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	<description>Senior Care Placement Specialists</description>
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		<title>Every Adult is Going To Face This Nursing Home Crisis in Some Way</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2012/01/every-adult-is-going-to-face-this-nursing-home-crisis-in-some-way/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2012/01/every-adult-is-going-to-face-this-nursing-home-crisis-in-some-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:10:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=431</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The latest casualty of the Great Recession may soon be the nation&#8217;s elderly. Cuts in government payments for patient care and less construction of new nursing homes are already taking a toll. Add to this the aging baby boom generation and you have a worst-case scenario in which older people who need full-time care won&#8217;t [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The latest casualty of the Great Recession may soon be the nation&#8217;s elderly. Cuts in government payments for patient care and less construction of new nursing homes are already taking a toll. Add to this the aging baby boom generation and you have a worst-case scenario in which older people who need full-time care won&#8217;t be able to get it. “We believe we’re at a tipping point,”says Mark Parkinson, head of the American Health Care Association (AHCA), which represents nursing homes. Several trends are cutting into the number of nursing homes.<br />
Many homes were constructed during the 1960s under Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society programs. Often those homes are closed because they are old or, with their long hallways and large, multi-resident rooms, don’t fit what current residents want, says Robert Kramer of the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing and Care Industry. But the recession has made getting private financing for new nursing home construction tougher. From 2007 to 2011, the number of under-construction nursing home units (the sections of a facility that provide only nursing care) declined by a third.</p>
<p>“I cannot tell you of anyone who has actually developed a new skilled nursing facility in at least the last five years in California,” says<br />
Edward Steinfeldt, a consultant to developers of retirement housing and health care. And existing nursing homes are struggling. They long have lost money on patients whose stays are covered by state-run Medicaid programs, which pay for long-term care for chronically or terminally ill patients who have run out of money. According to a report this month by the AHCA, in 2011 nursing homes lost at least $20 per Medicaid resident per day nationwide. Total losses came to $6.3 billion nationally, the highest yearly total ever, with higher deficits to come next year, according to the report. Making matters worse, last year the federal government also cut its reimbursement rates by 11 percent to nursing homes for Medicare patients—people released from hospitals to nursing homes who need short-term care to recover from injuries or acute illnesses. That’s a huge hit since Medicare payments are responsible for more than 20 percent of nursing home revenues. (Medicaid provides about 50 percent of revenues, and most of the rest comes from private long-term care insurance and people who pay out of pocket.)</p>
<p>For the 187-bed nonprofit Lutheran Home in Milwaukee, which has gross receipts of about $20 million, the Medicare slash will take $700,000 to $750,000 straight off the organization’s bottom line this year says CEO Scott McFadden. The real estate crash has added to nursing homes’ budget crunch. Many clients sell their homes and use the money to pay out of pocket for long-term care services from a nursing home. By obliterating more than $8 trillion in home equity, the collapse cut the number of patients who can pay their own way.</p>
<p>McFadden says that the private-paying clients his home serves used to run out of money in two or three years. Now they’re broke much more<br />
quickly. Once they can’t pay, Medicaid picks up only some of the tab, and the Lutheran Home then starts losing money on them. It’s illegal for a Medicaid-certified nursing home to ask a patient to leave just because they run out of money. Residing at a nursing home is not cheap. The median annual cost of a private U.S. nursing home room rose to $77,745 in 2011—up almost 30 percent from 2005. People without chronic conditions have less costly options—it takes about $43,500 yearly to pay for a home health care aide who doesn’t have specialized medical skills, and $39,000 to live in an assisted living facility that provides help with activities of daily life like cooking, but doesn’t necessarily offer health care services. If nursing homes continue to be squeezed, they may need to cut more staff. A November 2011 report by the University of California-San Francisco concluded that poor quality of care is already endemic in many nursing homes, especially the largest for-profit chains where staffing levels have been cut the deepest to save money. Parkinson maintains that so far, homes in his association are keeping up their level of service with less money by eliminating managers, freezing wages, and cutting capital improvements like painting walls and<br />
replacing carpets—anything to avoid laying off caregiver staff.</p>
<p>Bill Mulligan, a managing director at Ziegler Capital Management, which provides low-cost financing for nursing home developments,<br />
argues that given the decreasing supply and rising demand, nursing homes are still a good investment. &#8220;The demographics are going to level off the number [of homes], maybe even increase it at some point,&#8221; he says. But Steinfeldt, who also works with developers, has little confidence in their profitability: &#8220;Why would you go into a business that can’t cover its costs?&#8221; If major shortages of nursing home space do surface, they’ll likely show up in urban and high-poverty areas first. Widespread waiting lists have already been reported in Tallahassee in Florida, Rapid City in South Dakota, and San Francisco. Homes also have been closing in poor neighborhoods &#8211; a study published last year in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that nursing homes shut down there more often than elsewhere (the hardest hit cities were New<br />
Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Francisco, and Dallas). And Medicaid patients may have an increasingly hard time finding nursing homes that will take them &#8211; Kramer says when homes replace their old buildings, they often cut the number of beds to make space for more private<br />
rooms and sophisticated medical facilities that can attract the higher paying Medicare and private-pay clients.</p>
<p>&#8220;Every adult is going to face this nursing home crisis in some way, whether it’s through their own care or the care of loved ones,&#8221; says<br />
McFadden. &#8220;Ignoring it is not going to make it better.&#8221;</p>
<p>By<br />
Steve Yoder, The Fiscal Times</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>5 Tech Trends in Senior Housing</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/12/5-tech-trends-in-senior-housing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/12/5-tech-trends-in-senior-housing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:23:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=425</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  Technology and healthcare are two of the hottest industries in terms of employment outlook and revenue right now, and coincidentally, the two industries complement each other so nicely that they’re like two adjacent puzzle pieces. Technology is increasingly a big part of healthcare management, and more recently, senior living. Whether your love one resides [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2> </h2>
<div>
<p>Technology and healthcare are two of the hottest industries in terms of employment outlook and revenue right now, and coincidentally, the two industries complement each other so nicely that they’re like two adjacent puzzle pieces. Technology is increasingly a big part of healthcare management, and more recently, senior living. Whether your love one resides in a community setting, such as assisted living or independent living, or in her own home alone, new technologies are entering the market that can improve your loved one’s safety, mobility and independence. Here are a few top trends in health technology:</p>
</div>
<ol>
<li><strong>Wander protection. </strong>Several new programs and gadgets have been introduced that aim to protect elders from Alzheimer’s-related wandering. Wanderers endanger themselves, as they can easily become disoriented and lost.</li>
<li><strong>Wi-Fi is a must. </strong>Seniors are becoming increasingly tech-savvy, and much like the working generation, wireless access is considered a necessity, not a luxury. Wireless internet access allows seniors to use their own laptops to stay in touch with family, friends and even business associates.</li>
<li><strong>Engaging websites.</strong> More and more, seniors and their families are turning to the internet in their search for senior housing options. Assisted living (and independent living, nursing homes and other types of senior housing providers) websites must be engaging and informative. The better your facility is tapped into the web, the more referrals you’re likely to receive. That means having a presence on prominent social networks, a quality static website and interacting with your potential customers on a regular basis. The internet is no longer an ancillary marketing tactic.</li>
<li><strong>Opportunities for web-based continuing education. </strong>Baby Boomers are hesitant to retire, and today’s older adults aren’t about to let their minds go to waste as they age. Senior living providers are increasingly partnering with local colleges and universities to offer free or discounted continuing education opportunities, allowing seniors to remain sharp and even delve into totally new topics in retirement.</li>
<li><strong>Going green.</strong> Not a “tech” trend in the literal sense, but environmental friendliness tops the list of many seniors’ priorities when choosing senior housing. Think: energy-efficient lighting, low-VOC paint and sustainable resources, like bamboo flooring. Going green can involve tech devices that help simplify processes, but the green revolution is all about making the most of the resources we have. Many of today’s seniors have experienced an economy slump at some point during their lives, so the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” concept in a senior housing complex rings true. And, it’s always good to feel like you’re doing something to help preserve the future of our planet for generations to come! An official environmentally-friendly certification is a hot selling point for any senior living community.</li>
</ol>
<p>For all your Senior Care Housing Questions, 877 373-6111 or <a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
<p> 2011 by Angela Stringfellow</p>
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		<title>Sex and Romance for Senior Citizens</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/411/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/411/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:17:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The way senior men and women deal with sexual health and stress in their later years varies greatly By: Angela Yeager, Oregon State Corvallis, Ore. – A study suggests that it may not help senior citizens with sexual problems to talk to a doctor, but the senior men who talk to their partner report greater [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The way senior men and women deal with sexual health and stress </strong><br />
<strong>in their later years varies greatly </strong><em>By: Angela Yeager, Oregon State</em></p>
<p>Corvallis, Ore. – A study suggests that it may not help senior citizens with sexual problems to talk to a doctor, but the senior men who talk to their partner report greater happiness – and those who talked with friends felt less depressed.</p>
