s help down the road is real. And while it may be difficult to think about the day you hope will never come, doing nothing to plan for family caregiving responsibilities will leave the entire family in even worse shape — emotionally, financially and otherwise.
As a rule, family holiday gatherings are not the ideal time to discuss parent-care issues or to resolve them. Besides, who wants to spoil the festive atmosphere by talking about a potential hotbed of depressing emotional issues such as eldercare? Instead of trying to talk to your parents about their future well being during family holiday visits, try these three tips instead:
1. Before the holiday family visit – pick up the phone and call your siblings. Tell them of any present and future concerns you may have about your parents. Let them know how you feel about the importance of planning ahead should anything happen to Mom or Dad. Make a specific request that when everybody is together in person that they join you in looking and listening for clues that your parents may need help sooner rather than later.
2. During holiday family visits – the most efficient use of physically being together is watching for tell-tale signs that problems may exist. Are your parents walking slower or having difficulty climbing stairs? Are you sensing they are becoming more forgetful? Do you suspect they are having trouble making ends meet financially?
3. After the holidays – Arrange a family meeting – over the phone or in-person, and discuss your observations with your siblings; then make a date to talk with your parents about your concerns.
by Joy Loverde
If you don’t make good use of your time when you are gathered together as family during this holiday season, you will never ever get that kind of quality time to make plans for the future with your aging parents. In the eldercare world, change happens quickly. If you choose to say and do nothing this time of year, you lose. There is a reason why my book, The Complete Eldercare Planner is over 350 pages long. THERE’S A LOT OF STUFF TO PLAN FOR AND TALK ABOUT right now.
The possibility that your parents may need the family’s help down the road is real. And while it may be difficult to think about the day you hope will never come, doing nothing to plan for family caregiving responsibilities will leave the entire family in even worse shape — emotionally, financially and otherwise.
As a rule, family holiday gatherings are not the ideal time to discuss parent-care issues or to resolve them. Besides, who wants to spoil the festive atmosphere by talking about a potential hotbed of depressing emotional issues such as eldercare? Instead of trying to talk to your parents about their future well being during family holiday visits, try these three tips instead:
1. Before the holiday family visit – pick up the phone and call your siblings. Tell them of any present and future concerns you may have about your parents. Let them know how you feel about the importance of planning ahead should anything happen to Mom or Dad. Make a specific request that when everybody is together in person that they join you in looking and listening for clues that your parents may need help sooner rather than later.
2. During holiday family visits – the most efficient use of physically being together is watching for tell-tale signs that problems may exist. Are your parents walking slower or having difficulty climbing stairs? Are you sensing they are becoming more forgetful? Do you suspect they are having trouble making ends meet financially?
3. After the holidays – Arrange a family meeting – over the phone or in-person, and discuss your observations with your siblings; then make a date to talk with your parents about your concerns.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Elderly and Depression: How to Understand Depression in the Elderly
11/30/2009 - Articles
Elderly and depression: How to understand Depression in the elderly 1/4
By: Heinz Redwood
Depression in the elderly is very common. It can be triggered by social isolation and the emotional reaction to the loss of loved family members or friends. Depression in the elderly can make them withdraw from all social contact. ‘Depression is perhaps the most frequent cause of emotional suffering in later life’ said Dan G Blazer, Professor of Psychiatry at DukeUniversity. Being socially isolated, particularly after the death of a partner, and co-existing illness may contribute towards depression in elderly. Depression often goes undiagnosed or untreated so it becomes an increasing public health issue in our ageing society. The challenge, then, is more one of managing depression effectively in later life rather than understanding the condition.
How widespread is depression among older people? Recent surveys suggest a prevalence between 1.8% in the over 55s to 15% in those over 85. While depression is actually less prevalent among the old, compared to the young, major depression may be more common. There is also a clear link between chronic disease and depression, with those in nursing homes showing higher rates than those living in the community. But is the link a causal one? We know that illness can cause depression (and vice versa), but we cannot be sure residents of nursing homes are depressed because they are ill or because their care is not sufficiently ‘caring’.
And when it comes to the gender gap, it’s well known that women are more prone to depression in Europe and North America. But a new study from China, covering 2,633 adults, showed that the gender difference is insignificant, save in the 35-49 age group where lifetime prevalence for major depression for men was 3.6% compared to 2.3% for women.
