Yearly Archives: 2009

Protect New Jersey Seniors Against Fraud and Scams

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NJ Elderly Fraud and Scam Prevention

New Jersey seniors, not unexpectedly, comprise the segment of our state population most vulnerable to frauds and scams.  To limit the possibility of this happening to you or an elderly loved one, the following points are offered:

  • Under no circumstance should a senior ever let a stranger into their house. Many thieves will knock on the door to try to see if the senior is home alone and if there are any opportunities to take advantage of them. Many seniors tend to trust people, especially if they appear to be distressed or have children with them.
  • Your elderly loved one should never reveal credit card, date of birth or social security information over the telephone, in person, in writing or online. A senior, for example, may receive a telephone call advertising a can’t-miss opportunity with little or no risk or identify themselves as calling from a local bank or store, but what really happens is the scammer is trying to get is steal their identity.
  • Notify police if your senior ever receives a letter or e-mail threatening consequences unless they agree to something.
  • Call the police if your senior receives a letter that is mailed from Nigeria (or some other country) offering him or her the opportunity to share a percentage of millions of dollars if they allow a deposit to be made into their bank account.
  • Checks should be written in the name of the charity when making donations. Many seniors have been scammed by someone posing as a representative for a charity or organization and asking for a donation. The scammer tells the victim to write the check out to himself instead of the charity. The check is then cashed, and the scammer keeps the money.
  • Shred all credit card receipts and bank statements.  Close unused credit cards or bank accounts.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

20 Safety Tips for NJ Senior Citizens, Elderly

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New Jersey Elderly Safety Tips

One’s entire house can be an accident waiting to happen, particularly for seniors who may have unsteady balance or less than perfect vision.  Here are some modifications that can be made to minimize accidents and some things to keep in mind:

OUTDOORS

• Paint porches with grit to prevent slips
• Railings need regular inspections for sturdiness on porches and steps

LIVING ROOMS

• Remove extension cords, throw rugs and other tripping hazards
• Use light sensitive night lights in unlit stairwells and hallways.
• Place light switches at doors to prevent walking in the dark.
• Install smoke alarms in every room and test the batteries regularly.

KITCHENS

• Use heating elements that shut off electric burners on the stove.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy.
• Only use sturdy step stools with handles and use poles for reaching.
• Keep vents clean of grease.

BATHROOMS

• Modify baths with tub cutaways.
• Install grab bars.
• Install higher toilets to assist in standing and sitting.
• Apply non-slip strips to bathtubs.
• Use shower seats with back and portable shower heads.
• Paint with contrasting colors.

CRIME PREVENTION

• Keep doors and windows locked. Use peep holes. Never open your door automatically.
• Notify neighbors and the police when going away on a trip.
• Never leave notes on your front door.
• Be suspicious of offers from unknown contractors to do home repairs. Only work with reputable businesses.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Money Saving Tips for NJ Senior Citizens

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New Jersey Senior Money Management

If you’re like most of us, you’re probably still digging out from the spiraling economy. Seniors, with crashing 401(k) plans, tend to be the hardest hit.  As a means of recouping some of the losses, here are some money saving tips for seniors to consider:

The senior discount at your favorite New Jersey retail stores: Some stores offer a 5-10% discount on all purchases made by seniors every day of the week. Others have a senior day, where seniors get a 20% discount. You may have to ask for the discount, although many stores now just automatically figure in the discount for anyone who looks as though they might fit into the “senior” category. The important thing is to be armed ahead of time with the policy of each store so that you can arrange your shopping trips in order to take advantage of any savings you are entitled to.

Some items can be altered or used less often to save money: The recommended amount of laundry detergent is often far more than necessary to get clothes clean. Try experimenting to see how little you can actually get by with.  Reuse dryer softener sheets. Save them in a small cardboard box and then place them in the laundry room and use two each time until they are gone. This may not be a huge savings, but a worthwhile one.
Dilute thick shampoo with water. Keep a spare bottle on hand and pour half of your new bottle into the spare bottle. Then fill both the rest of the way with water. Once they are shaken up, you can barely tell the difference, and it takes less time to get the shampoo to come out of the top opening like it does with the thicker shampoo. Try taking several used up tubes of toothpaste, snip the bottom off of each one, and see how many brushings you can still get out of an empty tube of toothpaste. Buy large economy sizes of items, then divide them into smaller containers so that the extra won’t spoil after the package or bottle has been opened.