<p>The research, to be published in the <em>Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences</em>, shows that the way men and women deal with sexual health and stress in their later years varies greatly and that there is not one solution that can help ease unhappiness caused by sexual problems.</p>
<p>The research was conducted by Ryo Hirayama, a Ph.D. student in Oregon State University’s Department of Human Development and Family<br />
Sciences, and professor Alexis Walker, who is the Jo Anne L. Petersen Chair in Gerontology and Family Studies at OSU. The study was conducted with data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.</p>
<p>The Oregon State researchers looked at 861 people ages 57 to 85 who were married or had an intimate partner, and who reported having at least one sexual problem. The sexual problems reported by older adults included lack of interest in sex, inability to climax, physical pain during sex, maintaining an erection, or lubrication issues.</p>
<p>Respondents were asked to indicate on a scale from 1 to 3 how bothered they were by each problem they listed. They also were asked about their well-being, which the researchers measured by using typical scales for happiness and for depressive symptoms. The study yielded several surprising findings. First, fewer than half of older adults with sexual problems discussed these problems with their doctors, although men were more likely to do so than women. In addition, whether older adults discussed these issues with their physicians did not make a<br />
difference in their well-being.</p>
<p>“This was our most unexpected outcome,” Hirayama said. “Older adults are advised to talk to their doctors about sexual health issues, but not<br />
all people do so and talking with a physician is not as helpful as you might expect.” However, confiding in a partner or with friends was found to be effective for many men in reducing stress and unhappiness related to sexual problems. Unfortunately for women, this same benefit was not reported. “In fact, women with higher levels of sexual stress who confided in their close friends reported lower happiness,” Hirayama said. “We aren’t quite sure what to make of this finding.”</p>
<p>Women did not see any reduction in stress or well-being (unhappiness and depression) when they talked to their spouses either. “What this tells is that women’s sexual issues are complex, and that complexity needs to be recognized,” Walker said. “A woman with a great deal of sexual concerns could feel threatened by talking to her spouse about it, or perhaps simply confiding in a friend is not enough.” Since the largest effect size was seen with men who confided in both spouses and friends, the researchers said the result brings into<br />
critical focus the importance for men in middle and later life of confiding in family members and friends.</p>
<p>“The finding is striking because most people presume men do not have confidants,” Hirayama said. Hirayama is doing his doctoral studies on<br />
male identity issues and men’s social ties in current society.“Men are not believed to be functioning socially in our society, yet research increasingly shows that social networks can be a critical part of a man’s life, especially as he ages,” he said.</p>
<p>Walker, who has done research in the gerontology field for decades, said the medicalization of aging makes some people feel as if there is<br />
a “fix” for everything. She said that in some cases, certain sexual issues might just be part of the aging process and that the important part is that couples keep the lines of communication open. “In the general context of sex and aging, the rule is ‘use it or lose it,’” Walker said.</p>
<p>“The best prediction of sexual activity is to continue to be sexually active throughout your adult life, to make it a part of your life. But it is also true that older people can have sexual problems, and sometimes there are ways to work around these issues by emphasizing other activities you enjoy as a couple.&#8221;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Information Source:  Oregon State University College of Health and Human Sciences: Emphasizing a holistic approach to optimal health and disease prevention, researchers focus on nutrition, physical activity, the psychology of aging  improving the health of children and older adults, public policy, access to health care, and maximizing environmentally friendly materials and structures.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For Questions Regarding Senior Care Housing Call Adult Care Pro 877 373-6111</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></span></p>
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		<title>New Tool Kit Available to Help Senior Citizens Avoid Financial Scams</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/new-tool-kit-available-to-help-senior-citizens-avoid-financial-scams/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/new-tool-kit-available-to-help-senior-citizens-avoid-financial-scams/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:17:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Families and caregivers,  learn tips to protect most vulnerable seniors Senior citizens are 12 percent of the U.S. population but a staggering 35 percent of all fraud is inflicted on seniors. A new effort to educate seniors on how to protect themselves from financial abuse and scams has been published by the National Council on Aging [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Families and caregivers,  learn tips to protect most vulnerable seniors</strong></p>
<p>Senior citizens are 12 percent of the U.S. population but a staggering 35 percent of all fraud is inflicted on seniors. A new effort to educate seniors on how to protect themselves from financial abuse and scams has been published by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).</p>
<p>The new toolkit – Savvy Savings Seniors: Steps to Avoid Scams &#8211; is produced in partnership with the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.</p>
