Archive for the ‘Senior Care’ Category

When Is It Best To Not Be Too Social? – Staying Safe and Secure When Using Social Media

Thursday, May 10th, 2018

Christine Stone, RN    Clinical Liaison

One statistic shows that 64 percent of folks over age 50 spend some time on the internet and

Facebook.    But beware!  There are cleverly devious people out there who are intent on separating you from your money and personal information.   As reported by a prominent social media security company, Fraud and “Phishing” scams have more than doubled in the past year!   How do these clever criminals do it?   Read on:

  1. Fake Freebies and Discounts. Scammers set up a bogus social media page that looks like those of legitimate companies.  They claim to offer free or very cheap products and services.   They collect your name, address, phone number, email address, credit card number, and other information to be used for identity theft or sold to other criminals on the black market.   You will never receive the so-called “free” item or service, but you can be sure your information will be used illegally.
  2. Contests and Surveys Swindles. In these schemes you are promised a prize for completing and online survey.   The crooks are able to search deeper for your personal information – including occupation, income, spending habits.
  3. Twitter Tricks.  Crooks add an extra character to a corporate name, creating a fake website.  If you’re not looking closely, the fake web site looks just like the real one. For example:  You receive a legitimate looking email from your bank asking you to login your account.  The scammer is closely monitoring for any responses.  A link to the fake website is provided.  You logon to that site and your account number and password is requested.   Once you’ve given over that information, you’ve essentially given the crook full access to your accounts.
  4. Live-Stream Lies. Some TV programs, sporting events and movies are “streamed”  online.   Free viewing is promised, but when you click on the link, a website will demand credit card information before viewing can start.  This is the lure of the “free trial” and “cancel at any time” trick.    Chances are you’ll never see the program, but don’t be surprised to see monthly charges on your credit card statement.
  5. Gossip. Your curiosity about a celebrity or sports star can get you into real trouble.  The celebrity name along with the terms “pictures” or ”videos” are used to lure you into checking on the links.  But before you can view the “scandalous” pictures you’ll have to provide your name and credit card information.

So what can you do to stay safe on the internet and other forms of social media?

  • Your best protection is to always use common sense. If it seems too good to be true – it is! 
  • Go directly to a manufacturer’s official website for free offers and special deals.
  • Be careful what you click on – especially “pop up” offers and other unsolicited emails.
  • Spend the money and install a quality internet security program on your computer that scans for viruses, malware, and prevents pop-up ads. Set it to run scans on a regular schedule. 

Finally, as they used to say on the TV show “Hill Street Blues” – Be safe out there.

Resources for the Caregivers of  People with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias

Monday, April 16th, 2018

Christine Stone, RN

Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Center:   alz.org/care

            This is always a good, first place to look for information.   Call 1-800-272-3900 for the 24 / 7 Helpline.   They can connect you to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

ALZConnected Social Networking Community:     alzconnected.org

            This is a free membership public forum for caregivers and people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia s.  Why join?     Connect with people who understand.   Post questions and offer solutions.   Create public  and private groups around a dedicated topic.

Purple Cities Alliance:       purple cities.org

            Lists “dementia-friendly” cities where city workers, police, shopkeepers and others are educated in how to effectively  interact with people with dementia.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Hospital Wristband Project:    http://www.commonsensecaregiving.com/dementia-hospital-wristband-program.html

            Lists hospitals which are using purple wristbands to identify patients with dementia.  All staff and  physicians receive additional education on the disease basics and how to communicate kindly and effectively with persons with dementia.

Music & Memory:     musicandmemory.org

            It is well known that music is an effective way to reach people with dementia who otherwise seem  “unreachable.”  This website will guide you in making a customized “music playlist” for your loved one.

GreyMatters App:    greymatterstous.com  (“grey matters to us”)

            GreyMatters is a tablet application that aims to improve quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. Through an interactive life storybook, paired with music and games, the app helps  patients and families preserve yesterday’s memories, as well as share today’s joyful moments

Alzheimer’s Speaks:   https://www.alzheimersspeaks.com/memory-cafes

            Alzheimer’s Speaks believes collaboration is the key to living a successful and purpose filled life with  dementia.  By working together, we can push both conventional and alternative efforts forward in search of answers. 

 Alzheimer’s Reading Room:   alzheimersreadingroom.com

            The goal of the Alzheimer’s Reading Room is to Educate and Empower Alzheimer’s caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer’s community.