There is also a cultural dimension to elderly depression. A meta-analysis of nine European centres revealed a prevalence of 8.8% in Iceland in the 88-89 age group compared to 23.6% in Munich in the over 85s. And, among the ‘oldest old’ 2% declared ‘life not worth living’ and 3% ‘wish to be dead’ in Iceland, compared to 16% and 25% in Berlin and 30% and 29% in Munich. The researchers wondered if some lingering distress from the Second World War could account for high rates of depression among very elderly Germans.
Causes of depression in the elderly:
Pain, functional limitations, visual impairment, stroke, loneliness, lack of social support, negative life events, and perceived inadequacy of care have all been linked to depression in the elderly. Living alone or being socially isolated is also a risk factor for depression. It is certainly possible that, if personal privacy were very important to the resident, a perceived lack of privacy could contribute to feelings of depression. Browse through HealthandAge's Information for Caregivers for tips on choosing nursing homes/care facilities and recognizing depression in the elderly.
Finally, a number of risk factors for elderly depression have been identified, including medical burden, bereavement, chronic insomnia, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
If you are concerned about Depression in the elderly, you might want to read the following articles:
Menopause and Depression: Myth versus RealityAlcohol and Depression: Is There a Relationship?Depression and Sexual ActivityWhen the Problem is 'Depression'
Source:
adapted from ‘Elderly depression. 1. Its prevalence, causes and implications for society’ Heinz Redwood, August 2009.
Elderly and depression: How to understand Depression in the elderly 1/4
By: Heinz Redwood
Depression in the elderly is very common. It can be triggered by social isolation and the emotional reaction to the loss of loved family members or friends. Depression in the elderly can make them withdraw from all social contact. ‘Depression is perhaps the most frequent cause of emotional suffering in later life’ said Dan G Blazer, Professor of Psychiatry at DukeUniversity. Being socially isolated, particularly after the death of a partner, and co-existing illness may contribute towards depression in elderly. Depression often goes undiagnosed or untreated so it becomes an increasing public health issue in our ageing society. The challenge, then, is more one of managing depression effectively in later life rather than understanding the condition.
How widespread is depression among older people? Recent surveys suggest a prevalence between 1.8% in the over 55s to 15% in those over 85. While depression is actually less prevalent among the old, compared to the young, major depression may be more common. There is also a clear link between chronic disease and depression, with those in nursing homes showing higher rates than those living in the community. But is the link a causal one? We know that illness can cause depression (and vice versa), but we cannot be sure residents of nursing homes are depressed because they are ill or because their care is not sufficiently ‘caring’.
And when it comes to the gender gap, it’s well known that women are more prone to depression in Europe and North America. But a new study from China, covering 2,633 adults, showed that the gender difference is insignificant, save in the 35-49 age group where lifetime prevalence for major depression for men was 3.6% compared to 2.3% for women.
There is also a cultural dimension to elderly depression. A meta-analysis of nine European centres revealed a prevalence of 8.8% in Iceland in the 88-89 age group compared to 23.6% in Munich in the over 85s. And, among the ‘oldest old’ 2% declared ‘life not worth living’ and 3% ‘wish to be dead’ in Iceland, compared to 16% and 25% in Berlin and 30% and 29% in Munich. The researchers wondered if some lingering distress from the Second World War could account for high rates of depression among very elderly Germans.
Causes of depression in the elderly:
Pain, functional limitations, visual impairment, stroke, loneliness, lack of social support, negative life events, and perceived inadequacy of care have all been linked to depression in the elderly. Living alone or being socially isolated is also a risk factor for depression. It is certainly possible that, if personal privacy were very important to the resident, a perceived lack of privacy could contribute to feelings of depression. Browse through HealthandAge's Information for Caregivers for tips on choosing nursing homes/care facilities and recognizing depression in the elderly.
Finally, a number of risk factors for elderly depression have been identified, including medical burden, bereavement, chronic insomnia, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
If you are concerned about Depression in the elderly, you might want to read the following articles:
Menopause and Depression: Myth versus RealityAlcohol and Depression: Is There a Relationship?Depression and Sexual ActivityWhen the Problem is 'Depression'
Source:
adapted from ‘Elderly depression. 1. Its prevalence, causes and implications for society’ Heinz Redwood, August 2009.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Holidays with Alzheimer's Disease
Posted on Dec. 6th, 2009
By Jo Nelson
Holiday time is coming up, and for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be a very challenging time of the year. Here are some suggestions to help you and your loved one to have a safe and happy season together in spite of the obstacles.
