Right at Home in Los Angeles

New Location for the Right at Home L.A. Blog

2010-08-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Along with the launch of our new website at www.glendale.rightathome.net we've moved our blog from our blogspot site to our new site.

We'll still keep our old blog up and running so you can visit it anytime right here at www.rightathomela.blogspot.com.

However, from this point forward we'll be posting on to our new blog site

So thank you to all of our old readers who are moving with us to our new site and we welcome all of our new readers.

Thank you for your continued interest in Right at Home.

Can a Robot Seal Really Take Care of Grandma?

2010-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want to hear more stories about senior citizens and robot seals? I sure don't and thanks to our friends at newser.com...we don't have to.

Is Paro—the adorable robotic seal designed to comfort the elderly—the best thing to happen to solitary seniors since the Clapper, or a tasteless substitute for human attention? Manufactured in Japan and recently cleared in the US as a Class 2 medical device, the $6,000 robot is intended as a sort of pet therapy (it can recognize voices and make "weird" sounds), just without the messiness of a living animal. But ethicists fear that we’re putting the emotional well-being of seniors in the hands (flippers?) of a gadget.

"Why are we so willing to provide our parents, then ourselves, with faux relationships?" asks one MIT professor. But Paro’s fans say it’s invaluable for certain needy patients, particularly dementia sufferers, reports the Wall Street Journal. The seal’s European distributor requires nursing home employees to take a class on the device, so they don’t allow patients to, in the words of one consultant, “escape into a strange seal robot’s universe.”

Senior Driving and Traffic Safety

2010-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

While traffic safety is important for all drivers, seniors experience physical changes that can affect their driving abilities. Although some seniors can drive well into their 70s, 80s and 90s, others cannot. It can be a tough adjustment for people who are used to using their cars to visit friends and family, attend doctor appointments and go shopping. Seniors often equate losing their driving privileges to becoming dependent and losing control and spontaneity in their lives. However, there are simple safety steps older adults can take to ensure they are driving safely.

Vision
The ability to see clearly while driving changes with age. According to AAA, the amount of light needed to drive nearly doubles every 13 years. For example, a 45-year-old requires four times as much light as a 19-year-old, and a 60-year-old requires 10 times as much.

Change in vision is a common reason why many seniors have restricted licenses or have their licenses revoked. Good vision is crucial to driving and senior drivers should keep the following in mind:

• Get an annual eye exam. Your eyes change rapidly and early detection can slow the progress of many eye problems.
• Limit driving to the daytime. It takes more time for aging eyes to adjust to the glare of oncoming headlights.
• Keep your head and eyes moving. While driving look ahead of your vehicle for other vehicles, pedestrians, animals or hazards. While driving in the city look at least one block ahead and on the highway look 12 to 15 seconds ahead. Glance frequently in your rearview mirror.
• Keep your headlights, taillights and the inside and outside of your windshield clean. Choose a car with a clear windshield as tinted windows can reduce the amount of light entering the eye.
• Avoid wearing eyeglasses and sunglasses with wide frames that may restrict your side vision. Always keep your eyeglasses clean.

Medications
Many senior drivers take medications that may affect safe driving, leading to drowsiness and confusion. Seniors should talk to their doctors about the effects their medications may have on their driving abilities and follow these guidelines:

• Read the fine print. Many prescription and over-the-counter medication labels include the message “Do not use while operating heavy machinery.” Be cognizant of the warnings on your medications before getting behind the wheel.
• Consult with your doctor before taking any new medications. The interaction between certain drugs can affect your ability to safely drive.
• If any medications cause fatigue or disorientation, stop driving.

Physical and Mental Fitness
Driving takes strength, flexibility and coordination and seniors should continue to participate in physical exercise to keep their motor skills sharp. Mental fitness is also important as older minds sometimes react more slowly than younger minds. Here are some ways for seniors to enhance their physical and mental fitness:

• Take a brisk walk every day or start a garden in your backyard to stay physically fit.
• Stimulate your brain. Activities such as crossword puzzles, brain teasers and card games stimulate your mind and enhance your problem solving, memory, reasoning and concentration skills.

Alternatives for Older Drivers
A person’s driving ability is dependent on many factors. Chronological age is not always the best predictor of one’s ability to drive safely. If you or your loved one has had a series of minor accidents, is unable to concentrate, is getting lost on familiar roads or is unable to read or recognize ordinary road signs, it may be time to step out from behind the wheel. However, there are alternatives available. In-home care agencies such as Right at Home offer many companion services including transportation to doctor’s appointments and recreational activities, as well as shopping and errand services.

“We know that living independently has many benefits and we are privileged to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy a full life,” said Doug Dickstein, President, Right at Home in Glendale “All older adults and their loved ones should be aware of traffic safety.”

Seniors can also utilize public transportation where available. There are often community agencies that provide volunteer transportation services for seniors, as well. These alternatives can give retired drivers the independence they once had while keeping them out of harm’s way.

Custom Fit-Mouth Tray for Teeth Bleaching May Improve Oral Health of Senior Citizens

2010-07-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

My father always told me to take care of my teeth. "Don't be like me," he said "take care of your teeth or you'll regret if forever." Of course, not all of my father's advice was so sage, like when he told me to buy Telecommunications and Technology stocks right before their bubble burst about 8 years ago or so...or the time when he claimed Costco Hot Dogs were the best hot dogs in their world (I like Costco Dogs, but they're not the best in the world). Still, for seniors trying to maintain their oral health, the following story from seniorjournal.com might strike some as interesting.

A tooth-bleaching agent may improve the oral health of elderly and special-needs patients, say dentists at the Medical College of Georgia and Western University of Health Sciences. Standard oral hygiene methods, such as brushing and flossing, can be difficult or impossible for patients with mental challenges or senior citizens with impaired manual dexterity.

Additionally, when health problems or medications cause xerostomia, or dry mouth, the lack of saliva reduces the mouth's natural protective mechanisms. These problems lead to plaque accumulation, cavities and periodontal disease, and could further impact the patient's health.

A report featured on the cover of this month's Journal of the American Dental Association noted that applying the tooth whitener carbamide peroxide through a custom-fit mouth tray might combat those problems. The report was based on a literature review and the authors' clinical experiences with special-needs patients and tooth bleaching.

"What we've noticed through whitening patients' teeth over the years is that as they bleached, their teeth got squeaky clean and their gingival health improved," said Dr. Van Haywood, professor in the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and co-author of the report.

Dentists have used carbamide peroxide, or urea peroxide, for decades to whiten teeth, but its original use was as an oral antiseptic. It removes plaque, kills bacteria and elevates the mouth's pH above the point at which enamel and dentin begin to dissolve, which results in fewer cavities.

"All these benefits lead us to believe that tray bleaching can be a very effective supplemental method of oral hygiene for patients facing greater challenges keeping their mouths clean," said Dr. David Lazarchik, associate professor in the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine and the report's co-author.

The trick is in the tray, Haywood said. After a complete dental exam, the dentist can make the custom-fit tray that the patient can wear comfortably at night or for several hours during the day. The carbamide peroxide gel can be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter.

Lazarchik said further research is needed to determine a specific protocol for using tray-applied carbamide peroxide specifically to improve oral health.

Activities for Senior Citizens in Los Angeles

2010-07-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

As we head into the Dog Days of Summer, we thought the following list of activities and events for Senior Citizens throughout the Los Angeles area might of some value.

Summer Recreation Classes (City of Garden Grove)
Monday, July 5 7:00p
City of Garden Grove, Garden Grove
The Community Services Department offers year-round programs that provide a full range of opportunities for life enrichment, self improvement, personal growth, and artistic expression.

NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association)
Wednesday, July 7 1:00pm
Joslyn Senior Center, Covina

Lean 101 Workshop
Thursday, Aug 5 9:00am
Cmtc Headquarters, Torrance
CMTC Presents the Lean 101 Workshop August 5, 2010 - 9:00am - 3:00pm - Lunch provided CMTC presents the 2010 Lean 101 Workshop.

Google Seminars for Success - Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Aug 21 9:00am
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale & Mtg Center, Glendale
Google™ Seminars for Success Learn Google Analytics & Website Optimizer in the Classroom! Make it a full week of training: Join Stasia Holdren for Monday & Tuesday's Google AdWords Seminars for Success!

Super Senior Saturday "Seniorstock 2010"
Saturday, Aug 28 10:00am
Buena Park Senior Activity Center, Buena Park
Come Boomers, come Seniors to the grooviest aging health fair of the year. Join us for a far out day of peace, love and information.

9th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair
Sunday, Sep 26 10:00am
West Hollywood Park Auditorium, West Hollywood
The City of West Hollywood and LA Weekly present the multiple, award-winning West Hollywood Book Fair that will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 10 am.

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone at Right at Home would like to wish you a happy and safe Independence Day!

Caregiver of the Month - Julio M.

2010-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Right at Home is pleased to announce that Julio M. has been named Right at Home Caregiver of the Month for June 2010.

Julio began working with Right at Home early this year. After working well on a case in Tarzana, Julio started working part-time for a gentleman in the West Hollywood area. His work ethic, compassion, and professionalism however eventually led to the patient request Julio to work full-time hours.

Julio is a prime example of what a caregiver can accomplish if they're willing to travel to where a case takes them, show up on time and work hard. He's an asset to our organization and we're proud to announce him as our caregiver of the month.

Congratulations Julio!

Hipster Culture is Having a Senior Moment

2010-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this L.A. Times Article from last month, published shortly after Betty White hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live. I enjoyed it and thought you might enjoy it as well. It was written by Tricia Romano. You can cccess the full article, as well as the rest of the L.A. Times online, here.

The average age of the American hipster has just gone up, way up.

Samuel Halpern, the 74-year-old subject of a Twitter feed based on his profane observations (currently being developed into a TV show, tentatively named "Stuff My Dad Says," starring William Shatner) has 1.3 million fans who eagerly await his every uncensored utterance. Halpern is not the only senior citizen rocking the Internet: DJ Ruth Flowers, a.k.a. Mamy Rock, is a seventysomething former singer-turned-jet-setting dance music DJ with a penchant for sparkly headphones and track suits, who became a YouTube sensation this year, nabbing hundreds of thousands of hits after going viral on Twitter.

And Hollywood's latest It Girl is none other than platinum-haired, 88-year-old Betty White. After starring in a Snickers Super Bowl ad, the former "Golden Girls" actress became the center of a Facebook campaign lobbying for White to host "Saturday Night Live." Half a million people can't be wrong — she was scheduled to host the show Saturday.

