We are pleased to announce the winner of the first ever Regency on Whidbey Memorial Scholarship: Arjayne Evangelista. Regency has decided that honoring residents who have passed away by contributing to this scholarship is a great way to invest in better care and service for the aging in the future.

Arjayne is an impressive young lady who not only met all the criteria established by our scholarship committee, but shows tremendous potential for a future in geriatric nursing. A full-time student in the LPN program at Skagit Valley College, Arjayne  has already risen above her peers by participating in Running Start (an early college entry program available to high school students with strong academic standing and high ambition) and obtaining her CNA license.

During a brief presentation as she received her award, Arjayne expressed her sincere gratitude for being selected to receive the $1000 scholarship. She remarked that without  it she would have really struggled to pursue her goal of continuing to grow and give through a career in geriatric nursing. We wish her the best as she follows her passion.

Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.

Abigail Adams

Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24
years in the senior living industry, she has the honor of being sanctioned
by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as a Qualified Dementia Care Provider
and therefore is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally
recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class
amenities for its residents.

At Regency we are always looking for ways to encourage our residents and the community

to pursue healthy lifestyle choices. With the help of a local retired physician, we provide a

bi-monthly opportunity for interested persons to obtain information about some of the

common medical issues that aging adults face.

Medical Moments is a collaborative effort between Sande Mulkey, our Outside Marketing

Director, and Dr. Wylie Vracin, a faithful friend of Regency on Whidbey. Residents and

community members suggest topics for future discussions, and we provide supplemental

written materials for participants to take home with them. The meetings are well-attended

and participants look forward to the practical and stimulating information provided.

Medical Moments occurs on the 2^nd and 4^th Friday of each month from 10am – 11am in

our Activities Room at Regency’s Assisted Living. Please consider joining us for the next

meeting on August 26^th, when we will be talking about high blood pressure. Bring questions

and enjoy refreshments with other interested people. There is no charge and Medical

Moments is open to the public.

Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24
years in the senior living industry, she has the honor of being sanctioned
by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as a Qualified Dementia Care Provider
and therefore is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally
recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class
amenities for its residents.

by Elizabeth Clark

Blessed are they who understand

my faltering step and shaking hand,

Blessed are they who know my ears today

must strain to catch the things they say,

Blessed are they who seem to know

my eyes are dim and my mind is slow,

Blessed are they who looked away,

I spilled my tea on the cloth that day!

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile,

stopped to chat for a little while,

Blessed are they who know the way

to bring back memories of yesterday,

Blessed are they who never say,

You’ ve told that story twice today!” 

Blessed are they who make it known

that I’m loved, respected and not alone,

And blessed are they who will ease the

days of my journey home, in loving ways.

Let us each try to be the answer to this prayer as we serve and cherish our loved ones throughout their journey.

Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24
years in the senior living industry, she has the honor of being sanctioned
by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as a Qualified Dementia Care Provider
and therefore is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally
recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class
amenities for its residents.

Is it true that people with Alzheimer’s disease will become promiscuous or “act out” sexually as the disease progresses?

That is a myth. Inappropriate sexual behavior is rare in Alzheimer’s disease. Mislabeling of behaviors, however, is common.

Following are some examples of behaviors that might be labeled sexual. Can you think of non-sexual explanations for them? Possible answers are bulleted.

Mr. Jones is sitting in a wheel-chair with his pants unzipped, fully exposed.

• He needs to go to the bathroom.
• He needs help dressing.
• His clothes are too tight.
• He’s uncomfortably warm.
• He’s tired and trying to undress for bed.
• He’s bored; playing with his zipper is all he can think of to do.

Mrs. Hanson appears to be masturbating in the living room.

• She’s trying to remove a soiled incontinent product.
• She’s trying to pull away clothes that are too tight in the crotch.
• She has an itch (a potential sign of urinary tract infection or other physical ailment).
• She needs help getting to the bathroom.

If she is indeed masturbating, it may be because she is:

• bored and needs a stimulating activity;
• frightened and this brings her comfort;
• uninhibited and just doing what feels good.

Mrs. Jackson appears in the hallway completely naked.

• She needs help dressing or getting ready for bed or a nap.
• She needs help finding the bathroom or shower.
• She needs help finding more comfortable clothing.

Mr. Doe has just grabbed your breast.

