It is imperative for your relative that you spend a substantial amount of time investigate nursing homes prior to you sending them to one. Do not judge the nursing home on the basis of a directed visit or the pleasant furnishings or pretty material features of the facility.

You should locate at least one occupant that you can visit in the facility. This will assist you in assessing the facility exclusive of a guided tour. Walk up and down the halls and talk to bedridden people and individuals who are wheelchair bound. As you converse with them, check out their grooming, skin quality, nail care and oral care. See if the residents appear cheerful or if they are down in the dumps. If nearly everybody you talk to is bemused and not capable of not having a normal discussion, this might be grounds for apprehension.

Because many nursing home residents have limited abilities to communicate, identifying potential abuse requires careful monitoring.

Look for the signs of nursing home abuse in your frequent visits to the nursing home or assisted living facility.

Signs to look for if you think nursing home abuse or negligence has occurred include the following:
• Injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization
• Any incident involving broken bones, especially a fractured hip
• Any injury or death occurring during or shortly after an episode of wandering (including outside the facility) when the staff is not aware that the resident is missing for some period of time
• Heavy medication or sedation
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain without physician or family notification and a change in treatment being provided
• Unexplained or unexpected death of the resident
• One nursing home resident injures another resident
• Resident is frequently ill, and the illnesses are not promptly reported to the physician and family

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.best-retirement-living.info

Nursing homes have been in existence for as long as I can remember. A nursing home is quite different from a hospital. It is a residence that provides accommodation, meals, nursing care, medical and rehabilitative services and protective supervision to its residents. While someone coming from a hospital stay may require the services of many long-term care professionals such as nurses, therapists and social workers, a nursing home is not a hospital setting. The goal of a nursing home is to help people maintain as much of their independent functioning as possible in a supportive environment.

With the love and cohesion that is always found in family living, moving a loved family member to a nursing home could be a real hard decision to make. However, there are times when this seems inevitable. The US Department of Health and human Services reports that more than 1.5 million of the country’s population is found in one nursing home or the other, and over 90% of this amount are already over 65 years of age and requires round the clock supervision.

However, when you need to get a nursing home, you and your loved one will be happier if you make the right choice. The best place to start your research for a good nursing home is to try to get the state agency’s inspection report on your preferred nursing home. If you don’t have any nursing home in mind yet, you could get ideas from several places. The discharge planner or social workers of your local hospital, your physician, area agencies or aging friends are all means for gathering information about nursing homes.

Nursing homes are usually inspected regularly by a state agency in charge of such affairs. These inspections are normally comprehensive; everything from the dietary needs to the medical care of residents is examined. The inspection reports are normally made available to the public. They could also be available online in some states. Regardless of how beautiful a nursing home facility may be, do not place a loved one until you have studied their state inspection reports

The reports you will be a good starting point from which to select an appropriate facility for your loved one, but that really is not enough. You must visit a nursing home for first hand information, before making the final choice. It is better to visit a facility you are contemplating more than once; at different times of the day and on different days of the week. Each time you are there on a visit, take note of what you hear and don’t hear. Is it silent? Is there activity? How clean does it look? Are the residents dressed appropriately for the season? Most importantly, find out what the ratio of nurses to residents is and what is the staff turnover rate?

You should assess how enthusiastic the staff are about their work and how they treat the residents. In moving a family member to a nursing home, you want adequate care and attention given to them and not just a ‘warehouse-like’ arrangement. The facility should make the residents feel cared for. Don’t be fooled by the decoration and beauty of a nursing home. Even the most expensively decorated facility can have serious deficiencies in their caring abilities.

Another item to take care of when making inquiries about a nursing home is the food. To get first hand information, it is better to visit the facility during meal times. Observe the food which is being served and the care with which the residents are being served. This would be an easy way to learn if the staff treat the residents with care and respect that they deserve or if the employees appear rushed or annoyed by those with special needs.

Hearing from residents of the facility would also help. Although, not every resident will have the ability to carry on a conversation with you, often times those who enjoy social interaction will be more than willing to tell you about life in the home. From what they say, if you get the impression that the residents feel safe, cared for and contented with the staff and services of the facility, it might well be a good match for your loved one.