In the midst of putting up decorations, rearranging furniture and putting up Christmas trees, the person with Alzheimer’s will do better in an environment that is as consistent as possible. Try not to move the furniture more than absolutely necessary, and watch for danger spots, like electrical cords or throw rugs that could cause a fall. Don’t have candles burning in places that could easily be brushed up against with clothing. Avoid using blinking lights or decorations that look edible. Use your loved one’s best-loved decorations to spark memories and increase their ability to enjoy the festivities. Play familiar Christmas songs, and fix traditional foods that they will enjoy.
Have young children play in a separate room to keep noise levels down and avoid causing your loved one to feel panicked or agitated. Alzheimer’s patients pick up on the moods of others around them, and the atmosphere needs to feel serene and peaceful for them to enjoy visitors. Have just a few guests at one time, and avoid large crowds of people. Name tags are very helpful and will keep your loved one from feeling frustrated and embarrassed when they can’t remember people they should know. Have a quiet room that the Alzheimer patient is accustomed to in case they feel overwhelmed by too much noisy activity. If you notice signs of increased confusion or agitation, assist them to their quiet place to rest for a while.
Christmas stories from years gone by will help draw your loved one in and keep them involved in the celebration. It’s much easier for people with Alzheimer’s Disease to remember things that happened long ago than something that happened yesterday, so reminisce!
Try simple tasks to occupy the time, like frosting cookies, stamping envelopes for cards, or making simple ornaments. Look at catalogs together and help your special one to order gifts for people they care about. Take time to look at photo albums and talk about happy holiday times together. This could be just what they need to reconnect and appreciate the holidays, creating more memories that you will hold dear for years to come.
Jo Nelson, RN is the owner of Servant’s Heart Homemaker Services, a personal care assistance company located in North Central Indiana.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Nelson
By Jo Nelson
Holiday time is coming up, and for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be a very challenging time of the year. Here are some suggestions to help you and your loved one to have a safe and happy season together in spite of the obstacles.
In the midst of putting up decorations, rearranging furniture and putting up Christmas trees, the person with Alzheimer’s will do better in an environment that is as consistent as possible. Try not to move the furniture more than absolutely necessary, and watch for danger spots, like electrical cords or throw rugs that could cause a fall. Don’t have candles burning in places that could easily be brushed up against with clothing. Avoid using blinking lights or decorations that look edible. Use your loved one’s best-loved decorations to spark memories and increase their ability to enjoy the festivities. Play familiar Christmas songs, and fix traditional foods that they will enjoy.
Have young children play in a separate room to keep noise levels down and avoid causing your loved one to feel panicked or agitated. Alzheimer’s patients pick up on the moods of others around them, and the atmosphere needs to feel serene and peaceful for them to enjoy visitors. Have just a few guests at one time, and avoid large crowds of people. Name tags are very helpful and will keep your loved one from feeling frustrated and embarrassed when they can’t remember people they should know. Have a quiet room that the Alzheimer patient is accustomed to in case they feel overwhelmed by too much noisy activity. If you notice signs of increased confusion or agitation, assist them to their quiet place to rest for a while.
Christmas stories from years gone by will help draw your loved one in and keep them involved in the celebration. It’s much easier for people with Alzheimer’s Disease to remember things that happened long ago than something that happened yesterday, so reminisce!
Try simple tasks to occupy the time, like frosting cookies, stamping envelopes for cards, or making simple ornaments. Look at catalogs together and help your special one to order gifts for people they care about. Take time to look at photo albums and talk about happy holiday times together. This could be just what they need to reconnect and appreciate the holidays, creating more memories that you will hold dear for years to come.
Jo Nelson, RN is the owner of Servant’s Heart Homemaker Services, a personal care assistance company located in North Central Indiana.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Nelson
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Making the Right Home Care Choice in Northern and Central New Jersey
By Kevin McClarren
Home health care services: Asking these questions can help you choose the best provider for your needs.
If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery or need long term care for a chronic illness, you may be interested in home care services. Home care agencies provide services that range from home support such as cleaning, cooking and running errands to help with transportation to MD appointments and more.
