by Shelley | Jul 30, 2024 | Healthy Aging
As we approach the 2024-2025 flu season, there are several important considerations to be aware of to protect yourself and your loved ones. While the virus might not seem like a big deal to younger, healthier people, it can be deadly for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
Every year, seniors make up the majority of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. Research shows that during the 2022-2023 flu season, 332 seniors of every 100,000 older adults in the country ended up in the hospital after contracting the virus. That compares with just 46 of every 100,000 younger people.
Seniors and Flu Season
Because seniors are more vulnerable to the flu, it’s important for them to learn more about it. Here is some information you should know:
- Predicting influenza strains
The flu virus is known to mutate regularly, leading health experts to monitor and predict which strains are likely to circulate each season. Vaccines are developed based on these predictions to provide protection against the most prevalent strains. Health organizations like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) release recommendations on the composition of the flu vaccine to maximize effectiveness. That can provide you with an idea of how bad the flu season is likely to be. According to the CDC, vaccines for the 2024-2025 flu season are all likely to be trivalent. This means they will protect you from three different viruses.
Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to prevent the flu and the complications it can cause, such as pneumonia. The flu vaccine is typically recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including seniors, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
While experts usually suggest people in high-risk categories be vaccinated in October, it’s important to check with your primary care physician. They can make personalized recommendations on flu shot timing. While getting vaccinated before peak flu activity begins is crucial for optimal protection, so is ensuring that you are covered for the duration of influenza season.
- Antiviral treatment options
Antiviral medications are available to treat influenza and may be recommended for individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness. However, it’s important to know that time is of the essence with these types of medications. Early treatment with antivirals can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if administered within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. At the first sign of the flu, call your doctor for advice or an appointment.
- Other prevention measures
Beyond being vaccinated, developing good prevention habits can help you avoid being bitten by the flu bug or other respiratory viruses. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell can all offer protection. If you need to go to a crowded area or gathering when the flu outbreak is high, wear a mask and keep hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse. It’s also important to eat well and get rest during flu season.
- Symptom differentiation from COVID-19
Recognizing the symptoms of flu, which can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache, is important for early diagnosis and treatment. But symptoms of flu and COVID-19 can overlap, making testing essential for accurate diagnosis. That means if you do get sick, your health care provider will probably want to continue to test for both conditions so they can provide appropriate care.
Bookmark the Heritage Blog
Staying informed about the upcoming 2024-2025 flu season is crucial for individuals and communities to prepare effectively. We encourage you to bookmark the Heritage blog and stop back often for updates on flu season and other topics important to older adults and family caregivers.
by Shelley | Jul 30, 2024 | Caregiving, Dear Donna
Dear Donna:
My dad has been on his own for about three years now since my mom passed away. During this time, his health has been slowly declining. My sister and I live fairly close to his house and have been trying to assist him whenever and however we can. The catch is my dad is a very proud man. He is adamant that he doesn’t need help, even though he clearly does.
My sister and I are looking for suggestions from experts like you on how to support an aging parent without being perceived as bossy or domineering. Do you have any advice? We would greatly appreciate any recommendations.
Sincerely,
Jeff in Grand Haven, MI
Assisting an Aging Parent While Protecting Dignity and Independence
Dear Jeff:
This is such a tough situation and one that many adult children find themselves trying to navigate. It is so difficult to watch a parent’s health decline and struggle to find ways to help. While there is no magic formula for getting a senior loved one to accept assistance, I can offer you a few suggestions.
- Initiate a conversation with empathy: Approach conversations with your dad from a place of empathy and understanding. Start by expressing your concern for his well-being and asking open-ended questions about his needs and preferences. For example, you might want to say, “Dad, it seems as if you’ve been having trouble with [specific task]. How can I help make that easier? Can we do that together or find someone we can pay to do it?”
- Offer specific, practical help: Instead of making broad statements or assumptions about what your dad needs, offer specific and practical assistance. For instance, suggest concrete ways you can help or hire outside assistance. It could be scheduling doctor’s appointments if the office uses an online platform or finding a local landscaping company. If he’s struggling with grocery shopping, perhaps you could order his groceries online each week for curbside pick-up or delivery.
- Approach support collaboratively: Along the same lines as offering specific types of help is to approach caregiving as a collaborative effort where you, your sister, and your dad each have a voice. Suggest that the three of you work together to create a plan that includes financial decisions, household tasks, personal needs, and ideas for the future. This might help avoid giving your dad the perception that you are trying to take over or boss him around.
- Practice active listening: When you are convinced you know the best solution for an aging loved one’s health and well-being, it can be difficult to sit back and listen. But it is an important step in getting your dad to consider making changes. Listen attentively to his concerns, fears, and preferences without interrupting or imposing your own agenda. Validate his feelings and show you are trying to understand the situation from his perspective.
- Value decision-making: Recognize that your dad has the right to make decisions about his own life, including his health and how he handles his living arrangements. If you are worried that he is making the wrong decision—or no decision at all—try to provide him with additional information and options. In the end, however, you might have to accept and honor his wishes.
