Today’s Boomers

Statistics indicate that while today’s boomers are now deciding to live together  instead of marrying and have no plans for future marriage, could find themselves at ”splitsville” much sooner than their committed friends.  

Sweden takes this commitment very seriously and have a much higher percentage of success.

This morning, I read an article in the WALL STREET JOURNAL stating that more than 40 billions miles of driving were reduced on our highways over the last 7 months. This information comes from a recent Transportation Department report.

Americans slashed their driving by more than billions of miles because of the high cost for gasoline  and the report also indicated that Americans drove 3.7% fewer miles in the month of May than they did a year early.

That also means the reduction on our highways has now doubled since the 1.8% estimate that was reported in April.

Besides the reduction of gasoline at the pumps,  this also now indicates that Americans are paying less federal fuel taxes.

Here’s the real problem, the federal fuel tax money helps our States to finance highways and mass transit systems. Also, the price today for construction of these highways is increasing and the fuel needed to run transit systems could now make public transportation very expensive for today’s boomers.

Realistically, without Federal funding, many projects will soon start to be pared down or eliminated.

Is there a fix in the future:

Yesterday, I heard on CNN that we could possibly see $3.00 a gallon for gasoline by September, and I would like to know how this has impacted you personally and what solutions you see for the future. 

How is this impacting our seniors and emergency transport companies?

Do you think that your aging parent should be having sex while residing at an assisted living facility?

Of course, many adult children are horrified learning their father or mother are being actively sexual.

Many never thought their parents were even capable of  being naughty. Some will take drastic steps to stop or even limit this type of  involvement.
 
They contribute this activity to a mental decline or dementia. They void themselves of any thoughts of the elder being lonely and needing this type of connection.

Instead, adult children decide to blame the caregivers and want to keep the lovers apart. 

They get caught up on their own feelings of panic but forget about how this will impact the needs of the seniors. 

Sometimes, the separated couple will loss weight, become depressed and become hospitalized over the sudden isolation or rejection.

Sometimes the progression of Alzheimer’s may protect the hurt  but aren’t we are inviting an overly powerful restriction on our parents and could we be violating their right to privacy- and maybe even a  right to have a sex life?

Realistically, today’s boomers are going to do everything in their power to protect their rights and they will not tolerate any restrictions that limit their pursuit of happinss just because they are getting older. This is a very serious issue that needs our consdidraion because Gerontologists have highly recommended sex for the elderly because it improves mood and even overall physical function. However. legal issues are enormously complicated, as Daniel Engber explored in his 2007 article “Naughty Nursing Homes”:

Can someone with dementia give informed consent?

How do caregivers balance safety and privacy concerns?

When families object to a demented person being sexually active, are nursing homes responsible for chaperoning? 

Unfortunately, any botched love affair does show the incredible intensity and human cost of an issue that just can’t afford to go on being ignored any longer. Therfore, Today’s Boomers is addressing this issue because we need to have this issue decided, so that if an elder wants to be naughty at a nursing home - they don’t need their children’s approval.

PRIMARY SYMPTOMS Bradykinesia – slowness in voluntary movement such as standing up, walking, and sitting down. This happens because of delayed transmission signals from the brain to the muscles. Tremors – often occur in the hands, fingers, forearms, foot, mouth, or chin. Typically, tremors take place when the limbs are at rest as opposed to when there is movement. Rigidity – otherwise known as stiff muscles, often produce muscle pain that is increased during movement. Poor Balance – happens because of the loss of reflexes that help posture. This causes unsteady balance which oftentimes leads to a fall. Parkinson’s Gait – a common walk of somebody with Parkinson’s disease. It includes shuffling, head down, shoulders drooped, lack of arm swing, and leaning backwards or forwards unnaturally. Initiating walking is difficult and freezing mid-stride is common.

SECONDARY SYMPTOMS Constipation Difficulty swallowing; saliva and food that get caught in the mouth or in the back of the throat may cause choking, coughing, or drooling Excessive salivation Excessive sweating Loss of bowel and/or bladder control Loss of intellectual capacity Psychosocial: anxiety, depression, isolation Scaling, dry skin on the face or scalp Slow response to questions Small cramped handwriting Soft, whispery voice

There are many secondary symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Patients do not typically experience all the symptoms, and the intensity of each symptom varies from person to person

Diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

There are not lab tests to definitively diagnose Parkinson’s disease. A systematic neurological exam will include testing your reflexes and observing things like muscle strength throughout your body, coordination, balance, and other details of movement. You may be given tests to exclude the possibility of other disorders. These tests include blood tests, urine tests, CT scans, or MRI scans. Although none of these tests actually diagnose Parkinson’s disease, they may reveal the presence of some other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms.