Suddenly, at least in parts of the blogosphere, it's hip to be old — a paradoxical twist for a youth-obsessed nation that injects, pulls and carves away any semblance of age. The "olds" (as sites like Gawker.com dub those old enough to remember rotary phones) are the subject of Facebook fan pages, YouTube shows, Twitter feeds and even fashion blogs.

Why is our youth-obsessed society suddenly so fascinated with the 65-plus set. For one thing, they are almost exotic creatures in our fractured modern lives, glimpsed only on major holidays.

"There's been a fragmentation of the family, and older people seemed to be left behind — put them in a home and put them away," Flowers said by phone from Paris, where she was getting her hair twisted into platinum white spikes. "My grandmother was my life!" said Flowers, noting ruefully that she lives more than 100 miles away from her grandson.

Not surprisingly, this interest in the elderly is also somewhat narcissistic. It's not like young hipsters are gleaning bits of history from these grandparental figures, as Ruth Flowers did when she was young, learning about the Titanic and other world events.

No, they're interested in one subject above all else: themselves.

Talents Shouldn't Be Wasted

2010-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

As someone who has two dogs and a cat in his household, I'm always sensitive to those with animals. This following humorous article from Jean Leedale Hobson in Senior Citizens Magazine is perhaps something a few of our readers can relate to. Log onto www.seniorcitizensmagazine.com to read more from that website.

Today, in a NO PETS ALLOWED apartment building, I am living vicariously through my grandchildren's parade of pets, empathizing with their pleasure and pain from my safe sidelines. Been there, done that , thank you.

I wasn't prepared for one aspect of motherhood -- an ongoing need to be an amateur veterinarian. Would a degree in Animal Husbandry have helped me to revive a turtle my little son had braved traffic to rescue when it was run over by a truck? Or, how to reverse the fate of an overfed goldfish?

I did temporarily wear a halo -- when my warm hands coaxed a weak flutter in a tiny bird that had crashed into a window. Or maybe it was my impersonation of Nellie Forbush in 'South Pacific' when she willed Emile, in great danger, to 'live, live, LIVE!' Whatever -- I was forgiven for recent failures in the turtle and goldfish episodes. In a household consisting of a softie-daddy, a tender-hearted mommy, two pet-adoring sons and a nurturing daughter, animal rights always overrode the human kind.

We collected cats, willingly or otherwise. One, definitely a male, (so said the friend who unloaded 'it' on us) unexpectedly presented us with sextuplets. Never dreaming that 'his' weight gain presupposed maternity, we missed out on preparing a blanket-lined basket for the event. The babies thrived, however, in spite of their unceremonious birth in the basement. And -- we made sure our friend never heard the end of it!

We named another 'Butterscotch', for his color and also his passion for that pudding, pestering me until I put some in his dish to keep him occupied while the kids ate theirs. Another name would have fitted -- 'Pablo' -- because of his penchant for Pablum. When tonsillitis had our younger boy on a soft diet, Butterscotch would leap onto the child's bed tray and, if I didn't intervene quickly enough, slurp the soft cereal with selfish disregard for the patient 's need.

Dogs? Of course our private petting zoo was home to plenty of dogs -- all Heinz 57 varieties of them. But that's another story ....

The smallest label I wore was that of 'writer' in my ongoing battle against commitments and the clock in my longing for creativity. Until Jingles entered the scene! We'd bent the budget on a cottage, telling ourselves we'd have fun on weekends, and a ready-made summer vacation spot. But was a pony even contemplated? No way! Until...

Fast forward to a May weekend and another cottager wanting to sell the pet his kids had outgrown. Presented with the price, Daddy vanished for a sudden swim, the kids pleaded, Mommy was a goner when a velvet nose nuzzled her hand, and the bankbook screamed 'No,no, NO!' But Mommy, on a wild impulse, promised to write stories night and day to earn enough to buy Jingles by the start of school vacation. Me and my big mouth , I berated myself, using up typewriter ribbons, paper, stamps and creative energy.The kids glued me to the typewriter, they helped around the house, and collectively we agonized over the wait for editors' reports as summer loomed and we feared Jingles might be sold. Before I could earn a gold star along with editors' checks,Daddy came through. With the joy of Jingles in the family, strangely the writer hardly missed the short-lived respect for her work! Writing was back at the bottom of the heap, and did she care? No -- she was too busy petting a pony.

A farmer near the cottage area kindly offered to board Jingles over the winter, and, at the time, strangely we happened to be pet-free at home. I vowed we would stay that way, closing my ears to our older son's pleading to take in his buddy's rabbit as the family was moving away.

"A rabbit indoors all winter? I think not! " said the wicked mother-witch.

The neighbors moved out, Scamper moved in and took over. He pee-d puddles and dropped raisins with blissful disregard for personal hygiene or the hours I spent with paper towels and a mop in my hands. I bought a cat comfort station, but he thought the litter was a tasty treat. I even contemplated putting him through the indignity of wearing disposable diapers.

At the height of my desperate threats to find him a new home, came snow and the need for a plastic boot tray inside the back door. Scamper chose, for his own bunny-reasons, to do his bunny-business on it one day. I grasped at a straw and at intervals through the day plopped him onto the tray and waited. Sure enough, perserverance won. Scamper's permanent residence and my sanity were both assured as we shared the credit and the curtain calls at the family's accolades for our success. I was re-installed as a nice person in the kids' estimation, the wicked witch had vanished along with Scamper's bad habits.

Now that I'm retired, with time on my hands, shouldn't my varied experience count for something? Wouldn't some pet shop owner appreciate my part-time services? Couldn't an overworked veterinarian find some menial tasks for a willing volunteer? Degrees I have none, but I respectfully (and humbly) submit that in one area I am a highly successful expert: I sure know how to housetrain rabbits!

This Father's Day, Remind Dad About Health Screenings

2010-06-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is a great day to celebrate fathers! It's also a great day to take stock of men's health and well being, to help Dad enjoy many more Father's Days.

Men lead women in 14 of the top 15 causes of death in the United States. More than half of premature deaths in men are preventable. But most men are not aware that simple screening tests can dramatically improve their health. University of Maryland Medical Center experts offer this list:

Heart Health. Cardiovascular disease kills over 410,000 men each year. Risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, can begin in the thirties. Mandeep R. Mehra, MBBS, head of cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tells us that unfortunately many men do not pay attention to the heart and may feel invulnerable to heart disease.

Recommendations: (1) Blood pressure. Normal blood pressure in adults is below 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. One out of every four men has high blood pressure, but many men are unaware that they have it. High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer," because it usually has no noticeable symptoms until other serious problems occur. Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years, starting at age 18, or more frequently if it is at or above 140/90 or if you have other risk factors. Ask your doctor. Don't have time for an appointment with a health care provider? Stop by a neighborhood fire station for a free blood pressure check-up. (2) Cholesterol. Your total cholesterol number should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and your good cholesterol (HDL) should be 40 mg/dL or higher. A lipid panel test (a simple blood test that measures blood fats such as cholesterol or triglyceride) is recommended for all men age 35 and up, and much earlier if heart disease runs in the family.

Diabetes. This chronic disease can be life threatening if it is not controlled. Complications include: heart disease and stroke, blindness or vision problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, gum disease, sleep apnea, and depression. Risk factors include: obesity, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fat levels, and an inactive lifestyle.

Recommendations: According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men age 45 or over, especially those who are overweight, should be screened for diabetes. Testing is also strongly recommended in men younger than 45 who are overweight with one or more risk factors. If results are normal, testing is recommended every three years.

Prostate Health. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. The best way for a man to protect himself is to catch prostate problems early, when chances of successful treatment are better.

Recommendations: Two prostate screening tests are advised: a physical exam, and a blood test, called a prostate specific antigen test. Dr. Michael J. Naslund of the University of Maryland School of Medicine recommends that men begin the physical exam and the PSA test at age 50. Two groups at higher risk for prostate cancer—men with a family history of the cancer and African-American men—should begin the screening when they are 40.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in men, after prostate cancer and lung cancer. Healthcare providers suggest one or more tests for colorectal cancer screening. These include a colonoscopy, which is used to visually examine the lining of the large intestine. Other screening methods include virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double contrast barium.

Recommendations: The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing colorectal cancer receive a colonoscopy every 10 years; or a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease should begin screening earlier.

Skin Cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, men are more likely to develop skin cancers than women. One form of skin cancer, called melanoma, causes about 73 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Recommendations: A monthly mole self-exam should be performed by men in all age groups. In addition, starting at age 20, a doctor should do a mole exam every three years. For men 40 and older, a doctor should do a mole exam every year.

Additional Screening

The University of Maryland team also reminds men to speak with their healthcare provider about the right schedule for dental exams, vision and hearing care screenings and immunizations.

Source: University of Maryland Medical Center.

Multigenerational Families: Moving in With Your Children

2010-06-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Vendig was nice enough to interview us and give us mention in her recent monthly column appearing in the Los Feliz Ledger. Below is a transcript of her article. To read more in the Los Feliz Ledger, visit www.losfelizledger.com.

In my generation, the American ideal of self-sufficiency was strong. Children are supposed to grow up, leave home and then just visit. The parents are supposed to grow old pursuing an independent life without being a burden to their children. They would sell their house, move to a retirement community, or to an Assisted Living Facility. It was a modern way of thinking, unlike the “old-fashioned” way.

However, multigenerational households in America, as in many traditional societies in the world were always part of the landscape. But today, as people live longer and with economic conditions insecure, the “old-fashioned” way is reoccurring. According to the Pew Research Center, 16.1% of our population is taking on the responsibility of caring for aging relatives in their home. It may be the grown children whose own children have grown and left the home or it may be grown children who still have children under 18 years of age—the “sandwich” generation facing double responsibilities.

Psychologically, grown children returning to the parents’ home could be less of an adjustment for the parent (except for the fact you can’t go back to being a parent). In other words, “You are moving into my house. I already know my space.” But when the parent moves into the children’s home, they are more like a guest. You would be starting a new lifestyle. In either case, there needs to be an assessment of needs identified by both parties. Does the house need to be modified so the parent can function as independently as possible, what is the extent of assistance needed, and what opportunities will there be for socialization outside of the family?

Then there are considerations if the grown children are working or are unable to provide full time attention to the needs of the parents because of other responsibilities. Even with a family that provides a familiar and a comforting home, the parent could be shortchanged.

If you write “caring for older parents,” in the search engine of your computer, you will find a lot of ideas and resources on the subject. You can contact the Los Angeles Dept. of Aging, http://aging.lacity.org/ or call (213) 252-4000 for care giving supports.