<p>Financial fraud is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, and also one of the most underreported. Scams and swindles deprive older<br />
adults of their hard-earned assets and retirement savings, and can leave them feeling confused, fearful, and ashamed. “We must acknowledge that helping to protect seniors from scams is a vital component to ensuring their safety and financial independence,” said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president of economic security at NCOA.</p>
<p>“This toolkit helps older adults identify the common forms of financial fraud, and take action to protect their hard-earned resources. The toolkit is the second in the Savvy Saving Seniors financial education series, following the release of a guide on money management skills earlier this year.</p>
<p>In addition to offering typical scam scenarios, the toolkit includes step-by-step instructions for professionals to facilitate a workshop with older clients, and a list of signs for caregivers and family members to look for when concerned about their loved one.</p>
<p>“All seniors, but especially older women &#8212; the prime targets of financial scams, need the very best information to protect their income and assets and avoid financial exploitation,” said Cindy Hounsell, president of WISER.</p>
<p>The Savvy Saving Seniors toolkits are part of a larger initiative between NCOA and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to provide<br />
one-on-one financial assistance to over 1,200 older adults experiencing economic distress over the next year.</p>
<p>“Everyone can benefit from financial education—but it’s especially important for vulnerable populations, such as seniors, who may have<br />
little income and resources,” said Kerry Sullivan, president of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. “We hope that this toolkit enables older adults to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to avoid scams and remain in control of their income and assets.”</p>
<p>For Senior Care Housing Questions call 877 373-6111</p>
<p><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Pat Summitt, Winningest all Time Basketball Coach Facing Alzheimer&#8217;s Diagnosis, Great Inspiration for Everyone</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/pat-summitt-facing-alzheimers-diagnosis-has-ally-in-nancy-reagan-great-inspiration-for-anyone/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/pat-summitt-facing-alzheimers-diagnosis-has-ally-in-nancy-reagan-great-inspiration-for-anyone/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:54:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=385</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pat Summitt, in her recent struggles with a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, Alzheimer&#8217;s type, has found an ally in former first lady Nancy Reagan. Summitt, who has coached the University of Tennessee women&#8217;s basketball team for 37 years, revealed the diagnosis in late August. Admirers and rivals too responded to the news with shock, as [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pat Summitt, in her recent struggles with a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, Alzheimer&#8217;s type, has found an ally in former first lady Nancy Reagan.</p>
<p>Summitt, who has coached the University of Tennessee women&#8217;s basketball team for 37 years, revealed the diagnosis in late August. Admirers and rivals too responded to the news with shock, as the Los Angeles Times reported, sending words of encouragement and statements of support.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve known Coach Summitt for 23 years,&#8221; <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/aug/23/sports/la-sp-pat-summitt-20110824" target="_blank">said Louisiana State Coach </a>Nikki Caldwell, who played for Summitt and also coached at UCLA, &#8220;and there has never been a fight that she&#8217;s backed down from.&#8221;</p>
<p>In an <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/pat-summitt-no-regrets-on-going-public-with-alzheimers-diagnosis/" target="_blank">interview</a> airing Friday on ABC&#8217;s &#8220;20/20,&#8221; Summitt talks about the diagnosis and reveals that it spurred a letter from Reagan: &#8220;She said, you know, I heard about your diagnosis of dementia, and I just wanted to reach out to you and just tell you, you know, that it’s going to be OK.&#8221;</p>
<p>President Reagan, who left office in 1989, revealed his Alzheimer&#8217;s diagnosis in 1994 and died 10 years later at age 93.</p>
<p>Summitt said she was touched by the former first lady&#8217;s good wishes and said receiving the letter gave her &#8220;the chills.&#8221;</p>
<p>There will be rocky times ahead for Summitt.  As The Times reports:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00009" target="_blank">Early-onset Alzheimer&#8217;s</a> can be a difficult diagnosis to face. It sets in well before the age of 65, the Mayo Clinic explains, the typical lower limit for standard Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, and thus affects people when they&#8217;re still in their prime, often with elderly parents or young children to care for as well.</p>
<p>Then there are those with a whole sports organization depending on them. Summitt is the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/02/pat-summitts-10.html" target="_blank">winningest coach</a> in college basketball.</p>
<p>Times reporter Baxter Holmes reported in September that despite the Alzheimer&#8217;s diagnosis, Summitt wanted to<a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/19/sports/la-sp-old-coaches-20110919" target="_blank"> coach the Lady Vols</a> &#8220;as long as the good Lord is willing.&#8221;</p>
<p>As a Senior Care Housing Specialist and Elder Care Advisor I think Pat&#8217;s winning spirit is an inspiration to anyone facing this disease. I would encourage family members who has a loved one with an early diagnosis to put them in front of Pat&#8217;s story. She is contagious in a very positive way and who knows she might just make a big difference in how they handle their own diagnosis.</p>
