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Alzheimer's & Dementia Epidemic Ahead
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Researchers at Alzheimer's Disease International recently released the World Alzheimer Report, predicting that dementia will nearly double every 20 years, worldwide. By next year, it will affect over 35 million people, growing to 115 million by 2050. Age is the biggest driver of Alzheimer's, though other factors also increase the risk of dementia, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesteral.
The Alzheimer's Association of the United States estimates that more than 5 million people are currently affected in this country. It afflicts 1 in 8 people ages 65 and older, and nearly half of people over age 85. The report offers examples of good national dementia plans, and encourages governments to declare it as a national health priority. READ MORE »
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Dear Katy
By Kate Dougherty, Certified Senior Advisor
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Dear Katy - Our mom is in a skilled nursing facility, but frequently needs help to and from doctor's appointments. How quickly can we arrange for this type of service when she needs it? T.K., Monterey CA
Dear T.K. - Check with home care agencies in your area. Transportation can often be arranged in a few hours, but the more notice given is always better. I recommend that you give the agency 24 hours notice. This allows them to meet with your mom ahead of time so she knows what to expect and feels com-fortable with the whole process. A regular planned schedule can be set up, or the service can be used on an "as needed" basis. You can see pricing and sample transportation plans that our company offers at victorianhc.com/short-term-personal-care.
Dear Katy - We're looking at assisted living facilities for my dad. We'd like to arrange for a private caregiver to come in, as well, serving more like a personal assistant. How can we make sure to get the best possible arrangement for him? M.M. Salt Late City UT
Dear M.M. - I always recommend that families do an "on the job" interview. Agencies can arrange for you to interview candidates prior to them starting, but it's hard to get a good feel about a person in a brief interview. This why most agencies will meet with families to conduct a thorough assessment and develop a plan of care. This is not only to fully understand what activities you would like to have completed for your dad, but also to get a sense of what kind of personality might best suit him. After this is completed, the agency will match him with a care provider. If at any time you would like to change your care provider, this can easily be arranged.
(Submit your questions to kdougherty@professionalhc.com. Follow her on twitter.)
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There is recurring advice among many experts on human behavior that there are specific things a person can do to generate positive emotions. Here are five of them:
1. Be generous - Charity and selfless acts make the giver happier.
2. Think happy thoughts - Pondering a happy place or good outcome improves one's mood.
3. Exercise - Workouts produce endorphins and other chemical reactions in the body that elevate positive emotions.
4. Be social - Interactions with friends and loved ones improves a sense of well being.
5. Give it some time - Past age 50, people are better at filtering out negatives in life and focusing on thoughts and actions that bring satisfaction.
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Device to Locate Wanderers
Place EmSeeQ on a person's wrist. Cell phone technology locates the person within 10-20 feet.
More Info »
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"I don't feel old. I don't feel anything till noon. That's when it's time for my nap."
Bob Hope, comedian and actor (1903 - 2003)
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For New Non-Medical Home Care Clients
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