Home care for parents can be tailored to your needs. Leanna Dickstein, co-owner with her husband Doug of the local agency, Right at Home (818) 956-5905, spoke with me about their home care services. They provide staff who have been screened (background check), bonded and insured. The tasks are customized to match the needs and the time periods required. The offer help for a variety of needs: like for or companionship or help driving the elder parent to appointments. The service also can be used for assisting in personal hygiene or medications reminders or meal preparation. Thus, a family caring for older parents often needs extra supports to reap the benefits of sharing their household.

The History of Flag Day

2010-06-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Flag Day! This is an oft-overlooked holiday. It seems these days even Arbor Day gets more attention. And let's not even talk about Groundhog Day. There was a whole movie about Groundhog Day. But Flag Day...no movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis...no public spectacle featuring Al Gore and the guys from Wilco. So we felt we'd take this time to teach everyone a little bit about what Flag Day is all about.

There are two recognized definitions of the term, Flag Day. The first definition is used to designate a day to fly a flag of a certain area, mostly that of nations. The second term is that a day is set aside to honour an event specifically involving a national flag (eg. creation/adoption).

Flag days are usually codified in national statutes, however, a decree by a head of state of the specific country can also order flag days. The display of the national flag on this day, mainly to fix it at either full or half staff. The locations of where the flags are flown (and how are they flown) can be also dictated by national law or decree.

In the United States, Flag Day (more formally, National Flag Day), is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.

Recreation is a Necessity for Senior Citizens

2010-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

We picked up this article from http://going-strong-seniors.com/wordpress/. Feel free to visit for more information on this and other topics to senior citizens.

As our citizenry grows older, there is a expanding focus on training and acquiring long term leisure competencies. Research shows that recreation is a principal portion of one's own social patterns. Recreation has an important function throughout the lives of older adults by contributing to a more rewarding quality of life. People who participate in recreational actions as older citizens report significant life satisfaction compared with people who do not.

Physical recreation is especially important. Engaging in physical activity minimizes almost every danger of disease, including heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer as well as diabetes. Participation in recreational actions boosts mental well-being too. Once again, studies exhibit that older people who participate in recreational pastimes possess healthier coping behaviors in reaction to demanding life occasions and day-to-day frustrations. They understand that social support is relevant and available because of these activities.

The fact is that many of us have come to view our retirement years as a time of decreasing activity and social interaction. This can result in the belief that they're incapable of recreational activity or that it will not be offered to them. They frequently cite scarce financial resources, lack of transportation or declining health
as reasons for avoiding these important pursuits/ Although there's some validity to these concerns, we often overlook the improving resources which are aimed at maintaining wellness among senior citizens. Some of these resources are:

* Travel programs. Fees are generally required, nonetheless deep discounts for seniors are typically offered.
* Volunteering. Seniors bring valuable experience, wisdom and compassion to others
* Elderhostel. A world-wide travel program bringing affordable adventure and learning to seniors
* Theme parks. Senior days! Special entry fees!
* Entertainment and arts. Museum and theatre tours often present discounts and transportation to seniors
* Local parks and recreation programs. Fantastic outdoor activities
* Community Gardening. Check with your local parks and recreation office
* Senior citizen centers. Free or reduced price meals and a lot more!
* Book clubs. Reading and socialization are a potent therapeutic combination for the actual brain

It is imperative for senior citizens and those who care for them to seek out recreational opportunities even if they may feel reluctant to do so. Research indicates that seniors who participate in these kinds of actions tend to stay active.

Western cultures sometimes view their older populations as economic and social liabilities. Actually when these 'old people' are nurtured, they become assets. Recreational diversions can assist and motivate seniors to contribute their valuable time and wisdom.

June is "Home Safety" Month

2010-06-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

June is “Home Safety Month,” an opportunity to educate and empower older adults and their families to take action and increase the safety of their homes. The aging population can continue to live safely and independently in their homes by implementing fall prevention and fire safety habits.

“No one wants to think about being injured at home as it is a safe haven for many of us,” said Doug Dickstein, President of Right at Home in Glendale. “Thankfully there are many simple actions you can take to help save lives and prevent injuries. Right at Home is available to help older adults and their loved ones identify and correct household hazards that can lead to slips, falls and other dangers.”

For many older adults, falls can be a life-changing event leading to less mobility, independence and even death. According to the Home Safety Council, an average of nearly 5,000 Americans age 65 and older die from fall-related injuries in their homes each year. Right at Home offers free in-home assessments that include a safety check walk-through of a senior’s home to identify potential fall hazards and other safety ideas. For more information on these assessments, contact Doug Dickstein at 818-956-5905 or doug@rahglendale.com or visit www.glendale.rightathome.net. The Home Safety Council also offers the following tips for fall prevention:

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and ensure they go from the top to the bottom.
• Tape small rugs to the floor or do not use them at all as they can be a tripping hazard.
• Have plenty of lights at the top and bottom of the stairs and be sure to keep them clear of debris.
• Place night lights in the bedroom, hallway and bathroom.
• Lay a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower and have grab bars installed.

Older adults and their families are also encouraged to prepare for fire emergencies. Older adults are twice as likely to suffer injuries or lose their lives in a fire than the general population, according to the Home Safety Council. The Home Safety Council also offers the following tips for fire safety:

• Make sure there is a least one working fire alarm on each level of the home, located inside or near sleeping areas.
• Create a home escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Move the bedroom to the first floor to escape outside quickly in case of a fire.
• Keep escape routes clear and make sure doors and windows open easily.
• Keep a phone in the bedroom to call for help if necessary.
• Always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove and avoid loose clothing while cooking.
• Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays on a sturdy table and stay alert while smoking.
• Plug only one cord into each electrical outlet and unplug appliances when not in use.

“Taking many of these simple safety steps can help to keep older adults living safely and independently in their own homes,” Dickstein said. “We know that living independently has many benefits and we are privileged to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy a full life.”

Caregiver of the Month for May 2010 - Charmie L.

2010-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Right at Home is proud to announce that Charmie L. has been selected as the Caregiver of the Month for May 2010.

Charmie has been working a 12-hour overnight shift with a patient recovering from a stroke tirelessly in the San Fernando Valley for the past few months and has been praised by the family for her competency, professionalism and charm.

We'd like to thank Charmie for all of her great work and congratulate her on being selected caregiver of the month for May!

Ad Men Use Beatles to Sell Senior Care

2010-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I was in my car listening to the radio. On came the song "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. When I was in high-school, I became a fan of Pink Floyd and had friends who were huge fans of the band and "Wish You Were Here" is probably my favorite Pink Floyd tune. I saw them in concert at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island in 1989 - 14 years after that track was released.

When the song ended, I turned to another station and heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.

Nirvana released their album Nevermind in 1991, which included the iconic, "Stairway to Heaven" of my generation - "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I thought about it, and I realized that even though "Smells Like Teen Spirit" seemed more current; seemed more modern it was actually now a 19-year-old song. Which of course made "Wish You Were Here" at 35 year old song and all of this made me feel rather--older than I thought I was.

So when I ran across this little nugget in the Wall Street Journal, it made me wonder how some of our clients might feel if I started advertising our homecare services to the sounds of Frank Sinatra...or Chuck Barry...or, Pink Floyd?

The songs you loved when you were 23 may someday be used to sell you retirement care. Researchers have homed in on that age as the likeliest time when music that triggers life-long nostalgia is heard. People who watched the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show at 23 are now turning 70, and a Florida care home is using images of the one-time youth sensation as part of a nostalgia-based ad campaign.

The good feelings nostalgia generates are a potent tool for marketers, and, execs at the care home say, help improve life for seniors with little short-term memory. The care home runs a pop-culture program taking residents back to their youth. "They might not remember what they had for lunch, but they can sing along with Sinatra and know all the words," the facility's director of sales tells the Wall Street Journal.

Social Security’s Online Services Take Top Three Spots in Customer Satisfaction Survey

2010-05-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sticking with our theme of Senior Citizens on the Net, this recent survey taken from SeniorJournal.com shows the Social Security website being used and well-received by Seniors throughout the country.

The Social Security Administration’s online services, heavily used by senior citizens for matters dealing with Social Security and Medicare, have been recognized as the “best in government” and exceed top private sector sites in customer satisfaction, according to a news release.

In the latest results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator and benefit application remain in the top spots, each with a score of 90, and the Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs application placed third with a score of 87.

“Online services are vital to good public service and I am pleased that Social Security continues to provide the best in both government and the private sector,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security.

“The Internet provides the public with the ability to conduct business at their convenience and at their own pace, without the need to take leave from work, travel to a field office, and wait to meet with an agency representative. It also reduces the time spent by our employees processing claims and frees them up to spend more time handling complex cases.”

Social Security’s three top-rated online services also meet or exceed the private sector’s highest score, which was recorded by Netflix, with a score of 87. The ACSI notes that this shows “that government sites can satisfy visitors just as well as, or even better than, private-sector sites.”

The ACSI is the only uniform, national, cross-industry measure of satisfaction with the quality of goods and services available in the U.S. According to ACSI, “Any website, whether in the private or public sector, that scores an average of 80 or higher can be considered superior in meeting site visitors’ needs and expectations.” Social Security’s Business Services Online, with a score of 82, also meets this superior threshold.

To view all of Social Security’s online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Social Networking Offers Many Benefits for Seniors

2010-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Seniors are increasingly turning to social networks for companionship and support. Social networking provides opportunities for seniors to meet new people, stay in touch with family and friends and support their hobbies and interests. Facebook was the third most popular online destination for people 65 or older in November 2009, compared to the forty-fifth most popular destination in 2008, according to The Nielsen Company.

The most popular social networking site is Facebook, which is used by 90 percent of senior social media users, according to a recent eMarketer study. However, experts from aging, healthcare and senior services have joined together with social media experts to create interactive sites connecting seniors through common interests, such as Eons and Vibrant Nation.

“Social media is giving seniors a voice and an outlet to communicate without limitations,” said Doug Dickstein, president of Right at Home in Los Angeles, a provider of in-home care throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. “It is not only bridging the generational gap with their grandchildren and younger generations of their families, but allowing them to create new social groups at a stage in their life when it is often difficult to do so.”

Benefits of Social Networks
The benefits of social networks are similar to the benefits of real-world groups of friends and families. About one-third of people 75 and older live alone, according to a 2009 study from AARP. Many seniors feel a sense of isolation, and social networking is an easy solution to find companions with shared likes and interests through groups, discussion boards, polls and relevant articles. Topics ranging from gardening to travel to volunteer opportunities are engaging seniors.

Social networking is a great option for seniors with limited mobility, as it can be done independently from the comfort of their own homes. They also may deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone. The Internet offers methods of communication that work for almost everyone. They can independently view photos of their grandchildren, follow their family’s activities and reconnect with old friends. Many sites also feature engaging and stimulating brain games to keep aging minds young and vital.

