When is Financial Help Needed for Seniors

How to Recognize When Your Senior Loved Ones Need Help with Finances

We don’t always like to think about it but we will get older one day, and when that happens, we may need help with our finances. If you are a child of a senior, then it’s especially important that you recognize when your loved one may need help and step in. Today, Quality Care of Howell has some advice on how to determine when your parents need help and how to assist.

It Is Important to Recognize the Signs

A major indicator is seeing piles of unopened mail or that they have not brought in the mail for a long time. There could be overdue bills in there, so investigate and open them all to see where they stand. When you open the bills, check for any strange or unnecessary charges, as that is another red flag. Another more obvious sign is when you notice that they are beginning to have memory issues. If you call on the phone and it takes them longer than necessary to remember who you are then you should stop by to check things out.

Also, keep an eye out for potential vision problems. Even if they open the mail, if they can’t see what is due, then they could be in trouble.

What to Do If the Situation Gets Out of Hand

In the case that your loved one is becoming too forgetful, or they need more help than you can provide, then you may have to consider moving them into a senior living facility. Take the time to research facilities around your area, read customer reviews, and check the price to see what fits into your budget.

During this process, it may be necessary to sell their house and you can use those profits to pay for the senior living budget. Again, research is necessary. Go online and use a home proceeds calculator that allows you to enter the sale price of the home and all taxes and closing costs, and it will give you an idea of the final profit that you will make after the sale.

If your parents own a business, then you may need to consider selling that as well. The first step is to get a professional business valuation so you can get a good idea of its true value. In addition to seeing the profit, this valuation will also tell you a good asking price and shows potential buyers that you are making an honest deal. After that, gather all necessary documentation so you can provide it upon request.

Immediate Changes to Make If You Notice an Issue

If you believe that your parents need some help, then you can step in and take over some processes, so they don’t have to worry about them. For instance, you can change their mailing address so that the bills are delivered to your home instead and then you can pay them when necessary. Also, you should ask them about their monthly utilities so you can pay those, too.

Obviously, it can be sad to see that your senior loved one needs help, but by following these steps, you can provide the care they need and solve their financial situation. If you are selling a house or business, get a valuation so you can save money in the process.

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Quality Care of Howell is a family operated, assisted living facility licensed as an Adult Foster Care. Call (517) 579-2019.

Author: Andrea Needham

Eldersday.org

Written on 10/05/2022

The Affects of Daylight Savings Time

It’s Time to Spring Ahead Again

Daylight Savings time (DSL) is just around the corner. On Sunday, March 13, we will set our clocks ahead one hour, beginning at 2 a.m. While it is exciting to embrace the change of seasons and the warmer days of Spring, “springing ahead” affects all of us, especially those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

We have all experienced those first few days of feeling tired when we change our clocks. Our brain feels foggy, and it seems harder to wind down at the end of the day. Now imagine suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s where navigating through daily living already experiencing confusion can be challenging enough.

Sundowning and DSL

One of the biggest affects is the occurrence of “sundowning.” Sundowning is a condition defined as, “a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and spanning into the night.” Sundowning can cause a variety of behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering.” (Mayo Clinic) Often the time changes exacerbate sundowning syndrome even more. Symptoms that can occur include:

•                     Heightened irritability

•                     Confusion

•                    Fatigue

Keeping Routines Help Ease the Transition

As we prepare to visit our loved ones during the day or even weeks that follow, there are several ways we can help make our resident’s transition smoother. The Mayo Clinic offers the following suggestions, such as:

•                     Maintaining routines such as meals, bedtime, waking and other daily activities

•                     Discouraging daytime naps until their bodies adjust

•                     Limiting sugar and caffeine intake to morning hours.

Activities to Ease the Transition and Embrace Spring

Additionally, after a long winter, DSL is an opportunity to begin focusing on fun Spring activities or even slight wardrobe changes to help transition into the season. Some suggestions include:

•                     Swapping out winter clothes for spring clothes. While we live in Michigan, where winter weather can last well past DSL and with the vernal equinox scheduled for Sunday, March 20, warm weather clothing probably isn’t an option. However, we can help residents swap out darker clothes with traditional pastel-colored sweaters and sweatshirts.

•                     In anticipation of spending more time outdoors, have residents paint wooden planter boxes. When the weather warms up, they can look forward to planting flowers in the newly painted boxes.

•                     Decorate your facility for spring with flowers and butterfly decals or hire a professional window painter. Let the residents direct and contribute suggestions about the painting subjects.