- Be patient and flexible: Recognize that caregiving can be challenging and unpredictable. Be patient with your dad and yourselves as you and your sister navigate the ups and downs of caring for an aging parent. Remain flexible and be willing to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. It’s the best way to keep the lines of communication open.
- Express appreciation: Remember to express gratitude to your dad when he allows you or your sister to pitch in and help. When he sees how sincere your gratitude is, your dad may gradually come around to accepting more assistance.
Finally, I want to share an article you might find useful if you feel moving to an assisted living community is the best solution for your dad’s health and safety. “How to Overcome a Parent’s Resistance about Assisted Living” offers suggestions on how to determine the underlying issue that might be causing a senior’s reluctance to make a necessary change.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jul 30, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Maintaining optimal brain health is essential to your overall health and cognitive function at every age. Genetics and lifestyle factors play significant roles in nurturing good cognitive health. The dietary choices you make are among the most important. The old saying ”you are what you eat” really is true when it comes to the brain. The foods we consume directly impact the brain’s function and health.
How Diet Influences Brain Health
Despite its small size in comparison to the rest of the body, the brain is an energy-intensive organ. In fact, researchers say the brain consumes about 20% of the body’s energy! It requires a constant supply of nutrients to feed and support its intricate network of neurons and synapses.
There is also consistent research to support the idea that diet profoundly affects cognitive abilities across our lifespan. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, has been associated with better cognitive function, reduced risk of dementia, and slower cognitive decline.
By contrast, a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats has been linked to cognitive impairments, poorer memory function, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists think that’s because these foods can cause chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. Each of these contributes to damage to brain cells and impaired cognitive function over time.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Emerging research highlights the complex relationship between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms residing in the intestines, play a crucial role in brain health and function. A diet rich in fiber and prebiotics (which feed beneficial gut bacteria) supports a healthy gut microbiome, leading to improved cognitive function and mood regulation.
Essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, play vital roles in maintaining cognitive function, regulating mood, and guarding against neurodegenerative diseases. A few that researchers believe to be essential to good brain health include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Crucial to brain development and function are omega-3 fatty acids. They contribute to membrane fluidity, neurotransmitter function, and neuroprotection. You’ll find them in fatty fish, such as salmon, as well as in nuts and seeds.
- Antioxidants: Abundant in fruits and vegetables, antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- B vitamins: Vital for energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis, B vitamins (folate, B6, B12) are important for cognitive function and mood regulation. Food sources include leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Minerals: There are also a number of minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, and iron, involved in biochemical processes in the brain. They influence neurotransmitter function and overall cognitive performance.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Brain Health Through Diet
- Work toward a plant-based diet: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which provide essential nutrients and antioxidants crucial for brain health. Even if you can’t fully adopt a plant-based diet, eating more of these foods can make a difference.
- Include omega-3 rich foods: Incorporate fatty fish (salmon, trout), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet regularly to boost omega-3 fatty acid intake. Smoothies offer great opportunities for consuming more flaxseed and chia seeds.
- Avoid processed foods and sugars: Minimize the amount of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages you consume. They are high in added sugars and contribute to inflammation and cognitive decline.
- Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration is vital for optimal brain function. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. While the general guideline is 6-8 glasses a day, you might want to talk with your primary care physician for more specific direction.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair cognitive function and brain health. If you drink, do so in moderation.
- Consider supplements: Consult with a healthcare provider about supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, or B vitamins if your diet may be lacking in these nutrients.
By making informed dietary choices and adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes brain health, seniors might be able to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Heritage Difference
From our nutritious meals to a variety of daily fitness opportunities, Heritage Senior Communities strives to create an environment that fosters a healthy lifestyle. The best way to learn more is with a personal visit to a Heritage location near you. Call today to schedule a time!
by Shelley | Jul 30, 2024 | Caregiving
Dear Donna:
For the past 4 years my husband and I have been helping my parents with a variety of tasks. It started out with simple home maintenance like changing the light bulbs in overhead fixtures and mopping the kitchen floor.
Over the last year or so, however, both my mom and my dad have had a serious decline in health. We’ve tried hiring homemaker aides to assist but haven’t found anyone reliable. So, my husband and I are doing everything from picking up groceries and prescriptions to filling their weekly medication organizers.
While we want to support my parents’ needs, both of us work full-time. We just can’t seem to get everything done in a day anymore. Do you have any time-saving tips for family caregivers? We’ve started talking with my mom and dad about moving to assisted living but understand they need to make this decision for themselves.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Roberta in Pittsfield Township, MI
Tips to Help Family Caregivers Manage Their Time
Dear Roberta:
This is one of the questions family caregivers ask us most often! Caring for senior loved ones can be immensely rewarding, but the role often comes with unique challenges. This is particularly true with regard to managing time effectively. Family caregivers usually juggle multiple responsibilities, from providing emotional support to handling practical tasks, like medication management, transportation, personal care, and household chores.