The best place to receive ongoing care may be in the comfort of your own home. But to receive quality assistance, it's important to know what questions to ask so that you hire the home care agency that's right for you.
To help you sort through your options, ask questions to help you evaluate the services. There are several facets to home care, and asking the right questions up front can help you choose the best agency for your needs.
Agency qualifications
· How long has the agency been in business?
· Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
· Is the agency certified by Medicare? If so, that means it meets federal requirements for health and safety. An agency's Medicare survey report is public information. If the agency isn't certified, ask why.
· Is the agency licensed by the state? Most states — but not all — require agencies to be licensed and reviewed regularly. These reviews may be available upon request and can be valuable for gauging the quality of an agency. To obtain a report, contact your state health department.
· Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
· How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
· What are the credentials of the providers?
Quality of care
· What is the professional training of the staff?
· Will the agency provide you with the services of nurses aides, CNAs or therapists? Will they work directly with you, your family members or your doctor?
· Are the caregivers bonded and insured?
· Does the agency provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of home care on a regular basis?
· Does the agency have references on file for home care staff?
· Do employees seem friendly and helpful?
Costs
· How does the agency handle expenses and billing? Does the agency provide literature explaining its services and fees? Does it provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
· What resources does the agency provide to help you get financial assistance, if needed?
Understanding services
· Is there a written plan that details services to be provided by each caregiver? Documents — including financial arrangements — should be given to you before service begins so that there's no misunderstanding about the service to be provided.
· Does the agency provide a brochure that outlines fees, eligibility requirements and services provided? Many agencies provide a "patient's bill of rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
· Will you be involved in planning for care or making changes to the care plan?
· Who will be working in your home, and what are his or her specific duties?
· What procedures does the agency have for emergencies? Are caregivers available round-the-clock? Is someone on call?
· How does the agency address and resolve problems? Who can you or another family member contact with requests, questions or complaints?
· Does the home care agency require that you have a primary family caregiver as a condition of admission? If so, what will be required of that person?
· How many hours of coverage a week are allocated?
Monitor your home care service
After you've found a home care provider, it's up to you to monitor the care you or your loved one receives to make sure it's what the doctor ordered. That's where having a detailed, written care plan can help. Make sure the care you're receiving follows what's detailed in the plan. Record the number of visits from the agency. If you have any questions about the care you're receiving, ask your doctor.
Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of Northern and Central NewJersey. 53 Mountain Boulevard, Suite 103, Warren, NJ 07059. Phone – 908-668-8200. Website: http://www.homecareassistancenj.com/. E-mail: km@homecareassistance.com
Home health care services: Asking these questions can help you choose the best provider for your needs.
If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery or need long term care for a chronic illness, you may be interested in home care services. Home care agencies provide services that range from home support such as cleaning, cooking and running errands to help with transportation to MD appointments and more.
The best place to receive ongoing care may be in the comfort of your own home. But to receive quality assistance, it's important to know what questions to ask so that you hire the home care agency that's right for you.
To help you sort through your options, ask questions to help you evaluate the services. There are several facets to home care, and asking the right questions up front can help you choose the best agency for your needs.
Agency qualifications
· How long has the agency been in business?
· Is the agency evaluated and accredited by a governing agency such as The Joint Commission's Home Care Accreditation Program?
· Is the agency certified by Medicare? If so, that means it meets federal requirements for health and safety. An agency's Medicare survey report is public information. If the agency isn't certified, ask why.
· Is the agency licensed by the state? Most states — but not all — require agencies to be licensed and reviewed regularly. These reviews may be available upon request and can be valuable for gauging the quality of an agency. To obtain a report, contact your state health department.
· Can the agency provide references? Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners and former clients who have experience with the agency.
· How does the agency protect client confidentiality?
· What are the credentials of the providers?
Quality of care
· What is the professional training of the staff?
· Will the agency provide you with the services of nurses aides, CNAs or therapists? Will they work directly with you, your family members or your doctor?
· Are the caregivers bonded and insured?
· Does the agency provide a supervisor to evaluate the quality of home care on a regular basis?
· Does the agency have references on file for home care staff?
· Do employees seem friendly and helpful?
Costs
· How does the agency handle expenses and billing? Does the agency provide literature explaining its services and fees? Does it provide detailed explanations of all the costs associated with home care?
· What resources does the agency provide to help you get financial assistance, if needed?