Finally, other factors such as location, cost, size, religious and cultural preferences, and accommodation for special care need to be considered.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Nursing
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For years many people look forward to the day they can retire but the same can not be said about becoming a senior. Although many actually become seniors before they retire, there is something about this word that just doesn’t sit right with most people approaching that age.

Getting old, might be what comes to mind, even though it is far from the thruth. These are supposed to be the “golden years” and should therefore be looked forward to. Things you have wanted to do or see for years are know just waiting to be explored.

This is supposed to be your time, time not having to worry about your children but time to enjoy your grandkids. Have you wanted to move to a warmer climate, now is the time. It is all about what you want to do. Take advantage of this time and enjoy it.

Despite all of these things, there are facts which can not be ignored. Although becoming a senior or retired does not mean you are getting old, you have to face the fact that you are getting older. Because of this there are certain issues you might want to discuss with your loved ones.

In the beginning issues like these might not go over to well with your family, but you need to insist. Nobody knows what the future holds and this way your loved ones know what you would like in case something was to happen. Lots of unforeseen matters may occur and it is good to be prepared.

Issues you might want to address are life insurance, nursing homes, health care and funerals. All of these things will make it so much easier for your family to make decisions if something was to happen to you.

There are places right here on the internet where you can go to get some real good tips and advise on how other people has dealt with issues regarding becoming a senior.Sharing your experience with others can be a blessing.

David Crowton is an established expert copywriter. He is known for doing in-depth research before writing his articles. http://www.Ispjv.com
http://www.Submitcontent.com
Copyright 2005 SeniorsContent.com

Old age is dreaded by many, because it brings along with it a host of biological disorders. Incontinence is one of those unwanted problems that can trouble an aging person to no end. However, most problems effective solutions, and there is simply no reason to lose heart.

One can counter incontinence with the help of incontinent or adult diapers. Incontinence is a troublesome urinary and bowel disorder. In less severe cases, many doctors suggest the use of a hassle-free, no-nonsense absorbent pads. However, in cases of constant urinary or bowel leakage, adult diapers to keep the situation in check are recommended.

Incontinent diapers are usually made of soft, fluffy cotton and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Cotton is primarily used in making these diapers because the skin in old age becomes very sensitive, and cotton is the best way to avoid diaper rashes. Cotton helps the skin stay dry, and it helps evaporate accumulated moisture quickly and effectively.

Cotton diapers are meant for heavy washing. They become more fluffy and soft after every wash, making the experience increasingly comfortable for the user. These diapers may shrink slightly after the first wash, but there is no hindrance to leakage prevention. Some cloth diapers are available with waterproof covers. Those that aren’t should always be worn with a proper waterproof cover to avoid any uncomfortable feeling of wetness.

Disposable, incontinent diapers are convenient for people who are pressed for time. The biggest drawback is they are the most obvious cause of diaper rashes. If the skin is infection prone, these diapers should always be avoided. To cover up this glaring drawback, most manufacturers highlight the pluses a disposable adult diaper usually scores over a cloth diaper. They guarantee reasonable prices, good leak-guards and adjustable straps for the perfect fit. There are fantastic disposable incontinent diapers available for the family pets as well.

Be it for an old person or a pet, the buyer should always keep in mind the comfort of the user while buying incontinent diapers. These are the small ways in which we can relieve such sufferers from stress.

Diapers provides detailed information about diapers, cloth diapers, diaper bags, and more. Diapers is affiliated with Breast Pumps For Sale.

There would not be much excitement in life if you had to spend it sitting in a chair or lying in a bed every day. Relying on somebody else to perform simple tasks for you, such as getting a drink of water, can make you feel like you are nothing but a burden to others. If you or someone you love needs a boost maybe electric scooters are what you should be investigating.

