Eldercare Terms: Legal

Some of the most conusing terms in any person’s “aging dictionary” will be those found in the legal field.  Here at Eastern Area Agency on Aging we hope that our definitions will provide some clarity when thinking about legal options for the senior in your life.

• Advance Directives: Documents that convey health care wishes including, a living will and a health care power of attorney.
• Living Will: Legal document that states a person’s wishes regarding end of life decisions.  Should the person be terminal and unable to communicate the will goes into effect.
• Health Care Power of Attorney: Allows a person to appoint another individual to make their medical dedisions.
• Financial (or Durable) Power of Attorney: Allows an individual to appoint another person to make their financial decisions.  Document can become effective immediately or if/when the person is unable to make their own decisions.
• Conservator: Person appointed by the Probate Court to protect and manage money and property of an individual who is incapacitated.
• Guardian: Person appointed by the Probate Court to make personal decisions such as medical treatments, housing for someone who is incapacitated.
• Geriatric Care Manager: Conducts an assessment of a person’s physical, mental, environmental, and financial conditions to develop a care plan to assist in those areas where the person needs services.

Stay tuned for our next post in the Eldercare Terms series for our first of two parts on Medical/Homecare service terms.

Eldercare Terms: Daily Living/Housing

If you’re a senior looking into services for yourself, or an adult child trying to help an aging parent, you may feel as though you need a special dictionary to understand all of the terminology that is thrown around.

It can certainly be confusing when you’re not really sure what questions to ask and then you get an answer that is unclear.  Not to worry, EAAA has put together a list of commonly used terms that you may find useful in your quest for information.

• Caregiver: Someone who provides unpaid assistance (cooking, cleaning, transportation) to someone else, usually a loved one.
• Activities of Dialy Living: Commonly called ADLs, the term is used when describing things like personal care, eating, and walking.
• Incidental Activities of Daily Living: Commonly called IADLs, the term is used to describe things such as help with money management, meal preparation, medications, and laundry.
• Assisted Living: Facilities like housing complexes for seniors who live independently in private apartments but may need a little help with ADLs.
• Residential Care: Facilities that offer similar services to assisted living facilities but residents live in a private or semi-private room.
• Continual Care Retirement Communities: Facilities offer long-term options to meet a senior’s changing needs.  One may start out living independently then as time passes may move to assisted living or even a skilled nursing unit if necessary.

This is just a brief glimpse into eldercare terms, stay tuned in the following weeks for more terms to add to your “aging dictionary.”

It’s all a Matter of Balance

How often do we get the chance to really improve a senior’s quality of life?  Envision a senior who doesn’t socialize much or who doesn’t get out in the community to do things because of fear.  What can be so powerful as to send a senior into a panic?  The fear of falling.

In September we did an entry on Preventing a Fall that can be read here:http://bit.ly/gDwOVM.  Now we’re going to talk to you about another way to prevent a fall: Matter of Balance classes.  Here at Eastern Area Agency on Aging we offer the fall risk prevention classes at numerous locations in our four county coverage area and right now we’re looking for coaches.

If you like people, are organized and are looking for a volunteer opportunity where can make a visible and personal difference, give us a call.  In no time, people may be calling you Coach.

Matter of Balance classes can help people improve their quality of life and help remain independent.  Here is what you’ll teach people:

• To view falls and fear of falling as controllable
• To set realistic goals for increasing activity
• To change your home environment to reduce fall risk factors such as removing area or scatter rugs
• To do exercises that will increase strenght and balance

The classes accomplish these goals by group discussion, problem-solving with each other, skill building, exercising, watching videos and finding practical solutions to eliminate the fear of falling.

If you would like to help seniors stay active and enjoy life, become a Matter of Balance coach.  The next training is in two parts, March 16 and 18, from 8:30 to 12:30 at EAAA offices, 450 Essex St., Bangor.  Call Lisa at 1-800-432-7812 to sign up.

Winter Safety Series: Heating

Days are getting longer but we are still far from spring.  The price of fuel has many people looking for alternative ways to heat their homes.  Fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and space heaters have all gained popularity over the years but each can pose their own safety risk.  Here are a few tips, tricks, and ideas to help keep you safe and prevent you from feeling the chill this winter.

Fireplaces/Wood Stoves:

• Use a metal or glass screen in front of your fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from escaping.
• Do not use excessive amounts of paper to build up a roaring fire; it can ignite creosote in the chimney.
• Always follow directions on synthetic logs.  Never split one to quicken a fire and do not burn more than one at a time.
• Make sure your wood stove is properly installed, maintained, and are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed.
• And please remember to have the chimney professionally cleaned every year

Space Heaters:

• Give heaters 3 feet of space on all sides and never place them near anything flammable.
• Make sure there is proper ventilation.  Burning fuels like kerosene, coal, or propane produces deadly fumes.  Similarly, it is good to invest in a carbon monoxide alarm and install it near the sleeping area.
• Check to be sure that the heater has an emergency shut off in case it’s accidentally knocked over.
• Be very careful when refilling the heater, never do it indoors or when the unit is hot.
• Avoid over filling the tank and only use the fuel recommended for that particular heater.

