Category Archives: NJ Senior Resources

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SENIOR ORAL HISTORIES: Don’t Wait Too Long

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New Jersey Senior Tips

Oral history is the systematic collection of living people’s testimony about their own experiences. Historians recognize that the everyday memories of everyday people, not just the rich and famous, have historical importance.

Your stories and the stories of the people around you are unique, valuable treasures for your family and your community. You and your family can preserve unwritten family history by collecting and preserving these stories.

Many people become concerned about “doing it right,” yet getting a voice on tape or on video is the most important thing.  If you are looking to record the memories of someone else, here are some tips to consider:

  1. In general, have a list of topics in mind, not specific questions, word-for-word, and not a specific sequence.
  2. Begin by asking a question that will prompt a long answer and “get the subject going.”
  3. Ask easy questions first, such as brief biographical queries. Only later, once a rapport has been established, should you add personal or emotionally demanding questions
  4. Don’t be afraid of allowing there to be some silence while the subject thinks about answering the question.
  5. Be a good listener, using body language such as looking at the interviewee, nodding, and smiling to encourage and give the message, “I am interested.”
  6. If necessary, use verbal encouragement such as “This is wonderful information!” or “How interesting!” Be careful, however, not to pepper the interview with verbal encouragement such as “uh-huh,” said at the same time that the interviewee is speaking.
  7. Ask for specific examples if the interviewee makes a general statement and you need to know more. Or you might say, “I don’t understand. Could you explain that in more detail?”
  8. Rephrase and re-ask an important question several times to get the full amount of information the interviewee knows.
  9. Ask open-ended questions that will elicit more than one word answers.
  10. Be flexible. Watch for and pick up on promising topics introduced by the interviewee, even if the topics are not on your interview guide sheet.

The most important thing to remember?  Don’t procrastinate.  You don’t want to wait too long. ~

Post by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable 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.

Senior Dental Health – Help Them Keep Their Teeth

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New Jersey Home Care News

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but tooth decay and gum disease can often get in the way. When teeth aren’t cleaned properly or often enough, plaque can form. Plaque can cause tooth decay, damaging the enamel that covers your teeth. Plaque that stays on teeth can form tartar, a hard layer that you can’t clean away by brushing.

Plaque and tartar can create a gum infection called gingivitis. People with gingivitis have red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can lead to a more serious gum infection called periodontitis. Over time, periodontitis can loosen teeth, and a dentist may have to remove them. Dental problems can also result from taking certain medications, having diabetes, having dry mouth, eating poorly or not seeing a dentist regularly.

Here are steps to help keep teeth and gums healthy at any age:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss between your teeth once a day.
  • See the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
  • Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks.
  • Stay away from cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

TIP: If holding a toothbrush is a problem, try putting a wide rubber band around your hand and the brush to hold them together. You can lengthen the handle of the toothbrush by attaching a long piece of plastic or wood to it, or you can make the handle bigger by taping it to a small ball or a sponge. Try using an electric toothbrush.

If seniors have missing or loose teeth, a dentist can fit  dentures or put in dental implants. Mouth sores; lumps or rough spots; pain or numbness; or difficulty moving your jaw or tongue could be warning signs of oral cancer, which is why regular visits to the dentist are critical.

Relieving Pain Caused by Cancer Treatment

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NJ Senior Health

What causes cancer pain?
Most pain is caused by the cancer itself. It often occurs because a tumor is pressing on nerves, organs or bones. How severe the pain is may depend on the type and extent of the cancer and your pain tolerance.

Cancer treatments can also cause pain. For example, pain is common after surgery. It may last for a few days or a few weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. Sometimes people who have an arm, leg or breast removed have “phantom pain,” which seems to come from the missing body part. Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but the pain is real.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatment can sometimes cause painful side effects, such as mouth sores or scarring. Like other types of pain, these can be treated.

How is cancer pain diagnosed?
Pain is a very individual experience. You will need to tell your doctor about your pain and how severe it is. Doctors use a pain rating scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine. Using the pain scale will help your doctor determine the right treatment.

Your doctor may ask you to keep a pain journal. This is a record of what your pain is like, when it occurs and how well treatment works to relieve it. This can help your doctor figure out the best method of pain control for you.

How is cancer pain treated?
Cancer pain can usually be treated effectively with medication. Which type of medication is best will depend on what type of pain you have, what’s causing it and how severe it is.