It wasn’t too long ago that the elderly and handicapped relied exclusively on others for their care and entertainment. But with the recent advancements in scooters many seniors or disabled people can now grab hold of some of their freedom again. Cheap electric scooters can allow the formerly bed-ridden or chair-ridden to travel as if they actually had legs that worked again. No more depression due to lack of independence. Returned is the ability not only to get yourself a glass of water, but to go out and get the morning newspaper or even take the dog for a walk. Getting out in the fresh air is something that may not have been possible for many without the assistance of electric scooters. Some people think of scooters as belonging in a sports category, but it’s all recreation and assistance.

In my neighborhood there is an elderly gentleman that cruises down the sidewalk with his control lever in one hand and his dog leash in the other. Without his electric scooter there would be no fresh air for him. There would be no walking the dog or talking with the friendly neighbors he runs into (figuratively, not literally). He’s free once again to roam the streets with his best friend Fido. What a great feeling that must be, to get out of the house for a short time each day when it used to be impossible. There’s practically nowhere a person can’t go these days with the help of these magnificent little vehicles.

There are a wide variety of scooters available to the public these days. Besides electric types there are gas, utility and foldable models. They all have their advantages under certain conditions. Kids love the compact and easy-to-handle foldable or Razor scooters. They are very cheap, often under $100, and make getting places a snap. They are also very inexpensive to operate once you own one. Kids use their scooters as motorcycles, but a scooter is so much more than a miniature motorcycle, they are a means of obtaining freedom for the elderly.

Gas powered scooters are more powerful, allowing the driver to travel further distances away from home. There are even larger touring models manufactured for the sole purpose of long distance travel. The touring types are bigger and heavier, and they consume a little more fuel, but they allow for long distance travel unlike the foldable, utility or mobility models.

Utility scooters are becoming very popular with different types of institutions such as school campuses, professional sports stadiums, golfers and big businesses. Have you ever seen a person driving a cart in a school parking lot, going from car to car looking for parking violations? In all probability they were driving utility scooters. And golf carts are just a modified version of this type. It’s hard going to any large institution these days without running into a utility scooter of some type or another.

The electric models are very versatile and are used to perform many functions. They are used in the foldable and utility types most often. But perhaps where they perform their greatest task is in assisting the elderly or disabled. It wasn’t too long ago that these mobility vehicles had a very limited distance, but with the advancement of batteries and their capacities they can now be used for an entire day before needing to be recharged. They can be driven all day and then plugged in at night for recharging while everyone is fast asleep. Then in the morning they are ready to perform their duties again for another day. What a wonderful gift to those that no longer have the ability to get around on their own.

Mobility electric scooters are different than the gas powered models. For one thing they will have at least 3, but usually 4 wheels. The reason for the extra wheels is stability. It’s not too hard to lose your balance on a 2-wheel variety, but it’s almost impossible with 4-wheels. With the extra stability that 4 wheels adds it makes the mobility electric scooters very safe for travel in and around the home. These handicapped models are bigger and heavier than other types which allows for better control and more storage. Electric scooters are here to stay. If chosen carefully it can become one of the best purchases ever made for the handicapped, disabled or elderly.

Dr. Larry A. Johnson, D.C. has a special fondness for electric scooters. Spreading the word about the wonderful world of mobility electric scooters is one of his missions. For more information visit My Electric Scooters.

Home care assistance can be expensive especially when care is needed in 12, 16 or 24 hour shifts. Live-in care is provided to clients who need around the clock assistance and supervision with their personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, oral and skin hygiene, mobility assistance, medication reminder and with housekeeping services such as meal preparation, cleaning of the clients’ homes, feeding the clients and medical escorts to doctor’s appointments.

The live-in rates are priced on a daily basis and the service is best suited for the elderly client who lives alone and wants to live in the comfort of his/her own home. This needed service helps to assure the relatives of the elderly client, that their loved one is being provided and cared for at home. Live-in care can also be provided on a temporary basis, for instance if an otherwise active client needs help at home while recuperating after having surgery.

The caregiver although a “live-in caregiver” still maintains her own residence, where she goes whenever she wants a break or a vacation. Although a great economical alternative, not every client is a live-in candidate. For instance, the client that has dementia or some other ailment that keeps him up at night, will not benefit from this type of service, because the caregiver needs to be alert at all times to care for the needs of the client. In a case like this, the hourly companion service should be offered, so as to maintain the quality of care being provided and also to maintain the good health of the caregiver.

