Caregivers Primer

Getting rid of Junk Mail and Telemarketing Calls

This morning a friend asked me how to get rid of junk mail.  In our community, we have a central mailbox location with small boxes.  If you get too much mail, the carrier puts everything in a package locker and leaves you a key.  With all the multi-page flyers and ads, it only take a couple days to fill our small boxes. 

Getting rid of all that trash sounded like a great idea for today's blog.

Junk Mail

Try one or more of these services and suggestions.  NOTE:  No service can guarantee that your name will be removed from ALL lists, so be if you get repeated mailings from a particular source, contact them directly.

BULK MAILING SERVICES

"National Do Not Mail List"   Free online registration.  https://www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/

This service cost $1.00 for 5 years.  You can register online or by regular mail. Mail Preference Service  
--------------

CATALOG MAILINGS  Abacus is a central service mailing service for mostly catalog and publishing companies.  If you have ordered from a catalog, your name was probably given to them.  To have your information removed from Abacus, contact them with your name (including any middle initial), current address, and previous address if you moved recently. Abacus can be reached either via e-mail (optout@abacus-us.com) or by mail: Abacus, Inc., PO Box 1478, Broomfield CO 80038.  If you continue to receive catalogs you didn't order, call the customer service number listed in the catalog and asked to be removed from their list.
---------------------

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse site has a fact sheet on Reducing Junk Mail.  
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm#8a   Be sure to visit this site to see all the suggestions.  This is one entry from that list. 

The elderly and sweepstakes. The Direct Marketing Association provides information to individuals who are attempting to help their elderly relatives and friends to stop receiving mailings for sweepstakes and other kinds of contests. Read more at https://www.ims-dm.com/cgi/dncc.php?__utma=1.333453521.
1198063906.1200322463.1200324903.9&__utmb=
1&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1198261617.3. 2.utmcsr
%3DGoogle|utmgclid%3DCKjYtO-es5ACFQGzGgodzFPCKw|
utmccn%3DDo%2BNot%2BMail|utmcmd%3DCPC|utmctr%3Dmail%
2Bpreference%2Bservice&__utmv=-&__utmk=113293320.

A federal law enables individuals to more easily be removed from sweepstakes mailing lists. The Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act requires that the mailer provide its name and address on the solicitation. It must also include an address or toll-free number where the recipient or caregiver may request name removal from the company's mailing list. Unfortunately, fraudulent companies often ignore the law. Further, many sweepstakes and lottery mailers are in foreign countries where this law does not apply.
-----------

SWEEPSTAKES To be removed from the mailing list of specific sweepstakes mailers, contact the following:
Publishers Clearinghouse, by phone: (800-645-9242) or by mail: Consumer & Privacy Affairs, Publishers Clearinghouse, 382 Channel Drive, Port Washington NY 11050; or by e-mail: privacychoices@pchmail.com.
And Readers Digest Sweepstakes, phone (800-310-6261) or by mail: Reader's Digest, PO Box 50005, Prescott AZ 86301-5005.
------------

WHEN MOVING  If you move, do not fill out the permanent change of address (COA) form supplied by the post office. Permanent COA information is provided to third parties. Instead, complete the temporary (10 month) form and notify companies and others on your own. Address changes can be done easily by completing the change of address form found on the back of bills.

SEXUALLY ORIENTED MATERIAL  The US Postal Service can also help you get rid of any sexually oriented mailings.  Ask for Form 2150 to stop mail from a particular company, or Form 1500.
-------------

SIGNING UP AND ORDERING SUBSCRIPTIONS  When you sign up for any newsletter, magazine, group online or in writing, be sure to check for the option that you NOT be included on any third party mailing lists and that your information not be sold or shared.  If the entity does not have that option, or does not state in their literature that they do not share customer information, you may want to re-think your decision to participate. 
-------------

FLYERS AND ADVERTISING SUPPLIMENTS can be a little harder to get rid of, but here are the steps you can take.  Flyers are those ads stuffed in with other advertisements and delivered to your mailbox by the handful. Envelopes containing an assortment of ads are another in this category, as are card decks which are a group of post-card sized bundles of advertising on card stock.