As seniors age, they often reach out for support for life challenges and health issues. Many social networking sites feature discussion boards and groups focused on health, aging and fitness. The encouraged open communication can help combat depression and provide a support group without leaving the home.

Tips for Getting Started
Social networking can help seniors stay connected like never before. But many may feel apprehensive about embracing the growing technology. They may ask themselves “How do I know where to begin?” or “Why should I join in?” Seniors may want an introduction to the basics of Internet use. Many community centers and organizations offer introductory classes to help seniors feel more comfortable while venturing out into social networking spaces. Also, social networking has a language of its own. There are many online resources available for seniors to become familiar with terms including “status update,” “wall” and “pokes,” including this recent article from AARP.

Seniors must also decide which type of community to join. Some, like Eons, are more interest-focused, while others, like Facebook, offer the opportunity to connect online with family and close friends. Most sites are free and require only an email address and password. Once an account is setup, seniors can add to their profile, express themselves and interact with people all over the world.

However, every age group has vulnerabilities online and seniors are no exception. It is important to be aware of hackers, scammers and identity theft. By getting to know the privacy settings on the site being used, seniors can control who can and can’t see the information they are sharing. Seniors should also be aware of emails from friends selling products and services or requesting money. If it doesn’t sound right, their friend’s account may have been hacked without them realizing it. This recent article from Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, offers 10 ways for seniors to stay safe online.

Social networking provides seniors with a sense of purpose. They can feel empowered by making new connections and staying involved in society without having to rely on their loved ones for transportation or assistance. Seniors can easily enjoy the benefits and discover the joy of connecting with others online.

Older Americans Month 2010 Promotion Theme: ‘Age Strong! Live Long!’

2010-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

"May is Older Americans Month - a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans and support them as they enter the next stage in life,” according to a news release prepared by the Administration on Aging for local media as part of the effort to encourage communities nationwide to celebrate this month with special activities and events.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme - “Age Strong! Live Long!” - recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations, according to the AOA news release.

“They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans,” adds the news release.

“These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.

“Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history - America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.

“While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.

“In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services.

“Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.

“The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly.

"Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting http://www.eldercare.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116 to find out what you can do to strengthen services for older Americans, this month and all year round.”

History of Older Americans Month

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.

Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."

President Jimmy Carter decided in 1980 that what was once called Senior Citizens Month, should be called "Older Americans Month," which has become the tradition.

Historically, Older Americans Month has been promoted as a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country.

Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

excerpted from SeniorJournal.com

Health care reform bill 101: What does it mean for seniors?

2010-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

The recently signed Health Care Reform Bill has many people thinking. Some people are excited about what it may mean to their ability to access health services; others are scared about what benefits might be taken away. This overview posted back in March by the Christian Science Monitor offers an overview of what Seniors might expect.

Many senior citizens worry about the effect that the health care reform bill may have on them. After all, they generally use the health care system more than do younger people. And those living on fixed incomes may have little leeway in their budgets to help if their health costs rise.

Would the healthcare reform legislation that President Obama plans to sign into law on Tuesday affect seniors in any direct way?

The short answer is “yes.”

Healthcare 101: What the bill means to you

The longer answer is that some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.

Here are some specifics on these changes:

Medicare cuts

Under the healthcare reform bill, government payments to Medicare Advantage – plans that are run by private insurers such as Humana and are an alternative to traditional Medicare – will be cut by $132 billion over 10 years. (Those plans currently get somewhat more per person from the government than traditional Medicare does.)

Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that seniors in traditional Medicare don’t get. It is possible that these extras will be dropped as Medicare Advantage plans feel a budget squeeze.

In most areas of the United States, this reduction will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2011, although in some places it will take longer.

The bill does not contain cuts to traditional Medicare benefits. However, Medicare payments for home healthcare would be reduced by $40 billion between now and 2019. And certain payments to hospitals would be cut by $22 billion over that same period.

Medicare enhancements

The bill would bolster the existing Medicare prescription-drug benefit by addressing part of its “doughnut hole” problem.

Right now, after a senior has spent $2,700 on drugs in a year, coverage stops until that same person has spent $6,154 on drugs, when it starts up again.

Hence the “doughnut hole” nickname.

Beginning in 2010, people who fall into this hole will get $250 from the government to help. Thereafter, according to the bill, the US will gradually increase the percentage of drug costs it pays within this gap. By 2020, the US will pay 75 percent of senior drug costs between $2,700 and $6,154.

Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab for annual wellness visits.

Medicare payment advisory board

Healthcare reform legislation also establishes what it terms an Independent Payment Advisory Board, made up of 15 members, that would submit legislative proposals to reduce per capita Medicare spending if that spending grows too fast.

“Too fast” is defined as exceeding the growth rate of Consumer Price Index measures for a five-year period that ends in 2013.

If that happens, beginning in 2014, this board will submit proposals to Congress and the president for consideration.

Some critics have charged that this board will be the leading edge of Medicare reductions. Legislative wording in the healthcare reform bill prohibits the board from submitting any idea that would ration care, raise taxes, or change benefits.

Caregiver of the Month - Susan P.

2010-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Right at Home caregiver of the month for this past April was Susan P.

Susan becomes the first Right at Home caregiver to win the Caregiver of the Month award a second time.

Susan has been working four (4) different cases for Right at Home in the Glendale & Atwater Village areas and is one of the longest tenured employees at Right at Home.

In the past month, Susan not only continued her diligent work but also actually helped get a client to return to Right at Home after a brief break and her excellence even had them increase the amount of hours they wanted her to work.

Congratulations Susan!

Happy Cinco de Mayo from Right at Home

2010-05-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

While it's true that May 5th has very little resonance in Mexico, it's still celebrated here stateside - especially in beautiful Los Angeles.

So Right at Home would like to wish everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo!

Assembling the Right at Home Team

2010-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

The 2010 NFL draft recently took place – the day when pro football teams “draft” college football players they believe will improve their chances of being successful.

When I was a kid I loved the draft. Between the 4th and 12th grade, I faked being sick every single draft day so I could stay home and watch this annual event. Whether something would shock you (the Raiders always do something kooky) or just confuse you (the Giants once drafted a player who was blind) I always find the NFL draft to be fascinating.

So what does this have to do with providing caregivers? Well I feel that we hire caregivers not unlike teams evaluate college players. We check references (teams review college games) and conduct competency tests and background checks (teams conduct athletic tests) before we’re ready to draft – or more accurately hire – someone as a caregiver.

We recognize mistakes we’ve made in hiring and learn from that. Sometimes we’re pleasantly surprised with how good one of our caregivers turns out to be.

And as time passes, you assemble your team. Caregivers like Susan from Glendale, our 2008 Caregiver of the Year, who’s has been called “family” by virtually every client she’s worked with; Megan from Eagle Rock, who hasn’t shown up late in nearly 2 years; George from Santa Monica, who one client called “truly gifted” or Charmie from Reseda who her client refers to as “the kindest person ever.”

Not all of our employees turn out to be the equivalent of an All-Star player. But you can trust that at Right at Home we make sure we have our own Super Bowl caliber team ready to help you and your loved one when you need us the most.

Tips for Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 5

2010-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 5 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Gets mad when told “No” they can’t do something?

Avoid responding with a flat-out “No” to their request. Let them know that you have considered the issue and understand their viewpoint, but explain that it’s not a good idea right now. Indicate that maybe next time, or at a later date, you will be able to handle their request. Cheerfully distract their attention to something else more positive. Most of the time, they will completely forget about this request and have a different one by the next day.

Just like some children, the more some elders are told “No” they can’t do something, the more they will keep fighting to do it. It can become a test of wills for power and control. In some instances, it may be best to just let them have their way (if there is no danger). Usually they will come to the conclusion on their own that it really wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Tips When Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 4

2010-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 4 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Prefers to stay in bed or do nothing-”waiting to die”?

This could be an ulterior motive to get more attention, or it may be a sign of depression. Carefully evaluate what’s going on. Drop in unexpectedly a few times and observe their level of activity. If you suspect depression, ask their doctor to consider prescribing an anti-depressant. There is such a wide range of effective medications available today that there may be no need for them to suffer.

Then, get your parent enrolled in Senior Day Care to create a life outside of lying in bed all day. They have to have something to look forward to, friends to see, varied activities to do. You cannot supply all this stimulation yourself day after day. Go with them a few times, have lunch and introduce them to everyone to encourage the making of new friends. Additionally, many centers have a shuttle service to pick them up and bring them home.

If your parent is a “Sundowner” who wants to sleep all day and be up all night, there are a few things you can do to alter this pattern. In the morning, open all the windows and drapes to let in fresh air and sunlight; make lots of noise by turning on the radio and television, running the vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, etc.; plan activities, exercise and visitors. Getting an hour or two of sunlight daily can help regulate their circadian rhythm. Ask your doctor about Melatonin that may help them sleep at night. Make sure they are not getting any caffeine from coffee or chocolate in the evening. Also, have their doctor regularly review all of their medications to see if any may be causing daytime drowsiness. If possible, switch them to be taken at night.

Tips Wend Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 3

2010-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 3 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Has become suspicious and paranoid?

Don’t make light of it, argue, or tell them that their fears are irrational. Calmly acknowledge how awful it must be to feel that way and assure them you don’t think they are crazy. Make them feel safe, loved, and assured of your continued support. Report these symptoms with examples to their doctor. If you get an unconcerned attitude from their doctor that it’s just part of the aging process, insist on taking them to a geriatric psychiatrist for evaluation. With the proper medication, these fears may be greatly reduced.

Tips When Caring for an Elderly Loved One - Day 2

2010-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This is Day 2 highlighting some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

Complains about real or imagined physical symptoms?

Set a time limit for these health “complaint” sessions. Listen, be sympathetic, and offer solutions. Then, declare the complaint time over and divert their attention to a different topic or activity. If the moaning and groaning doesn’t stop, give three warnings, use the silent treatment, then walk away.

Try a simple test to see if their symptoms might be psychosomatic or just for attention. The next time they complain of a minor ache or pain, quickly put a vitamin pill in their mouth, pretending the pill is an aspirin. See if the mysterious pain immediately goes away. Don’t tell them that their pains are not real, but privately let their doctor know what you discover.

Together, write down their symptoms in order of what bothers them the most. When you go to the doctor, see which symptoms they actually end up complaining about. Have the doctor address each issue, take notes, and cross each item off the list as they are reviewed. If your loved one is embarrassed to complain to the doctor, take charge and make sure the doctor knows all symptoms including: sleep, appetite, energy changes, memory problems, alterations in mood, inability to do basic things, incontinence, depression, anxiety and anger. Speak with the doctor in private if necessary.