• You have reached over him as part of grooming and stuck it in his face.
• He was reaching out randomly and encountered it.
• He was falling and grabbed you there accidentally.
• You are unknowingly and inadvertently exciting him while bathing him.

 Mr. Baker says to you, “Hey baby, I’m feeling sexy, and you’re looking hot. Let’s get together”. (He may use a cruder word)

• He has poor verbal control; he just means to say he likes you.
• He wants to get your attention.
• Brain damage has made his language saltier, less inhibited.

Mrs. Rodriquez has climbed (fully dressed) into bed with Mr. Diaz.

• She has shared a bed with her husband for 50 years. She’s seeking the warmth and comfort of his body and is too disoriented to know it is not her husband.

In all of the above cases, your reaction should be the same:  do your best to preserve the resident’s dignity by focusing on the person, not the action. Provide whatever assistance, hygiene measures and body cover-up needed. Assume the intent was not sexual and act accordingly. For example:

• If Mr. Doe has grabbed your breast, stay out of his reach, put something else in his hands (soap and a washcloth), or ask him to hold onto the back of a chair for balance.
• If Mr. Baker makes a lewd comment, recognize his good taste in choosing you; say, “Well, I’m glad to know I’m appealing, but I’m pretty busy right now; that will have to wait”. Then, get out of his line of vision. If he just wants attention, offer to work on a puzzle together or play checkers instead.
• The key is to solve the problem, if possible; then, distract and relocate the resident.

A small percentage of Alzheimer’s residents do become hypersexual, and others may become hypersexual as a side effect of their medications.

Sincerely,

 Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry, she has the honor of being sanctioned by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as a Qualified Dementia Care Provider and therefore is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents.                                       

 Here are 10 tips that can help:

Being reasonable, rational, and logical may get you into trouble. 

When someone is acting irrationally, we tend to carefully explain the situation in an effort to get compliance. However, the person with dementia doesn’t have a “boss” in his brain any longer, so he does not respond to our arguments, no matter how logical. Straightforward, simple sentences about what is going to happen are usually best.

 People with dementia may not need to be grounded in reality. 

When someone has memory loss, he often forgets important things, e.g., his mother is deceased. Reminding him of this loss also brings back the pain of the loss. When someone wants to go home, telling him that he is at home can lead to an argument. Redirecting by asking him to tell you about the person he has asked about, or about his home, can serve to calm a person with dementia.

You cannot be a perfect caregiver. 

Just as there is no such thing as a perfect parent, there is no perfect caregiver. You have the right to the full range of human emotions, and sometimes you are going to be impatient or frustrated. Learning to forgive your loved one, as well as yourself, is essential in the caregiving journey.

Therapeutic lying may reduce stress. 

We tend to be meticulously honest with people. However, when someone has dementia, honesty can lead to distress both for us and the one we are caring for. Does it really matter that your loved one thinks she is the volunteer at the day care center? Is it okay to tell your loved one that the two of you are going out to lunch and then “coincidentally” stop by the doctor’s office on the way home to pick something up as a way to get her to the doctor?

 Making agreements may not work. 

If you ask your loved one to not do something ever again, or to remember to do something, it will soon be forgotten. Taking action, rearranging the environment, rather than talking and discussing, is usually more successful. For example, getting a teakettle with an automatic “off” switch is better than warning someone of the dangers of leaving the stove on.

Doctors often need to be educated by you.

Telling the doctor what you see at home is important. The doctor can’t tell during an examination that your loved one has been up all night pacing. Sometimes doctors, too, may practice therapeutic lying; e.g., telling the patient that an antidepressant is for memory rather than depression.

You can’t do it all. It’s okay to accept help. 

When people offer to help, the answer should always be YES. Have a list of things people can do to help you, whether it is bringing a meal, picking up a prescription, helping trim the roses or staying with your loved one while you run an errand. This will reinforce offers of help. It is harder to ask for help than to accept it when it is offered, so don’t wait until you “really need it” to get support.

 Try not to over- or underestimate what your loved one can do.

It is often easier to do something for our loved ones than to let them do it for themselves. However, if we do it for them they will lose the ability to be independent in that skill. On the other hand, if we insist individuals do something for themselves and they get frustrated, we just make our loved ones agitated and probably haven’t increased their abilities to perform tasks. Not only is it a constant challenge to find the balance, we must be aware that the balance may shift from day to day.

 Tell, don’t ask. 