<p>For all your Senior Care Housing questions and concerns call Adult Care Pro 877 373-6111</p>
<p><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
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		<title>Don&#8217;t You Wish Your Parents Came With An Instruction Manual?</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/377/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/377/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:12:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When you were young, your parents likely uttered a very similar phrase in regards to you; wondering how to keep you happy and safe, comfort you when things went wrong and care for you when you were sick.  Now that the roles may be reversing a bit, you may have similar questions playing through your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you were young, your parents likely uttered a very similar phrase in regards to you; wondering how to keep you happy and safe, comfort you when things went wrong and care for you when you were sick.  Now that the roles may be reversing a bit, you may have similar questions playing through your mind.</p>
<p>The plus side of the situation being reversed is that, in a way, your parents DO have an  instruction manual!</p>
<p>Unless your parent suffers from memory loss, their manual is their verbal and non-verbal opinions and actions.  An adult can tell you what they want, reason out an appropriate course of action, tell you their likes and dislikes.  A few families are fortunate they have parents who pre-plan and who discuss these sensitive topics with their families.  Most families aren’t so fortunate.  Adult children are faced with the tough job of broaching the subject of the visible signs of aging, of diminishing physical and mental capacities, even the ability of taking care of oneself.  Frequently they have to make decisions on their parent’s behalf because a plan was not put into place prior to the need for care.  The things our parents don’t say are sometimes more powerful than the things they do say.  Taking action to stay put is a very powerful stance many older adults take.</p>
<p>No matter what the situation, even if your parent has experienced some memory loss, you have to begin the process by having honest and open conversations about what your parent or parents want:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you weren’t able to do your own laundry any longer, what would you want to see happen?</li>
<li>If you weren’t able to prepare a meal any longer or if you weren’t safe being alone, what would you like me to do?</li>
</ul>
<p>You also have to be willing to share with your parents your own concerns and your own willingness or lack of willingness to help in the event of a change in health status or in the event of an emergency.  You need to be very frank and completely honest what you would be able to do for them, what you would be unable to do and why.  Explain the limitations you would have, because of your availability, your commitments and your willingness to become a care giver to your parent.  Also take time to explain for what period of time you would be willing to do which chores.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that what your parents want or think they want, may be quite different from the choices you feel they should make.  Remember, your parents are in charge of their own decisions, and they may choose to live in a different way than you would like them to live.  This doesn’t mean you can’t bring up the subject of a possible change down the road, though.  In fact, the more times you can bring up the subject over an extended period of time, the more likely it is that your parents will be receptive to your message.  But just because you’ve expressed your opinion, your parents still have the final say; you can’t force a parent to become accepting of your opinion.  Some parents have to be given the opportunity to fail on their own or to experience a fall or a sense of vulnerability before they recognize the fact that they do, indeed, need help.</p>
<p>Today, our parents don’t have to wait until their health takes a downturn before making a move from the family home.  Retirement living and active senior communities are available which offer varying levels of service, safety, and comfort.  These are not care communities they are lifestyle communities, much more like a resort or pleasant vacation spot.</p>
<p>A good alternative for many families is that, if parents need a little support, in-home care can be arranged or services can be brought into their home.</p>
<p>Several aspects of living alone do place a person at higher risk for injury or harm.  For those families with a senior living alone, here is a list of warning signs to be aware of:</p>
<p><strong>Is your parent talking about the possibility of a future move?</strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>Difficulty walking or unsteady on their feet?</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong>Change of appetite or weight loss?</strong></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong>Reluctance to socialize?</strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong>Hearing, <strong>Memory loss or <strong>Difficulty Concentrating? </strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Medication errors and skipping medications?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Unopened mail or <strong>Lack of food in the home or spoiled food? </strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Poor grooming, <strong>Driving becomes worrisome? </strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Personality changes? </strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
<p>These are just a few ideas of what to watch for. If you checked several things on this list  it may be time to talk with an Elder Care Advisor. They will walk you through some of the varying options based upon the current needs.</p>