Frequently bring all medications (prescriptions and all over the counter vitamins, etc.) to the doctor’s to make sure there are no interactions. When a new medicine is prescribed, ask if any specific foods and alcohol should be avoided while taking this drug. Should this drug be taken with or without food? Should this drug be taken at a certain time of day? Is it all right to continue normal activities, such as driving? All drugs have side effects, and can interact with each other and produce further complications.

Get a lock box for their medications if you have any suspicions that they are not being taking appropriately. Hide a spare key someplace in their home in case you forget or lose your key, or if someone else has to give the medications if you cannot get there.

Tips When Caring for an Elderly Loved One

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Marcell wrote a book a few years back titled Elder Rage-or-Take My Father... Please! This week we will highlight some tips from the book about how to handle certain difficult issues.

How Do I Handle My Elderly Loved One Who:

Makes constant unreasonable demands?

Focus on the positive things you can do for your parent and don’t emphasize the things that you can’t. If you continue to eventually give in to their extreme demands these behaviors will get worse. Assertively set your boundaries of what you will and won’t do ahead of time and stand firm, giving sympathy and empathy where appropriate. Don’t let your better judgment be swayed by your sense of responsibility. If their demand strikes you as illogical or irrational, BIG FLAG-it is! Call the Alzheimer’s Association to find out where your loved one can be tested for dementia. If the bad behavior stops, give positive reinforcement by acknowledging their ability to control their conduct. You may want to give a specific reward to further encourage them. If the negative behavior continues, give three warnings, use the silent treatment, then walk away.

Home Care Helps Seniors Manage Painful Conditions

2010-04-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Pain isn't "just a part of growing older"

Though physical pain isn't inevitable as we grow older, seniors are more likely to have arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, angina, shingles or other conditions that cause pain.

Home care worker with senior clientPain diminishes quality of life and independence. It even increases the risk of falls. And yet, while older adults are more likely to experience pain, they are the least likely to ask for or receive relief. Many believe they are "just getting older." Or, they hesitate to speak up because they "don't want to be a bother."

How can family help? If your loved one is experiencing pain and hasn't recently raised the subject with his healthcare provider, encourage him to request an evaluation of his current pain control regimen, and to discuss alternate solutions that might be more effective. Today's pain specialists have a wider array of treatment options than ever before.

Finding the right "prescription" for pain control is only the beginning. Following the doctor's instructions best ensures positive results, but a senior who is experiencing chronic pain may find it difficult to comply with the pain control strategy. Families can help by offering encouragement and helping with practical tasks. And when family can't be there, professional home care services can provide an extra measure of support.

Home care professionals have learned from years of experience that supporting pain management is a vital quality of life element for the seniors they serve. Home health aides support pain management in several proactive ways:

Medication management: The doctor may prescribe pain control drugs. Common drugs include:

* over-the-counter products such as aspirin and ibuprofen;
* opioid drugs such as morphine and codeine;
* antidepressants;
* muscle relaxants;
* steroids; and
* topical medications.

It is important to take these medications correctly, but this can be a challenge, especially if your loved one has multiple health conditions. A home health aide can remind your loved one to take medications on time and in the way they are supposed to be taken. The aide can also take your loved one to the pharmacy or pick up prescriptions, help with pill organizers and dispensers, and report any signs of side effects.

Promote compliance with physical treatments. Medications are not the only option for pain relief. Your loved one may benefit from physical therapy, which might include massage, heat and cold, biofeedback or electrical treatments such as a spinal cord stimulator or TENS device. Pain control specialists might also prescribe relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi or breathing exercises. A home health aide can transport your loved one to appointments or classes. If home exercises are prescribed, the aide can provide encouragement and supervision.

Encourage physical activity. Staying active may well be the most important "medicine" for your loved one's health. Study after study confirms that physical activity improves arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease and other painful conditions. And exercise increases the production of endorphins, the body's own pain reliever. Families report that the presence of a professional caregiver gives their loved one the self-confidence to follow their individual exercise plan, and to be more active in general.

Decreasing depression and anxiety. Pain isn't "all in our head," but how we think about pain does make a difference. Depression, anxiety and loneliness magnify the perception of pain. Families understand this, and often worry about their loved one being home alone while they can't be there. An in-home caregiver can provide transportation to the senior center, to Bible study or to other social events your loved one enjoys. Seniors report that just having another person around the house is a mood brightener that "takes your mind off your aches and pains."

Dementia care support. Pain control is especially challenging when a loved one has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Sometimes pain underlies behavior changes such as wandering and aggressiveness. Yet your loved one may be unable to express that they are feeling pain. According to professional in-home caregivers, it's important to be aware of signals that indicate pain, such as slower movements, decreased function, wincing or irritability.

Untreated, pain can lead to a cycle of decline that makes it impossible for a senior to stay in his or her home or retirement community. Persistent pain that has an impact on physical function, psychological function or quality of life should be treated appropriately. In-home care can be an effective addition to the pain management team.

Senior Care Tax Deductions

2010-04-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

With taxes due in just a few days its a good reminder that often times in-home care can be deducted from your taxes.

Our friends at caregiverlist.com provide a nice little recap of possible tax deductions for care below.

As the tables turn and children become the caregiver for their parents, and as the senior care expenses begin adding up, family caregivers often ask if Uncle Sam offers a tax deduction similar to the tax deduction for child care.

The answer is, yes, if you are able to claim the elderly relative as a dependent (your parent does not have to live with you but you must be providing for more than half of their financial support, which includes food and transportation). If you and your parent meet the Internal Revenue Service's criteria, you will be able to deduct up to $3,400.00 from your taxable income (for year 2007). Social Security benefits are not counted in most cases.

In addition, the Internal Revenue Service lets you deduct medical costs as long as they are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. This may include the medical (and dental) expenses of everyone listed on your tax return, including your spouse and dependents. You may be able to include some of the expenses paid for a parent, along with expenses for a caregiver.

Keep in mind medical expenses include travel expenses to and from medical treatments, along with uninsured treatments, such as hearing aides and false teeth. If more than one child participates in the financial support of the parent, some families rotate the deduction to a different child each year.

Please do consult your accountant and review the specifics on the IRS publication guides (IRS Publication 502 covers medical expense deductions and IRS Publication 554 covers dependent care deductions).

A new baseball season offers new chances for family to come together

2010-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

So we've all seen Field of Dreams. James Earl Jones, playing a reclusive author, talks about playing and talking baseball with his father. The whole reason for Kevin Costner to build his "Field of Dreams" in a cornfield is to recreate a chance to finally play catch with his father.

Similar sentiments are expressed by Daniel Stern in City Slickers when he reminisces that no matter how bad things got between his father and him he could always talk baseball with him.

My father wasn't necessarily a great baseball guy, but he is the reason I became a New York Met fan growing up in Jersey. My father grew up in Queens and was a fan of the Giants. After they moved west and along came the expansion Mets in 1962 it was just natural for my father to become a Met fan and thus it seemed natural that I too cheer for those Miraculous Mets.

We once had a client here at Right at Home who, after he retired, worked as an usher for many years with the Dodgers. Disease overtook him, but I remember stopping by once just to say "hi" and then sitting with him for the next 2 hours as we watched the Dodgers play the Arizona Diamondbacks. He could be a difficult client, but you could just tell how appreciative he was of having someone to watch the game with.

The 2010 baseball season just started. The Dodgers and Angels are both expected to be in contention. The Yankees and Red Sox continue to throw obscene amounts of money at players while teams like the Royals and Pirates just can't seem to compete. Everyone thinks the Phillies will the National League East and everyone thinks the Nationals will finish last in the National League East.

But regardless of who your favorite team is, this might be a nice time to visit your father or grandfather (or even mother - my mother-in-law is a huge Colorado Rockies fan and watches every game) and watch a baseball game with him. It might be appreciated far more than you know.

How the City Crisis Hits Home

2010-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I posted an article from Stephanie Vendig of the Greater Griffith Park Senior Center, but her take on Los Angeles' budget crisis is certainly worth a read. You can read Stephanie's column every month in the Los Feliz Ledger at www.losfelizledger.com

The news is bleak for our city, including our school district, as never before. And when you add in the State, it is pretty catastrophic. For these local public entities these days, it is not about tightening the belt or getting rid of the fluff. We are talking about core services that impact all of us, in one way or the other. In order to avert bankruptcy or other costly consequences, there is a scrambling to find all kinds of ways to reduce the financial burden.

The recommendations of Miguel Santana, City Administrative Officer, in his “Three-Year Plan for Fiscal Sustainability” report to the Mayor and the City Council on January 29th spelled out the alarm in 273 pages. LA’s economic woes are mainly due to the economic recession beginning in 2008 as a consequence of our local real estate downturn, which has been severe, and the unemployment rate higher than in all previous recessions. The revenue that mainly comes from, sales, business, hotel, communication users, and gas user’s taxes, hasn’t been enough to cover the costs. Currently, the City Council and the Mayor are struggling to come to agreement on the recommendations.

Because of my involvement with Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation and Parks at the Griffith Park Adult Community Center (GPACC) I am paying attention to this crisis a little more than usual. The department is asked to reimburse the general fund for their utility costs, which has not been done in the past, and for their pension costs. As a result of these and other recommendations, the department may end up with a different sense of itself in order to live within the budget. However, these recommendations raise the specter of potentially hurting the recreational function of the department.

Already, layoffs have started with Recreation Coordinators, Child Care programs, and Therapeutic Centers. The early retirement of some Facility Directors may mean no replacement, and a group of current Facility Directors has been warned of possible layoffs by July. There are more than 390 sites, including 28 senior centers that provide recreational opportunities in Los Angeles. The idea that quality recreation programs can operate with limited staff is not very reassuring. Not only that, if there is not enough experienced and trained staff within these programs, the recreation part of “Recreation and Parks” will suffer.

I would say it is letter-writing time. We should remind councilmembers that cost-saving decisions must not result in the substantial reduction or the potential elimination of the recreation function of the department. Los Angeles deserves better.

Happy Easter from Right at Home

2010-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

All of us at Right at Home would like to wish all of you a very happy Easter Sunday.

Caregiver of the Month - Annette P.

2010-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Right at Home is proud to announce that Annette P. has been named the Right at Home caregiver of the month for March 2010.

Annette is a C.N.A. currently going to school to become a Registered Nurse. She has worked with Right at Home since last year, primarily working 5 days a week on a case in the Los Feliz area for the past 5 months. As the case has grown more difficult and the clients needs have increased, Annette continues to work diligently to provide the best care possible while navigating a difficult family dynamic as well.