Understanding services
· Is there a written plan that details services to be provided by each caregiver? Documents — including financial arrangements — should be given to you before service begins so that there's no misunderstanding about the service to be provided.
· Does the agency provide a brochure that outlines fees, eligibility requirements and services provided? Many agencies provide a "patient's bill of rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
· Will you be involved in planning for care or making changes to the care plan?
· Who will be working in your home, and what are his or her specific duties?
· What procedures does the agency have for emergencies? Are caregivers available round-the-clock? Is someone on call?
· How does the agency address and resolve problems? Who can you or another family member contact with requests, questions or complaints?
· Does the home care agency require that you have a primary family caregiver as a condition of admission? If so, what will be required of that person?
· How many hours of coverage a week are allocated?
Monitor your home care service
After you've found a home care provider, it's up to you to monitor the care you or your loved one receives to make sure it's what the doctor ordered. That's where having a detailed, written care plan can help. Make sure the care you're receiving follows what's detailed in the plan. Record the number of visits from the agency. If you have any questions about the care you're receiving, ask your doctor.
Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of Northern and Central NewJersey. 53 Mountain Boulevard, Suite 103, Warren, NJ 07059. Phone – 908-668-8200. Website: http://www.homecareassistancenj.com/. E-mail: km@homecareassistance.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Elder Care Issues - Having a Family Meeting
In an ideal world, all family members would share the responsibilities in caring for their elderly parent (s) when that parent can no longer care of themselves or needs assistance in doing so. Unfortunately, in the real world, inner family conflicts, emotional and physical distance, or other interferences prevent such meetings from taking place. In the end, one or two members of the family are left with all of the responsibility and burden of long term care for their parents.
In our case, our family "meeting" involved emailing our brother who lives in Northern California and talking to him when he comes down to visit with his family. Though there are six of us in our family, unfortunately, not all six of us are fully on board with the situation. Why? Read the above paragraph again. You'll probably find some similarities with your own family. If by chance, you are one of the lucky few who is able to gather all of the important figures together, you all have to come up with viable solutions to your parent or parents' needs. Where do you start? What do you talk about?
First rule of thumb, don't expect to have ANYTHING solved with 1,2 or 200 meetings. Circumstances change, people change, feelings change. The purpose of the meeting really, is to enlighten the others on the situation your parents are facing.
Assigning Duties: Probably the most important issue in conducting a meeting would be to decide who is responsible for what. How do you decide who will be responsible for what? In our case we have to put on many hats, because it's just the 2 of us. However, since my sister has an extensive financial background in her previous occupations, she has taken over their finances. Since my dad's stroke 8 years ago, I have been the primary "medical" person. I have taken both he and my mom to most of their doctor's appointments and have a thorough knowledge of their medical histories. Our brother offers input on different subjects from time to time and has offered financial assistance when the time calls for it. Our other sister has taken over nursing duties for our mom when our main caregiver takes her days off. Not all of this has been easy, and we still struggle, but we are working towards a goal and that is to make sure they live the rest of their lives peacefully and that we keep our sanity.
Things to Consider Topics to discuss and to consider are listed below.
· Latest Medical History and needs
· Emotional Needs
· Fears: both shared by parents and children about dying, being overwhelmed, changes in family dynamics after the death of a family member
· Daily Caregiving Needs: should they move in with someone, stay at home, or a facility?
· Safety?
· Financial Concerns
· Legal Concerns
· What type of support do they need? How will it change if their illness progresses?
There's a lot more to consider, but these are good areas to start if not, the most important areas. Think about what may be specific to your family situation too and hopefully, with proper planning, preparation and cooperation, your parents and your lives should run as smoothly as possible.
http://www.caring-for-mom-and-dad.info/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Broyles
Top Ten Cold and Flu hints and products
In the winter it's harder not to get sick, than it is to remain healthy throughout the season. For many reasons, we find ourselves grabbing for the tissues instead of our vacation guides. Many of us already are sick 365 (or 366 if it's a leap year!!) days of a year, so we need to get over this whole mess fast! Here are the top ten tips and products to help you get through the cold and flu season this year.