• And if you’re using an electric heater be careful of the cord which can be a tripping hazard.  And never place the cord under a rug or let it get pinched by anything.

Alternative sources of heat are always a good idea to help keep the fuel costs down for your household but safety always needs to be at the forefront of your mind as well.  Please be safe and stay warm this winter.

Winter Safety Series: Driving

A little snow rarely scares most Mainers but everyone needs to keep the rules of the road in mind when driving in the snow.  Being prepared for a storm can increase your chances of driving safely when the snow hits.

• First off, make sure your car is winterized – snow tires, fluids topped off, and check your wiper blades for nicks or dings, good visibility is a drivers best friend.
• In case of emergency – always keep a warm blanket in the car, an orange or red cloth to tie to your antennae, some snacks, and make sure your cell phone is always fully charged.  This can make the wait for a tow truck a little easier.
• Always keep a safe following distance
• Always assume that you could hit ice and make allowances for it.
• Keep sunglasses in the car, the sun bouncing off snow and ice can be blinding
• Clear all the snow off your car before driving
• Remember to keep your lights on so you can be seen by other drivers
• Keep salt in your car in case the walkway or driveway at your destination is icy.  Not everyone is diligent about safety.

One final tip to keep in mind during the winter months is to please slow down and have patience.  Remember to drive safe this winter, it’s better to arrive to your destination late than to not arrive at all.

Winter Safety Series: Shoveling

To better your winter experience we at Eastern Area Agency on Aging have just a few tips to help you through this winter.

The least favorite activity of most Mainers is the one we have to encounter several times during the winter.  Surprisingly enough, most people don’t have correct shoveling posture when getting rid of snow from their yards or driveways.  Here are a few things to keep in mind next time you break out your shovel:

• Always face the snow you’re shoveling, keep your back straight, and your knees bent
• Throw the snow forward, avoid twisting as this puts added strain on your back
• Remember to pace yourself, and take breaks when needed  
• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow as this tends to be lighter than wet, packed snow
• Drink plenty of water before and after shoveling as cold air dehydrates the body
• Tackle snow in two layers to ease the removal
• Remember to always dress warmly with layers that trap heat close to the body.  Always remember your hat and scarf, 40% of body heat leaves through the head so simply remembering your hat can trap in a lot of heat.

It may not be your first winter in Maine but that doesn’t mean you can account for all of the mishaps that tend to happen in these winter months.  Please remember to keep safety in the forefront of your mind this winter and stay safe, happy, and warm this season.

Ringing in the New Year

With the New Year upon us many people begin forming or getting started on their New Year’s resolutions.  Whether it’s to exercise more, eat healthier, or get rid of that one vice you have that costs you time or money – we suggest that you start slow.  There’s a reason that New Year’s resolutions rarely last through the first month, people try to do too much too soon.

Be healthy but take it slow

• Instead of giving up all of the “bad” foods think about adding a couple of servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.

• Adding blueberries to your morning cereal, having bananas on peanut butter toast, and throwing some vegetables in your soups and sandwiches are all easy ways to get those extra fruits and veggies that your body requires.

Add some H2O to your daily routine

• So many people forget how much a few simple glasses of water a day can help their diet.  Six to eight glasses of water a day might seem impossible but if you break them up by drinking a glass with every meal and at snack times it won’t seem like such a chore.

Exercise Responsibly

• Making a resolution to exercise for an hour everyday if you’re not used to it can just be an exercise in frustration.  Start a fitness routine by doing one or two 10-minute sessions a day a few times a week then increase your time and how frequently you exercise.  Pretty soon an hour will sound like no big deal.

Unorthodox resolutions

Not everyone wants the traditional lose weight/exercise more/physical health resolutions, here at EAAA we have a few unconventional resolutions for you to test out.

• Consider your safety: Prevent falls by removing scatter rugs; making sure stairways are well-lit and keeping pathways clear.
• Enthusiasm is contagious: Make surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging people a priority.
• Learn something new: Take a class, sing in a choir, find a hobby, or volunteer some of your time.
• The best medicine: Don’t underestimate the power of laughter.  Laughing at yourself and not taking things too seriously can make you feel calmer and more peaceful.

One final resolution for everyone out there is to be good to yourself everyday.  Treat yourself as you would your best friend.  Just remember that you deserve it and that no matter what your resolution is this year, go slow and take your time.  There’s 365 days to perfect your resolution, make sure you live each one to the fullest.

Gift Giving Made Easy

With Thanksgiving behind us it’s time to start hanging the stockings by the chimney with care and thinking about gift ideas for the senior in your life. 