The ads are often from local merchants and may be for carpet cleaning, window replacement, restaurants, cheap electronics and any number of other products and services. They are usually addressed to "resident" or "occupant" at your address.

To reduce this kind of junk mail, do the following:

• Look for a mailing label attached directly to the flyer. You may see the name of the distribution company near your mailing address. If you don't find a label, you may find a phone number printed on the edge of the flyer itself.

• Contact the company as indicated below, and request that your address be taken off the mailing list. If you're making a written request, send a copy of your mailing label along with the letter. If you call, chances are you'll have to work through a telephone tree and leave your name and address on an answering machine. It usually takes at least four to eight weeks to be removed. In some cases, the company may have a website that will allow you to remove yourself from their lists.

These are the major "resident" or "occupant" mailers:

• Valassis or Red Plum. You can remove your name and address from Valassis or Red Plum mailings by:
  
  
  • Calling Valassis' Consumer Assistance line toll free at 888-241-6760 (8:30am-5:00pm EST), or
  • Filling out and submitting the form at their website:
    www.advo.com/consumersupport.html

• PennySaver in California and South Florida or The Flyer in West Florida. You can remove your name and address from these mailings two ways:
  
  
  • Call toll free at (800) 422-4116 for California and South Florida or (813) 626-SELL for West Florida
  • Send a letter to:
    
    For California and South Florida:
    Harte-Hanks Shoppers
    Attn: Consumer Preferences
    2830 Orbiter Street
    Brea, CA 92821
    
    For West Florida:
    Circulation
    The Flyer
    201 Kelsey Lane
    Tampa, FL 33619

• Val-Pak Savings Coupons. Val-Pak maintains regional lists, not a central one. Send your request to the address printed on the envelope you receive. If you receive the blue envelope you can also remove your address from their website at: www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm

You may have to notify the distribution company more than once to make sure that your address has been removed from the mailing list.

NOTE: Once your name has been removed from the company's mailing list, you are also likely to have to remind your postal carrier not to deliver the advertising flyers.

Telemarketing Phone Calls

The other intrusion most people want to get rid of is those annoying telemarketers.  Removing the bulk of commercial, for-profit calls is much simpler than junk mail.

https://www.donotcall.gov/  This is a government site and you can register your phone number and make complaints if necessary.

Hope this information can make a more clutter-free life for you and your loved ones.

Until next time,

Kathy

A Legal Guide to Caregiving - Book Review

Recently, I received a copy of "You and Your Aging Parents" by The American Bar Association  2009 (Random House).

I'm happy to say this is an excellent source of information for anyone, especially seniors and their caregivers.  Even after six years of caring for my mother and another two with my father in a nursing home and on Medicaid, this book was still a revelation.  Some of the subjects I had already covered in this blog but I still learned a lot.

The book is a "Guide to Legal, Financial & Health Care Issues" 

One of my favorite chapters is "Making the Transition" which offers guidelines on talking to your parents and the when and how you should work your way into being a caregiver.

Other chapters include planning ahead to make sure you know your parents' wishes, money matters, paying for health care, in-home assistance and housing options, protecting your parent from elder abuse, and mental health issues.  

The chapter on Transportation gives examples and suggestions on talking with your parent when you feel it is no longer safe for them to be driving.  (I plan to cover this topic as well in the next week.) 

And maybe most important of all, is "Taking Time for Yourself."  This chapter talks about both emotional and physical tolls from carrying for others and when it is all too much, for both of you, the process of civil commitment.

If you are not in good shape, both mentally and Physically, you won't be able to care for others.  See my page "Caregivers - Pamper Yourself."

I'm giving this book, "You and Your Aging Parents" a big thumbs up.  It's a great resource at any time, but especially useful before it's needed.  Pre-planning can save heartache for both you and the ones you love.

Until next time, take care..... Kathy

Caregivers, Pamper Yourself

Taking time for yourself as a caregiver is like the safety advice on an airliner.  When the oxygen masks fall from the ceiling in an emergency, put YOUR mask on first, then help those around you.  Otherwise, you could pass out and not be of any use to anyone. 

It's good advice and the same is true for caregiving.  If you don't take good care of yourself, including time off here and there from the responsibilities you carry, you won't be able to give your best to those you love.  