1- Get a flu shot!!! They talk about the "most at risk" categories, but the truth is if you don't have egg allergies (since the vaccine is made from eggs,) there is no reason NOT to get one. This year there is PLENTY to go around and it is never too late to receive one, in order to protect yourself. This won't guarantee you will not have any flu episodes, but it can help! And let's face it, we need all the help we can get!! (If you don't think you can afford an office visit and the shot, look for clinics in your area. Many pharmacies have them throughout the season.)
2- Air out that house! We shut ourselves in with some drying heat method and forget that we need fresh air! Turn down the thermostat a little and crack a window open for 15 minutes. Just get some freshness in and breathe deep. A little goes a long way to keeping you healthy and breaking the cycle of "pass the cold."
3- Use saline! Saline will help thin mucus, prevent build-up and moisturize those traumatized passages. Gel saline is great for overnight! It's a simple thing you can do to help things along. Also it's good to use before bed if your heating method, like forced air or a wood stove, is particularly drying! A little prevention goes a long way.
4- Use products made to shorten a cold! (Try Zicam for OTC) If you go for prescription or over the counter methods, they all really help. They can shorten a cold or flu from 7-14 days right down to 5 or less, depending on the situation and the method. Save yourself days!!! (Of course, consult your doctor before taking anything new.)
5- Use supplements like Airborne. These immune boosters really do help! Use them before going to malls, on planes or even before bed to help your body fight something off. They taste great, are easy to use and relatively inexpensive compared to some of the treatments available! (A good multivitamin can be a boost as well!!)
6- Think positive!! My mother never got sick and her secret? She refused to get sick! She thought "I won't get a cold this year! I am just fine!" Sometimes mind over matter can be a big thing! Also a more depressed mood can depress your immune system and stress your entire body! Perhaps you can join a church group or just an online peer-to-peer chat mailing list.
7- Hand washing is the best! Use warm, not hot, water with a good soap. (Antibacterial or not, it doesn't matter!!) Work up a rich lather (paying attention to between fingers, wrists and under nails as well!) and sing "Happy Birthday" in your head twice. Rinse thoroughly. Dry thoroughly. Every step is important and just washing several times a day like this can prevent SO MUCH! I highly recommend good lotion soap this time of year too. Dry skin can crack and cause issues! (Maybe try some lotion after washing!!)
8- Exercise! We all get home bound eating rich, hearty baked meals this time of year and forget to enjoy the season! Take a good long walk and move those muscles! (Another way to get fresh air, too!) If you bundle up right, you can go anywhere without fear! Exercise helps both body and mind and a well exercised body can easily fight off more, making it less likely you will catch that office cold!!! (Just be careful in slippery conditions!!)
9- Relax! Now you got fresh air and exercised, find time in all the stress and bustle this time of year to do some yoga, meditate, write in a journal or simply listen to some music with a hot cup of something. We forget ourselves a lot of times, but this time of year you are just as important as everyone else. My best friend swears a good hot bath can fix anything, even create world peace! While I don't think as highly of them, I do believe in their power of restoration! Try it!
10- See your doctor!! A good well visit this time of year can be a push to catch things early! Also before trying most of this, it's recommended you see your doctor for drug interactions and advice! What is good for the goose may not always be good for the gander. Always work within your limits and never get discouraged if something doesn't work as fast as you'd like or maybe not at all.
Stay healthy and have a wonderful winter season!!
© 2008 by Jennifer Altherr, Butyoudontlooksick.com
1- Get a flu shot!!! They talk about the "most at risk" categories, but the truth is if you don't have egg allergies (since the vaccine is made from eggs,) there is no reason NOT to get one. This year there is PLENTY to go around and it is never too late to receive one, in order to protect yourself. This won't guarantee you will not have any flu episodes, but it can help! And let's face it, we need all the help we can get!! (If you don't think you can afford an office visit and the shot, look for clinics in your area. Many pharmacies have them throughout the season.)
2- Air out that house! We shut ourselves in with some drying heat method and forget that we need fresh air! Turn down the thermostat a little and crack a window open for 15 minutes. Just get some freshness in and breathe deep. A little goes a long way to keeping you healthy and breaking the cycle of "pass the cold."
3- Use saline! Saline will help thin mucus, prevent build-up and moisturize those traumatized passages. Gel saline is great for overnight! It's a simple thing you can do to help things along. Also it's good to use before bed if your heating method, like forced air or a wood stove, is particularly drying! A little prevention goes a long way.