<p>The final thought regarding a possible move is that the senior needs to be reassured that they will not be solely responsible for the entire process.  Family and friends can be great resources when going through possessions and boxing items for the move.  There are also agencies available to seniors to help with the entire process; deciding what to keep and what to take with them, handling the packing up, moving all the belongings, setting up the new home, even putting sheets on the bed!  Help is readily available.</p>
<p>The main thing to remember is this: You’re not alone in what you’re experiencing.  Many people have and are dealing with the exact same situations you are.  Remember that parents are adults with their own set of likes and dislikes and values and opinions and that relinquishing any part of their independence will not be an easy process.  Keeping parents as involved as they can be in the decisions that need to be made will go a long way in helping them accept and adjust to their changing world.</p>
<p>To Speak with a Senior Care Housing Specialist call Adult Care Pro at  877 373-6111</p>
<p><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
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		<title>Prescription Painkiller Overdoses at Epidemic Levels Says CDC; Seniors Sometimes Source</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/prescription-painkiller-overdoses-at-epidemic-levels-says-cdc-seniors-sometimes-source/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/11/prescription-painkiller-overdoses-at-epidemic-levels-says-cdc-seniors-sometimes-source/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:04:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nov. 1, 2011 &#8211; The death toll from overdoses of prescription painkillers has more than tripled in the past decade, according to an analysis in the CDC Vital Signs report released today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Senior citizens are not among those most often in this abuse but are increasingly seen [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nov. 1, 2011 &#8211; The death toll from overdoses of prescription painkillers has more than tripled in the past decade, according to an analysis in the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns" target="_top">CDC Vital Signs</a> report released today from the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/" target="_top">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. Senior citizens are not among those most often in this abuse but are increasingly seen as a source, due to their heavy use of prescription painkillers.</p>
<p>Several states are experiencing a rash of incidents where abusers or dealers are buying painkillers from senior citizens. A new state report in Ohio  finds they sometimes make the buy as the seniors are leaving the pharmacy. They have been other warnings to seniors to guard their medicine cabinets when visitors &#8211; young people in particular &#8211; are in their homes.</p>
<p>This new finding shows that more than 40 people die every day from overdoses involving narcotic pain relievers like hydrocodone (Vicodin), methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin), and oxymorphone (Opana).</p>
<p>“Overdoses involving prescription painkillers are at epidemic levels and now kill more Americans than heroin and cocaine combined, ” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.</p>
<p>“States, health insurers, health care providers and individuals have critical roles to play in the national effort to stop this epidemic of overdoses while we protect patients who need prescriptions to control pain. ”</p>
<p>The increased use of prescription painkillers for nonmedical reasons (without a prescription for the high they cause), along with growing sales, has contributed to the large number of overdoses and deaths.</p>
<p>In 2010, 1 in every 20 people in the United States age 12 and older &#8211; a total of 12 million people &#8211; reported using prescription painkillers nonmedically according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Based on the data from the Drug Enforcement Administration, sales of these drugs to pharmacies and health care providers have increased by more than 300 percent since 1999.</p>
<p>“Prescription drug abuse is a silent epidemic that is stealing thousands of lives and tearing apart communities and families across America, ” said <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/kerlikowske–bio" target="_top">Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy.</a></p>
<p>“From day one, we have been laser–focused on this crisis by taking a comprehensive public health and public safety approach. All of us have a role to play. Health care providers and patients should be educated on the risks of prescription painkillers. And parents and grandparents can take time today to properly dispose of any unneeded or expired medications from the home and to talk to their kids about the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. ”</p>
<p>In April, the Administration released a comprehensive action plan to address the national prescription drug abuse epidemic to reduce this public health burden.</p>
<p>Titled “<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/policy–and–research/rx_abuse_plan.pdf" target="_top">Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis</a>,” the plan includes support for the expansion of state–based prescription drug monitoring programs, more convenient and environmentally responsible disposal methods to remove unused medications from the home, education for patients and healthcare providers, and support for law enforcement efforts that reduce the prevalence of &#8220;pill mills&#8221; and doctor shopping.</p>
<p>Adult Care Pro recommends that adult children of aging parents monitor this very closely, know what medications your senior parent is taking. Often times they have more than one Doctor and they can be taking medications that can have an interaction with another this is more common than you would think. They could be taking just too much of one or worse yet they could be taking something no longer even need.  </p>
<p>For help with Senior Care Housing call 877 373-6111</p>