Buy gifts and holiday items throughout the year; not just when needed: If you keep your eyes open, you will find gift items for a fraction of their original cost this way. Keep them tucked away in a closet somewhere so that they will be ready at a moment’s notice. Cards and wrapping paper are also great items to stock up on ahead of time. No last minute rushing out to buy a birthday gift.

Lists are beneficial: Grocery shop with a list to discourage impulse purchases. Post a list at home so other members of the household will be reminded to keep an eye out for a good buy on posted items. Update your lists frequently.

Consider online shopping: Do your homework and you will often find brand-name products at huge discounts. Watch for special times when online stores are offering “no-shipping cost” prices. Many stores like Target, Circuit City, Staples, and Walmart now have online outlets where you can order online and choose home delivery or you can pick up the item at your local store.

Watch where you eat: As well as being less expensive, home-cooked meals are usually healthier. Watch for coupons offering senior discounts or special prices at your favorite restaurants. Eating out too frequently can quickly become so routine that it no longer seems to be a special treat. Save eating out for special occasions.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

How to Talk to Your Elderly Loved One

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NJ Senior Living & Lifestyle

In general, there is a difference between seniors in their 80s and older, and those who are now in their 70s.  For example:

Seniors in Their 80s

Seniors in their 80s, who lived through the Depression, have often spent frugally and saved as much as possible. They focus on wanting to leave a legacy to their children, are less willing to spend money on themselves, and less inclined to talk about future plans.

Seniors in Their 70s

Seniors now in their 70s are more questioning, more discerning and less amenable to institutional, assisted living alternatives. This new wave of “young” seniors is beginning to ponder difficult questions that do not have easy answers, such as, “Where do I want to live if I’m no longer able to stay at home? Who do I want to take care of me in the event I become ill? What are my wishes regarding end of life care?”

Align the Conversation to Your Senior’s Values

Knowing the seniors’ priorities can help their loved ones know what to say to convince them to get the help they need. For someone in his 80s, who doesn’t want to spend money on services for himself, having his children (and grandchildren) tell him they prefer that he spend it on his own needs and not gift it to the kids, might really free the parent up to take care of his own needs.

For someone in his 70s, having the children (and grandchildren) talk with him about his different options and help him identify the ones that best fit his needs and financial situation, might be helpful. This can be complicated due to the fact that seniors are often reluctant to discuss their finances with their children. Nevertheless, having an outline of your senior’s assets so you can know which options are available, is important.

When children have conversations with their parents about the future, they must first reassure the senior that they will be in control and have the final say and that the children just want to help them think about future possibilities and understand their preferences.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Planning For Your Elder Years

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New Jersey Elder Planning Tips

Recent surveys among NJ elderly, find that their biggest concerns are:

1. Remaining independent in the home without intervention from others;

2. Maintaining good health and receiving adequate health care;

3. Having enough money for everyday needs and not outliving assets and income.

Pre-planning can help address these issues.  No other life event can be as devastating to an elderly person’s lifestyle, finances and security as needing long term care. It can drastically alter or eliminates the three principal lifestyle concerns above.  The majority of the American public does not plan for this crisis of needing elder care. The lack of planning also has an adverse effect on the older person’s family, with sacrifices made in time, money, and family lifestyles.  Due to changing demographics and potential changes in government funding, the current generation needs to plan for long term care before the elder years are upon them.

Here are some facts.

  • The population of the “very old,” – older than age 85 – is the fastest growing group in America. This population is at highest risk for needing care. (Statistical abstract of the United States,
    2008, population)
  • Medical science is preventing early sudden deaths, which means living longer with impaired health and greater risk of needing long term care.
  • The Alzheimer’s Association estimates the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia beyond age 85 to be about 46% of
    that population.
  • It is estimated that 6 out of 10 people will need long-term care sometime during their lifetime.
  • Children moving far away from parents or parents moving away during retirement makes long distance care giving difficult or impossible.
  • Government programs— already stretched thin for long term care services— will experience even greater stress on
    available funds in the future.