4- Use products made to shorten a cold! (Try Zicam for OTC) If you go for prescription or over the counter methods, they all really help. They can shorten a cold or flu from 7-14 days right down to 5 or less, depending on the situation and the method. Save yourself days!!! (Of course, consult your doctor before taking anything new.)
5- Use supplements like Airborne. These immune boosters really do help! Use them before going to malls, on planes or even before bed to help your body fight something off. They taste great, are easy to use and relatively inexpensive compared to some of the treatments available! (A good multivitamin can be a boost as well!!)
6- Think positive!! My mother never got sick and her secret? She refused to get sick! She thought "I won't get a cold this year! I am just fine!" Sometimes mind over matter can be a big thing! Also a more depressed mood can depress your immune system and stress your entire body! Perhaps you can join a church group or just an online peer-to-peer chat mailing list.
7- Hand washing is the best! Use warm, not hot, water with a good soap. (Antibacterial or not, it doesn't matter!!) Work up a rich lather (paying attention to between fingers, wrists and under nails as well!) and sing "Happy Birthday" in your head twice. Rinse thoroughly. Dry thoroughly. Every step is important and just washing several times a day like this can prevent SO MUCH! I highly recommend good lotion soap this time of year too. Dry skin can crack and cause issues! (Maybe try some lotion after washing!!)
8- Exercise! We all get home bound eating rich, hearty baked meals this time of year and forget to enjoy the season! Take a good long walk and move those muscles! (Another way to get fresh air, too!) If you bundle up right, you can go anywhere without fear! Exercise helps both body and mind and a well exercised body can easily fight off more, making it less likely you will catch that office cold!!! (Just be careful in slippery conditions!!)
9- Relax! Now you got fresh air and exercised, find time in all the stress and bustle this time of year to do some yoga, meditate, write in a journal or simply listen to some music with a hot cup of something. We forget ourselves a lot of times, but this time of year you are just as important as everyone else. My best friend swears a good hot bath can fix anything, even create world peace! While I don't think as highly of them, I do believe in their power of restoration! Try it!
10- See your doctor!! A good well visit this time of year can be a push to catch things early! Also before trying most of this, it's recommended you see your doctor for drug interactions and advice! What is good for the goose may not always be good for the gander. Always work within your limits and never get discouraged if something doesn't work as fast as you'd like or maybe not at all.
Stay healthy and have a wonderful winter season!!
© 2008 by Jennifer Altherr, Butyoudontlooksick.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North/Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.
Located at Warren Twp (near Watchung) and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.
Take Charge of Your Vision!
By Dr. Bruce P. Rosenthal
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in Americans over 50, yet a disease that few talked about until recently.
For years, many assumed vision loss was a natural result of aging. We are learning that this isn't the case. Much can be done to preserve vision through prevention, early detection via regular eye exams, treatment, vision rehabilitation, support services and research.
AMD is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral vision intact. Possible warning signs of AMD include difficulty in distinguishing colors, blurry images, straight lines that appear distorted or wavy and central vision blocked by dark or empty spaces. Those affected by AMD often have trouble reading a book, driving a car and distinguishing faces and traffic signs.
An estimated 6 million Americans have vision loss from AMD and approximately 13 to 15 million Americans have pre-symptomatic signs of AMD. Some form of AMD affects 25 to 30 million people worldwide, and that number is predicted to double in the next 35 years.
Smoking is the only proven risk factor for AMD. Other possible risk factors include genetics, cataracts, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Despite the prevalence of AMD, awareness remains quite low. A study commissioned by the AMD Alliance International revealed that only 3 percent of Americans surveyed think AMD is the leading cause of severe sight loss among adults 50 and older and 79 percent are not aware of any treatment options for the disease. (Research Source: Survey among representative samples of 6,591 adults from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and United States commissioned by AMD Alliance International, May 1999).
Every week, new AMD patients arrive at LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL claiming they were "dismissed" by their regular doctors with the words, "There is nothing more I can do for you." This is absolutely wrong. The field of low vision is advancing daily, and there are many ways to make the most of remaining sight.
Follow these initial steps, along with others recommended by your eye care provider, to take charge of your vision.
Regular Eye Exams: It is imperative that regular eye exams and tests (Amsler Grid) and early detection are a priority especially if there is a family history of this condition. This enables your eye care provider to discuss available options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services, as well as other recommendations for your specific lifestyle, diet and circumstances.
