Assuming its Alzheimer’s
By Cassie
I have spoken to numerous adult children who believe their parents have Alzheimer’s disease because they are forgetting things, misplacing objects, or “lie” about things they may or may not have done. The word “Alzheimer’s” has become a catchphrase for the younger population as well. I have been called “Allie” on many occasions when I forget things or consciously choose to enact my selective listening.
People tend to forget that Alzheimer’s disease is indicated in approximately 5.3 million Americans and is no laughing matter.
There are definitive differences between Alzheimer’s disease versus normal aging changes. One of our favorite blogs, The Alzheimer’s Reading Room outlines symptoms that present as a false positive for Alzheimer’s in the post: “Is it really Alzheimer’s or something else?”
Poor judgment and decision-making is most often cited as a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. When poor decisions are made infrequently it is likely that this is a normal sign of aging or simply being alive. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease make poor decisions consistently due to cognitive difficulties. There are differences between Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and typical age-related changes listed on Alzheimer’s Association’s page “10 Signs of Alzheimer’s.”
In summary, the 10 warning signs are:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Alzheimer’s Association provides details on each sign on their site.
CareGuide nurses and social workers administer a Mini Mental Health Status Exam that can indicate whether a person is suffering from significant cognitive decline. If this is the case, a referral to a neurologist or Geri-psychiatrist is always recommended so that further testing can be completed and medication prescribed if deemed necessary.
In summary, the excuses we used as kids, “The dog ate my homework”, “I can’t find my shoes”, “A bully ate my lunch” may be real perceptions to a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Although at times you may think they are just pulling your leg, keep in mind that if these types of rationale are consistent and persistent, cognitive impairment may be indicated.
Preventing Identity Theft
By Cassie
I can’t tell you how many times my mother has told me “you can never be too cautious”. The recession has generated even more fear in people and rightly so when every time you turn around another successful scam is perpetrated. Elders have always been considered, as a population, more vulnerable to crime.
But modern crime that often impacts seniors occurs more stealthily. Identify theft often impacts the elderly.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is one crime that doesn’t really cross our minds when it comes to the elderly, but anyone with a Social Security number is at risk. Healthcare, credit and employment theft are all possible within the elderly population. In general, elders are not as computer oriented. They still receive statements, applications, tax and investment information through the mail. The mail is a great target for thieves who are looking to steal your identity. The mail also has a greater lag time for persons who check their statements. A lot can be stolen in a month when you do not check your accounts weekly or daily.
Healthcare theft can be perpetrated through identity theft. Persons have received medical care, including major surgeries under false names. This is a major issue for the elderly, as treatment can be denied if claims are showing up under a person’s name as unpaid or misdiagnoses can occur and credit scores can be damaged. Social Security numbers can also be used to obtain employment and collect government benefits. All of this fraudulent activity can go undetected for months or years.
Some things that can assist you or a loved one in avoiding identity theft is to shred all documents with any personal information on it, never reveal any personal information over the phone including your Social Security number, account number, PIN numbers and health information. You always have the option of getting the name of the company and calling back to make sure they are a legitimate company.
Take Action
Other steps you can take include:
- Carefully get rid of papers with personal information. Tear up or shred charge receipts, bank statements, expired credit cards, credit offers.
- Cut back the number of cards you carry. Don’t routinely take your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport with you.
- Be aware of others who are nearby when you’re using your PIN. Don’t throw your ATM receipt in the wastebasket.
- Don’t give your credit card or bank account number over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you confirm you are able to independently confirm you are dealing with an actual representative of a legitimate business.
- Secure personal information in your home, especially if you employ outside help or are having work done in your home.
- Be extra careful about what you reveal about yourself when you are online at social networking sites, chat rooms, genealogy or class reunion sites. You never know who is watching. Identity thieves could be cruising these sites for clues to piece together just what they need to steal your identity.
- Get help from the Federal Trade Commission if you become a victim.
- Check your credit report.
- Consider putting a “security freeze” on your credit reports.
- Learn more ways to reduce your risk of identity theft by taking AARP’s online id theft prevention course.
If you believe that your Social Security number is being used in some illegal fashion, you need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General. They can then begin to look into the situation for you and resolve any problems.
Here is the contact information for Inspector General. Visit online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig, call them at 1-800-269-0271.
Free Audio Health Resources
By Rachel
It’s true, sometimes the government is keeping up with the times. The U.S. government Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has a news series called Healthcare 411. On the website are 30-second PSA style audio podcasts and one- to four-minute features or radiocasts on many health topics. Because they are audio, they are perfect for those who have visual challenges, don’t like to read or enjoy multi-tasking while on the computer.
The site is at www.healthcare411.ahrq.gov (or click on my link).
From there, I clicked on “Program Categories” . I found some interesting podcasts in “Patient Safety,” “Women’s Health,” and “Prevention/Healthy Living.” Among the topics that may be interesting to seniors and caregivers are:
- Be Prepared for Medical Appointments (includes a link to a brochure that includes a list of questions to ask)
- Taking Medication Safely
- Choosing Long-Term Care
- Blood Thinner Pills Video overview, including a link to video you can download for free
- Tips for Women on Staying Healthy (includes a link to a brochure on screenings and tests for women)
You can subscribe to their audio podcasts as well.
Which podcasts did you find helpful?
Men Who Are Caregivers
By Cassie
A trend in health care that is becoming more widely realized is the increasing role of men as caregivers. It is estimated that the number of male caregivers may be in the 40% range. Women have been seen traditionally as the persons with primary care giving responsibilities. As more women have entered the workplace and dual income households have become the standard, men have been thrust into the role of primary caregiver or one who shares the responsibility equally.
Due to increased health care costs and the downturn in the economy it may not be feasible for an elder to reside in an Independent Living or Skilled Nursing Facility. The impact on their families is greater leading to increased stress, financial and marital strain, and caregivers being terminated from jobs for missing too much work. Men especially are affected as they lose their traditional “breadwinner role” and assume a foreign role. At times, this leads to feelings of humiliation, depression and worthlessness.
There are caregiver groups available to men and women to give them a chance to vent and share their thoughts and feelings with others. Overall, men are much less likely to participate in in-person groups leading to isolative behaviors. However, there are places they can turn to such as www.healthcentral.com and www.careging.com for online support and educational groups.
Chase away isolation
by Cassie
Social isolation often occurs in seniors that are homebound or have lost the ability to drive. Driving is heavily linked to independence and many seniors are afraid of becoming dependent upon others to satisfy their needs. One of the most difficult decisions a senior will have to make is to give up their driving privileges. This really hit home for me when my 102-year old aunt waited for her cataract to shift so that she could pass the eye exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles and keep her license and driving privileges. As I saw with my aunt in this situation, fear often outweighs prudence.
To help alleviate feelings of isolation, many communities now have Friendly Visitor Programs for seniors. These programs are typically free of charge. They were developed to provide increased socialization to homebound seniors who are unable to participate and interact with others due to inability to get outside of the home on their own. This type of program is extremely helpful when family and friends are not readily available.
Generally, a volunteer coordinator will visit with the elder in their home and determine who the best available volunteer would be for them based on personality and interests. The volunteer is subject to a background check and training prior to their first visit. The length of a visit is usually between 1 and 2 hours.
It is very comforting both to the elder and their families to know that they are not alone and that their loved one is safe. The elder and the volunteer both benefit from the relationship as they share stories, engage in activities and create new memories. If you would like more information on Friendly Visitor Programs you can go to www.seniorsfirst.org and www.lifeeldercare.org.