Co-owner of a Home care agency in Houston Texas. Has worked in the home care industry for over 8 years.

For more information about various home care options available to Senior citizens, visit http://www.alphacare.us

As a registered nurse and caregiver of the elderly for almost 15 years, one of the most disturbing problems I have seen has been fall related injuries. Over and over again, I have seen life jerked out from under elderly people in the blink of an eye due to fractured hips, head injuries, and multiple internal problems that could have been prevented. The Center for Disease Control has published the following statistics:

More than one-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year (Hornbrook 1994; Hausdorff 2001).
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths (Murphy 2000) and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma (Alexander 1992).
In 2003 more than 1.8 million seniors age 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries and more than 421,000 were hospitalized (CDC 2005).

In 2002, nearly 13,000 people ages 65 and older died from fall-related injuries (CDC 2004). More than 60% of people who die from falls are 75 and older (Murphy 2000).
Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or head traumas that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death (Sterling 2001).
Among people ages 75 years and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer (Donald 1999).
Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (Jager 2000). Among older adults, the majority of fractures are caused by falls (Bell 2000).

Approximately 3% to 5% of older adult falls cause fractures (Cooper 1992; Wilkins 1999). Based on the 2000 census, this translates to 360,000 to 480,000 fall-related fractures each year. These statistics make one realize how essential it is to protect our elderly population from becoming another number to add to the list.

As the owner of Servant’s Heart Homemaker Services, we strive to do everything we can to make the homes of our clients a safe and secure environment for them. Here are some suggestions to follow in order to do the same for your loved ones as well:

Make sure all rooms are well lit and light switches are easy to reach, even when getting up out of bed. Keep a flash light in more than one place that’s easy to find in emergencies Make sure stairways are secure by installing hand rails and ensuring good lighting that’s easy to control at both ends of the stairway. Make sure that carpeting is not loose or frayed on stairways.

Secure the bathroom with grab bars and bath mats and/or safety strips in the tub or shower. Provide a shower bench. Elevated toilet seats can be very helpful for taller individuals, along with grab bars around the toilet.

Keep clutter to a minimum; make sure there are no telephone or electrical cords in pathways throughout the house. Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring to prevent tripping. Make certain that all rugs or runners have non-slip backing – or better yet, remove them completely, if possible Encourage your loved ones to wear nonslip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that properly fit their feet. Tell them to never walk around in stocking feet.

Provide a walker or cane if necessary. Make sure they stay seated when feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and remind them to stand up slowly. Some medications ,including over the counter medicines, can cause drowsiness and/or an unsteady gait. Be sure your loved one is aware when taking these medications, and takes extra precautions to prevent injuries. Remember outside hazards; paint stairs with a mixture of sand and paint for better traction. Keep outdoor walkways and entrances clear, well-lit, and free of snow and ice.

Take your loved one for regular eye and hearing exams. Poor eyesight can be hazardous when ambulating. Inner ear problems can cause dizziness and affect balance.

Make sure your loved ones get regular exercise to strengthen muscles. Limit alcohol intake to avoid unsteadiness.

Finally, be sure to provide them with a personal emergency response service to ensure that they can get help should they experience a fall. These systems are available through a variety of different businesses, and are essential in providing security for older people who live at home alone.

Implementation of these suggestions will require a great deal of effort, but may help your elderly loved one live safely at home and enjoy years of good living ahead of them.

Jo Nelson is a registered nurse and co-owner of Servant’s Heart Homemaker Services located here in Logansport. Servant’s Heart provides companion services for the elderly in their homes.

Maybe it’s the thought of mowing the grass, shoveling the snow, or the kitchen faucet that needs to be repaired. The multitude of responsibilities and maintenance involved in keeping up your current home may make the move to an Independent Living Community look very attractive. But is it affordable?

This is a question we hear a lot. In most communities utilities, maintenance, some laundry, and some meals are included in the fee. Use the monthly fee to compare to costs of staying in your current living situation. Remember to include utilities, taxes, insurance, fees paid for the yard work, and maintenance of your home. There should be a staff member available, at the facility you are considering, who can go over financial information with you.