In addition to redirecting with new activities and daily routines as we adjust to longer days, often compassion and care can also go a long way in helping our families and residents with the transition.

~ Colleen Buehner

For more information on the topics above please feel free to peruse the sources below:

Citations

Not Just Bingo.

https://www.ssww.com/blog/5-senior-activity-ideas-celebrate-daylight-savingstime/

Radford-Graff, J. Sundowning: Late-day Confusion.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/sundowning/faq-20058511#:~:text=The%20term%20%22sundowning%22%20refers%20to,lead%20to%20pacing%20or%20wandering

RESIDENT CARE AIDE DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT

Linda joined the QCOH team in August, 2019

She has had a very diverse career history including sales and marketing. Linda says that her favorite thing about QCOH is getting to know our residents.

Linda will soon be transitioning to the role of QCOH’s activity director. She is looking forward to planning and participating in fun activities with our residents.

Linda Ramirez

In her spare time, Linda enjoys hanging out with her grandson, Asher. Family is especially important to Linda and when she is not here with her QCOH family, she likes being up north with her brothers, sisters, children and nieces and nephews.

The Healing Powers of Hydration

HELLO HYDRATION:

In the world today it’s easy to forget to grab a glass of water. However, summer is in full swing & with it we’re brought the sweltering humidity that Michigan gifts us each year before the icy tundra sweeps us away. Not only is water important all year round; but especially during this time of year when we’re exerting more fluids than we often intake. Unfortunately, this also means that the young & old alike are notably susceptible to dehydration.

DANGERS OF DEHYDRATION:

Dehydration is no laughing matter. I have personally seen dehydration alone take down a 6’4” 310 lb. professional boxer faster than most punches ever could. Due to same, it’s important to know the symptoms beforehand. Spotting these signs can not only help yourself & those around you, but could very possibly save a life. Let’s get started:

• Extreme thirst

• Less frequent urination

• Dark-colored urine (it is a common misconception that urine is supposed to be a bright shade of yellow when in fact if fluid levels are optimum your urine will be clear or have very little coloration)

• Fatigue

• Dizziness &/or vertigo

• Increased weakness of the body

• Labored breathing/shortness of breath

• Dry mouth

• Flushing of the skin

• Headache(s)

• Increased body temperature &/or fever

• Increased heartrate

These symptoms can appear all at once, slowly over a 24-48 hour period, or sometimes only 2 out of the bunch. All too often it is only after the fact we link these symptoms, that can frequently be assigned to different ailments (which is commonly the case in the elderly), to dehydration; making it even more necessary to push the importance of water. Furthermore, if left untreated after the initial 24-48 hour period these symptoms can progress to outright pernicious problems. These can include:

• Syncope (fainting/passing out)

• Bloody &/or black stool(s)

• Confusion/delirium

• Muscle spasms

• Swollen tongue

It doesn’t stop there. Long-term damage of dehydration can lead to the following:

• Heat injury (this has three main stages:

  1. Excessive sweating &/or migraine(s)

  2. Heat cramps, heat rash, &/or exhaustion

  3. Heatstroke (this can be life threatening)

• Urinary & kidney problems (urinary tract infections, kidney stones, &/or potential kidney failure)

• Seizures (hydration is key in keeping your electrolyte levels running at top speed. Advanced dehydration can put potassium & sodium levels out of whack causing mixed signals in the brain)

• Hypovolemic shock (dramatic & rapid drop in both blood pressure & oxygen levels; potentially fatal)

PREVENTING DEHYDRATION DISASTER:

While all of this may seem scary, as it arguably should, it is critical like in any case to remain calm, know the facts, & plan accordingly. Luckily for us it is relatively easy to prevent these complications from taking place so long as the correct preventative actions are regarded seriously. If you or loved ones are experiencing diarrhea &/or vomiting, taking part in excessive exercise, &/or are feeling in any way under the weather your water consumption should be increased. As previously mentioned, the young & elderly are particularly prone to dehydration & the complications of same. When more common illnesses arrive their way (such as influenza, bronchitis, & bladder infections) it is vital that the recommended daily dose for adults of 11.5 cups for women & 15.5 cups for men not only be adhered to, but increased to account for the extra fluids being lost.

