Shelley, Author at Heritage Senior Communities

7 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for Older Adults

by Shelley | May 11, 2020 | Healthy Aging

Before summer officially kicks off in the Great Lake State, it’s important to talk about skin safety. Skin cancers are among the top ten leading types of cancer in this country. Non-melanoma skin cancer tops the list with an estimated one million cases a year, and melanoma comes in seventh with an estimated 68,720 people diagnosed each year.

While some skin damage happens during adolescence, that doesn’t mean you should give up. Every new sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Protecting yourself is essential.

Here’s what seniors should know about skin cancer prevention.

7 Ways to Protect Aging Skin

Use sunscreen: Today’s seniors rarely used sunscreen when they were younger. As a result, many aren’t aware of how important it is. The reality is sunscreen is one of the best steps in skin cancer prevention. Apply sunscreen generously anytime you will be outdoors or riding in a car. Cover your entire body, including the backs of your ears, tops of your feet, and the back of your neck.
Reapply: Don’t assume since you applied sunscreen before heading out that you won’t need to do it again. Check the label for specific directions. In general, the recommendation is to reapply at least every four hours. If you are swimming or sweating, you likely need to apply it more frequently.
Practice car safety: Being in a car might make you feel protected from the sun. Unfortunately, UV rays can get you there too. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
Wear sunglasses: Like your skin, eyes are susceptible to UV damage. While it can be tempting to choose sunglasses for appearance, find some that meet UVA/UVB standards. In addition to offering protection from sun damage, routinely wearing quality sunglasses helps lower your risk of developing cataracts.
Avoid peak sun: The sun’s rays are usually strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can lower your risk for skin cancer by arranging your schedule around those times. Run errands and do lawn care in the early morning. Take your daily walk in the evening. Small steps like these can help you stay safe.
Inspect your skin: Make monthly head-to-toe skin checks a habit. Look for new growths and changes to old ones. Any growths that change shape, increase in size, or have irregular borders should be shown to your doctor.
See a dermatologist: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends scheduling an annual dermatologist appointment. They can do a thorough exam and identify small skin problems before they turn into major ones.

If you are looking for more outdoor summer safety tips, focus on hydration. 10 Hydrating Foods to Beat the Summer Heat will give you some ideas for pumping up your fluids beyond drinking water. Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

How Can I Convince My Parents to Accept More Help?

by Shelley | May 4, 2020 | Dear Donna

Dear Donna,

My family and I live about 30 miles from my parents’ home in central Michigan. We try to visit and help with errands and household tasks every weekend. It’s not easy, especially in winter.

My mom gave up driving years ago. Over the past six months or so, my dad’s health has declined significantly. While he still drives to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store, I don’t think he should.

Now that the weather is warmer, I’d like to talk with them about moving to an assisted living community. We’ve never discussed the issue before and I’m nervous about doing so. However, I am worried something bad will happen to them if I don’t.

Do you have any suggestions for starting a conversation when parents need more help than adult children can provide?

Kindly,

Grace in Saginaw, MI

Starting a Conversation about Assisted Living

Dear Grace,

Beginning a conversation about moving with a senior can be daunting. Adult children may hesitate for fear of upsetting or insulting a loved one. The very idea of the difficult emotions that may arise could cause an adult child to delay the discussion.

In some cases, families wait too long. They could be forced to find a solution in the midst of a crisis. But it sounds as if you already understand the best time to begin talking to a parent about moving to assisted living.

I do have a few tips to help you prepare for and initiate the conversation about assisted living:

Do your research.

Before you tackle a conversation about assisted living with your parent, do your homework. Make sure you understand what assisted living is and isn’t. Many senior living communities have great resources on their websites to help you learn more.

Research online, call a few that seem like good fits, and even visit some in person. Become familiar with the services and amenities of assisted living and why you think it’s a good solution. It will give you more confidence to start the discussion.

Prepare to talk more than once.

Moving to an assisted living community is a big decision. While it can be the start of an exciting new chapter for your parents, agreeing to such a big change is intimidating.

When you begin this discussion with your parents, know it will not be a one-time talk. While your parents might realize a change is needed and agree to a quick move, that isn’t usually the case. Start slowly and give your parents time to adjust. They might not immediately see the benefits of giving up their home and moving to an assisted living community.

