Influenza and seniors

You may be wondering why a healthy, young person should consider getting the flu shot. Do it for the people that you love. Compromised immune systems, often the case with seniors, are unable to battle these bugs like a healthy person. If you get the flu, chances are you will pass it to them.

Germs:
are spread by contact (person or surfaces)through droplets from sneezing or coughing
Can project up to 2 metres
live on skin for up to 10 minutes
live on surfaces for up to 48 hours
incubate up to three days meaning you are contagious before you know you are sick


What can you do??
Get the flu shot (always consult physician first)
Wash hands frequently
Wash down surfaces frequently
If you are sick, avoid visiting family until you are better

Help your loved ones by not getting sick.

Failing to provide the necessities of life

So much for honour thy mother and father. The recent incident of the 68 year old women left by her son and daughter in law, to live in an unheated room since November, is more then sad. I would like to hear what they were thinking when they made this decision. This is one of the worst elder abuse cases that we have heard about. I wonder how many more situations like this are happening right now.....

New medications give hope for those with dementia

Friday I attended a luncheon with speaker Dr. Sharon Cohen discussing some exciting breakthroughs in the medications for those who suffer from dementia and hope for all of us in the future that may fall victim to this devastating diagnoses. It is great to know that recent discoveries have led to the identification of a clearer diagnoses and also treatment options that both slow and, in some cases, reverse the memory loss associated with the illness. Ask your doctor about the human trials being done and ask when the new medications will be available.

Dating and seniors – encouraging companionship

The loss of a life long companion leaves a hole in the life of the remaining spouse and can leave adult children unsure of how to fill this gap. Even the most dedicated children are hard pressed to find time in their busy lives to see their parent as much as their parent may want. It should not be a surprise when two people, who have both faced the loss of a spouse, find each other and begin to build a new foundation on their common experience. With good health and financial stability, it can be the best time of their life and this new relationship can provide both companionship and boost confidence. Emotions surrounding this budding relationship can be mixed as everyone tries to maintain loyalty to their deceased family member and allow their remaining parent to continue to live the life they want. Time does heal all wounds. Embrace this new opportunity and with time and encouragement, a family, looking for happiness for their parent, will accept this new person.

Elder Education

Recently there have have been care conferences and Zoomer Fairs popping up all over the city. Although, illness and aging, are still not a topic that some are comfortable facing, these events are very informative and can save all of us time and money. From how to source care for aging relatives to services and products that allow you to stay in your home, this is vital information that could allow you to take control of what seems like, an uncontrolable situation. More information can be found at www.carp.ca

Appling for long term care placement changes

As of July 1st, 2010 the process for applying for long term care has changed. Families who would like to consider placing a loved one in long term care need to contact their local Community Care Access Centre (enter postal code to find the right location) http://www.ccac-ont.ca/ and complete an application which is now moving from paper to electronic form. Other changes include that 5 homes can now be applied for at the same time (previously the maximum was 3 homes). A word of warning, make sure that the homes selected are somewhere that your loved one really wants since, should a bed become available at any of these homes, you will be strongly encouraged to take it. Not doing so can lead to a 6 month penalty. Also, under the new long term care act, Retirement Homes can apply for temporary licencing and bring long term care residents into their homes. Details of how this will work and who will fund, still to come.

Be prepared, best defence against long ER wait times

Although much work has been done to reduce wait times in the Emergency Rooms, the article that appeared on the CBC news site clearly states that we still have a problem.

Wishing that things were different is not enough so preparing for the ER visit is your next best defence. Before leaving for the hospital or once you arrive, ask a family member to bring items that will make your stay more comfort.

• Bring a book, ipod or laptop that can play movies to pass the time


• Bring food, water and any medications that may be required prior to admission


• Also bring pillows and a blanket....better safe then sorry

Seek medical help if you need it but make sure you make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Aging issues get well deserved ink

Recently a number of books have been released that reflect the needs of our aging population.The Essential Hospital Handbook helps families navigate the hospital system and advocate for their ailing loved one's.

You could live a long time, are you ready? is another must read since we are all aging but we can learn little from previous generations since there has never been this many people, advancing in age, at the same time, with such a high life expectancy.

And, for my co-author and I, May will be a monumental month with the release of our book Now What? A Practical Guide to Dealing with Aging, Illness and Dying. The book is available at Chapters and can be ordered from our website http://www.officialnowwhat.com/

Written as if you were speaking with your best friend, we offer advise in a friendly, heart-to-heart manner with factual material in easy to read, short passages. Now What?? provides answers to questions you did not even know to ask.