One of the important things for planning is how to maintain your lifestyle as you age. You may be healthy enough to stay in your own home with help provided for the following activities of daily living:

  • maintaining a home
  • providing meals
  • supervision
  • companionship
  • transportation
  • shopping services

This type of care at home is non-medical and must be provided free of charge by family, friends, or volunteers or the care must be paid for out-of-pocket by the family. Government programs, in most cases, will not pay for this kind of care. It is estimated that 80% of all long term care is non-medical, with 90% of that care provided in the home.

Plan now how you will pay for care when it is needed. In evaluating your future income you may find it necessary to add some resources such as long term care insurance to pay for assisted living or nursing home costs. Long term care insurance must be purchased while you are younger and healthy. Failing health, stroke or other aging issues will not allow you to qualify for this insurance.  A reverse mortgage will also help pay for home care if staying in your home is an option.

Consider where you may want to live in your elder years. Many assisted living facilities offer complete care alternatives with a nursing home wing if needed. Senior retirement communities also offer many amenities with some including home care options.  Now is the time to do estate planning. A professional estate planner will give you direction on how best to protect your assets for future needs and for Medicaid planning.  Now is the time to create your trusts, will, medical directives in a living will and any other documents you want noted for future use. Gather insurance policies and bank records where they can be found by family members in case you are not able to get them yourself.

The process of long term care planning involves the following four
principles:

1. Knowledge and preparation are the keys to success.
2. Having funds to pay for care expands the choices for care
settings and providers.
3. Using professional help relieves stress, reduces conflict, and
saves time and money.
4. Success is assured through a written plan accepted by all
parties involved.

(The above excerpt is quoted from “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning,” National Care Planning Council)

The National Care Planning Council’ s website — www.longtermcarelink.net — provides over 700 pages of information for long term care planning and lists services of professional care providers in estate planning, long term care insurance, reverse mortgage, home care and many other important long term care services.

The National Care Planning Council’ s book, “The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning,” provides information on what Medicaid and Medicare will cover as well as an overview of professional long term care service providers and how their services can help you create and execute your long term care plan. A check list of what to do to create a plan and forms for creating necessary paperwork are also included in the book.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Elderly Relocation – Help Your Senior Move with These 10 Tips

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NJ Senior Living

Moving is physically and emotionally difficult for anyone, particularly the elderly.  Here are some things to consider when helping an elderly person move:

1. Be kind. When helping to sort and pack your elderly loved one’s possessions, keep in mind that their eyesight and an inability to do everything they used to do can result in poor housekeeping habits. Offer to clean as you pack and try not to criticize.

2. Help sort. Seniors tend to keep things they don’t necessarily need or will ever use. Be gentle when suggesting to get rid of possessions. Ask them if they use the item and if they would mind if you donate it. If it’s a treasure or something they would like to keep but the new space can’t accommodate it, suggest keeping it in the family by giving it to a child or grandchild.

3. Take pictures of the inside of their home. As close as possible, try to place objects in a similar way so that their new home will feel very much like the old one. Be as detailed as you can from arranging the bedroom furniture to placing the family pictures on the bureau. This will help make the new place feel like home.

4. Obtain a room layout of their new place. Find out before you move how much space the new place has. If your senior is moving from a three bedroom house to a one bedroom condo, then together you will need to decide what will fit and how much can be kept.

5. Start small. Take a day to spend with your senior to talk about the move and what to expect. Give them small tasks to do such as going through a desk drawer or a box from the attic. Ask them to spend only 15 to 20 minutes a day on one task. Let them decide what they would like to do and what they might find hard to do. Taking small steps will help your senior get used to the idea of moving.

6. Pick a room that has less sentimental attachment. Have your elderly loved one start sorting through the bathroom or kitchen drawers; pick a place in the house that doesn’t hold the same emotional attachment as the bedroom or living room or a photo box kept in the attic.

