Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Watch this video blog: Research Shows Family Caregivers Want More Education on Caregiving

The National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP did an extensive report on “Caregiving in the U.S. 2009”.  The report shows that the increase for information and formal caregiver training has increased over the past 5 years. 

What family caregivers want is more information and education on, is care recipient safety at home, easy activities to do with the person they are caring for, as well as how to choose a home care agency, assisted living facility or nursing home.  A large portion wanted information on one subject and since the report showed an increase in those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease – that is one of those areas we just can’t give families enough information and guidance.

It was interesting to me that families looked to the doctor for ideas on education and in our area very few physicians are aware of what is available in the community unless they were connected to a senior service of a local hospital.  They also looked to their caregiving provider for information – however, not all home care agencies have skilled professionals to provide caregiver specific education.

Another surprising finding is caregivers expressed less desire for information about finding time for themselves.  I am not sure how to interpret this – I would like to say that they all find time for self-care or at least more know of the importance of caring for oneself while caring for another.  I hope it isn’t that they are overly focused on caregiving and have not thought about their own needed self-care.

See our website for the classes and support groups we have scheduled in our offices and in the community.  We believe information is empowering.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

I just came across a great article by Jonathan Rauch, published in the April issue of The Atlantic Magazine.  Mr. Rauch talks about his process of deciding when to move his very independent father closer to his home in Washington DC from Phoenix and his experience with doing so.  

In his anecdote, he reveals many common traits of a parent resisting  dependence on his or her child and the dismissal of the fact that their health may be deterioating.   I thought that many of you might be able to relate to this story and find comfort in the fact that there are so many of us in America dealing with aging parents.  Enjoy! 

Click on the link below to view article: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/03/letting-go-of-my-father/8001/1/?

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Elder abuse is rising. Even though my mother is bright and doing well living alone, which she prefers, she is a target just because of her age!    Mom is almost 88 and out and about going to clubs and driving friends around.  She lives in a major urban city and has since her birth.  The only help I provide for her is a personal assistant who acts as her personal secretary making appointments, reviewing mail and helping her with phone calls – because of her hearing loss she can’t understand accents or phone tree instructions.

 A week ago, she had a knock at the door. A woman asked to use a portable phone because she said she was locked out of her home.  Mom gave her the phone but of course the number was busy.  Then she asked for water and when my mother went to give her a cup the woman followed her inside making comments on how my Mom’s home reminded her of her Grandmother’s.  My mother became suspicious at this point and told her she needed to leave. However, the woman saw the candy dish and asked for candy.  Again, Mom says, “Take some and get out of my house.”, not knowing Mom’s purse was now under the woman’s coat!

 Mom of course had her keys, checkbook and credit cards in that purse.  She changed her locks with the help of a grandson, notified all the credit card accounts and the bank.  She has received two calls, one to cash a check for under $200 and another to charge $4,000 at an appliance store.  Mom stopped those transactions. 

 This is a lot of stress on an elder.  Thank God she has her personal assistant to help with all the paperwork that this event brought to her.

 The bottom line is, tell the elders in your life not to open the door for strangers – especially if they live alone.  The police officers told my Mom this and I hope she listens.  It is hard for her not to always be kind.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Days are darker and shorter, the weather is cold or wet, and yes, it is winter.  The holidays have come and gone and you find yourself feeling sad, tired and depleted.  This is somewhat normal for many of us and even more so for the older population.  They might have had lots of activity during November and December and now feel let down by the lack of stimulation and the inability to get outdoors.

 Often, once you get back to your normal activities after the holidays this temporary “blues” feeling usually goes away.  However, some individuals have enough symptoms to be diagnosed with “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD).  This real illness is characterized by extreme lethargy and depression as well as some of the depressive symptoms like increased appetite, weight gain and difficulty concentrating.  Sometimes those with SAD require medication and help should be sought from a physician.  Talk therapy can also help during this time by giving one some strategies to deal with and overcome the symptoms.

 How to beat the “Winter Blues”:

 1)    Exercise releases endorphins which improves mood.  So, move – even if it is just doing a morning stretch with a television guide.  If you can, take a short 30-minute walk every day.  It might be all you need.

2)    Stay clear of sweets and carbohydrate rich foods.  Avoid alcohol because it is a depressant.  Look for low fat protein snacks and meals.

3)    Vitamin D is helpful.  In the summer you might get all the vitamin D you need by being in the sun but in the winter you might need to boost your intake.  Talk to your doctor about how much to take.

4)    Try to expose yourself to sun light when it comes out.  However, there are lights you can buy that have a similar effect as the sun. 

 The most important information is that Spring will come.  You do not need to suffer.  Seek a professional who can guide you to feeling better.  This is a very common but not welcome cycle for many individuals.