<p><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com/">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
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		<title>Three Minutes of Elder Abuse PSA  Video, And Why It’s Importance To Use A Referral Service</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/10/three-minutes-of-elder-abuse-ps-video-and-why-it%e2%80%99s-importance-to-use-a-referral-service/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/10/three-minutes-of-elder-abuse-ps-video-and-why-it%e2%80%99s-importance-to-use-a-referral-service/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=360</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrfQCPdJ4_M&#38;feature=related This is tough to watch, But very real. PLEASE be sure you are using a professional and reputable Elder Care Advisor when looking for a care facility, Our company has been in business for 20 years so we know who is who in Senior Care Housing. It is not easy to see past the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrfQCPdJ4_M&amp;feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrfQCPdJ4_M&amp;feature=related</a></p>
<p>This is tough to watch, But very real. PLEASE be sure you are using a professional and reputable Elder Care Advisor when looking for a care facility, Our company has been in business for 20 years so we know who is who in Senior Care Housing. It is not easy to see past the fancy lobby of many care facilities. Most all referral service providers are free of charge so there is Never a reason not to use their services.</p>
<p>At Adult Care Pro, are services are complementary, we are paid by the senior housing communities. We do not own or have interest in any facility&#8217;s, this is very important.  When looking for an advisor, we would suggest you look for one with a similar mission statements as ours.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Mission Statements:</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>“We believe the facility’s history of quality care is more important than just a fancy appearance”</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>“We respect the senior’s we are privileged to serve and promise to work as if your family is our family” </em></strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a> For All Your Senior Care Housing Needs<br />
877 373-6111 Serving Washington State and Alaska</p>
<p><strong> </strong>Call for a Recommendation on a Professional Elder Care Advisor in your Area</p>
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<p>Call Us for a Recommendation on a Professional Elder Care Advisor in your Area</p>
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		<title>Assisted Living Residents are Living to 100: Tips for Becoming a Centarian</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/10/assisted-living-residents-are-living-to-100-tips-for-becoming-a-centarian/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/10/assisted-living-residents-are-living-to-100-tips-for-becoming-a-centarian/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:16:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In Iowa, they credit good luck, clean living and good genes as the secret to a long life. Twenty-six of Iowa’s senior seniors recognized their 100 plus birthdays in style as the State celebrated the centarians. Centarians are increasingly common in nursing homes and in many assisted living facilities across the country. Every day, we [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In Iowa, they credit good luck, clean living and good genes as the secret to a long life. Twenty-six of Iowa’s senior seniors recognized their 100<sup> </sup>plus birthdays in style as the State celebrated the centarians. Centarians are increasingly common in nursing homes and in many assisted living facilities across the country. Every day, we see stories of individuals who have accomplished this coveted feat.</p>
<p>According to an article in the DesMoines Register, Iowa is ranked second in the nation with the most residents over the age of 100, with 793 hitting the ten- decade mark; twenty percent of them have aged in place and 78 of them are over 105.</p>
<p><strong>Attitude and Action </strong></p>
<p>Over the years many have learned to accept what life throws at them.  They know there are situations simply beyond their control.  Mildred Brendeland, 101, told the Register, “You have to accept all the things that come to you,” and Louis Frederick, 101, of Des Moines said, “Don’t worry about something you can’t fix.”</p>
<p>Perhaps, it’s her Carpe’ Diem attitude along with an active lifestyle that can be credited for Hilda Crabtree’s longevity. Keep real active,” said Crabtree. “Don’t just sit around and watch television. My health is still so good. If I can keep active like this, I’ll gladly stick around for a while.”</p>
<p>But topping them all is 101-year-old Berdena Reeves who last year went zip lining when her dreams of skydiving were vetoed.</p>
<p>So, how do you make it to the 100 year mark? Whether you’re living at home, in assisted living or a nursing home, here are some tips to making it to the century mark:</p>
<p><strong>Change Your Attitude</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Reduce Stress: Find a way to relieve the pressures of everyday life in a positive manner.</li>
<li>Stay Social: Maintaining close relationships is tied with better physical and mental health</li>
<li>Be Optimistic: According to the Mayo Clinic, people who believe the glass is half full tend to live longer.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Watch Your Diet</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Increase the fruits, vegetables, whole grains and amount of fiber in your diet</li>
<li>Limit foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fats</li>
<li>Limit refined sugars</li>
<li>Drink one glass of red wine daily which appears to lower the risk of heart disease</li>
<li>Drink Green Tea whose antioxidant properties may help fight some cancers</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Exercise:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>15-30 minutes a day has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer</li>