Show empathy.

Try to look at the situation from your parents’ perspective. How you would feel if you were asked to give up your home and move to a new environment? Kind words and empathy can make a big difference.

Also keep in mind many seniors believe myths about senior housing, such as residents losing their independence and having a lot of rules to follow. Concerns like these may make them resistant to even considering a move.

When you are worried about your senior loved ones’ well-being, it’s easy to let your fears keep you from listening to theirs. Instead, try to get to the bottom of what might be holding them back.

They may be concerned about issues you aren’t aware of, including:

Loss of privacy and being forced to adapt to a rigid daily schedule
Fear about the expense of assisted living
Concerns that family and friends will forget about them

By keeping these things in mind, you will likely make the conversation go more smoothly.

I hope these tips help, Grace, and we hope you will keep the Heritage communities in mid-Michigan in mind for your parents! Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

Kind regards,

Donna

4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

by Shelley | Apr 27, 2020 | Dear Donna

Dear Donna,

My dad is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Our family reunion is coming up, and we are nervous about traveling. It will be his first trip away from home since his diagnosis.

How can I keep my dad safe and comfortable while traveling? We all want very much for him to be able to attend.

Sincerely,

Jan from Traverse City, MI

Traveling with a Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Dear Jan,

Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Often, it just requires a little extra planning. By understanding their stressors and using strategies to keep them at ease, caregivers can make traveling a positive experience for everyone involved. Here are a few tips for traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

4 Alzheimer’s Travel Tips

Plan ahead.

When traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s, understand it may take longer to get places and accomplish specific tasks. Leaving extra time for each activity can help you feel at ease if something goes wrong. You might even want to invest in a GPS bracelet or pendant, which can locate them quickly if they wander.

Choose the right travel method.

Mode of transportation is one of the most important factors to consider when traveling with a loved one who has dementia. Try to pick a method they will find comfortable.

Familiar and relaxed modes of transportation, like a car or even a train, tend to be good choices. Trains can also be a good option because they allow you to sit together. Because you are not driving, you can focus on your loved one’s safety. By contrast, air travel can be quite stressful.

Be mindful of when you travel.

Timing is another key factor. Sticking to a routine can help reduce anxiety in seniors with dementia. Try your best to maintain their schedule as closely as possible. For example, eat meals and go to bed at the usual time. Try to avoid traveling in the evening, especially if your loved one experiences sundowning. Travel during hours when they are in their best mood. This is usually in the morning or earlier part of the day.

Have important documents handy.

It’s also helpful to have important documents ready in case of emergency. This includes a list of your loved one’s medications and dosages, their doctor’s name, and emergency contact information. Bullet cards summarizing their special needs to share with transportation and hotel personnel may also help.

Evaluate Your Loved One’s Abilities

Before planning a trip, evaluate your loved one’s ability to travel. Seniors in the early stages of the disease may have an easier time leaving home than those in later stages. If your loved one struggles with traveling, decide whether the trip is necessary. Is the event going to make them upset or cause them a great deal of discomfort? If so, it may be best to let them sit it out.

I hope these tips make traveling easier for you and your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Sincerely,

Donna

Respite Care in Michigan

If your senior loved one isn’t up for traveling, you may want to consider respite care services, such as those provided at Heritage Senior Communities. You can enjoy your trip knowing your loved one is safe. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a private tour.

5 Purposeful Activities for Seniors with Dementia

by Shelley | Apr 20, 2020 | Alzheimer's and Dementia

It’s not uncommon for seniors to lose their sense of purpose after they receive a dementia diagnosis. But feeling useful is essential to overall health and wellness. Research has linked living purposefully to a longer life span, better sleep quality, and improved brain health.

Many caregivers want to help their loved one stay engaged but are unsure where to start. They struggle to come up with meaningful activities that support independence.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Emotions

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect a person’s memory. As the disease progresses, a person may increasingly struggle to remember certain life events. While they may not be able to recall specific details of an event, they can still remember the associated emotions. Here are a few tips for caregivers who want to help their loved ones with dementia enjoy purposeful days.

Helping a Senior with Dementia Enjoy Purposeful Days

Play music that triggers positive feelings.

Music is a wonderful way to uplift a person with dementia. Try playing music from their childhood or special times in their life. For example, play a song from their wedding. Your loved one might not remember where the song is from, but they will feel happy while they listen.