If you are considering moving into a Continuum of Care Retirement Community as opposed to a stand alone Independent Retirement Community, there may be entrance fees or life care contracts to consider. According to the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission, there are three basic types of contract that a resident enters into with a CCRC: extensive, modified, and fee-for-service. An extensive contract offers unlimited long-term nursing care for little or no substantial increase in your usual monthly payments. Entrance fees and monthly costs under extensive contracts are typically higher than those under modified or fee-for-service contracts. That entrance fee may be refundable over time, partially refundable or nonrefundable. You may acquire ownership of your residence within the community, or you may be provide housing on a rental basis.

A modified continuing care contract includes a specified amount of long-term nursing care beyond which you are responsible for payment. Once such specified amount of care is reached, the resident may continue to receive care, but most pay the facility’s daily or monthly nursing rate.

A fee-for-service continuing care contract covers the cost of your housing, residential services, and amenities. You pay full daily rates for all long-term nursing care required. Entrance and monthly fees are lower under this type of contract because residents are responsible for all long-term nursing and health care costs.

There are many options available under the general term "CCRC". Your best course of action is to visit several communities and to decide which community offers the best combination of services, amenities and contract options for your or your loved one’s particular needs and desires.

Let’s look at an example to help illustrate how even someone who didn’t THINK they could afford an Independent Retirement Community, really can!

Jane is a healthy 70 year old who wanted to enjoy the rest of her retirement years without the hassle of home maintenance, yard work, and home repairs. Plus, her home was built 40 years ago, and wasn’t particularly “senior” friendly! Doorways were narrow, the laundry room was in the basement, and the stairs to that area were narrow. She didn’t want to risk falling.

Jane didn’t think she could afford to live in an Independent Retirement Community, but after visiting her friend Marge several times, she knew it was a vibrant and active place that really catered to her lifestyle.

Jane also wanted to leave an inheritance to her children, but didn’t have a large 401K or IRA to leave behind, therefore, all she had was the value of her home. She was worried that if she sold her home and moved to an Independent Retirement Community, she would not be able to leave an inheritance. Her children on the other hand, were not worried about receiving an inheritance, they just wanted Jane to live the life that made her happy, safe, and comfortable.

After sitting down with the staff at her local Independent Retirement Community, she understood that not only could she afford to live there, but she would also be able to leave a LARGER inheritance to her children than she ever thought possible.

Here’s how it worked for Jane:

Jane’s Current Assets:

• $100,000 - total in checking/savings, CDs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRA and annuities (rainy day money)

• $150,000 – value of her home

• $1400/ month Social Security Income and Pension

Cost to Live in the Independent Retirement Community:

• $2300/ month, no entrance fee, just monthly rent • -$1400/month income • = shortfall of $900/month for Jane

Jane’s Solution:

• Jane sold her home for $150,000 and put the proceeds into a lifetime annuity that generated an income of $1,204 per month. (which covers her shortfall of $900 and leaves $300 for other needs)

• Jane took her remaining assets (rainy day money) of $100,000 and left $25,000 in checking, but purchased a single premium life insurance policy for $75,000.

• That single premium life insurance policy is worth $250,000 TAX FREE to her heirs upon her death.

• Plus if she passed away within 10 years, her heirs could also possibly receive the remaining lifetime annuity payout.

• Remember this is simply an example and not a guarantee of results. Everyone needs to have their own person financial analysis completed.

Jane can now move into her Independent Retirement Community and live a safe, stress free life. Her children will receive the inheritance she always wanted them to have. Can you afford to live in an Independent Retirement Community? Chances are that with the right financial planning, you can live the retirement you always dreamed of. Contact Valerie VanBooven for more information at valerie@nextgenfinser.com

Valerie VanBooven RN, BSN, PGCM is a long-term care expert, author of "Aging Answers", professional speaker. She is currently the National Director of Marketing and PR for Next Generation Financial Services a division of 1st Mariner Bank.