“What would you like for dinner?”,  may have been a perfectly normal question at another time, but asking that question of a person with dementia is expecting too much. He or might not have the words for what they want, might not be hungry, or even if they answer might not want the food when it is served after all. Saying, “We are going to eat now”, encourages the person to eat and doesn’t put pressure on them to respond.

 It is normal to question the diagnosis when your loved one has moments of lucidity. 

One of the hardest things to remember is that we are responding to a disease, not the person who once was. Everyone with dementia has times when they make perfect sense and can respond appropriately. We often feel like that person has been faking it or that we have been exaggerating the problem when these moments occur. We are not imagining things—they are just having one of those moments to be treasured in the journey.

 Sincerely,

 Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry, she has the honor of being sanctioned by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as a Qualified Dementia Care Provider and therefore is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

Imagine going on a long journey by train. As we leave the landscape looks familiar and as we progress, things begin to look different. The buildings have odd shapes and the trees don’t look quite the way you remember them. Maybe it’s a different country with different architecture and plant life. It feels a bit strange even unnerving.

You decide to ask the other passengers about the strangeness you feel, but notice they seem unperturbed. You wonder if your mind is paying tricks on you. You decide to act as if everything looks all right, but because it does not, you have to be on your guard. This places you under some tension, but you believe you can tolerate it for the rest of the trip. I know I started out on this journey but can’t figure out how to get back home, you don’t even know how or when it will end. You find yourself becoming so preoccupied with appearing alright that you are distracted and don’t notice the passing scenery.

After some time you look out the window again and this time you know something is wrong. Everything looks strange and unfamiliar. There is no similarity to anything you can recall from the past. You think that you must do something and try to talk to the other passengers about the strangeness you feel but they look at you dumb founded. They talk in a new language. You wonder why they are not talking in English. They look at you knowingly and with sympathy. You want to know what is going on so you keep after them trying to get them to tell you where the train is going. The only answers you get are in a strange language and then even when you talk your words sound strange to you. Now you are truly frightened.

You realize that you are going to have to get of this train and find your own way home so you get up to leave. You don’t get very far as the other passengers stop you and take you back to your seat. It seems that they want you to stay on the train whether you like it or not. You try to explain but they just talk in a strange language.

You realize that you will never find your way home if you don’t get off that train. You get ready to jump when hands suddenly appear from nowhere and grab you from behind. You try to fight them off, but you feel them pulling you back onto the train. You know you will never get home.

How sad you feel. You did not say goodbye to you friends or your children. The passengers look sympathetic, but they do not know how sad you feel. Maybe if they knew they would let you off the train.

You have no choice now. You have to go along with the passengers because they seem to know where the journey will end. Maybe they will get you there safely. You wish that you had never started out on this journey but know you can not go back.

Enjoy your week and as always please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about your particular situation.

 Sincerely,

 Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry, she has the honor of being sanctioned by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America as a Qualified Dementia Care Provider and therefore is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

More than 71 million Americans will have 1 or more forms of Cardiovascular Disease.

It is the most frequent cause of death, killing greater than 2500 people a day.

Hypertension and High blood pressure are the most common forms of Cardiovascular Disease

1 in 3 adults has High blood pressure, with 70% not controlled.

30% are unaware that they have high blood pressure.

Hypertension is a precursor to Congestive Heart Failure and Stroke.

Risk Factors to developing Cardiovascular Disease:

Smoking, abnormal cholesterol, inactivity, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, and depression

Cardiovascular Disease can lead to:

Dementia illnesses and Strokes

Cardiovascular Disease can affect integrity of cognition and communication before a major neurological event.

Neurological changes associated with Cardiovascular Disease:

Cardiovascular Disease leads to structural changes in brain, such as atrophy (cognitive-communicative functioning areas) , loss of neural tissue, decreased brain volume, and enlarged ventricles

Cardiovascular Disease interferes with neurotransmission similar to that of Alzheimer’s Dementia

Cognitive/Communicative changes

More than one risk factor can jeopardize an individual’s cognitive-communicative ability

Problems include:  1) attention                2) memory,  3) executive functioning-inhibition, planning, organization,  or flexibility

Hearing changes are more commonly seen in women than men

Cardiovascular Health

For those concerned about death from cardiovascular disease, heart experts have some good news: Regular exercise, a healthy diet and five other simple measures can cut one’s near-term risk of death by more than half.