Treatment: Talk with your eye care provider to learn more about the two treatments that currently exist to treat some forms of wet AMD—photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation—as well as research on the horizon.
Vision Rehabilitation: Counseling and training help people with vision impairment to function independently. Discuss tools such as low vision aids and magnifiers, lighting, computer enhancements, large print publications, "talking" devices like books, watches and microwaves and practical daily living skills for reading, cooking, sewing and more.
Support Services: Reach out to find support groups of patients and vision experts in your local area.
Life does not end with a diagnosis of AMD. Today, it is possible to see better and live an active and rich life despite the loss of central vision.
If you have a friend or a loved one who has AMD or any other vision problem and could use some extra assistance, be sure to tell them about home care services in your area.
Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.
Located at Warren Twp by Watchung and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.
Dr. Rosenthal is chairman of AMD Alliance International and chief of Low Vision Programs at Lighthouse International. He is also an executive council member of the Low Vision Section of the American Optometric Association. He has written and lectured widely on visual impairment.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in Americans over 50, yet a disease that few talked about until recently.
For years, many assumed vision loss was a natural result of aging. We are learning that this isn't the case. Much can be done to preserve vision through prevention, early detection via regular eye exams, treatment, vision rehabilitation, support services and research.
AMD is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral vision intact. Possible warning signs of AMD include difficulty in distinguishing colors, blurry images, straight lines that appear distorted or wavy and central vision blocked by dark or empty spaces. Those affected by AMD often have trouble reading a book, driving a car and distinguishing faces and traffic signs.
An estimated 6 million Americans have vision loss from AMD and approximately 13 to 15 million Americans have pre-symptomatic signs of AMD. Some form of AMD affects 25 to 30 million people worldwide, and that number is predicted to double in the next 35 years.
Smoking is the only proven risk factor for AMD. Other possible risk factors include genetics, cataracts, hypertension, sun exposure, farsightedness, light skin or eye color and a diet low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Despite the prevalence of AMD, awareness remains quite low. A study commissioned by the AMD Alliance International revealed that only 3 percent of Americans surveyed think AMD is the leading cause of severe sight loss among adults 50 and older and 79 percent are not aware of any treatment options for the disease. (Research Source: Survey among representative samples of 6,591 adults from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and United States commissioned by AMD Alliance International, May 1999).
Every week, new AMD patients arrive at LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL claiming they were "dismissed" by their regular doctors with the words, "There is nothing more I can do for you." This is absolutely wrong. The field of low vision is advancing daily, and there are many ways to make the most of remaining sight.
Follow these initial steps, along with others recommended by your eye care provider, to take charge of your vision.
Regular Eye Exams: It is imperative that regular eye exams and tests (Amsler Grid) and early detection are a priority especially if there is a family history of this condition. This enables your eye care provider to discuss available options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services, as well as other recommendations for your specific lifestyle, diet and circumstances.
Treatment: Talk with your eye care provider to learn more about the two treatments that currently exist to treat some forms of wet AMD—photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation—as well as research on the horizon.
Vision Rehabilitation: Counseling and training help people with vision impairment to function independently. Discuss tools such as low vision aids and magnifiers, lighting, computer enhancements, large print publications, "talking" devices like books, watches and microwaves and practical daily living skills for reading, cooking, sewing and more.
Support Services: Reach out to find support groups of patients and vision experts in your local area.
Life does not end with a diagnosis of AMD. Today, it is possible to see better and live an active and rich life despite the loss of central vision.
If you have a friend or a loved one who has AMD or any other vision problem and could use some extra assistance, be sure to tell them about home care services in your area.
Brought to you by Home Care Assistance of North Central New Jersey. Serving North Jersey, Central Jersey, North Central Jersey, Essex County, Morris County, Warren County , Union County , Somerset County , Raritan Valley , and Hunterdon County.
Located at Warren Twp by Watchung and Parsipanny, NJ our office hours are 9 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For our valued clients, we have a care manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call your local office today at (908) 668-8200 or e-mail us directly at km@homecareassistance.com - We look forward to talking with you and providing your in-home care needs.
Dr. Rosenthal is chairman of AMD Alliance International and chief of Low Vision Programs at Lighthouse International. He is also an executive council member of the Low Vision Section of the American Optometric Association. He has written and lectured widely on visual impairment.
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