7. Plan the move. Allow enough time that your senior doesn’t feel rushed. Sorting through years of stuff is difficult and sometimes emotionally painful. Give them time to absorb the change.

8. Hire outside help. Sometimes it’s easier for your senior to work with an outside party rather than with members of their family. There are many companies that specialize in moving seniors.

9. Be patient. Allow your senior time to say goodbye. If they take longer to clean out the desk drawer because of a stack of pictures they found, let them take the time to remember. This is a very important part of the process. Be patient. Listen to their stories.

10. Get them involved. Take your senior to their new home ahead of the move on their own time and when they are ready. Let them tell you how they would like it to look and make a plan to prepare the space accordingly.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Elderly Medication Errors – 11 Tips to Avoid Problems

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NJ Elder Health

Avoiding Medication Errors

Many seniors take multiple medications, which increases the likelihood of medication errors.  Here are some excellent tips for seniors to reduce the likelihood of making a mistake with their medications:

  1. Check the label when you get a prescription to verify that you are receiving the proper medication. Read back the prescription to your pharmacist and doctor.
  2. Keep all medication in original containers.
  3. Remember to contact your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any doubts about missing a dosage.
  4. Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy.
  5. Read the patient information sheet that accompanies your medication.
  6. Notify your pharmacist immediately if there is a change in the color, size, shape or smell of your medication.
  7. Do not share or take another person’s medication.
  8. When in doubt about a medication you are taking, always consult your pharmacist and doctor.  Ask about any side effects that you might experience or expect.
  9. When in the hospital:

- State your name before taking any medications and always offer your wrist bracelet for identification. Ask the nurse to identify each medication by name before you take it.

- Ask your nurse why your medication has not been given at its regular time during your hospital stay.

- Remind your doctor if you have any allergies to certain medications and food or if you also have a health condition that could affect the use of certain medications.

  1. Tell your pharmacist and doctor if you are taking any dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications.
  2. Create a list of all the medications you are taking and share with your family members. The list should include the following information:

- Your full name and date of birth

- Drug name (the drugs being taken, both generic and brand)

- Strength (dosage)

- Directions for using the medication, including how many times a day and when the medication should be taken

- What liquids or foods are being used to take or should be used to take with medications, for example, water, juice, apple sauce etc.

- Allergies to certain medicines and foods

- Pharmacy and health care providers names, addresses, telephone numbers

- Family emergency contact information

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Relaxation Techniques for the Elderly

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NJ Senior Health & Fitness

Relaxation techniques can reduce anyone’s stress level, including seniors.  Here are some good exercises for your elderly loved ones to consider:

Tense the muscles in the body, one by one, then relax them, one by one.

This technique takes the mind off of anxiety-provoking thoughts and images and enables one to feel somewhat in control of his or her body.

Slow, rhythmic breathing combined with images of beautiful, peaceful places

This refocusing onto positive and peaceful images,  helps diminish any pain and reduces anxiety.

Meditation, focusing on a word, image or concept

This technique takes the mind off of pain or anxiety and focuses on something calming, such as ocean sounds, the thought that “I will get better,” or an image of a child smiling.

Prayer

This appeal to a higher power relaxes and calms some people.

Biofeedback plus relaxation

Biofeedback uses electrical equipment to help one learn how to control the body’s heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. It is normally used in conjunction with other relaxation techniques and helps reduce pain and anxiety.

Hypnosis

In hypnosis, the goal is to achieve a state of relaxed concentration, during which the mind is more receptive to suggestions that block the awareness of pain, or to change the sensation of pain to something that is positive. The hypnotist should be a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.

Massage

A massage therapist kneads the body into a state of relaxation, which can reduce pain and anxiety, stress and exhaustion. Different people find various massage techniques helpful. Try different techniques to see which works most effectively.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Elderly Flu & Pneumonia – Keep Your Senior From Getting Sick

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NJ Elder Health

Here are some excellent tips to help a senior avoid getting sick this winter – or what to do if they catch the flu or pneumonia.