Here are some tips that may help busy caregivers, like you and your husband, save time and reduce stress:
- Establish a routine: Predictability helps reduce anxiety. Try to streamline caregiving tasks into a daily routine for your parents as much as possible. Make a plan that includes a schedule for meals, medication dosages, and other important activities. That will allow you to better accommodate your own needs.
- Utilize technology: Use medication reminder apps or alarms on your smartphone to stay on top of medication schedules, doctor’s appointments, and other time-bound tasks. It can alleviate some of the stress you likely feel about forgetting things. Also, since transportation and waiting for physicians can eat up considerable time, ask if telemedicine is an option. These virtual appointments can allow you to complete other household chores while waiting for the doctor.
- Organize health information: One thing caregivers are often surprised by is the volume of paperwork they accumulate. Shuffling through it can waste a lot of time. A better way to handle this is to create a binder or digital folder with important documents. Include insurance information/paperwork, physician visit summaries, and a list with contact information for healthcare providers. This makes it easy to access information quickly when needed. It will require an initial investment of time, but will save time over the long run.
- Create a medication management system: Many family caregivers worry about their loved one’s medications. A missed dose of an important medicine can land a senior in the emergency room. So can taking too much. Creating a medication system that includes a schedule and pill organizers to sort medications for the week can help. This helps prevent confusion and ensures doses are not missed. There are even systems you can purchase that will sound an alarm at dosage time and text family members if medications aren’t taken. Also consider using a pharmacy that delivers prescriptions to your parents’ doorstep to save time.
- Prioritize self-care: Finally, remember to include your own self-care in your schedule when you are budgeting your time. That means engaging in regular exercise, relaxing, eating well, and having hobbies that bring you joy. Joining an online support group for caregivers might allow you to connect with others who understand your challenges and can provide valuable tips and encouragement.
Respite Care at Heritage Senior Communities
By implementing these time-saving tips and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate the challenges of caregiving more effectively while maintaining your own well-being. One last tip is to explore respite care services at a local assisted living community. These short-term stays allow caregivers time to take a much-needed break.
I hope this information is helpful, Roberta! Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jul 2, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dementia is a tough disease for the person living with it and those who love them. There’s no denying the physical and emotional toll it can take on a family caregiver. While it can be rewarding to care for a loved one during this journey, it’s important to acknowledge that guilt and frustration are common and normal emotions, too.
The challenges of the disease itself are what make being a dementia caregiver so difficult. People with Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, can seemingly go for days without sleep. To keep them safe and protected, a caregiver might be forced to stay awake, too. Because of the damage dementia causes to the brain, there are behaviors that are hard to navigate as well. People with dementia often experience agitation, anxiety, and tearfulness.
One of the keys to surviving the emotional rollercoaster family caregivers often experience is learning how to manage caregiver guilt, fear, and frustration. We have some suggestions that we hope you will find useful.
Managing Difficult Caregiver Emotions
Our first piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. Caregiving for someone you love is difficult work, no matter how rewarding it is. When a senior loved one has dementia, the role is exceptionally tough. As the illness progresses, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia rob a person of their independence and ability to communicate. Setting aside the physical demands of care, there is the sadness associated with watching your family member decline.
Other steps you can take to manage the difficult emotional journey of a dementia caregiver include:
- Journaling: One method of coping with the guilt, fear, and frustration you are feeling is by journaling. It’s an effective solution used by many, including cancer patients, hospice team members, and those in recovery from substance abuse. One practice you might find particularly helpful is known as reflect and release. These tips and prompts for reflective journaling might help you get started.
- Asking for help: Family caregivers often feel as if they need to handle everything on their own. While it’s understandable to want to help your loved one as much as possible, this can lead to caregiver overload or burnout. Reaching out to friends and family for help, such as assistance running errands or sitting with your senior while you get out for a bit, might ease some of the tough emotions you are experiencing.
- Utilizing respite: Another option to consider is using respite care regularly. Your loved one can stay at a dementia care community for a few days or weeks while you take a break. You can relax and enjoy time to yourself knowing they are in the hands of expert, professional caregivers.
- Joining a support group: Finding a group of peers who are walking a similar path with a family member is another good way to help you cope with the challenges of caring for a person with dementia. You could call the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to investigate in-person support groups that meet in your area. You’ll likely find one at a nearby church or senior center. If you prefer an online support group, this resource from the Alzheimer’s Association can help you connect with one.
- Taking a daily walk: Finally, another good way to clear your head is to take a quick walk outdoors every day. Even if you have to bundle up against the cold or take an umbrella with you, connecting with nature can help boost the spirits and bring a sense of peace.
Specialized Dementia Care at Heritage Senior Communities
Because we understand the challenges living with a memory impairment creates, we created a specialized form of care for older adults living with dementia. We provide an environment that works around disease-related obstacles to help enhance the quality of life for residents.
No detail is overlooked in our Michigan dementia care communities. From an individualized plan of care to dedicated dining and meaningful daily activities, it’s a solution that benefits older adults and their families. We invite you to call the Heritage location nearest you to learn more!