The changes, dubbed Life’s Simple Seven, were laid out in January as part of an American Heart Assn. campaign to guide people toward “ideal cardiovascular health.” They include:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of intense exercise, a week Regency on Whidbey has it’s own in-house therapy team consisting of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. The Summit Pacific team would be happy to help you design a healthy  exercise program.

• Having a body mass index of less than 25.

• Being a nonsmoker for at least one year.

• Meeting four out of five of the association’s key components for a healthy diet. The ideal diet requires meeting four of five key components based on a 2,000-calories-a-day meal plan: 41/2 cups of fruits and vegetables a day; two or more 3.5-ounce servings of fish (preferably oily fish) a day; fewer than 450 calories a week of sugar-sweetened beverages; three or more 1-ounce servings a day of whole grains; and less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.

• Keeping total cholesterol below 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood.

• Maintaining blood pressure below 120/80.

• Having a fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL of blood.

“These are the sorts of things your grandmother told you,” said Dr. Mary Cushman, a cardiovascular disease researcher at the University of Vermont, who conducted the study.

In addition to Life’s Simple Seven, for those that are experiencing hearing and cognitive-communicative changes related to Cardiovascular Disease, specialized cognitive- communicative evaluations will quantify complaints and monitor outcomes of Cardiovascular Disease treatment.  

Heart disease is the No. 1 worldwide killer of men and women, including in the United States. Heart disease is responsible for 40 percent of all the deaths in the United States, more than all forms of cancer combined. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with by making healthy lifestyle choices like those mentioned above. 

You can make the choice! Why don’t we do it together?

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for residents who need loving care.  

Do you have a question about the senior in your life? Feel free to email Wendy at manager@regencywhidbey.com

www.regencywhidbey.com

 Who can receive hospice?

To receive hospice, physicians must be willing to state that death can be expected within 6 months if the disease follows its normal course. This does not mean that care will only be provided for 6 months; hospice can be provided as long as the person’s physician and hospice team certifies that their condition remains life limiting. Hospice care can occur at home or in a long-term care setting.

 Who provides these services?

Hospice care is a family-centered team approach that includes, a doctor, nurse, social worker, counselor, chaplain, home health aide and trained volunteers. They work together focusing on the dying person’s needs—physical, psychological, social and spiritual. The goal is to help keep the person as pain and symptom-free as possible while offering spiritual and supportive counseling to the patient and family members.

 For more information or help finding a local hospice provider, please feel free to contact Regency on Whidbey.

 Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its for residents who require long-term care.  

Do you have a question about the senior in your life? Feel free to email Wendy at manager@regencywhidbey.com

www.regencywhidbey.com

As we go into the late fall and winter months the possibility of an emergency increases, especially in the senior population. The American Red Cross recommends that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of several individuals who will check in on them in an emergency to ensure their wellness and to give assistance if needed.  This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors.  It is suggested that a minimum of three people are identified at each location where one regularly spends a significant part of their week, for example; at work, home, school or volunteer site.  

There are seven important items to discuss, give to and practice with a personal support network:

• Make arrangements, prior to an emergency, for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster and, if needed, offer assistance.
• Exchange important keys. 
• Show where you keep emergency supplies. 
• Share copies of your relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans and emergency health information card. 
• Agree and practice a communications system regarding how to contact each other in an emergency.  Do not count on the telephones working. 
• You and your personal support network should always notify each other when you are going out-of-town and when you will return.  
• The relationship should be mutual. Learn about each other’s needs and how to help each other in an emergency.  You could be responsible for food supplies and preparation, organizing neighborhood watch meetings and interpreting, among other  things.  
• Keep the number for Regency on Whidbey. Feel free to call us should you find yourself in an emergency and can not contact of anyone in your personal support network.

Enjoy the week!

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents.

Regency on Whidbey

1040 SW Kimball

Oak Harbor, Washington 98277

360-279-0933

manager@regencywhidbey.com

Pick at least one R from the list because finding a way to renew is one of the most important ways to help your loved one.

Rest. One of the most important things a caregiver can do for the person they’re caring for is to take care of themselves. A caregiver who wears himself out, and keeps going 24/7 risks burnout. Everyone knows about day stay programs, Check with your local dementia specialist to see if they have a night stay program.