Taking care of yourself is a primary obligation to your loved one as well as yourself, because without it, your physical and emotional health can suffer.  And then, so will the health of those you care for. 

Recently my mother was in the hospital with pneumonia.  Weakened by illness and barely functioning from pain medication, she couldn't eat and we all know under-staffed hospitals don't have someone with the time to feed every patient.  I was at the hospital, 12 miles from our home, three times a day to feed her and consult with doctors and the nutritionist on what she could have that she liked well enough to attempt to eat.  Even after she was able to eat on her own, she didn't like the food.  LOL  Fortunately, our hospital allows home-cooked food to be brought to the patients under most conditions (ask first!!) and she made it through only losing 4 lbs.  Me, I was running back and forth, taking care of our pets, dealing with everyday life, and falling exhausted into bed whenever I could.  It was easy to see that I couldn't keep up that schedule for long without a break for myself, so I enlisted the aid of a dear friend, her age, who no longer drives.  I dropped our friend at lunch time at the hospital for a visit. I knew she would see to it that mom ate. 

Then, I took two hours for myself.  A trip to the library.  A treat for me is to leisurely stroll through the stacks to find random titles that interest me, instead of rushing in to quickly find titles for research for articles I write, then getting back home.  Then a stop at my favorite restaurant for a to-go meal which I took to the local park and ate at a picnic table on the waterfront.  I enjoyed watching the people, the gulls, and the children in the playground behind me.  I fed my leftovers to the gulls and squirrels.  Sitting in the shade, a little breeze was like a quiet summer day.  I had a chance to stop, and breathe, and remember there is more to life than the inside of my car and a hospital room. 

Maybe you only have time for a sandwich and drink in the back yard.  Maybe you can arrange for a relative or friend to come in, or a senior sitter (check with local senior centers for their programs) for a few hours or half a day.  Whatever you can manage, take that time for yourself, revisit a place you haven't been for months, or longer.  Spend some time at a hobby you haven't done in awhile.  Go to a bookstore or coffee shop and read a newspaper of book with no interruptions.

Whatever gives you pleasure, find the time.  Recharge.

For more help for yourself, join the National Family Caregivers Association.  "Self-Care for the Family Caregiver"  Their booklets and newsletters are a great source for your emotional and physical health.  Web site:  www.thefamilycaregiver.org

Take care of yourself.

Until next time,   Kathy

HOME FOR SALE IN FLORIDA

Florida Living Near Disney World   $58,900  

Trade winter storms for comfortable Central Florida living in a beautifully landscaped manufactured home in an upscale, gated 55+ retirement community in Kissimmee, FL.  Just 12 miles from Disney World, this community is perfect for year round living, a winter get-away, or a vacation spot to bring the grandchildren to visit the central Florida attractions.

 

This well-maintained, 24’ x 49’ manufactured home (1008 sq’) has cathedral ceilings and ceiling fans throughout and looks brand new.  The master bedroom has it’s own bath with walk-in shower.  The guest bath with tub/shower and skylight is just outside the second bedroom.  Both bedrooms have display shelves and 9’ closets with plenty of storage.

A sunroom/den is at the front of the house and opens to the screen room.  This room can be closed off by sliding glass doors (included) and used as a office or even a third bedroom.

Eat-in Kitchen

The eat-in kitchen has a chandelier and fan, new dishwasher, and side-by-side refrigerator with filtered ice and water in the door.  There are three storage units in the separate dining area for additional storage with display space above for collectables .  These units stay with the home. The dining area also has a chandelier.  The hallway laundry area comes with a heavy duty washer/dryer set and three large shelves for storage.

Dining Room

A ground level screen room off the sunroom leads to the carport.  The utility shed, 10’6” x 5’, is attached at the back of the carport.  It has a built-in worktable with drawers and shelves on all four walls up to the ceiling.  Behind the utility shed is small patio under the grapefruit tree.  The lot also has a Meyer’s lemon tree, tangelo, large palm tree and a live oak that shades the carport in the afternoon.  The front yard has 5 colors of hibiscus and several roses.  The hibiscus are fast growing and are cut down each fall to keep them from blocking the windows by mid-summer.  The lot has an automatic sprinkler system.