Treatment of Parkinson’s disease

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease; however, there are certain medications available to treat the symptoms of the disease. A surgical treatment, known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is sometimes used to help reduce the severity of muscle rigidity and bradykinesia, and physical therapy is often recommended.

However, if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you can help keep yourself as healthy and safe as possible by taking certain precautions.

Alleviating Parkinson’s-related problems and symptoms

General tips for mobility and comfort

• Before starting an exercise regime, you should always check with your doctor.
• Cut foods into smaller portions to avoid choking and to encourage digestion.
• For upset stomachs linked to medication, try eating an oatmeal cookie when taking it.
• Exercise your face and jaw whenever possible.
• Practice bending, stretching, and breathing exercises.
• Try exercising in bed; it may be easier than on the floor.
• Build your walking skills, even if that means having to hold onto something.
• Try exercising in the water; it is easier on the joints.

Ways to improve your safety when living with Parkinson’s

• Use grab bars in the tub and shower.
• Use a bath chair or stool in the shower.
• Keep your floors smooth but not slippery.
• Store supplies in easy to reach cabinets.
• Make sure stairwells are lit.
• Get nightlights for bathrooms and hallways.
• Keep walking areas free of clutter.
• Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes when walking around. Avoid walking in slippery socks and slippers.
• Make sure carpets are fully tacked to the ground.

The relationship between Parkinson’s disease and dementia

Parkinson’s patients who experience hallucinations and more severe motor control problems are at risk for dementia. According to Dr. Jean Hubble of Ohio State University, dementia is a “cognitive impairment of sufficient magnitude to hinder daily activities or diminish the quality of the patient’s life.” Approximately 20% of people with Parkinson’s disease will develop dementia, usually after the age of 70. In general, there is a 10 to 15 year lag time between a Parkinson’s diagnosis and the onset of dementia, which typically occurs years after the motor skills begin to be affected.

Signs of dementia in Parkinson’s patients include:

There are two types of dementia found in Parkinson’s patients, both involving Lewy bodies, or protein deposits in the nerve cells. The first one develops when Lewy bodies occupy the brain and the brain stem, which occurs in about 25% of the cases. The more common type of dementia, accounting for the remaining 75%, is caused by Lewy bodies in the brainstem and Alzheimer’s-type changes in the brain. For both types of dementia, medications may help improve early symptoms.

Indications that the dementia may be caused by something other than Parkinson’s include agitation, delusions, language difficulties, and early onset of symptoms. If these factors are present, your physician can test for other possible causes, such as a Vitamin B-12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid gland. Depression is also common in Parkinson’s patients and can mimic dementia by causing similar symptoms. For this reason, anti-depressant drugs often help.

References and resources about Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation – Includes several interesting features, including ‘Ask the Expert’ for specific questions and answers about the disease; and ‘Parkinson’s Community’ to help you find regional, national and internet groups and support organizations. (Parkinson’s Disease Foundation)

Parkinson’s Disease Patient Information – Provides information about Parkinson’s disease, current events, publication and video, fellowships and grants. (American Parkinson’s Disease Association)

Medline Plus: Parkinson’s Disease – A resource list of online articles and publications about Parkinson’s including links to information about current research, specific medication and treatment regimens, support organizations and general information. (National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health)

Tracking Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease – Outlines a study that found Parkinson’s disease patients with dementia can lose their mental abilities at almost the same rate as people with Alzheimer’s disease. (Web MD)

Dr. James Parkinson discovered a disease he identified as “shaky palsy” in 1817. Oddly, it wasn’t until 1960 that changes in the brains of Parkinson’s patients were discovered, making it possible to develop medication for the condition.

There are primary levels of Parkinson’s disease and secondary levels.  Also, not everyone with the disease experiences all of the symptoms and the progression of the disease is different from person to person.
 
Most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are over 60. However, there have been more cases found today in younger men and women. Most of the symptoms of the disease have to do with motor skills, but pain and lack of energy are also symptoms of the disease.

Main Line Elder Care Associates www.mainlineeldercare.com 610-688-2667 for more information regarding this disease and to arrangement for a free consultation.

Today’s Boomers probably are not familiar with this disease.

Most doctors unless they specialize in geriatrics or neurology. will probably also ask, ”What is that?”

Lewy Body Disease is actually the second most common cause of dementia, and accounts  up to 20% of all cases, according to the Lewy Body Disease Association.

Lewy Body Disease is a kind of dementia because similar to dementia in the fact there is a decline in cognitive abilities, which are associated with degeneration of the brain. This disease also causes cognitive problems similar to those seen in AD and motor problems like those in Parkinson’s.