We are proud to have Annette has an employee of Right at Home.

Congratulations Annette!

Hobbies for Elderly or Disabled Persons

2010-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

So often we get asked by family members for different things a caregiver can do with their loved one to keep them active. Below is an article from disabled-world.com that helps provide some ideas.

Has it just occurred to you that your retirement has left you turning in circles?

You finally have your well earned freedom and you don't know what to do with it anymore? There are many hobbies out there that you can take part in and we will be speaking of some in this short article. Hopefully we will awaken an old passion of yours and get you to enjoy it as much as you dreamed of enjoying it then.

Writing - With all the beautiful moments of joy you may have lived in your lifetime, might it inspire you to creative writings and thoughts. Why not write a book or novel that will be passed down to your children and their children. We all have so much to say so why not write it so that all can be said? Feeding your mind with creative writings, love stories with a little bit of fantasy and such can be a great aid to staying happy. Filling your mind with passionate stories may bring back the passion in many other areas of your daily routines.

Music - Music is a big part of our lives. We always have some long forgotten favorites, a moment of joy can follow the sound of an old soothing melody you used to know so well. While you hold time in your hands why not go on the lookout for all of your lost favorites with the thought of bringing them to play in your home. That may be one step to keeping a nice healthy smile on your face, and a warm feeling in your heart as you sink into comfort. So put your favorite music on and let it play as you find an interest for these other hobbies.

Cooking - Now is the time to excell in cooking more then ever. There is not much that can make you more proud then one of your successful recipes. Make lots of it and give some to your children and grandchildren, to your neighbors and friends. There is no way to more appreciate life then with good food, and if you can make the best food... keep that smile on your face. There are so many things out there to experiment with take everything that looks plausible and mix it together, give it your own touch toss it around in the oven or on the stove. Be proud of getting better at it and you will often end up with miracle food, that being when you can't help enjoying it.

Homemade Soap - One of the fastest growing hobby businesses of the last 10 years is soap making. The process of soap making can be a tedious somewhat dangerous enterprise, which begs the question, why? Why are so many Americans pursuing a task our colonial ancestors were glad to be rid of? Mainly because it is such a fun and enjoyable pastime creating various fragrances and shapes out of your own bars of soap. You may even find yourself earning some extra money selling your homemade soap. See our article on how to make homemade soap.

Yoga and Exercise - You can start off with yoga, if you haven't done yoga before simply improvise and it will still work. Put on some of the most soothing songs that you can. Or even better then music are those tapes of relaxing sounds of nature, or anything similar like where you can hear birds and water streams. Then simply sit down in your most comfortable position for a moment and listen to the soothing sounds. Relate to the sounds of nature and as your eyes are closed imagine yourself there. Imagine that you are no longer yourself but part of what you are hearing, you are the water and the birds, as you are the leaves and the wind. Now slowly stretch in a manner that would be most comfortable to you. Attend to your body and muscles, and stretch them with ease slowly in whatever direction they desire going. You may do it for as long as you feel completely emptied of bad thoughts. Then you can face the day with some more physical training.

Knitting and Crochet - For all women, be aware that every family needs at least one person who is able to fix the holes in all that nice clothes. Most of the time your grandchildren will make you the elect. If it is something you like doing, why not? You may sharpen your skills and even make clothes from scratch, get creative and make surprises. What is more fun then having your own fashion design shop in the comfort of your home? It is an art so complex and the possibilities are endless, get in with your own style and wear the clothes you make. Then make something your children may like while practicing for getting better at what you love doing. Free Crochet Patterns

Grow and Even Sell Herbs - Not only is herb growing a fantastic hobby for the elderly and people with disabilities, it can also be a very very profitable pastime. Herbs are in huge demand these days due to the huge increase in popularity of natural healing and treatments using age old remedies such as herbs and spices and not to mention the healthy eating trend that is taking the country by storm. Fresh herbs be used for home remedies and cooking and are also very popular dried. They can be turned into products, such as herbal balms, essential oils, and various ointments. Do some research and you will soon see exactly what a huge market and potential you have for earning money from a product that costs next to nothing to produce. Not to mention the lovely fresh herbs you will have to add to your own dishes. More on how to make money growing and selling herbs.

Wood Work - For all men with some extra space in their house or garage, some Wood Work can be the real deal. Make wood railings, desks and tables then replace your old ones that were bought at a store by the ones that you have made. After a while you can start making your own wild designs, each looking better then the last. You may eventually decide to get back what making them is costing you by selling them to people you know or by finding a way to get your work known to your neighborhood. In any case the making of beautiful furniture is always appreciated by both you and all who may set their eyes on your work, they might even buy one of your projects to motivate you. What you can do is really limitless, from chairs to mobile walls and wall corners, tables and foot stools. Add your own touch to everything around you, make your own furniture and interior decorations, it's hard to beat the end result. Both the beautiful environment it will bring to your home and your creative mind running loose in it's construction.

Collecting - Collecting pretty much anything can be a fun hobby. Take something you like, whether it's stamps or coin collecting and give yourself an objective. Let's say you want 100 of a certain type or model, then you can do that. If you want to collect all the different types and models, that could be another option. What you can do is try and get your hands on all the coins from 1900 to 2008, when you have succeeded that objective you can stretch the date back to the 1800's and go for those, it is an easy hobby and not too much maintenance is required after you are up and started. It really on requires the first initial search through your own change and how you are going to be holding it in an organized fashion. There are some coin folders you can get in certain shops which can then be placed inside a book. You can then flip the pages which are coin holders and transparent so that you can well see where you are at, and which ones you are missing. Then once you get a little change after a purchase simply search through it and see if you might have the ones you are missing between 1995 and 1998. Have Fun!

Laugh and Giggle - Jokes, comedy shows and family games where improvising is involved are just a number of ways for having fun. Set up a date where you and your family can get together and have a night of fun and laughter. Put on some comedy shows in the living room, get busy with some jokes in the kitchen and find a place to play some role playing comedy with your family and friends. One fun game is where everyone takes turns to imitate a profession, action or person. Without talking or giving hints through speech, the person who is standing must try to act as what they have chosen to be. For example if one were to try to imitate an electrician they would try and pretend they are playing with wires or fake getting an electric jolt. Then everyone else tries to be the first to guess what that person is imitating, the one who does guess it first then becomes the one who must stand up and role play. Whatever you can do to laugh more and have some fun is good, give yourself some time and do so as much as possible. It's just one of those things that will keep you healthy.

Model making - Building miniature planes cars and buildings. Some of these come as puzzles while cars and planes come with parts and pieces along with an assembly plan. Once assembled you can paint the car or plane the way you want it to look like and give it your own style, or paint it the way the assembly plan tells you to, as to make it what it is originally supposed to look like. There are also small to big buildings you can make which come as puzzles. Some of these can have from hundreds to thousands of pieces or less, depending on your patience. Once built they are good for collection and are worthwile once you are done, since you have worked hard for it to achieve it's final state. This can be a very fun hobby and starting a collection on a shelf is always pleasing.

Go for a walk - Take a slow relaxing walk and don't be scared of what is going on around you, see what the young one's are doing in the city. Let yourself fall into well being and no one will take it away from you. There are too many elders out there who walk staring to the ground while avoiding all eye contact, we should not be hiding we should be proud of what we are and have been.

Although you are older now you should not be treating yourself lightly, be good to yourself. Now that you no longer work you can be MORE active then anyone else. Don't not let fear from television programs or news stations keep you from taking a walk everyday. The world is yours now, go out and explore without thought that you are old and vulnerable for it will keep you from living.

Get yourself back in shape, it is not impossible in any way. It can only get better if you take it slow and then slowly get more and more active.
From walks to short joggings, when inside your home why not try a few jumping jacks. There is nothing to be shy about, and you shouldn't feel that you can't be doing it. Slowly but surely you will feel yourself live again as you attend to your own good.

How to Care for Loved Ones After a Stroke

2010-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Kayla Harris penned the following article on how to care for a loved one who suffered from a stroke.

A stroke can be a positive or negative life-changing event. Whatever will it be for your loved one, only one thing is for sure—a stroke can be very challenging. It’s easier to accept the negative effects of stroke than struggle and turn them into a positive life-changing event. But you can do something to help your loved one turn this negative into a positive thing.

You see, people who have had a stroke start to become frustrated about their selves because they can do few things and they can’t live the life they once had. But with the support of people who love them, they surely can feel better, at least. At most, your care and support might help your loved one recover from stroke for good. Either way, your support for a stroke victim will surely be a positive thing for them. Here are some ways on how you can take care for a loved one after they’ve had a stroke:

* Rehabilitation. Undergoing rehabilitation is very important before returning home. But some stroke victims refuse any rehabilitation effort usually because of hopelessness. If that’s the case, you should encourage the stroke victim to undergo rehabilitation efforts. Explain to him the benefits of a rehabilitation program and how important it is.

* Practice. Your loved one will learn a lot of things in the rehabilitation program. You will learn what these things are, too. It’s very vital to encourage him to continue practicing what he has learned from the rehabilitation program. Offer your assistance also especially for complicated activities so that the patient won’t end up frustrated.

* Have fun. Being happy while suffering stroke is next to impossible. But if you initiate fun activities with a stroke victim, he might forget about the condition and be happy. By doing what the victim enjoys, he will surely see the bright side of life.

* Assistive devices. Stroke victims will find it hard to practice mobility. But with assistive devices, they can do better with their usual everyday things-to-dos like walking, getting dressed, and eating. These devices will help the patient do things on his own, and it is not only helpful for his development but for his self-esteem.

* Joining groups. Encourage the stroke patient to join groups especially established for stroke victims. Exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow victims will help him realize that he is not alone and that his condition is curable. Perhaps, he’ll also learn that having a stroke is not the end of his world.

Most stroke victims can still be cured depending on how determined they are and how their loved ones inspire them to continue fighting. After all, there’s no better option for you and your loved one but to try every possible way to recover from stroke. Struggling is better than doing nothing even though it can be very difficult for you and your loved one. But the stroke victim usually sources out strength from people around him. You should be stronger and determined than the victim—it’s the best way you can do to help.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

All of at Right at Home want to wish everyone a happy - and safe - St. Patrick's Day!

Rising Costs for Seniors in 2010

2010-03-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

How much does it cost to grow old in the United States? Many people look forward to retiring with a healthy savings account and dream of spending their days traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. But as seniors are living longer – the average life expectancy in 2010 is 78 – they are also becoming financially vulnerable when it comes to their ability to meet essential expenses and cover projected costs over their lifetimes.