Valerie can be reached at 877-529-0550 or valerie@nextgenfinser.com

After age 65 as many as 75% of Americans suffer from one chronic disease such as heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, infections, diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis, to name just a few common afflictions. Additionally, recent statistics indicate that 50% of elderly people have two or more chronic health problems. And, the older people get, the more likely they have to consider the question of relocating from the home they love to an institutional setting where someone can watch over them in the event of a health crisis, no matter how infrequent such an event may be. (What they worry about )

But this may be about to change for the better (Learn more). With the adaptation of blood pressure monitors, electrocardiogram devices, blood/oxygen concentration readers and defibrillators to make them usable at home, people can measure their own vital signs to see if there are changes taking place that a doctor should know about. These home-adapted devices even contain software that graphs and performs analyses of the readings taken to optimize their usefulness to a physician. Finally, a specially programmed laptop computer now available (Learn More) to store personal information in the user’s home can facilitate direct access of vital signs information and analysis by a doctor from a medical office or clinic.

The trick is to alert the doctor that a person’s vital signs need to be looked at. This is where the user or a loved one such as a daughter, son, sister, brother or a good friend can check the latest vital signs readings for variances from the medical office’s established guidelines (Learn more) and alert the doctor if there are changes. And, the loved one can be located in another city or town and be granted access to the user’s laptop with a secure, personal password that the user has set up to prevent unauthorized entry to the laptop computer’s files.

To complement these wonderful advancements in personal health monitoring for elderly people, new software is now available to set up an Electronic Personal Medical Record (Learn More) that provides information on a person’s Familial History, Personal Medical History, Surgical History, recent Medications Taken, Lab Results and Physical Examination Results. The software sets up these records in secure files that cannot be accessed by anyone without a personal, secure password. For an elderly person who might experience a health crisis while traveling or being away from home, immediate access to a Personal Health Record could be lifesaving in the event treatment by a medical expert had to begin before records were available from a doctor’s office during the night or on a weekend.

I am a computer programmer focused on developing software and systems that help families of elderly people monitor their health so they can continue to live independently in their advancing years.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

Photographs invoke emotion and conjure up memories. One of my favorite quotes is by Sy Parish; “And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it’s this: I was here. I existed. I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture.”

Most of us have boxes, drawers, and albums filled with photographs we have taken over the years. Photographs symbolize a moment in time that has been forever frozen.

My Aunt was diagnoses with Alzheimer’s many years ago. As the years go by her memory of past events fades. Her daughters have made pocket sized photo albums with pictures and detailed descriptions; for example, “This is Sally. She is five years old; her mother is Jane, your youngest daughter.” My Aunt looks at these little books every day. Sometimes she remembers who Jane is; other days she has to ask.

While visiting my Aunt I noticed that she loves to watch television. It was then that I realized creating a DVD of her life with voice-overs describing each event might help her remember her past. When I returned home I contacted her daughters and asked them to email me photographs and descriptions of each photo asking them; “where it took place, when it took place and who is in the photo?” I then met with my Aunt’s sisters, asking them to go through their photographs and gather the one’s that might help my Aunt remember.

Once I had received all of the photographs I scanned them and placed them in a slideshow program. Each frame of the DVD describes the time, event and people in the photograph. It is important to include background music that is specific to the their era, in my Aunt’s case it was; Glen Miller, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

My mother and her sisters have been wonderful in writing down memories of their childhood. Silly events that happened when they were young girls, events that we hope will spark memories in my Aunt. Using a voice-over, the "memory" is told then the photograph appears for 30-40 seconds, giving ample time for individual to reminisce about the photograph and event.

Alzheimer DVD’s are a family affair. It is important to receive input from as many people as possible that are close to the person with Alzheimer’s.

If someone is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s it is wonderful to interview them, asking them their favorite childhood memories, school memories, their marriage, children and grandchildren. What are their hobbies? Where did they like to vacation? What are they most passionate about? What are their favorite songs?

There are so many good times in life; sharing them on a DVD is a way to preserve the memories.

Betsy Wegner http://www.dvdsbybetsy.com Preserving the memory of your loved ones with DVD Slideshows.