 Eldercare Services has several Care Managers on staff that are licensed therapists. Give us a call toll free at 866 760-1808 if we can help you in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

It has been my honor, over the past 25 years, to help people make hard decisions such as giving up a home of 50 years for a retirement community or a downsized condo.  One comes to this decision from various paths; economic reasons, health concerns, loss of spouse or wanting to relocate near adult children.  Sometimes, just because home maintenance is too much and the senior wants to travel or have less of the “have to do” chores in their life.

 What I do know is that people who are socially engaged live longer and happier lives according to research.  That individuals who have purpose and meaning in their lives are healthier than their peers without purpose.  I also know that people who have had major losses through death of spouses or friends that continue to have meaningful lives live longer as well.

 So, if you or someone you love is facing this dilemma you should consider having at least one hour with a Professional Geriatric Care Manager who can help you with your list of pros and cons before making a major move.  It is often beneficial for the elder to have this conversation with an objective professional; so the end result is your decision and not influenced by family members’ or friend’s value systems. 

 More and more Baby Boomers are thinking long range and looking at options early in their “autumn” years.  Better to be prepared than have to make decisions in a crisis.

Professional Geriatric Care Manager Supervisor Eileen Zagelow, BA, CMC

A client once told me that life would be better if the last ten years were lived first and the first ten years were lived last. 

 Since that experience I feel challenged to provide some sort of delight to the clients we serve.  One of the most satisfying ways to do this as a Care Manager is to relieve families and friends of some of their functional duties.  This allows the caregiver time, energy and opportunity to provide some delightful experiences of their own.  Supporting contentment, companionship and the occasional high is very gratifying to both the giver and receiver.

 The moments don’t have to be very big, very long or even very often.  Exhilarating and/or meaningful should be the goal.  Families are often too exhausted to find energy for such pursuits.  By handing over the controls at least for a while the caregiver can replenish themselves and “pay it forward”. 

 Some of the following experiences come to my mind.  Enjoying a 90^th birthday cruising along in a convertible, top down, complete with sunglasses and baseball hat.  (Of course normal precautions need to be employed!)  A visit to Pier 39 with a ride on the carousel.  A drive through the wine country or over the Golden Gate Bridge. For some, the sheer pleasure of sand running through the toes is a wonderful time.

 We create happiness when we feel alive and blessed ourselves.  Sharing the burden is immeasurable in the rewards it reaps.

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

You want this no matter what your position is…good end of life planning gives you control.  If done appropriately and with the right legal tools you can dictate how you want your journey to be played out based on your values and not the values of the doctor, the hospital, your family or others.

I am not sure all doctors are prepared or trained to have this very sensitive discussion with aging patients.  However, some are excellent at counseling individuals and families about choices one can make around health care decisions.  I believe this type of counseling should be done every 5 years and I applaud the designers of the potential new health plan for including this measure.

Professionals from other disciplines might be better at this type of counseling, those who are outside the medical provider area – such as Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PGCM).  A PGCM can help you look at the different tools available for you to record and direct your end of life interventions and ask you about values.  Most importantly, the PGCM can give you peace of mind that someone will advocate for you to ensure the journey goes your way – and that the someone you so name is in agreement to follow your plan – no matter how “outside of the box” it might be.

One tool for Advance Directive Planning is “The Five Wishes”.  This document recognized in many States takes in more of the sensitive end of life wishes of individuals than the standard “Advance Care Directive/Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.”   This document is honored in most states but not all.   So, if this is a document you want to use – be sure it will be honored in your State.

If you want all medical interventions possible to extend your life these documents are just as important or maybe more so than those that just want comfort care and no “heroic” interventions based on their directives, values, culture and religion.

I cannot defend the Obama Health plan nor can I tear it apart – but I can tell you that each of us should complete some end of life planning tool no matter what our age.  Those who are past 65 should look at all of their legal documents annually – I suggest the month of your birthday – just to see if you should redo something or if your options or thoughts have changed – you can amend your documents.

Elder Law Attorneys (http://www.naela.org) can be a good resource with this planning element as well as Geriatric Care Managers.  Most Elder Law attorneys include these documents in all of their estate planning sessions. However, not everyone practices in the same manor.  So, be pro-active and ask questions about this very important tool to have life your way till the very end.

May each of you who read this have a full and peaceful life.  May you gather the tools you need to have the last journey unfold as directed by you and not others.

Professional Geriatric Care Manager Supervisor Eileen Zagelow, BA, CMC

In working with clients for the last 16+ years, I am amazed how much I learn and the renewal that I feel on a regular basis. Working so closely with another person moving through the transitions of his or her life is an honor. Listening to the life experiences as well as the fears, joys and concerns of the seniors I serve helps keep me balanced and involved in a caring life that happens to be my profession.

Eileen Zagelow, CMC
Geriatric Care Manager