•  Consider a calendar but with a twist, circle one day each month that you and your senior can have lunch, go to a movie, or just spend time together.
• Or think about a personalized calendar with birthdays, anniversaries, and important dates circled, you can even add family photos to make the calendar a little more special.
• The price of groceries is going through the roof so gift certificates to the local supermarket may be in order. 
•  Gift cards for other things, such as gasoline, can come in handy. And because medications can be expensive, a gift certificate to the neighborhood pharmacy would be much appreciated.
• A decorative gift basket of favorite goodies would make a pretty presentation but would also be practical. Include some stamps which are always useful.
• If your senior is a movie buff there are some companies that work like libraries. Choose the movie you want to see and they will mail it to you, send it back in the prepaid envelope, and your next selection will be shipped. Thousands of titles are available for about $10 a month. 

     Considering a different kind of present with a more practical application?  You might want to think about the options listed below, they’re sensible and increase safety.  That’s something we should all keep in mind this holiday season. 

• A cordless phone or answering machine which can help prevent a fall since your senior won’t feel the need to rush to the phone.  Maybe a cuddly robe with matching slippers with non-skid soles or fleece sweatpants and sweatshirts for warmth.     
• Maybe some internet lessons for the more technology-inclined senior.  Help them navigate online accounts and sites, set them up with an email, or even a Facebook.  There’s no better way to keep in contact with family in the digital age than through social networking sites like Facebook. 
• Highly reflective house numbering signs make great gifts and can be a real lifesaver in an emergency, making houses easier to find for emergency responders.  They are available for order through EAAA and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department and cost between $6 and $12.
• The Vest Dressed for Safety program at EAAA encourages seniors to wear reflective clothing at night – walking through a parking lot after shopping, or getting the mail from the opposite side of the road.  The vests are highly reflective and only cost $10. 
• Help a senior get organized with The FILE, a yellow folder that keeps track of important papers. The FILE stands for Financial, Investments and Insurance, Legal and Estate Management and contains places to write the names of important people and institutions.

     No matter what you give the special seniors in your life know that the most desired gift of all is time with loved ones.  So spend some time with a deserving senior in your life and make their holiday season a little brighter.

Caregivers Need Care Too

November is National Family Caregiver Month.

So how do you know if you’re a caregiver?

If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you can be classified as a caregiver.

1. Do you drive an older person to medical appointments?

2. Do you prepare meals on a regular basis and try to make sure that the person is eating properly?

3. Do you help with cleaning and laundry?

4. Do you help with bathing and/or dressing?

5. Do you make sure that medications are being taken properly?

Caregiver stress can be a problem. Here are some tips that can help:

• Avoid burnout.  If you’re feeling tired and cranky because of your added duties confide in a friend or family member.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Often friends and family members are willing to pitch in but just are not sure what to do.  Make a list of things you need and ways in which they can help.  Simple things, such as picking up a pizza for dinner, can relieve some of the pressure.

• Most importantly, be sure to take care of yourself.  Eat right, exercise and get enough rest.  Take a little time for just you.  Even 30 minutes of doing nothing can feel great, if you allow yourself the time to do it.  And do not feel guilty about it.  It is necessary to preserve your physical and mental well-being.

For more information on caregiving, call Eastern Area Agency on Aging at (800) 432-7812 or visit eaaa.org.

Medicare Questions and Answers

The Medicare Part D annual enrollment period is coming up (November 15^th through December 31^st) so here are some facts about Medicare and its different Parts to help make your decision a little easier.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal government entitlement program that provides health coverage.

Who is eligible?

People age 65 and older as well as people with certain disabilities that prevent them from working.

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare offers a wide variety of benefits depending on the “Parts” you elect:

• Part A: The original Medicare benefit
  • Once eligible you will automatically be enrolled.
  • Covers inpatient hospital stays.

• Part B: Optional coverage
  • Pays for doctor’s visits and outpatient hospital care.
  • Some coverage for physical therapy and home health care.
  • Beneficiaries are charged a premium for enrollment.
  • Coverage is 80/20, Medicare pays 80% of the cost of service and the beneficiary pays 20%.
  • Annual deductible which beneficiaries must pay before Part B coverage begins.

• Part C: Medicare Advantage
  • Like a private health insurance plan
  • Offers managed care, PPO, and fee-for-service coverage options.
  • The availability of plans vary depending on which part the state you live in and the monthly premiums start at $0 and go up from there depending on the plan you choose.
  • Offers convenience of Part A, Part B, and additional coverage into one neat package.
  • Charged a monthly premium for coverage

• Part D: Prescription Drug Plan
  • Optional prescription drug plan.
  • Beneficiaries must elect Part D and pay a monthly premium for coverage.

Also, if you’re wondering how the new health care reform will impact you come to an informational meeting held by Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) and Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC) Tuesday November 9^th, 2010:

Knights of Columbus in Old Town

5 Gilman Falls Avenue

Old Town, Maine 04468

5:00-6:30pm

Please RSVP Andrea at CAHC at 622-7083

EAAA is holding Medicare Part D clinics through November and December.  Please check out the Events page of our website at www.eaaa.org for a list of clinics near you.  For more information on Medicare or to make an appointment for a clinic, call Eastern Agency on Aging at 1-800-432-7812.