However, despite its prevalence, Lewy Body Disease is not well know and while there are numerous articles written weekly about the improvements being made to treat Alzheimer’s, there is barely any mention about this disease.
 
People with this disease have Lewy bodies in the mid-brain region (similar to Parkinson’s disease) and in the cortex of the brain. Many have the same “plaques and tangles” associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and because of the overlap, many people with Lew Body Disease are misdiagnosed as having either Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, there is not yet a cure for Lewy Body Disease and symptoms do tend to worsen over time.

For more information about this disease go to http://www.helpguide.org/elder/lewy_body_disease or contact
Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., www.mainlineeldercare.com  or email  info@mainlineeldercare.com. Contact us to learn the names of the medications that are presently being prescribed to treat four major features of this disease.

 

Today’s Boomers need to make financial, legal and emotional decisions in order to work through difficult transitions:

Here are just a few of the questions that Main Line Elder Care Associates has encountered over the years concerning moving an elder:

When do you make the decision to move mother out of a house that  has been the center of all of our lives for decades?

How does she plan financially for an unknown period of time?

What help is needed with her daily activities so that she can live independently?
 
These are typical questions that come up during an Elder Mediation.

Helen C. Hopkinson brings family members and professionals together to address major live changes that are inherent with the aging process.  She continues to write articles in her Blog - Today’s Boomers because individuals need to make financial, legal and emotional decisions in order to work through the elder stages of transitions and to let them know that there are professionals qualified willing to assist them.

www.mainlineeldercare.com
info@mainlineeldercare.com 
hchopkinson@mainlineeldercare.com

 

Need respite care call 610-688-2667 or contact info@mainlineeldercare.com 

Main Line Elder Care Associates provide managed care for all facets of home healthcare needs for the disabled and elderly. 

Yes, there are dependable and devoted healthcare workers available at Main Line Elder Care Associates.

No one ever said that caregiving is an easy job but if you are not taking care of your own needs, you will not be able to provide the best possible care for someone else.

Many times, our Associates receive calls from caregivers who report that they are neglecting themselves in a quest to be the best caregiver for spouse or parent. 

DO NOT -

Compromise your own health

Compromise your own happiness

DO  -

Set aside time for yourself
Read a good book
Take a walk
Go for a summer swim
Schedule weekly massage therapy
Get a facial or manicure
Join Yoga classes 
Relax without any distractions.

Main Line Elder Care Associates want you to  return to the job feeling refreshed and with a healthier perspective on just how important you are and really value the work you are doing.

Our Associates are very proud of our caregivers because ”caregivers are the back bone of our society.”

Please read the Gilbert Guide newsletter: http://www.gilbertguide.com/articles/GGMonthlyJuly2008.pdf

Also, you may want to contact them at info@gilbertguide.com if you would like to write an article for their next newsletter.

Main Line Elder Care Associates is listed as a care provider in their directory and encourage you to view their website. www.gilbertguide.com.

Caregivers needing respite care should contact 610-688-2667 or contact info@mainlineeldercare.com to learn how we may be of service to you and your family.

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO, Main Line Elder Care Associates helps clients with their caregiving duties by  advising them to follow these simple caregiving tips:
  

You will need to first contact an elder attorney to obtain ”advance directives and  power of attorney” authorizing you to help with financial and health care issues.
 
As soon as possible, begin reviewing at least one year of their bank statements to help get an accurate picture of your loved one’s  income and monthly expenses.

Start paying all monthly bills online. This will cut down on your time and also reduce the risk of having services interrupted for non-payment should a bill get accidentally thrown away or misplaced by an aging parent.
 
Remember to prepare a true and correct financial statement because guardianship responsibilities may be a long way down the road but courts still want to see these records. Also, be aware that there is a mandated five-year look back rule so don’t start transferring funds before seeking the help of professionals qualified to assist you in this matter.

However, you should arrange quickly to have all incoming monies be electronically deposited into one account and this will help with record keeping, as well as paying the bills.

Furthermore, promptly start to investigate whether your relative qualifies to remove cash from a life insurance policy because this money could also help pay for their care.

Main Line Elder Care Associates suggest that you contact agencies to find out if your relative is eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, Veteran’s benefits and other government assistance programs.

We also have nurse advocates that can assist you with these types of programs. 610-688-2667 and we serve families in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties info@mainlineeldercare.com 

Also, you will need to locate some professional advisers such as elder law attorneys, www.mainlineeldercare.com,  financial gerontologists and Geriatric Care Managers. brenda@mainlineeldercare.com.

Be sure to pick up a free copy of the Senior Resource Guide www.seniordirectory.com and receive a valuable coupon for our services on page 44.  www.mainlineeldercare.com