Sort through old photographs.

Looking at photographs is another excellent activity for seniors with dementia. Take time to sit with your loved one and sort through old pictures. These can be images from their childhood or significant life events. A photograph can trigger the emotions they felt when the photo was taken, even if they don’t remember the circumstances.

Explore local art classes.

Art is increasingly used to help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown art can strengthen the brain, improve focus, and reduce stress. Check if your local community center offers any painting or drawing classes for seniors.

Try gardening.

Many people like to garden, but it can be particularly enjoyable for those with dementia. Plants give them something to care for, which can help them feel needed.

Let them help with chores.

Chores can help seniors with dementia feel like they are contributing. This can improve their self-esteem. Activities that involve repetition, like folding or sorting papers, can even be enjoyable.

Emotions Last after a Memory Is Lost

It’s helpful for caregivers to remember feelings linger even after a memory is lost. This includes emotions experienced after visiting with a loved one, exercising, or completing a task that makes them feel needed. Each interaction can positively impact the rest of their day.

Specialized Dementia Care at Heritage Senior Communities in Michigan

Heritage Senior Communities provides specialized dementia care for adults with memory impairment. Our thoughtfully designed communities feature plenty of activities to enhance our residents’ self-esteem and provide purposeful days. We invite you to schedule a private tour today.

What Caregivers Should Know about Seniors and Allergy Medications

by Shelley | Apr 13, 2020 | Caregiving

When people think about spring, flowers and greenery often come to mind. But spring is also a popular time for allergies. Unfortunately, many allergy medications can harm a senior’s health or negatively interact with their prescriptions.

Here’s what caregivers should know about seniors and allergy medications so they can help keep their loved ones safe.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Allergies occur when something the body recognizes as an invader triggers an immune response. In spring, common invaders are pollen, grass, or mold. The symptoms of seasonal allergies can be mild, such as itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, or a rash. They can also be more intense, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or even swelling in the throat.

Issues with Antihistamines

Many people use antihistamines to treat allergies. Two common antihistamines found in allergy medications are chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine.

Chlorpheniramine is in medications like Chlor-Trimeton and Chlor-Tabs. It is also commonly found in drugs labeled for nighttime use.
Diphenhydramine is the main ingredient in Benadryl.

Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are anticholinergics, meaning they block the action of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps control functions like learning and memory. The brain’s ability to use acetylcholine declines with age and taking medications with these ingredients further reduces its action.

In addition to their harmful effects on the brain, these medications can also cause unfavorable side effects, including confusion, drowsiness, urine retention, dizziness, and dry mouth and eyes. Anticholinergics can also interact negatively with certain prescription medications used to manage chronic medical conditions, like blood pressure.

Caregivers should know that medications aren’t the only option for treating allergies. Natural remedies may help protect senior loved ones against pollen and other allergens.

Natural Allergy Remedies

Limit exposure to pollen: One way to protect senior loved ones is to limit their exposure to pollen. Pollen counts tend to be highest between 5 and 10 am, especially when it’s warm and dry or windy. It’s usually a good idea to avoid going outside during these times and keep home and car windows closed. If your loved one does go out, change their clothes to minimize contact.
Stay clean: To keep allergies at bay, take a bath or shower each night to wash any pollen from the hair and body. This can also help avoid bringing allergens to bed.
Wash bedding: Wash your loved one’s sheets, pillows, and blankets with soap and warm water at least once per week to keep them pollen-free.
Use a HEPA filter: HEPA filters are another tool for reducing symptoms of allergies. They work by trapping pollutants. Try putting one in your loved one’s bedroom.
Try a Neti pot: This small device that looks like a teapot works by cleansing the nasal passages. Add a sterile saline solution to the Neti pot. Tilt your head to the side and place the spout in your top nostril and let the liquid drain through the bottom nostril. Just be careful your loved one doesn’t use the pot too frequently.

Consult with a Doctor

If your loved one is having trouble managing their allergies, they should consult with their doctor before taking an OTC allergy medication. A medical professional can recommend an alternative drug that won’t affect their brain function or interfere with their current medications.

Heritage Senior Communities

Heritage Senior Communities provides senior living options, including assisted living, independent living, specialized dementia care, and respite care throughout Michigan. Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

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