Recognizing Mental Health Problems in Older Persons

Friday, March 23rd, 2018

Christine Stone, RN

     Mental health problems are should NOT be an expected part of getting older.   Think about the stereotypes –  the sad nursing home resident, the anxious little old lady, the feisty old man.   There is nothing about being older that guarantees mental health problems or memory loss.  But we’ve been “conditioned” to believe poor mental health is an inevitable part of aging.

     The diagnoses of depression and dementia have become the new “normal” – a regular part of growing old.  When we view depression as normal, we tend to overlook its symptoms – it becomes something to be endured, tolerated, or untreatable – which is completely wrong.    In addition to Alzheimer’s Dementia, there are over 10 known types of dementia, some of which are treatable or even reversible.   For this article, we’ll focus on depression and delirium – both of which are completely treatable.

     The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identify depression as a real and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging.  Older people who are depressed are often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated.  It has been suggested that as many as 6.5 percent out of 35 million older Americans are depressed.   That’s 1 in 5 seniors living with this treatable condition.   So, whether they’re living in a nursing home or in the community, depression is not normal.

     Depression in seniors can occur when chronic illnesses create distressing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and memory loss.  Inadequate treatment of these symptoms can lead to depression.   Generational  beliefs that depression is “taboo” make many seniors reluctant to report feelings of depression to health care practitioners.  

Is it depression or delirium?

     Infections, acute illnesses and/or physical injury can cause sudden and usually reversible changes in a person’s mental status.   The otherwise alert and oriented person becomes confused – doesn’t recognize family or close friends, doesn’t know where they are, sees or hears things that aren’t there.   The person experiencing these symptoms is usually completely unaware of their confusion or irrational behavior.   This is delirium – and it usually resolves when the infection or injury is adequately treated.

    Onset of the symptoms of depression can be very subtle, and may not be noticed in the day to day routines.   Often, it isn’t until depression is quite severe that it is realized how impaired or isolated the elderly person has become.   Things that used to bring pleasure are neglected or avoided, or there are changes in appetite, weight and sleep patterns.   There might be feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.   Sometimes depression is “situational”  – related to a loss or an acute illness –  is considered normal and will resolve with appropriate treatment (talk-therapy).   When the symptoms last longer than 6 months, or impact daily life –  it’s time to talk with your doctor.   Medication therapy alone, or in combination with psychotherapy, are extremely effective treatments for depression.  Your doctor may also order some routine lab tests to make sure there is no medical reason for your depression.

    If you think you or your loved one might have depression – call your doctor.  Once a diagnosis is made and treatment has started, improvement can be seen in as little as two weeks.     Isn’t that worth feeling better and the improvement in the quality of life?

Ways to Stay Safe and Secure When Using Social Media

Friday, March 9th, 2018

Christine Stone, RN

If you use a computer or a Smart phone, you might also be using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Texting.  It’s a great way to share messages and photos with family, grandkids and friends.  But BEWARE!  There are a lot of scams and fraudulent activity associated with social media.  Criminals will try to get your personal information, login credentials, or credit card numbers.  Here are a few of the ways these clever criminals will try to separate you from your money.

Fake Freebie and Discounts.   Scammers set up fake social media accounts that look like legitimate companies.  They’ll offer free or very inexpensive products and services.   Their mission:  collect your name, email address phone & credit card numbers, and other pertinent information.  The information will be used for identity theft or will be sold to other crooks on the black market.  Think about those messages you’ve received from an attorney representing a widow in Africa, offering you 50% of her inheritance if you just send $5,000.   Really?  I know there’s a sucker born every day.  But don’t YOU be that sucker!  

Other ways they try to get your money is to require you to pay the shipping and handling on the so-called freebie gift.  You’ll pay the shipping & handling fees and never receive anything.

Celebrity Gossip Sites.  Websites associated with a celebrity’s name will lure you in offering “censored”, or “x-rated” videos or photos.   By clicking on these tantalizing tidbits you are unknowingly linked to a website which will ask for your credit card information.  Worse yet, they will have YOUR email address or phone number from which they can hack into your email accounts.

Contests & Surveys.   In these schemes, the crooks will ask you to complete an online survey.   Their goal is to get more and more information about you:  your interests, your occupation, your income and spending habits.

Other Twitter Tricks.    You receive what looks to be a legitimate email from your bank.  In actuality, the fake website  has a similar, but slightly different web address.   Once you click on the web link and enter your login and password information, you’ve given the crooks access to ALL of your account information, plus now they have your login and password for the future access to your accounts.