<li>Resistance training guards against the loss of muscles’</li>
<li>In general, exercise promotes mental well-being</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Keep Mentally Active</strong></p>
<p>Research shows that retaining cognitive capacity helps in the aging process.  There are several exercises which can help keep the brain active and sharp:</p>
<ul>
<li>Word games</li>
<li>Playing a musical instrument</li>
<li>Writing</li>
<li>Learning a foreign language</li>
<li>Traveling</li>
<li>Taking Classes</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Floss Your Teeth:</strong></p>
<p>Besides the obvious of preventing tooth decay and loss, flossing can also help prevent heart disease.  Evidence suggests that inflamed gums release substances into the blood stream which can clog arteries.</p>
<p>With an arsenal of tips, there is one factor of aging that no one can control: Genes.  If you have been blessed with good genes and have had parents or grandparents who have lived long, healthy lives, you too may have the opportunity to celebrate birthdays well into you golden years.</p>
<p><strong>What’s Your Secret?</strong></p>
<p>Reality is, more and more people are living long, healthy lives.  They are spending their days enriching the lives of others, sharing their stories and hoping to leave behind a positive legacy.  Are you or someone you know nearing that century mark? What are your secrets to a long and healthy life?</p>
<p>For questions regarding senior care housing in Washington State or Alaska call 877-373-6111    or visit <a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
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		<title>Why Senior Citizens Should Be Furious About So-Called Social Security ‘Increase’</title>
		<link>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/10/why-senior-citizens-should-be-furious-about-so-called-social-security-%e2%80%98increase%e2%80%99/</link>
		<comments>http://www.adultcarepro.com/2011/10/why-senior-citizens-should-be-furious-about-so-called-social-security-%e2%80%98increase%e2%80%99/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:30:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.adultcarepro.com/?p=350</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Seniors might get a bigger check, but they&#8217;re losing out Social Security checks will see their first increase in three years this January. The Social Security COLA, or Cost of Living Adjustment, will amount to 3.6%. But seniors should be outraged by the Social Security increase — because it isn’t an increase at all. The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Seniors might get a bigger check, but they&#8217;re losing out</strong></p>
<p>Social Security checks will see their first increase in three years this January. The Social Security COLA, or Cost of Living Adjustment, will amount to 3.6%.</p>
<p>But seniors should be outraged by the Social Security increase — because it isn’t an increase at all. The fact is the government program is paying less than it has in years past, and the recent COLA “increase” doesn’t make up for the ground that seniors have already lost.</p>
<p><!-- #article-left -->Thanks to inflation pushing up prices and a stagnant economy hindering income, many senior citizens rely on their monthly Social Security check more than ever before. And on its face, an increase going into 2012 seems like a good thing. But here’s why the recent Social Security COLA is woefully deficient — and just a political move to appease older voters who have every right to be furious:</p>
<h3><strong>Enough for a Tank of Gas</strong></h3>
<p><strong> </strong>According to officials, the average monthly check for the elderly will increase $43 to $1,229. For the disabled, it will rise $39 to $1,111. That’s about 12 gallons of gas per month — not exactly a windfall. Besides, it still equates to less than $15,000 per year for the <em>average </em>payout. Yes, some seniors make more — but some make even less. For those who think Social Security is charity, try balancing your budget on just $300 a week.</p>
<h3><strong>Not Keeping Pace with Inflation</strong></h3>
<p><strong> </strong>Consider first that this COLA boost is supposed to adjust for three years of higher costs. We all know the brutal reality of soaring food prices from our trips to the grocery store. The U.S. Labor Department reported recently that consumer prices were up 0.4% in August. That’s a 3.8% rate for the full year and the hottest pace of inflation since November 2008! Even if you presume that inflation was nil in 2009 and 2010, this year’s rate is enough to invalidate any “gains” in Social Security payouts.</p>
<h3><strong>Coupled With Rising Medicare Costs</strong></h3>
<p><strong> </strong>Worse, many seniors won’t even see the benefits of the Social Security increase. That’s because it’s tied to an expected hike in Medicare Part B premiums. For the past two years as Social Security benefits stayed flat, a “hold harmless” provision protected more than 70% of beneficiaries from suffering the rising cost of Medicare payments. Now that the COLA increase is in the works, those higher premiums can take effect — and erase much of the extra cash, particularly from new enrollees and those who get larger benefit checks.</p>
<h3><strong>Little Hope for Another Increase</strong></h3>
<p>Such “generous” COLA increases are sure to be few and far between going forward. Lawmakers are embroiled in a debt debate that almost certainly will claim Social Security payments — from something as benign as changing the formula to calculate increases to enacting a drastic change like a wholesale reduction in benefits. The 3.6% boost in 2012 is almost nothing, but that’s all seniors are going to get for quite a while. Written By Jeff Reeves</p>
<p>For questions regarding Senior Care Housing in Washington State and Alaska call 877 373-6111</p>
<p><a href="http://www.adultcarepro.com">www.adultcarepro.com</a></p>
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