Three main types of medication are used to treat cancer pain:

  • Non-opioids are often effective for mild to moderate pain. These include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Many of these can be bought without a prescription. But check with your doctor before taking these medications.
  • Opioids (also called narcotics) may be prescribed for moderate to severe pain. These include morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl and codeine. A non-opioid may sometimes be used along with an opioid for better pain control.
  • Other medications may be used to treat different types of pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can help relieve tingling or burning pain from nerve damage. Steroids can help ease pain caused by swelling.

These medications can cause side effects. Be sure to discuss them with your doctor. There may be ways to reduce or avoid the side effects.

If medications don’t relieve your pain, your doctor may suggest other options, such as:

  • Radiation therapy. Radiation can sometimes ease pain by shrinking a tumor.
  • Surgery. Cutting certain nerves can prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
  • Nerve block. Injecting a numbing drug in or around a nerve or the spine can block some kinds of pain.

Are there other ways to treat cancer pain?
There is a wide variety of complementary treatments that you may want to explore. They can be used along with medical treatments. Some people find that these treatments reduce their pain and help them cope with the stress having with cancer.

Complementary treatments include:

  • Acupuncture. This is an ancient Chinese technique that is a proven method of pain relief. It involves inserting very thin needles at various points on the body. Acupuncture should be performed only by a licensed acupuncturist.
  • Relaxation. This can include deep breathing, massage and listening to music or relaxation tapes. Relaxation can help relieve pain, reduce tension and anxiety, and help other pain relief methods work better.
  • Biofeedback. A licensed biofeedback technician uses a machine to teach you how to control certain body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Biofeedback may help you relax and cope with pain.
  • Hypnosis. Hypnosis can be used to block the awareness of pain and try to change the sensation to one that is not painful. Choose a person trained in hypnosis, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist.
  • Meditation. Meditation can help relax the body and quiet the mind. It may help relieve pain and reduce stress.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable 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.

Sleep Tips for the Elderly

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NJ Senior Health

10 Sleep Tips for Seniors

Many people have trouble falling asleep because of poor sleep hygiene practices. Sleep hygiene means the personal habits and environmental factors that affect your sleep.

1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Your body gets used to a sleep pattern. Even if you are retired, try to get up at the same time each day, weekends included.

2. Do not take naps. Napping can interfere with sleep. If you must take a nap, limit it to 30 to 45 minutes and do it early in the day.

3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy or sugary foods four to six hours before bedtime. These foods and beverages may stimulate you, making it harder to fall or stay asleep.

4. Don’t eat big meals or drink late at night. A large meal may cause indigestion, which could interfere with sleep. If you drink close to bedtime, you may need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

5. Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime. Regular exercise is great, but doing it close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep.

6. Have a light snack close to bedtime. Try warm milk or a banana.

7. Relax before bed. Practice deep breathing exercises, take a warm bath or do other activities that help you unwind before bedtime.

8. Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, go to another room and do something else until you feel tired. Do this if you wake up in the middle of the night, too. Let your body associate the bed with sleeping and sex only. Keep computers, televisions and other distractions out of the bedroom.

9. Invest in a good mattress and pillows. Your comfort is a top priority for good sleep.

10. Make sure your room is dark, quiet and cool. Sleeping may be hard if your bedroom is too hot, noisy or bright.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable 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.

Home Safety for Seniors: 19 Tips

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Home safety tips for seniors

Most accidents occur in the home.  What can you do to protect an elderly loved one from getting hurt?  Here are some steps to follow:

· Keep outdoor steps and walkways in good condition and clear of debris.

· Illuminate all stairways and hallways and provide light switches at both ends.

· Use nightlights or bedside remote controlled switches.

· Provide handrails in hallways and stairways.

· Keep a sturdy nightstand next to the bed so glasses and other personal items are within reach.

· Put felt or soft material over sharp edges and corners of furniture such as nightstands, tables and shelves.

· Tack down the edges of carpets and rugs; remove throw rugs that slide.

· Keep pathways clear of furniture and other objects.

· Provide handrails in the bathroom (especially near the toilet) and use non-skid strips in bathtubs.

· Use a shower seat and shower hose for those unable to stand in the shower.

· Avoid using bath oils or lotions in the bathtub.

· Use kitchen appliances with thermostats and timers. The elderly find appliances with signal lights and buzzers easier to use.

· Use fireproof curtains on windows near the stove.

· Clearly mark the “off” position on stoves and ranges so a person with diminished eyesight can immediately tell if the element is off.

· Set water heater thermostats or faucets so water does not scald the skin.

· Install smoke detectors in the kitchen and throughout the rest of the house.

· Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

· Arrange frequently used kitchen items in an easy-to-reach cabinet.

· Install one good lock that can be opened easily from the inside.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, VP Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional, dependable 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.