Over-Sharing.    It’s great to share good news with family and friends.  But don’t brag about your new jewelry, your new 70-inch flat screen TV, or your plans to be away on vacation.   Anyone who happens to be illegally monitoring your account (or your recipient’s account) will know everything about you.  If they also happen to have your address, you could be the target of burglary.

What Can You Do To Prevent Being Victim of a Cyber Hack?  

  • Your best protection is common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • NEVER, EVER give your credit card information, social security or bank account numbers on the internet or smart phone.
  • If you need to contact your bank or any other company, NEVER click on the link they send you.  This may take you to one of those fake /imposter sites.   Instead, directly enter the web address you’re your internet browser.   It might seem like a lot of effort, but this is the safest way to be sure your email is getting to its intended recipient.
  • Don’t be fooled the promise of FREE. Remember the saying “There’s no free lunch?”   Well, it’s true!  Anyone who is contacting you

Is There a Way to Stop Those Annoying, Unwanted Phone Calls?

Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

By:   Christine Stone

Is it just me, or are those annoying marketing junk calls and telephone scam calls getting worse?  It used to be that I only received those calls on my house phone.  But lately, I’ve been getting unwanted calls and text messages on my cell phone.   

Yes, they’re really a nuisance, and you will never be able to completely eliminate these annoying time-wasters.  But the good news is: there are measures you can take to reduce unwanted marketing calls.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) receives upwards of 300,000 complaints per month from consumers reporting unwanted live and pre-recorded calls.   If you didn’t already know – – it is illegal to make telemarketing calls to consumers who have not given their consent to receive such calls.  Unfortunately telemarketers simply ignore the law and/or bet the regulators will not come after them.    Telemarketers are very clever – – they can mask their phone number or change their phone number as often as every hour – – making it difficult to trace calls or track them down.   And while many telephone companies provide some level of call blocking, it’s up to the consumer to create their own “call block list.”

Signing up for the “Do Not Call Registry” will give some level of blocking unwanted calls, but it’s not fool-proof.  The “National Do Not Call Registry” (NDNCR) can be accessed at https://www.donotcall.gov/.  But it can take up to 30 days to take effect.    And to add insult to injury, some telephone scammers call claiming to be from the National Do Not Call Registry.   Be aware that the NDNCR does NOT call consumers directly.  So do not respond to these calls.

Keep in mind that charities, not-for-profits, political organizations, legitimate telephone surveys, and debt collectors are still permitted to make “unsolicited” calls.   They can (and will) continue to call you despite placing your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Also keep in mind that it is illegal to call you before 9 am or after 9 pm.

Here are a few other steps you can take to minimize marketing calls and robocalls.  If you don’t have a computer, ask a trusted relative or friend to help you.   Follow the computer links for the following services:

  • nomorobo.com is a FREE service that is easy to set up, allows legitimate robocalls to get through, and is approved by the Federal Trade Commission.   If you find you no longer like service, it’s easy to turn off.
  • EndRoboCalls.org allows you to sign a petition pressuring the big telephone companies to provide free tools to block robocalls for their customers.  This service is from the publishers of Consumer Reports magazine and very trustworthy.
  •  https://www.donotcall.gov/ will give you access to the Federal Trade Commission and the Do Not Call Registry.

Telemarketers and telephone scam artists will always find new and clever ways to call and scam us.  There are a few easy things we can do to protect ourselves and stay one step ahead of these phone con artists.

Quite simply put:  NEVER, EVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE.

  • Don’t EVER give out your credit card information or debit card PIN number. Once the con artists have your information they can use your credit/debit card for their own purchases.  They can also sell your credit/debit card information to other scammers.
  • Don’t EVER share personal or financial information such as social security number, bank/checking account number.

Remember: 

Your bank will never call you asking for this information.  

The IRS will never call you asking for this information.

  • Don’t be fooled or made afraid by the threat of sending the police to your house. Banks and the IRS simply do not do this.
  • Don’t be lured in by the offer of a credit card at a ridiculously low interest rate. The scammer will get your personal information and start charging to your account.
  • Don’t respond to anyone calling you claiming to be your son / daughter / grandchild….etc. and asking for money.
  • If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a non-profit organization, ask them to mail information to you. If they don’t already have your address, hang up.
  • Be skeptical of all unsolicited sales calls that are pre-recorded. Never return calls from these pre-recorded solicitations.  They may be trying to access your phone number and use it to make calls and commit other frauds using your name.
  • Have your phone number placed on the Do Not Call lists – Do it TODAY.