Hydrate. Drink lots of water. Water hydrates your body and keeps you energized. Eat right. Take a cue from your loved one’s diet and take the opportunity to eat healthy things as well. You don’t have to adhere to a strict diet, but eating right certainly never hurts.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate your needs to others and then ACCEPT HELP. This can be the hardest thing for the caregiver to do, but it’s one of the best things a caregiver can do for their loved one and for themselves. When people offer to help, often caregivers turn them down because they don’t want to burden them or because they can’t think of something off the top of their heads.  Get over the notion that the only way to get it done is to do it yourself. When you have a few moments, really think about the kinds of things that will make life a little easier. Then when people ask how they can help, you’ll be ready. When you tell someone something very specific, they’re more comfortable doing it, and you’ll get the help you need. Helping makes people feel good about themselves. Don’t deprive anyone of that joy.

Take vitamins if you don’t get enough nutrition from your food. Ask your physician which vitamins would help you most.

Respite. Caregivers should make a point of getting away sometimes, to take a mini-respite for themselves. A movie, lunch somewhere, window shopping or just walking along the beach or through a park can be enough to get some distance, and come back with a fresh perspective on things. Again, ask your local assisted living if they offer a respite stay program. Ask the administrator about any other programs they might offer that could help you find a bit of time for yourself. If they are like me, they will do whatever they can to help you get time for you.

Get enough sleep. This is often the hardest one to manage because you’re on someone else’s schedule. But sleep is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Eight hours are ideal, but the concept of getting eight uninterrupted hours of sleep might be impossible. Try breaking sleep up. Get what you can in one shot, but take a nap during the day. A short nap can be very refreshing and just the thing you need to get you through the day. Again, ask your local assisted living if they offer a night respite program. This might be just what you need to be a great caregiver during the day.

Exercise. Anything will help. Walk around the block a few times a day when you have a few spare minutes. Try yoga, something that will exercise your muscles, yet relax your mind. Meditate. Spend a few minutes alone and quiet. Ask your local assisted living if you could join their daily exercise program. Again, the administrator might be willing to help free you up to join in.

Ask for help! I can’t say this enough. The journey of a caregiver can be a blessing but it is also hard work. Often times, the caregiver feels obligated to go it alone, after all we do provide the best care to our loved ones and no one can love them as much as we do. But, anyone who is not walking your journey will not know what you are going through each day. Don’t be afraid to let someone know what they could do to help you. You can not continue to give good care if you don’t receive it sometimes.

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

The state budget situation has only gotten worse. “As difficult as the past two legislative sessions have been, the 2011 session will be even more challenging as the economy is still recovering,” said Gov. Gregoire in introducing her new Priorities of Government (POG) process for developing the 2011 – 2013 budgets. Any objective evaluation of I-1029 requirements will show that they are not “mission critical” under the POG process, making the estimated $6.5 million first year cost unjustifiable. More on that below.

The rule-making process is late. With five months to go, regulations are still in draft form, and as written in the current CR-102 draft, are unworkable. Requirements for curriculum and instructor approval are so onerous that neither the care agencies nor DSHS will be able to comply in time. DSHS has received 90 pages of comments on their CR-102, and a hiring freeze has impacted their ability to complete the CR-103, now expected at the end of September. The result will be chaos for at least several months, leaving seniors and other vulnerable groups without the care they need, and potential caregivers without a path to the jobs they seek.

This law may lead to age discrimination. Today, private pay home care agencies enthusiastically employ older Americans in large numbers because of their strong work ethic, life experiences, and understanding of the needs of their senior clients. The costs of the new training and certification requirements will be a disincentive to hiring older workers because they can be expected to work for a shorter period of time over which to amortize those up-front costs.

I-1029 was never needed in the first place, making its costs unjustified even in a strong economy. The SEIU has been pushing this legislation for years. Because the union will train all “independent providers”, i.e., caregivers working with DSHS-subsidized clients, the legislation will funnel taxpayer money to the union. Yet the SEIU has never been able to make the case that more caregiver training is needed. There is no industry problem with the quality of care that more training will solve. The initiative passed with the voters because it was packaged and advertised as pro-senior. Prior to that, the SEIU had failed twice to make its case to the legislature.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for personal and home care aids will increase by 46% over the decade from 2008 to 2018. Yet this legislation will place a roadblock in front of would-be caregivers due to the effort and expense of becoming trained and certified. Given the low margins in the home care industry, the cost will have to be passed onto our elderly clients, putting home care beyond the reach of many more middle class seniors. The result may be a train wreck of under-served seniors in the state of Washington. The legislation is anti-senior, anti-small business and anti-jobs creation.