“Some seniors are faced with a growing financial gap between income and basic needs,” said Douglas Dickstein, owner of Right at Home in the Greater Los Angeles area. “However, there are resources available to help seniors continue to live independently.”

Rising Costs
Seniors and their loved ones are dealing with the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and healthcare. While the average Social Security benefit for a couple is $21,569 per year, basic living expenses exceed an average of $31,000 per year.

Rising healthcare costs are a main concern for seniors. Research has shown that Medicare covers only about half of a senior’s medical expenses, contrary to the common belief that Medicare will cover most costs. Seniors spend more on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses than any other age group and their spending is more than double the average of non-elderly adults, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. Seniors, ages 65 and older, spend an average of $4,888 annually for deductibles, co-payments, premiums and other healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.

Many seniors also must deal with the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. The costs associated with senior care can vary greatly depending on the number of hours of service needed each day or week, where you are located in the country and the level of services you need. According to a recent survey by MetLife, the hourly rates of home health aide workers and respite care providers range from $8 to $40 per hour. Monthly costs vary widely because of the varying time periods that someone may need care. For example, some people use home care a few hours a day while others use home care around the clock. Cost can also vary depending on the services utilized in your home. The cost of assisted living facilities ranges from $850 to $4,000 per month, while the average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $6,400 per month.

Available Resources
There are many options and tools available to help seniors pay for these necessary expenses. One option is the purchase of long term care insurance. Just like other insurances, with long term care insurance, policy owners pay a premium for coverage in the event that you will need home care, an assisted living facility or a nursing home in the future. There are many different types of policies that you can choose from, some that even protect against inflation. Of course, the best time to apply is when you are healthy, young and not in need of it.

Long term care insurance can be an important investment in your future, but it’s very important to have all of the facts before you buy. Before you make any decision on whether or not to purchase long term care insurance, you should seek the counsel of your financial advisor, elder law attorney or insurance agent to fully review all of the different types of coverage available.

Another option to pay for costs associated with aging is a reverse mortgage, which allows homeowners ages 62 or older to access the equity they have in their home. The lender makes payments to you, the homeowner, not the other way around. Think of it this way: a reverse mortgage gradually reduces the amount of equity you have in your home by the amount of the payments advanced to you, plus interest on the amount advanced, plus any fees you finance as part of the deal.

The money that is accessed can be used to make improvements and modifications for safety and accessibility, pay for home care needs or a variety of other expenses. The funds you receive are likely to be tax-free and will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits. For more information on reverse mortgages, you can call the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse at 1-800-569-4287 to obtain contact information for an HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a list of FHA-approved lenders in your area. AARP also offers information about reverse mortgages you may find useful, including alternatives to a reverse mortgage. The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) is another great Web site to visit for more information.

Right at Home Owner Doug Dickstein quoted in L.A. Times

2010-03-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home owner Doug Dickstein was interviewed and quoted for a recent L.A. Times article written by Michelle Hofmann. To read the article in its entirety regarding purchasing homes for the multigenerational family, here is a link to the story online

Right at Home welcomes a new Staffing Coordinator

2010-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home in Glendale is happy to announce that they've hired Joanne Acosta to as a Staffing Coordinator.

Joanne has worked as a staffing coordinator for four years at 2 other companies and after taking a short break for school is back working in the industry she has a passion for.

Joanne will be in charge of hiring, staffing and scheduling our caregivers as well as other office administrative duteies.

We are so pleased that Joanne chose to join the Right at Home team!

Caregiver of the Month in February - Megan M.

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Megan McHone for being named our caregiver of the month for the February 2010.

Megan has worked for Right at Home for just under a year and has worked on a variety of companion care cases. She is currently working part-time on three (3) different cases and has always been extremely well received by all of our clients.

Full of style and sass, Megan has become a breath of fresh air both for the clients she serves as well as our office staff. Megan, who owns her own catering business and also volunteers at Meals on Wheels, is a great part of the Right at Home team.

Congratulations Megan!

Senior Citizens Can Add Quality Years to Life with Exercise

2010-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

My 79 year-old father has not only taken the best physical care of himself. He loves Red-Meat and Bacon; has no qualms about chomping down on sugary snacks; and has been a smoker for virtually his entire life. However, health problems have slowly started to weigh him down the last few years and he finally took his doctor's advice and went on an exercise program. And you know what? It's working. He recently told me he never exercised before because it was, in his words, "A Pain in the $*%#." but he now extols the virtues of exercise even in later life stating he feels better now than he has in a few years. If this personal anecdote isn't enough to get you or your loved one up and moving, than perhaps this article highlighting a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne study from a few years ago will.

A study has found that previously sedentary senior citizens who incorporated exercise into their lifestyles not only improved physical function, but experienced psychological benefits as well.

“Exercise is a lot like spinach … everybody knows it's good for you; yet many people still avoid it, forgoing its potential health benefits,” say the authors.

But researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, led by kinesiology professor Edward McAuley, who study the effects of exercise on aging point to their new findings that may inspire people to get up, get out and get moving on a regular basis.

"The implications of our work are that not only will physical activity potentially add years to your life as we age, but the quality of those years is likely to be improved by regular physical activity," McAuley said.

The UI research indicated positive psychosocial and cognitive outcomes -- in effect, significant quality-of-life gains -- among participants who remained physically active long after they began an initial randomized, six-month exercise trial consisting of walking and stretching/toning exercises. Results were gleaned from a battery of surveys and assessments administered at one- and five-year intervals following the initial exercise regimen.

McAuley said the study -- which assessed physical activity levels, quality of life, physical self-esteem, self-efficacy and affect in a large sample (174) of adults over age 65 -- is believed to be the only one to date to examine the relationship between physical activity and quality of life over such a long time.

"Self-efficacy," McAuley noted, can be defined as "the belief, or self-confidence, in one's capacity to successfully carry out a task"; while "affect" refers to reported levels of happiness or contentment.

The researchers found that participants who continued to be physically active a year after baseline responses were recorded -- through engagement in leisure, occupational or home activities, such as house-cleaning or gardening -- were "fitter, had higher levels of self-efficacy and physical self-esteem, expressed more positive affect and reported, in turn, a better quality of life."

Increased physical activity over time, as indicated by results of the five-year follow-up, "was associated with greater improvements in self-esteem and affect. Enhanced affect was, in turn, associated with increases in satisfaction with life over time," the researchers noted.

"Our findings are important on several fronts," McAuley said. "First, we demonstrated that physical activity has long-term effects on important aspects of psychosocial functioning through its influences on self-efficacy, quality of life and self-esteem."

"Second, there is a growing interest in the relationship between physical activity and quality of life, especially in older adults. However, much of this work suggests a direct relationship between the two. Our work takes the approach, and the data support it, that physical activity influences more global aspects of quality of life through its influence on more proximal physical and psychological factors such as affect, self-efficacy and health status."

A related, two-year study conducted in McAuley's lab looked at the roles played by physical activity, health status and self-efficacy in determining "global quality of life," or satisfaction with life among older adults. The research focused on a different sample of 249 older black and white women. Results of that study will be published in an article titled "Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Influence of Health Status and Self-Efficacy" in a forthcoming edition of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

In that study, the researchers tested three potentially competing models of the physical activity/quality-of-life relationship and ultimately concluded that their findings "offer a strong theoretical foundation for understanding physical activity and quality-of-life relationships in older adults."

McAuley said the study's results confirm earlier findings by other researchers suggesting "changes in levels of functioning in older adults with chronic conditions were not predicted simply by health status or disease state, but also by physical activity and self-efficacy."

In other words, he said, there is a tendency among adults with lower self-expectations of their physical abilities to give up -- to reduce the number of activities they engage in as well as the degree of effort they expend toward that end.

"These reductions, in turn, provide fewer opportunities to experience successful, efficacy-enhancing behaviors leading to further reductions in efficacy," McAuley said. "Our data would suggest that such declines are likely to lead to subsequent reductions in health status and, ultimately, quality of life."

Results of the study appear in an article titled "Physical Activity Enhances Long-Term Quality of Life in Older Adults: Efficacy, Esteem and Affective Influences," published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine. Co-authors with McAuley on the report are UI kinesiology professor Robert W. Motl; psychology professor Ed Diener; and current and former graduate students Steriani Elavsky, Liang Hu, Gerald J. Jerome, James F. Konopack and David X. Marquez.

Co-authors of the study with McAuley are Motl; kinesiology and psychology professor Karl R. Rosengren; and graduate students Konopack, Shawna E. Doerksen and Katherine S. Morris.

The research was funded by grants from the National Institute on Aging.

Facial Make Up Tips for Senior Women: FoundationThrough Blush

2010-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I admit, as owner of Right at Home here in Los Angeles, I'm not much use to my female clients when it comes to areas such as hair, make-up or nail polish. So I thought this article at www.seniorwomennow.com might be of benefit to some.

Whether you are nearing retirement or have recently retired, your appearance is still very important.

I’d like to share Roberto Sedycias’s ” 8 Face Make up tips to Enhance Your Beauty.” These are easy and only take a few minutes to apply. Leaving time to enjoy the wonderful world of a senior woman.

Face makeup can be used to highlight one`s good features and also to camouflage the not-so-good features. Useful and practical tips go a long way in enhancing your looks. Some of the practical tips are:

1. Foundation forms the base of the face makeup and is applied after the face has been cleansed and moisturized. Wait for a few moments for the moisturizer to be absorbed before applying the foundation. Use your fingertips or a damp sponge to dab small dots of the foundation on the forehead, nose, and cheek and chin area and blend well right into your hairline and jaw line.

2. Blending is the key to good makeup and cannot be stressed enough as proper blending will give a natural look to the face and not leave blotches here and there. Blot your face gently with tissue paper to absorb the excess foundation.

3. A concealer is a very versatile piece of cosmetic as it can hide pimples, scars, dark circles and blemishes on the face. Apply the concealer on the desired spot and spread it towards the edges and do not over-apply it as it will then look too obvious an attempt to hide some flaw.

4. Before putting on the eye shadow, apply a base of neutral color on the eyelids and do not try to match the eye shadow with your outfit. The eye shadow should suit your skin color. Dab the eye shadow on the entire length of the eye lid starting from the inside and moving outwards. 2 or 3 colors of eye shadow can be used together but some expert blending is required to give a smooth look. Stick to lighter or neutral colors for day wear but for the evenings, experiment with brighter, bolder colors or the smoky, smoldering look.

5. The eyeliner should be drawn as close to the lash line as possible to give the impression of thicker eyelashes. Although black is the favorite color for the eyeliner, blue, brown or navy blue can look equally stunning. In fact, the color of your eyes can be brought out magnificently by using the right eyeliner.

