Families get a great opportunity to see their loved ones and notice any changes going on. Are my parents changing? Is the house in disrepair or not as clean as I remember? Is the senior having difficulty with grooming skills? Not decorating for the seasons?

It is normal to feel sad and blue around the holidays. Some seniors do not get around like they used to. Some have given up driving for a variety of reasons.  There is a lot of stress for families dealing with illness or dementia.

Take this time to really look around and look at your loved ones. Remember the hands that held you tight, made you hot chocolate or carried you to bed. Some seniors go days without being touched or hugged.

This holiday my wish is for folks to slow down and look around. Notice. Remember. Sit with a senior for tea and cookies. Listen…because sometimes, you are the only one doing so.

If you notice changes in your loved ones, family or friends, call and get some advice or plan for some help. Don’t blow through the holidays checking off your list. This year make your New Year’s resolution early. Do not ignore the early warning signs of illness and possible injury.

And…take some pictures of those hands! Someday yours will look like that too!

God Bless and Happy Holidays!

J

Over 36,000 adults die each year from complications of the flu that a vaccine could have prevented.The flu vaccine even reduces hospital stays by 27% and reduces the death rate by one-half (Nichol,Nordin,Nelson,Mullooly&Hak,2007). Unfortunately, only 65% of seniors get a flu shot every year. While this number is a big improvement, it is not high enough.

Seniors ask me all the time what vaccine should they get? Some even tell me they are not interested, never get that sick or are afraid of the vaccine altogether. I tell them that the flu vaccine is not made from an active virus. You do not catch the flu from a flu shot. The flu virus is constantly changing and new vaccines are developed annually to protect against new strains. Do not be afraid of the flu shot. No vaccine is 100% perfect, there has been occassion where it does not work or the person comes into contact with a different strain. The flu shot for older adults is a worthy investment in your health.

As we all know by now, the flu is highly contagious that causes chills, fever,dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and fatique. It is not fun to be sick at home with the flu. But, stay at home anyway. Remember it is very contagious.

The flu vaccine is recommended each year sometime between September and November. Adverse effect are rare, but you can get sore at the injection site and some people, 10% may experience headache or low-grade fever for about 1 day. Do not get the flu shot if you are acutely ill. Wait until you recover before receiving the vaccine.If the vaccine is not received and you should develop the flu, there are some medications available that reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. These need to be taken within 48 hours of flu onset. These are prescription medications and you should see your Primary Care Provider immedeately if flu is suspected.

P.S. Don’t forget your pnumonia vaccine also! This is another serious infection that attacks the lungs. It can spread to the brain and blood. It can also cause middle ear and sinus infection. A one-time dose is recommended for anyone over 65. If your last dose was more than 5 years ago it is recommended again. The treatment for pneumococcal disease is antibiotics. Unfortunately, pneumonia has become increasingly resistant to penicillin. So vaccine is vital.

Web resource: CDC    www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Take charge of your health! Have a happy fall and enjoy the beautiful weather with your friends and family.

Your friend,

Joanne

Seniors do not just become depressed, there are numerous factors that cause depression. Depression is not an excuse nor is it deliberately sought out by anybody, let alone seniors. It is not something you can just “snap out of” or get over. Depression symptoms are real, not manipulative. Your loved one is not doing this to you, it is happening to them.

There are great medications out there that are not habit forming and work well with the medications seniors are taking. Depression can go into remission and drugs can be tapered off and stopped. Your physician can be very helpful when presented with the truth and loving concern our seniors require.

There is help out there and people need to pay attention to our seniors and not just dismiss them because they are getting old. Depression is a treatable condition at any age. Do not waste any more time missing out on the rest of your life!

Regards,

Joanne

Most agencies or home care providers have information at their fingertips to help families make all types of decisions. I know we do! We are available to help families not only with day to day health issues, bathing, grooming, dressing, etc, but we help with household management issues.

For example, we had a caregiver call us when she became suspicious about a contractor that had been hired to address some plumbing problems in a 50 year old house. Sounds OK….until the caregiver finds out the client has paid almost $80,000.00 in charges and the work is not being completed. The client is very private and wants to be “independent”. Sound familiar?

Finally, the client agrees to let us, the case managers, “look into the matter” further. Our first phone call was to the Better Business Bureau. Our second phone call was to the State Contractors Board. And our third and final phone call was to the Police Department Fraud Division. Suspended contractors license, multiple documented citations! 80 thousand dollars!

Please, take advantage of the knowledge your health care provider has. Use you case managers, you’re paying for this service.

It takes a minute to call and check a contractor’s license, save yourself $80,000.00!

California State contractors board phone number: 1-800-321-2752.

Caring for your tomorrows…today,

Your friends at Senior Solutions!

Joanne