Meyer's Lemon tree with flowers for next years crop

In this community, you purchase only your home and pay a lot rent/condo fee which includes access to the heated community pool, hot tub, clubhouse and year-round activities from community-wide yard sales to weekly bingo and pool exercises.  Water, sewerage and twice-weekly trash collection are included in this monthly fee.

The Area:

Disney World, Universal, Sea World, and dozens of smaller attractions like Arabian Nights, Old Town, Gatorland, and Medieval Times are all within 18 miles, many less than 5 miles.  The community is close enough to Disney World to hear the nightly fireworks.  Shopping, dining, and several malls are just minutes away, including two large, name-brand outlet malls.  The Atlantic coast beaches and the Kennedy Space Center are less than 60 miles, Tampa/St. Petersburg about 80 miles.  You can see the Space Shuttle booster flames from the front yard.

For more information, email Kathy at 4672WhitePineAve@gmail.com

Knee Replacement at 86, The Second Knee

Haven't posted in awhile because mom needed me.  Her first knee replacement back in October went well.  So well, that she was trying to do as much as she could with the new left knee and put too much pressure on the right knee.  Her arthritis flared up to the point that she was risking damage to the replacement because she was favoring the arthritic right knee.

(Comment:  If you are getting a knee replacement, talk to your doctor about the recovery process and discuss the condition of both knees.  You might want to consider getting both done at the same time.  We wish we had.)

While the surgery January 27 went well, the rest of the recovery was a disaster.  Mom had taken multi-vitamins and iron tablets in advance because she'd had to have a blood transfusion after the first surgery.  (Note: A large amount of blood lose is common with this type of surgery.)  After this surgery, she needed a transfusion and there was a problem.  Her veins are small and fragile and something went wrong, sending blood into her tissues instead of into the veins and her arm turned black/purple from hand to shoulder. 

She spent 5 days in the hospital instead of 3 and was still tired and worn out when she reached the rehab facility.  She arrived on Sunday and by Thursday, she was feeling bad.  By Sunday, she was really weak and not eating much but no doctors made rounds on the weekend.  No doctor showed up on Monday and Tuesday afternoon, I was furious.  She could barely stay awake and rarely answered questions.  I managed to get her to drink a bit of milkshake but she was very weak.

To back up a little, she was in a double room, by the door.  That meant all her roommate's visitors had to go past her bed.  The roommate had family and friends sitting with her from 6:30 in the morning until she fell asleep at night, in 2 hour shifts.  She didn't need them, she just wanted someone to wait on her all the time.  Who knows what germs all these people brought in.

So Tuesday, I cornered the doctor and told him her condition, he ordered tests STAT at 4:45 PM.  The lab people didn't get there until nearly 9 and we didn't get results until 11. 

Pneumonia and dehydration.  She went to the hospital in an ambulance and I spent all Tuesday night/Wednesday AM in the ER with her.  She wasn't really awake and conscious of her surroundings until Thursday morning.  She was so weak that I had to go to the hospital 3 times a day to feed her until the next Tuesday and continued after she was strong enough to eat on her own to make sure she did. 

(Comment:  If you have to leave rehab like my mother did, be sure your surgeon is notified so physical therapy can be ordered while in the hospital.)

After so many days in been, not exercising as she should have, the knee had a lot of scar tissue and was quite stiff, but the physical therapist helped her a lot and taught her some tricks on how to get up and transfer to the chair next to the bed, and gave me a list of exercises to do in addition to the therapy sessions. 

We decided to go home and not back to rehab for several reasons.  One, when she'd had the first knee done, she developed a continuing cough that lasted for weeks after she got home.  This time, it was pneumonia.  Two, we weren't happy with the frequency or availability of the doctor making rounds.  Since mom wasn't completely over the pneumonia, we just couldn't risk her health by going back to rehab. 

(Comment:  Ask questions about doctor availability and what happens when you or your loved one gets sick when you're looking a rehabs.  Remember that rehabs and nursing homes have a large number of older and ill people, and visitors, in a pretty confined space.  Before you have surgery and go to a rehab, you might want to get flu and pneumonia shots for both the patient and any family members who will be visiting them.)