FACTS ABOUT FLUIDS:

It might surprise you to know that contrary to our body’s appearance & feel, humans are made up of about 50-70% fluids. Yet, despite this we still manage to lose water through our breath, perspiration, urine, & bowel movements every day. Once again emphasizing the need to replenish. So where do these fluids come from? Shockingly not always from liquids, only about 80%; while the other 20% comes from food. Certain foods are almost entirely water by weight: such as watermelon, broccoli, & spinach. Nevertheless, drinking nothing but water & eating the same things every day can become tedious for many leading to a lower than desired amount of water consumption. There is fortunately more than one way to get the job done.

• Smoothies, Ensure®, sports drinks, & milkshakes are all great substitutes if you or your loved one(s) are desiring more texture in your diet

• Soups & broths are a savory option & an excellent alternative

• Popsicles are a fun & tasty summertime treat that are a fantastic surrogate to the average drink of water

• Juices, teas, & water flavorings can help jazz up any cup meant to help hydrate

Knowing these facts about fluids can assist in avoiding dehydration. As a side note some diuretics to be wary of & only consume in moderation are caffeinated drinks (including coffee) & alcohol.

HEALTHY HABITS OF HYDRATION:

There are eight main benefits that can arise due to proper hydration.

1. Regulating temperature & assisting in insulation of the body

2. Delivering nutrients & medications throughout to the cells & carrying waste away

3. Keeping the eyes, mouth, nose, & skin moist

4. Ensuring blood volume is within the correct range

5. Flushing out the urinary tract

6. Lubrication of the joints

7. Improved sleep, mood, & mind function

8. Enables organs to continuing running at a healthy rate

All in all the healing powers of hydration are too numerous to ignore. Our bodies crave liquid nutrition & we owe it to ourselves as hopeful healthy individuals to dabble in this very overlooked form of self-care. Until next month,

-Haley Brewer

For more information on the topics above please feel free to peruse the sources below:

• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086

• https://www.fellowshipseniorliving.org/blog/hydration-and-dehydration/

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

Maintaining Independence and Connection in the Time of COVID

Everyone is struggling with maintaining a mental and emotional equilibrium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being cooped up can take its toll, especially when you are living in close proximity to others over a prolonged period of time. Older adults residing in senior living communities can face unique concerns in this regard. Quality Care of Howell recognizes these challenges and provides individualized services to meet the specific needs of all residents in a most personalized way.  

Make the Most of Your Space

When you are sharing space with others, particularly in a senior living environment, you can feel claustrophobic, as if you have little room to call your own. Make an effort to optimize the space you have available. For example, use room dividers where possible, or situate furniture in such a way that you can carve out nooks with privacy. Curtain panels and tall plants can also be a way to delineate space in such a way that you feel you have a bit of a personal retreat. If you can't tune out others, consider noise-canceling headphones that allow you to listen to your favorite music or white noise to block out ambient sounds.

Fight Feelings of Isolation

While some people may feel they are on top of one another during the pandemic, others feel an intense sense of isolation, particularly extroverts who enjoy socializing and being around others. Utilize technology to its fullest extent to stay connected with friends and loved ones, using features like video conferencing and socially distanced in-person visits. Even if your family is waving to you from a car or standing outside your window and talking to you on the phone, you can still see them face-to-face and feel a sense of connection. Ask family members to outfit you with the latest in easy-to-use tech gadgets, like a smartphone or tablet, so you can stay virtually connected.

Stay Sharp

It can be easy to get lost in streaming movies and being sedentary, as we tell ourselves it is fine to enjoy luxuries like extra snacks and comfort foods because it is, after all, a pandemic! However, thinking this way for too long can have detrimental effects on your physical well-being. Make a point to eat healthy foods, get fresh air, and partake in healthcare provider-approved physical activity on a regular basis. Also, look for creative paths to engage yourself in other ways. Listen to books on tape or even take an interesting and free online class to help you stay sharp.

Ask for Help

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, if you find yourself becoming mentally or emotionally distressed, or are experiencing anxiety or symptoms of depression, it’s important to reach out for help. Even if you can't see a physician in person, telehealth visits with therapists and counselors are readily available. These individuals recognize that many people are struggling with mental and emotional health issues during the pandemic, and can offer you valuable tips and insights based on your unique circumstances. The key is in remembering this will pass at some point, and ensuring your overall well-being in the interim is critical to long-term health and wellness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a whole new set of challenges related to how we live, communicate, and interact with one another. Giving special attention to your mental, emotional, and physical well-being during this time can help ensure you come through this most unusual time in the best shape possible.

If you or a loved one are interested in quality senior care or assisted living in the Howell, please call us at (517) 579-2019 or e-mail us a contact@qualitycareofhowell.com for more information via email.

-Jim McKinley