Enjoy your week!

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field. Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents.

When you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, financial, legal, and insurance issues can seem overwhelming and complex. Seeking the advice of a professional and becoming informed about the issues is recommended. This will help you feel confident as you make difficult decisions in your role as Alzheimer’s caregiver.

Financial Issues

An Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is often accompanied by new financial demands that are required to maintain care both within the home and outside the home. To ensure that enough money will be available to provide continuing care, keep in mind that as the disease progresses, so do the care requirements. Consider evaluating the following:

• Care expenses, both now and in the future, such as doctor visits, prescription medications, home health aide services, and housing (such as assisted living or nursing homes).
• Current sources of income, such as insurance, personal savings, investments, and employee or retirement benefits.
• Other financial resources available through government organizations.

Legal Issues

It’s important to plan ahead and address legal issues as soon as a diagnosis is made. Advance directives are documents that help a person with Alzheimer’s disease state his or her wishes regarding treatment and end–of–life issues. These documents can include:

• Durable power of attorney for healthcare – appoints a person to make all decisions associated with health care.
• Living will – states a person’s preferences on decisions for medical treatment and artificial life support.
• Last Will & Testament – states, among other things, who has been appointed to manage the financial assets and beneficiaries of the person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Insurance Issues

Healthcare insurance can play a key role in helping to ease some of the financial burden of long–term care. Some families have private insurance and it’s important to research coverage and speak to the appropriate company representatives to make sure you understand all the benefits available under the policies.

The most common forms of insurance, provided by the U.S. government, include Medicaid and Medicare.

• Medicaid – Medicaid is a federal program whose eligibility and benefits vary by state. The program is typically administered by a state welfare agency. Medicaid covers all or a portion of nursing home costs. A person with Alzheimer’s disease can qualify to receive long–term care only if he or she has minimal income and cash assets. For more information, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/.
• Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over age 65 who are receiving Social Security benefits, however, not everyone is eligible. Medicare covers inpatient hospital care and a portion of other medical expenses. Medicare covers some, but not all, of the services a person with Alzheimer’s disease may require. Applications for Medicare may be sent to a local Social Security office. For more information, visit  http://www.medicare.gov.
• Medicare Part D – The Medicare Prescription Drug Program is an optional program. If you elect the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, which is also called Medicare Part D, you can sign up with any one of several health insurance companies that serve your geographical area. In return for a monthly premium, the health insurance company provides you with some or the drugs you are taking are covered. For more information, visit http://www.medicare.gov.

As always, incorporating time for yourself and creating a network of support will be critical in helping you not to feel overwhelmed and alone. Do not forget that you and your loved one are managing this time together, and that both of you deserve the highest level of care and consideration.

Enjoy your week and as always please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about your particular situation.

Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents.

Are you alone several hours of the day or night?

In the past year have you fallen or have been afraid of falling in your own home?

Have you been hospitalized or been to an emergency room in the last year?

Do you have one of the following chronic ailments: heart disease, stroke, COPD, osteoporosis, diabetes or arthritis?

Do you use a cane or walker, wheelchair, stair climber, or other assistive device to help with balance or walking?

Are you required to take several daily medications?

Do you need assistance with one of the following activities: bathing, toiling, dressing, meal preparation or housekeeping?

Falls in the home can occur in bathrooms, bedrooms and on stairs. The following checklist is designed to help anyone who has mobilization issues in the home, whether it be from hip surgery, knee surgery, car accident or has that fall potential. Mobility and fall issues have no boundaries when it comes to age, anyone can fall.

1) Paint the edges of outdoor steps and steps that are especially narrow or are higher of lower than the rest a bright color.

2) Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint for better traction.

3) Clear snow and ice from entrances and walkways.

4) Inside your home, remove all extraneous clutter.

5) Keep telephone and electrical cords out of pathways.

6) Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring so they lie flat. Remove or replace rugs or runners that tend to slip or attach nonslip backing.

7) Do not stand on a chair to reach things. Store frequently used objects where you can reach them easily.

Have a lamp or light switch that can easily be reached without getting out of bed.

9) Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

10) Keep a flashlight handy.

11) Have light switches at both ends of stairs and halls. Install handrails on both sides of stairs.

12) Add grab bars in shower, tub and toilet area.