Don’t Be a Victim of a Telephone Scam

Wednesday, December 6th, 2017

By: Christine Stone, RN, BSN

Telephone scam “artists” can be hundreds or thousands of miles away, yet they still manage to accomplish the same feat.   All they need is a telephone to make calls targeting naive or inexperienced people, and make off with their hard-earned money or life savings.

You, like many citizens, probably receive multiple unsolicited calls per day from would-be charities or collection agencies.   These calls annoying and interrupt our home routines. Often a stern voice on the other end of the line is informing you of a “final notice” and  instructing you to “press the number “1” to get started.”   If you’re gullible enough to press “1” you’ll be connected to another stern voice asking for specific information about your credit cards and bank accounts. 

Some of these callers falsely claim to be endorsed by reputable organizations such as AARP, Catholic Charities or The American Red Cross.  Or they may claim to be a service technician with a Microsoft Windows computer company or a medical alert company.   Some scammers pretend to be calling on behalf of a child or grandchild in trouble and needing money.  

Remember, the IRS never calls citizens informing them of overdue taxes and they will not  send the police or sheriff to your home.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

According to the FTC, there are certain guidelines that should always be followed when receiving telephone calls from strangers.

  1. Be skeptical of any unsolicited sales calls that are pre-recorded.
  2. Never give out you social security number, credit card number, or bank account number.
  3. Never give out your passwords or PIN numbers.
  4. Never agree to send money or wire money to anyone.
  5. There is no such thing as a “one time offer.” Never allow yourself to be pressured into making a commitment over the phone.

 
The skill and talent of telephone scam artists continues to grow every year.   There is no limit to the range and depth of the possible scams.  By being aware, alert and following the simple guidelines listed above you will be able to protect yourself from these clever theives.

Making the Most of Your Doctor Visits

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Christine Stone, RN

Do you feel overwhelmed when you visit your doctor?  Do you forget what you wanted to ask about, or forget the names of your medications?   A lot of people feel rushed and get flustered at the appointments.  They forget what the doctor said or are confused by the instructions they were given.   Don’t despair!   There are things you can do to make every doctor visit count.

Prepare for the visit.  

  1. Write down a list of your questions. Things to consider are:  What is the reason for your visit?  Do you have a new medical problem, or is this a follow-up appointment?   Refer to your list during your time with the doctor to make sure all your questions are answered and nothing is overlooked.
  1. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to share all your symptoms or health concerns. The more the doctor knows, the better he/she can help.
  1. Write down the complete list of the medications you are taking – even medications prescribed by specialists. Be sure to include vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications.  

 
When you are at the appointment

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if there’s something you don’t understand. If you want to know why a medication is being prescribed, just ask.  You have the right to understand all decisions that affect your health.  
  1. Bring an adult family member or friend to the appointment. An extra set of ears can pick up on information that you might have missed.  It’s okay for that person to take notes while you talk with the doctor.
  1. Before leaving, get a recap of the appointment. Ask the doctor or nurse to repeat the instructions.  Write down what you need to remember.  Some offices now give a written summary of the appointment – make sure you understand the information on that summary. 
  1. Were you given prescriptions? Make sure you have the paper copy of the prescription before you leave your appointment.   Some offices now send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy.   If you still have questions about your prescriptions, the pharmacist is always a source of information. 

 
And while we’re talking about prescriptions –  ALWAYS use the same pharmacy – this will eliminate any chance of medication errors.

 

 

Ticks!!!  

Thursday, August 31st, 2017

Submitted by Christine Stone, RN     Clinical Liaison

To me, ticks seem more plentiful this year (20170 compared to past years.  Just thinking of them makes me feel itchy.  All I have to do is walk outside, and I find a tick on me.   Fortunately, the ticks had not yet attached to my skin.   I’ve done some reading on the subject of ticks, the diseases they can transmit to humans and animals, and some ways to prevent and treat tick bites.  Here’s a summary of my readings:

Ticks love to hide in grassy, wooded and leaf covered areas.  They crawl, rather than fly, or fall from trees.  By just walking across your lawn, ticks can land on you.  Not all ticks carry the dreaded Lyme disease, but there are a number of different diseases they can carry.   If ticks feed on infected mice, they can transmit the diseases to humans and animals.   When the tick attaches itself, it “salivates” into the human body – this makes me itchy

Always check yourself and for ticks when you come in from the outside – hair, under arms, groin, under your waistband.  Check your pets too.  If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, there are very specific ways to remove the insect.   Pay no attention to all those “folklore remedies” which recommend using peppermint oil, nail polish, petroleum jelly, apple cider vinegar, or heat.  They don’t work, and you’d be wasting precious time.   Instead, grab the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull straight up with steady pressure.  Then thoroughly clean the area (and your hands) with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.   To get rid of the tick, flush it down the toilet, or place in a sealed plastic bag.