Here are symptoms to look out for with various forms of pneumonia:

  • Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia, which often appear suddenly, include shaking chills, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, a high fever, sweating, and coughing up thick yellow or green phlegm.
  • Warning signs of viral pneumonia include: headache, fever, a dry cough that does not bring up phlegm, muscle pain and exhaustion.
  • Signs of more advanced viral pneumonia can include a cough that produces small amounts of white or clear phlegm.
  • Walking pneumonia, which is a milder form of pneumonia, usually produces flu-like symptoms but in much less severe form than other kinds of pneumonia, and is treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of flu (or swine flu) include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • extreme tiredness
  • dry cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle aches

Once your senior develops the flu, it will be important to follow the doctor’s orders, rest, drink a lot of fluids, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. The more nutritious the fluids, the more helpful they will be. In addition:

  • Talk to your doctor about influenza antiviral drugs that may shorten the flu’s course.
  • Discuss with your doctor the benefits of the flu vaccine and the new vaccines that are coming out for the swine flu.
  • Have them get a pneumonia vaccine, which helps protect against 23 types of bacterial pneumonia.
  • Make sure they minimize their exposure to sick people.
  • Wash their hands often.
  • Avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, which will help prevent any germs from entering the body that may have been picked up through touch.
  • Build up his or her immune system by making sure they get lots of sleep, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, in addition to protein, manage their stress levels and consume fluids.  Fluids help loosen secretions so that the patient can then bring up phlegm.
  • Don’t let your senior do any chores until he or she gets stronger.
  • Give your senior aspirin or acetaminophen to control any fever.
  • Wash your hands before preparing your parent’s food or touching him or her.
  • Try propping your senior up in bed to see if that helps in their breathing.
  • Reassure your senior that he or she should get better soon.
  • If your senior doesn’t recover as soon as expected, speak with his or her doctor about trying another treatment.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

Elderly Breathing Problems – 20 Tips to Help Your Senior Live Better

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NJ Senior Health

People with chronic bronchitis are at increased risk of developing infections, and those with other breathing problems (such as emphysema or COPD) are at risk of having infections further these problems. To prevent infections, encourage your senior to:

  • Wash both hands frequently.
  • Stay away from people who are ill.
  • Take a daily vitamin.
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins and will build up their immune system.
  • Try a zinc supplement, which may help reduce infections.

Reducing indoor air pollution can help strengthen your elderly loved one’s lung health.  Here are some things to consider:

  • Central air conditioning is essential in warmer months for older people.  Make sure the filter is changed often.
  • Check for mold which can irritate the lungs.
  • Use only vacuum cleaners with HEPA air filters that trap the dust.
  • Wash bed linens, pillows, and curtains in hot water to kill any dust mites.
  • Remove any pets from the home.
  • Do not paint the inside of the house or redo the floors with polyurethane coating, as paint and polyurethane can irritate lungs.
  • Always run a fan that vents to the outdoors for at least 20 minutes when cooking or showering, as this will help avoid moisture buildup which can lead to mold.
  • Aerosol sprays and scented products should be avoided as they can cause breathing problems.

Learn how to conserve your senior’s energy. Here are some things to consider:

  • Exercising can help tone your senior’s muscles.
  • Seniors should rest for an hour after each meal to give the body time to digest the food eaten before using energy on something else.
  • Your senior should keep often used items within reach of his or her chair, so that it isn’t necessary to move very much to get them. Silverware should go from the sink or dishwasher to the table rather than cabinets. Pots and pans should be placed back on the stove after washing
  • If your senior lives alone, find someone to prepare meals, shop and do chores for him or her.

Clothing can also play a role.  Here are some tips to consider:

  • Your senior should avoid anything tight in the chest or abdomen that could restrict breathing, such as belts, bras and girdles.
  • Heavy clothing, such as coats and sweaters, can be exhausting, as these items require extra energy to wear.
  • Trying on clothing can itself be tiring. Instead, encourage your senior to measure him or herself with a tape measure or be measured by someone. Knowing these measurements will enable your senior to buy clothes either on line (thereby saving the energy needed to shop) or in a store, without trying them on.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.