Our doctors agreed and she came home with an oxygen machine, a hospital bed, and home health.  Her nurse comes twice a week.  The physical therapist comes 3 times (the first week was 5 times).  Back home with my cooking, her favorite foods, and my nagging <grin> for her to eat and drink more, she progressed real fast.  After 12 days at home, she only needs oxygen at night and haven't used the wheelchair for 5 days, just her walker.  She's doing great!

It was hard for us.  I have been having more pain in my spine than normal (I have a degenerative spinal disease, but some is probably from stress).  Running back and forth from the hospital and rehab, taking care of our two dogs at home, and all the other necessities of life, has really been difficult.  I was always exhausted and thought it would be better once she was home.  I hadn't thought ahead to the fact it would be 24 hours a day instead of three times.  But skipping the 6 trips to town and all that gas money was a blessing.  I could only leave the house when I could find a neighbor to come sit with her since we have no family in town.  (By the way, our manufactured home here in Florida is for sale- I'm writing this and listening to the fireworks from Disney World just 12 miles away.  We have to move back to Atlanta near family.  See sidebar) 

I've been too busy and tired to do any writing until the last couple days, but now that she can get around better and is eating more, I am able to find a few moments to myself now and then.  I'm putting together a web site for the sale of our home and getting other things sold or packed to get ready to move.  The pain in my spine varies so I have a few good hours here and there.  We'll manage, though slowly. 

Mom got very depressed in the hospital when she was so sick.  It took a surprise visit from her grandson (he traveled over 400 miles on his Harley-Davidson) to help cheer her up.  Now, she's making progress and feeling better.  We'll get through this together.  One day at a time.

Accessories and Aids for People with Physical Limitations

There are many items on the market that can help someone with limitations, from circular car seat pads to help you turn to get out, to jar openers.  Whether you have painful arthritis, have had a stroke, or are in a wheelchair, someone has come up with the right item to make your life easier. 

If you have a physical therapist or home health agency, they are probably your best source of information for the newest items that can help you do what you need to do.  If you are on your own, you can search online for your problem, for the name of the item, or just general terms, such as "handicapped accessories." 

One caution:  Don't stop looking with the first item you find.  Prices vary greatly, as does quality.  More important, some merchants use terms like Handicapped, Diabetic, Arthritis, or even Babies or Children, to add big bucks to cost of an item.  For example, you can find generic "baby powder" in both the baby aisle and the beauty aisle, but 90% of the time, the one in the baby aisle costs more. 

If you find an item you like, be sure to shop around for price, but also once you know exactly what the item is called, look it up separately to see if it is offered for less.

I found some items that are interesting.  Whether I placed them in the Sounds-Good Category or the Not-So-Hot list is merely my personal opinion.  You will have to make the right decision for what works for you.

 

The Sounds-Good Category....

Light Switch extender.  http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/light-switch-extender 
This clear extender is good for someone in a wheelchair or could even be used by a service dog.

No Rinse Shampoo Cap http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/no-rinse-shampoo-cap#name_tabsHref
I intend to try this one for my mother.  You put on the "shower cap" (you can even warm it in the microwave) then massage to shampoo and condition.  Great for someone in a wheelchair, with poor balance, or who just can't physically get to a sink. 

Bottom Buddy  http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/bottom-buddy-toilet-tissue-holder
I'll let you read this description for yourself.  It sounds a little strange at first, but I can see for some injuries and handicapped, it could provide a good measure of independence in the bathroom.

Umbrella with one-hand opening    http://www.seniorssuperstores.com/cart/html/Products/TRAVEL-PRODUCTS/Senior-Friendly-Umb-177.html
Surprisingly, this auto-open, auto-close umbrella advertised for seniors and the handicapped is actually more affordable than other similar umbrellas I found online. 

The Not-So-Hot Category...........

Pop-top Can Opener http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/can-pop-for-pull-tab-lids
There are simpler ones, for less money than this $4.50 plus shipping (check the dollar stores in your area or even some grocery stores).  But according to the therapist helping me after hand and arm surgery, the easiest, cheapest way to open a pop-top can is with the bowl end of a spoon.

Headlight for a walker http://www.dencities.com/denmall/walker-access1.html
I'm not sure about this one.  If you live alone and use a walker, you can turn on the lights without disturbing anyone, and if you have someone in the house with you, you probably wouldn't need to wander around in the dark by yourself.