Other measures you can take to minimize ticks include:

  • Keep grass mowed, remove tall grass/brush and leaves so ticks don’t have dark, wet places to hide.
  • Use wood chips or mulch as a barrier around trees and bushes.
  • Spraying insecticides is probably the least environmentally-friendly option. Some communities offer neighborhood spraying.   Stay indoors when spraying is being done.
  • Rather than spraying, treat clothing with chemicals that kill or repel ticks such as DEET or permthrin. This can keep ticks from landing on you and biting.
  • Throw clothing in the dryer on high heat after coming inside.
  • When walking or hiking, wear light-colored clothing so the ticks can be easily seen. Stay in the middle of the trail
  • Check with your veterinarian for appropriate tick and flea treatment for your pet.

If you develop a rash or a fever, seek medical attention right away.   Early recognition and treatment can decrease the risk of serious complications later on.

Is Volunteering Right For You?

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

Submitted by Christine Stone, RN Clinical Liaison

Youngsters are not the only ones who can benefit from volunteering. Studies show that older people can greatly benefit from volunteer work. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 20 million older adults contributed in excess of three billion hours of community service between 2011 and 2013. And while there are many individual reasons to volunteer, the overall reason is the increased sense of purpose.

If you want to volunteer, but don’t know where to start, it’s important to find the right “fit.” Look for opportunities to best utilize your interests, skills and experience. Here are some things to consider when venturing into volunteerism.

1. Know your schedule. Write down your known commitments and daily schedule. Use this to determine how much free time you have to volunteer. Some volunteer opportunities have greater time requirements than others.
2. Consider your experience. Remember that you have a lifetime of knowledge to offer. Sharing the experience from your professional life can provide a sense of purpose that will make you feel like you’re still actively involved in your industry.
3. Consider all the possible volunteer opportunities. Volunteers offer their time because they have a passion to help others – and that can be given in many different ways.
4. Leave time for the rest of your life. Volunteering is a selfless act and oftend the backbone of charitable organizations. You need to leave time for the rest of your life as well. Leave time for your own hobbies and personal interests. Don’t over-extend yourself to the point where you (or your family) resents your volunteerism.

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can make all the difference for older men and women who want to give back to their communities.

Ideas for Easier Everyday Living with Arthritis

Tuesday, August 1st, 2017

Submitted by Christine Stone, RN Clinical Liaison – LifeQuest Nursing Center

Living every day with the aches and pains of arthritis can be challenging. The tasks you used to do easily and without second thought now seem impossible or may make you avoid activities altogether. If your pain is unbearable, always notify your healthcare practitioner. But here are a few ideas to make living with arthritis easier.
1. Plant a portable garden or a raised-bed garden. If you want to grow small patches of flowers, herbs or veggies, make it easier by planting them in a bucket with a handle or in a small pot. Consider placing the pots on small tables with wheels – at knee height. The benefit? No more bending! In addition you’ll be able move the pots around to sun or shade as needed.
2. Replace doorknobs with handles. There are lever-style adapters that fit over doorknobs if you don’t want to get into complete doorknob replacement. Handles or lever let your elbow and forearm to all the work rather than your hand, wrist, and fingers.
3. Buy cooking pots with two handles. Using two handles distributes the weight more evenly between your hands and wrists.
4. Sleep better by using pillows. Place pillows under or between your knees to help relieve pressure. Special cervical (chiropractic) pillows can help for arthritis of the neck. Some people will place 6-8 inch blocks under the head of the bead to relieve arthritis in the spine. This may also help with symptoms of gastric reflux (heartburn). Just make sure you’re able to safely get in and out of the bed if you raise the head a few inches.
5. Worry-free walking & hiking. Invest in a good pair of rubber-soled shoes which provide a firm grip and secure traction. Walk on the grass if the gravel is wet. Walking in sand can be hard on the feet and ankles. Consider using (lightweight) trekking poles to keep you balanced and stable. Remember – it’s better make these easy adjustments and to give up walking altogether.
6. Love to knit? Rather than metal knitting needles, use birch or bamboo needles – they’re lighter and warmer. Consider using wool or wool blend yarn rather than cotton or other yarn fibers. Wool / wool blends are lighter, more pliable and easier to work with.