13) Use nonslip adhesive in shower or tub.

14) Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower.

15) Consider using an elevated toilet seat.

16) Use helping devices such as canes or walker as directed by your health care provider.

17) Wear nonslip, low healed shoes or slippers that fit snugly. Avoid walking around in stocking feet.

18) Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs, including over the counter drugs, can make you drowsy, dizzy or unsteady.

19) Discuss safe amounts of alcohol intake with your physician.

20) Have your hearing and eyesight tested. Inner ear problems can affect your balance. Vision problems make it difficult to see potential hazards.

21) Exercise regularity to improve muscle flexibility, strength and balance. Talk to your healthcare professional about exercise programs that are right for you.

22) If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit down or stay seated until your head clears. Stand up slowly to avoid unsteadiness.

23) Drink plenty of water, dehydration can cause you to become unsteady, cause urinary tract infections and can affect your mental state in turn causing you to fall.

24) Consider asking your health care professional for a prescription for Physical or Occupational services. Regency on Whidbey has its own in-house therapy department which strives to optimize wellness and enhance the lifestyles of seniors on Whidbey Island. (You do not need to be a resident here to take advantage of our therapy department.)

Enjoy your week and be safe!

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

Voted #1 in the 2010 Best of Whidbey for Best Retirement Center-Thank you to everyone for voting for us!

Crabby Old Man

What do you see nurses? …What do you see?
What are you thinking……when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man,…..not very wise,
Uncertain of habit ……..with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food…….and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice …..’I do wish you’d try!’
Who seems not to notice ….the things that you do.
And forever is losing ………….. A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not………..lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding … The long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking?…….Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse……you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am ……… As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding,…….as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten…….with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters ………who love one another

A young boy of Sixteen ..with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now……….a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty ……..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows……..that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now …….. I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide ….And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty ……….. My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other ……. With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons ….have grown and are gone,
But my woman’s beside me…….to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, ……… Babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children …….. My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me …… My wife is now dead.
I look at the future …………I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing……young of their own.
And I think of the years…… And the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man………and nature is cruel.
‘Tis jest to make old age …….look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles……….grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone……..where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass ….. A young guy still dwells,
And now and again ……..my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys…………..I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living………….life over again.

I think of the years ..all too few……gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact……..that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people ………open and see..
Not a crabby old man…..Look closer….see……..ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older perso n who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within…..we will all, one day, be there, too!

~Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

Make dining social. Elderly people sometimes  fail to eat well because they don’t like to eat alone.

Take notice of food content in their loved-one’s home. Keep their refrigerator well stocked and watch for and remove old or spoiled food in the fridge. 

Serve finger foods or food that is already cut up. It’s easier for less dexterous hands.

Food portions should be small so they do not look overwhelming. Large volumes of food may spoil an elderly person’s limited appetite.

Monitor your loved-one’s fluid intake. You should make sure they have adequate fluids by keeping a pitcher of a favorite drink in the refrigerator and serving from that source.

If your loved one has a decreased appetite you can:

Offer high caloric drink foods such as ice cream, milk shakes, or eggnog.

Offer familiar foods; these favorite foods can stimulate the appetite.

Try making the main meal of the day at lunch when the appetite is often larger.

Sit directly in front of the person and show each spoonful to help them orient.

Offer 4 to 6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones. 

If your loved one is having problems swallowing:

Allow time between bites and check mouth periodically for food in the cheek.

You may need to remind the person to swallow.

Gently stroking the throat will help to stimulate swallowing.

Observe and alter food textures that cause the most difficulty. Liquids can be thickened with gelatin or applesauce. Solids can be moistened or pureed for easier swallowing.

Have your loved ones teeth or dentures checked at least once every 6 months. Seniors often fail to eat because their dentures no longer fit properly.

If your loved one is having motivational problems

Make the meal look appetizing on their plate. You can accent their plate with a fruit or vegetable garnish, coconut flakes or melon. 

Make the dining experience pleasant for the person you are caring for. Playing soft music, lighting candles or talking to them about the day’s events while they are eating will take their minds off not feeling well.

Family Support Systems

Communicate about the status of your loved one with your family and friends. If people close to you understand what is going on they can give you more help and support. 

Bring the children to visit, unless your loved one specifically asks you not to. Visits help keep relationships whole and maintain a sense of attachment and continuity for your loved one. 
Try to share the responsibility of meal time with other members of your family. You can have a potluck where each person brings something and you can enjoy family time together.

Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents. 

Do you have a question about the senior in your life? Feel free to email Wendy at manager@regencywhidbey.com

www.regencywhidbey.com       

I have taken care of seniors for over 24 years.  In addition, I am also the  primary caregiver for my elderly mother so I am  aware of the challenges facing caregivers, and I’d like to share my experiences with you.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia in particular is associated with a higher level of stress than caring for someone with functional impairment from another type of illness.  One survey on caregivers revealed that persons with Alzheimer’s disease required an average of 70 hours of care per week, with 62 of those hours provided by the primary caregiver.

Since caregivers have a tendency to focus so much attention on their “job,” they often overlook their own personal needs, telling themselves that their needs pale in comparison with those of their family member or loved one who is ill. 

Just as the caregiver wants to keep his or her loved one as fit, healthy, strong and emotionally well-balanced as possible, it is even more important for caregivers to treat themselves with the same level of care to stay healthy and effective.  Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones, and it will enable you to keep giving the very best care.

Here are some simple things to keep in mind if you’re a primary caregiver:

Make sure to make time for yourself and your own daily routine.

• Schedule regular afternoons or evenings out.  If you can’t get away and friends or other family members cannot come over, take time each day for a phone call with a friend.  Having a support network can be invaluable.
• Think of diversifying roles and people in your network as well.  Find a reliable teenager in the neighborhood, or a handyman service, to assist with household chores, home repair or maintenance.  In addition to the emotional support offered by friends and co-workers, you can take them up on offers to drive, cook, pick up prescriptions or assist in other ways.
• Join a support group to connect with people who understand the challenges you are facing and can share your experience.  Not only is it reassuring to hear and learn from others in similar situations, but you may also find solutions for practical problems as well.  Day-to-day frustrations such as managing insurance claims or finding the best pharmacy can seem mundane, but they require a lot of time and energy.  Practical advice from someone who has already navigated the waters can reduce stress and save time. 

It is important to remember that you are not alone.

Staying connected with friends, family and members of a support group – or finding service providers to assist you – will go a long way to helping you provide care for yourself and your loved one. 

Respite care provides caregivers with a needed rest.

One of the best ways for a caregiver to obtain a needed rest is to arrange a short-term stay for his or her loved one in a safe, caring and nurturing environment.  At  Regency On Whidbey, staff ask a lot of questions before residents begin their stay at a community – from medication and sleeping preferences to favorite foods and hobbies.  By knowing the answers to these questions, the respite care provider can plan out appropriate services and care for each individual.  In this way, a community like Regency can assure you that you are placing your loved one in good hands.

There are some things, however, you’ll have to do for yourself. 

• Make sure you get enough sleep, even if it means taking a short nap during the day. 
• Make daily exercise a part of your routine.  A walk around the neighborhood not only gives you the benefit of cardiovascular exercise, but also gives you time to reflect and recharge.
• Be sure to eat nutritious meals, and be wary of giving in to stress-induced urges to overindulge with food or alcohol.
• Find some time to relax each day. 
• Also, don’t forget to pamper yourself when you can: Plan a spa day, a weekend-getaway or a short vacation. 

Being mindful of your own needs and feelings is extremely important.  Caregivers are at increased risk of depression and other symptoms of distress.  A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that seniors providing care for an ailing spouse are likely to become sick more often and experience more stress than seniors who aren’t caregivers. 

 Symptoms of depression that should not be ignored include: 

• Persistent feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness.
• Constant anxiety, irritability or anger.
• Persistent feelings of detachment, numbness or exhaustion.
• Negligence or hatred of caregiving responsibilities.

It’s understandable to feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed while you are providing care.  Everyone experiences some degree of increased stress, and those feelings can increase over time.  Because of this, it is extremely important that you remain attentive to your emotional well-being and obtain help when you need it.

Incorporating time for yourself and creating a network of support so that you are not alone in your responsibilities will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and allow you to provide the best care possible.  Do not forget that you and your loved one are managing this time together, and that both of you deserve the highest level of care and consideration.

 Sincerely,

Wendy McIlnay

 Wendy McIlnay is General Manager of Regency On Whidbey. Wendy has over 24 years in the senior living industry and is considered an expert in her field.  Regency is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, providing exceptional care and first-class amenities for its residents.