Car Seat Belt Adjuster http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/seat-belt-adjuster/
Good idea but expensive with shipping.  You can get several different models at most auto supply shops, like Auto Zone.

==================

Have fun looking for items that can help you in daily life.  Doing general searches online can turn up helpful items you didn't even know existed that could solve a problem you thought impossible. 

Take care of yourself and those you love,

Kathy

Caregivers - Knee Replacement at 86, Part 15 - Home Health After Surgery

Mom got home a few days ago and it's been rough since she she caught a bad cough at rehab.  It's the risk you take when confined with so many older people and all the visitors.

Unfortunately, in our case, mom is back in the hospital for 2 days (she'll come back home tomorrow).  She went to our doctor Monday morning with the complaints of the prolonged nighttime cough, weakness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.  She has lost 11 lbs since her exam before the surgery.

(NOTE HERE:  Check with your doctor about diet BEFOREsurgery.  Some doctors tell you to eat a lot of carbs and gain a few pounds because you will lose some after surgery.  Probably not as much as my mother did - from 107 down to 96 - but some.  Your doctor should be able to tell by your current weight and physical condition if you will lose after surgery or not.)

One of the tests our doctor ordered was a Cat Scan of the chest to rule out any pulmonary embolisms after the surgery.  This is pretty routine.  Because of mom's possible allergy to the contrast die, they changed the scan to one that has to be done through the hospital ER.  After several tests, all negative, the ER doctor decided to admit her anyway for the shortness of breath and dehydration.  Just a minor setback and she will be home tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving.  Now, I don't know how much I will get her to eat on Thanksgiving, but we'll try.  She needs to get her weight and her energy back.

HOME HEALTH

The agency assigned to us has been very responsive.  She came home on a Thursday and the Nursing Supervisor came for the initial evaluation on Friday.  Saturday, the Occupational Therapist came for an evaluation of the house, how well she could get in and out of bed, the tub, toilet, etc.  She was set to come for the first visit on Monday but, obviously that didn't happen.  The Physical Therapist was planning her initial visit this morning but, again, that was postponed.

But the overall plan is to have a nurse once a week, physical therapy 3 times a week to start, then cut down to 2 times, and the occupational therapist will be 2 times a week to work on upper body strength and balance.  

With that kind of schedule, she'll get all worn out again.  LOL

With best wishes to all for a happy Thanksgiving,

Kathy 

Caregivers - Helpful Resources

Being a caregiver is often a lonely, confusing situation.  I have written up a short list of some caregiver resources that I have found helpful.  There are so many resources available.  Don't ever think you are alone. 

Try some of these organizations for information on caregiving.   

National Family Caregiver's Association  http://www.nfcacares.org/

Lots of great information.  Check the link http://www.nfcacares.org/join_nfca/join_nfca.cfm.  Once you join you will be sent a newsletter and lots of info booklets that are focused on the caregiver rather than the patient and ways to take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved one.

Caring Connections http://www.caringinfo.org/ 

This program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is a national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life, supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  Provides free resources and information to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis.  This site includes state-specific advance directives that you can download and other related publications.

The National Council on Aging has a list of information sources for caregivers:

Benefits Check Up   www.BenefitsCheckup.org

This is a free Web-based service of the Naional Council on the Aging that allows older American and their families to quickly and easily determine what federal and state benefits they qualify and how to claim them.

Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)  www.caps4caregivers.org 

Woodbourne Office Campus, Suite 302-A
1609 Woodbourne Road
Levittown, PA 19057-1511
1-800-227-7294       8 a.m.- 4 p.m. EST Monday-Friday 24 hour voice mail
National resource and referral, covers all aspects of aging issues.

Eldercare Locator

1-800-677-1116
9 a.m.- 8 p.m. EST Monday-Friday
Telephone assistance by trained staff to find community assistance for seniors.  Directs caregivers, professionals and those needing help to the appropriate Area Agency on Aging (AAA). In a few states, the State Unit or Office on Aging serves as the AAA.

National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) www.caregiving.org

4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 642
Bethesda, MD 20814-3425
1-301-718-8444 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. EST Monday-Friday 24-hour voice mail
Family Care Resource Connection, sponsored through NAC, provides a single point access for caregiver videos, books, audiotapes, training manuals, brochures and Web sites. All resources were reviewed for quality.  Internet: www.caregivers.org/content/fcrc.html

Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org

National Center on Caregiving
690 Marker Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94104
1-800-445-8106 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. PST Monday-Friday 24-hour voice mail
Provides information and referral to caregiving families and professionals caring for caregivers.

Shingles Vaccine for Age 60 and Over

The CDC is recommending that people 60 and over get the Shingles vaccine.  Recent studies show that it is most effective for people 60-69 and nearly as good for 70 and up.  People over 60 are 7 times as likely to get shingles than younger adults.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a potentially debilitating illness that starts with a skin rash, and usually blisters, and involves mild to severe tingling, burning, itching, or shooting pain.  It is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox in children and remains dormant in the body until it suddenly reappears in later years as Shingles.  If you have had chicken pox, you really need to protect yourself with the vaccine, but it is safe to take even if you don't remember whether or not you had the disease as a child. 

The major problem with Shingles comes from the continuing pain long after the outbreak, severe pain.  While the pain for some people can go away in 12-19 months, for others, it continues indefinitely.  An article on WedMD talks about the pain, postherpetic neuralgia or PHN .http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/news/20050725/best-treatments-for-lasting-shingles-pain   It discusses what treatments work for the pain and what doesn’t.

NOTE: You can take the vaccine if you have already had Shingles to help prevent further outbreaks. 

The FDA approved Zostavax, the first Shingles vaccine, in May 2006.  That October, the CDC recommended that it be a routine vaccine for people over 60, just like the flu shot or the pneumonia shot.  Unfortunately for some, the cost, $150, is prohibitive.

If you have Medicare Part D, the shot is covered as a prescription, and your co-pay will vary depending on your particular plan.  If you are only on Medicare Part B, it will not be covered.  In this case, you will need to contact your secondary or supplemental plan to see if they will cover the cost.

But if you are over 60, you really need to weigh the benefits, no matter what the cost.  Contact your doctor to see if your age, medical conditions and history put you at risk.  (if a blood relative has had Shingles, your risk is increased.)  The vaccine is well worth your consideration.

Take Care,

Kathy 

Caregivers - Have you and your patient had your pneumonia shot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), 1 out of 20 adults who get pneumonia die.  And if you have diabetes, you are three times more likely to get pneumonia.  (With diabetes, even a cold is more likely to become serious and land you in the hospital.)

One pneumonia shot can protect you for life if you are 65 or older.  (Note: if you are under 65 and have a immune system problem or a chronic illness, some doctors recommend a booster in 5-10 years after the first shot).

Since the shot does not contain live bacteria, you cannot get pneumonia from it, so it is very safe.  But as always, consult your doctor about your particular health situations, conditions and allergies to be sure you can take the shot safely.

The shot can protect you from all the infections caused by the same bacteria. In the lungs, the infection is pneumonia.  If the bacterial infection is in the blood, it is called bacteremia and 2 out of 10 adults with bacteremia will die.  In the brain, the infection is called meningitis.  This is the most dangerous of the three and is fatal for 3 out of 10 adults who contract it.

About 10,000 people die each year from these bacterial infections.  But getting a pneumonia shot can protect you, and is 60% effective in cases of the most serious versions of these infections. 

When you are caring for someone, you are considered in a high risk group just like your patient.  You have priority getting the pneumonia shot and the flu shot (when the supply is low as it was a few years ago).  Getting these shots will protect you and decrease the chance that you could transfer something potentially dangerous to your loved one.  This is especially important if your patient's condition doesn't allow them to have these preventative shots, because then you must do everything you can to protect them by staying healthy yourself. 

I know the flu shots work because I had asthmatic bronchitis so bad 12 years ago that I spent 6 days in the hospital with oxygen.  The next year, my doctor told me to have the flu shot so it wouldn't happen again.  In 12 years of having the annual flu shot, I haven't gotten even the mildest cold.  So when I learned about the benefits of the pneumonia shot, I asked for it as well.

You can get the shots at your doctor's office, pharmacy clinics, county health departments, and even senior organizations and even some grocery stores.  It's definitely worth protection it offers.

Take Care,

Kathy