6. Mascara can literally be termed the `magic wand` as it can be used to coat the most meager of eyelashes to give the effect of full, lush eyelashes. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the next coat and then using a mascara comb, run it through the eyelashes to shake off the excess mascara. An eyelash curler is also an invaluable cosmetic aid but the curling should be done before the applying the mascara.

7. Chapped lips should be treated with a lip balm before applying lipstick. A thin base of foundation on the lips will allow the correct tone of the lipstick to show. Lips can be first outlined with a lip liner which is slightly darker than the lipstick color but of the same tone and then the lips can be filled in with the lipstick with a lip brush. The shape of the lips can be corrected with the help of the lip liner. Using a lip brush helps give an even coating of color to the lips. A lip gloss on the middle of the lips will give a fuller look to the lips.

8. The blusher should be chosen according to one`s skin tone. If using powder blusher, put some on the brush and shake off the excess powder before the application. Smile while applying the blusher and put it on with upward strokes towards the ears. Again, blending is the key to perfect application and for contouring the face.

So, the right face makeup can enhance any woman`s natural looks even if she is not Helen of Troy!

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Milk Benefits More Than Just Bones

2010-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

We saw this article on a recent study at www.healthandage.com and thought it was worth re-posting for those of you who still resist the benefits of milk.

Can a diet that includes plenty of dairy foods cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

Milk drinking has declined over the past 30 years. During this same time, the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes has increased. Is this just a coincidence, or are the two trends related? Harvard University researchers recently took a look at this question by examining the relationship between dairy consumption, obesity, and factors leading to the development of type 2 diabetes in young adults.

Their focus was on health factors --- including obesity and abnormally high levels of insulin in the bloodstream --- that appear to contribute to high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and elevated blood triglycerides. This cluster of risk factors, called the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) or syndrome X, is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

A look at diet and lifestyle

For this analysis, more than 3,000 young adults from 4 US cities completed a questionnaire that documented lifestyle habits, including smoking status, physical activity, and diet. A physical exam and blood tests measured blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and body fat.

Study participants were monitored over a 10-year period, and were diagnosed with insulin resistance syndrome if they had at least two of the following symptoms: high blood sugar, obesity, high blood pressure, and a combination of low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides.
Dairy foods benefit overweight adults

Among the volunteers who were somewhat overweight, there was a significantly lower incidence of IRS characteristics --- obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels --- in those who ate more dairy foods. Those who ate at least 5 servings per day (of milk, cheese, yogurt, and dairy-based desserts) reduced their odds of developing IRS by 72%, even after taking into consideration other dietary and lifestyle factors that affect the likelihood of developing IRS.

In normal weight individuals, there was no consistent pattern between dairy consumption and development of IRS.
Why dairy?

Scientists aren't yet sure how specific foods might affect the risk of developing IRS. They speculate, though, that the protective benefits of dairy products may come from calcium, potassium, and magnesium --- all of which may lower the risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are on the rise in all racial, ethnic, and social class groups. Even children and young adults are developing these diseases at higher rates. The authors point out that dietary trends such as increased soda consumption (which often displaces milk) and snacking may contribute to overweight and poor health.
Make dairy decisions wisely

The downside of dairy is the high amount of saturated fat it contains. But consumers can minimize fat and calories by choosing low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Source

* Dairy consumption, obesity, and the insulin resistance syndrome in young adults: The CARDIA Study. MA. Pereira, DR. Jacobs, L. Van Horn, et al., JAMA , 2002, vol. 287, pp. 2081--2089

Solid Science Backs Up Health Benefits of Tai Chi

2010-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Note: This article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program.

While driving by your local park, have you noticed groups of people—many of them seniors—dressed in comfortable clothes, gracefully assuming postures and exhaling slowly? They are probably engaged in tai chi, a practice that is becoming more popular as part of seniors' exercise routine these days. Is there anything to the claimed benefits of tai chi?

Over the last year, a lot of "alternative therapies" have received bad marks in medical tests. But this year, the ancient practice of tai chi received positive attention from a number of universities and health institutions. More and more seniors are taking tai chi classes to improve balance, mood and joint health. It has become part of the fall protection strategy for many older adults.

What is tai chi?

Tai chi (sometimes called "qi gong" or "tai chi chuan") is a body awareness practice which originated in China as a martial art. It is sometimes called "moving meditation," as the goal is to increase awareness of one's body in space. Traditionally, tai chi practitioners speak of the concepts of yin and yang and a life force called qi, but whatever your beliefs, the actual physical practice of tai chi can be a good part of a fitness routine.

During a tai chi session, participants engage in slow, flowing movements while breathing deeply. They assume a series of postures that may remind you of yoga. The goal is to concentrate and to put aside distracting thoughts, to achieve a balance between relaxation and focus.

Tai chi is often practiced in groups, but once trained, you can also do it alone. Many practitioners enjoy a morning tai chi session in a park or other outdoor place when the weather is nice.

What are the benefits?

Tai chi is a great exercise for seniors. It is gentle on the joints, requires no equipment, and can be performed at home or in a free or inexpensive class. After their tai chi session, many seniors report feeling a spiritual lift that improves mood and allows for a sense of well-being for the rest of the day. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says that the 2.3 million Americans who currently practice tai chi report improved sleep, conditioning and overall wellness.

One of the main uses of tai chi is in fall prevention programs. According to The American College of Rheumatology, tai chi can improve posture, balance, proprioception (the sense of position) and coordination. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation confirms this, pointing out that tai chi reduces fall risk by decreasing the fear of falling through increased self-confidence.

Dr. Chenchen Wang, a physician at Tufts-New England Medical Center, has analyzed 50 tai chi studies from around the world. "Overall, these studies reported that long-term tai chi had favorable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in the elderly," said Wang, who is also an assistant professor of medicine at Tufts University. "Benefit was also found for balance, strength and flexibility in older subjects; and pain, stress and anxiety in healthy subjects."

In a 2009 study, Wang and her colleagues further confirmed that osteoarthritis patients who engaged in regular tai chi sessions experienced improved physical function and decreased pain. In the study, each session included self-massage, tai chi movement, training in breathing techniques, and ended with ten minutes of relaxation. Wang points out that the physical components of tai chi are consistent with exercise recommendations for arthritis, which include range-of-motion, muscle conditioning and aerobic workout. The mental components of tai chi improve the perception of pain by promoting a sense of well-being, triggering the release of endorphins, the body's own pain relievers.

What are the risks?

Tai chi is generally safe so long as you are aware of your own body limitations. It may be best to begin with the help of an instructor to be certain you are performing the movements correctly. And as with any exercise regimen, if you overdo it, you may feel sore muscles afterwards. The National Institute on Aging encourages seniors to tell their healthcare provider about any complementary and alternative practices they use. As always, before starting any type of exercise program, it's best to consult your doctor. And if you have a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider before starting tai chi.

Learn More

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers an introduction to the history, benefits and risks of tai chi.

Is It Time to Give Up the Car?

2010-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

For most of us, the automobile represents independence, control and mobility. We couldn't wait to get our first driver's license when we were teenagers, and we would like to keep driving as long as possible.

However, some of the normal changes of aging can make driving more challenging. Hearing loss, vision problems, decreased reaction time, memory loss and lessened manual dexterity are all limitations that tend to increase as a person ages.

Seniors and their loved ones should discuss driving safety, and periodically assess driving abilities to honestly judge whether the senior adult is safe behind the wheel. There may come a point when any one of these conditions or a combination of several make it difficult and risky to keep driving.

Some older drivers become increasingly nervous about their driving ability, and consequently become less mobile in the community. Some keep driving until an incident occurs—a scare, a minor accident, or worse—and then quit driving abruptly, without having made plans for what they will do without the car. And others are in denial, refusing to face up to limitations until family members or the department of licensing step in.

Seniors who have successfully made the transition from being a driver urge others to plan ahead and be proactive. One 80-year-old man who abruptly stopped driving after an accident counsels, "Don't wait for circumstances to make decisions for you!"

Giving Up Driving Doesn't Mean Giving Up Mobility

The first thing to do is to add up the cost of owning and maintaining a car. Car payments, insurance, repairs, gasoline, parking fees—all these should go into your calculation. For most people, the total is considerable. Think of those dollars as money available for alternative transportation.

Knowing your loved one has this "transportation allowance" available, begin to calculate the alternatives, and ask your loved one these questions:

* Do you live on or near a bus or rapid transit route? Where are the places you can conveniently travel using public transportation? If you've never explored your local bus, subway or light rail, take a field trip! Just hop on and take a ride some day, making sure you know how to return to the same spot. Look for grocery stores, dry cleaners, other shopping possibilities along the route.

* Do you have family or friends who might enjoy giving you a ride to church, to your doctor's office, to the barber or beauty shop, or on a weekly shopping trip?

* Is there special transportation for seniors in your area? Where will they take you? How convenient is it? How much lead time is needed to use this service?

* How much do cab rides cost to your usual destinations? Will a cab company take "standing assignments" on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? Once you have figured out how the first three modes of transportation will work, use taxi cabs to fill in the blanks.

* Don't forget walking! We get in the habit of driving, even though some local destinations are near and provide a little extra exercise.

With this kind of planning, many seniors lose their anxiety over giving up driving. It may not be easy, but having a workable plan for getting where you want to go is a major step forward.

When the time comes to put away the keys, be creative in your approach. Encourage your loved one to try:

* Leaving the car in the garage for a while and see how they get along not using it.

* Setting a trial period for trying out transportation options.

* Giving the car to a favorite charity or a grandchild.

* Selling the car and using the money for an alternate transportation fund.

When seniors and families first begin to have concerns about the senior's driving, that is the time to begin planning a post-driving strategy. Think of this as just another challenge to be addressed, and then put your heads together, using your best problem-solving skills to keep your senior loved one active and mobile.

What's the Role of Family?

Don't let the topic of driving safety become a "taboo" subject in your family. Seniors have the right to make their own decisions as long as they're able, including the decision to keep driving. But family members have the right, and the responsibility, to be concerned about the safety of their loved one and of strangers who might be hurt in an accident. There is obvious potential for conflict here, but you shouldn't let it reach that point. Be willing to talk candidly about the issue, and be open to some risk-reducing compromises. Work together to create a plan that respects while it protects.

Learn More About Alternate Transportation Strategies

The National Center on Senior Transportation website offers information for older adults, caregivers and transportation providers to promote the greatest independence and mobility for seniors in the community.

Caregiver of the Month - Catherine Z.

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home wants to congratulate Catherine Z. for being our caregiver of the month for January!

Catherine has been working the same 5-day a week, live-in case for the past 6 months and has become a trusted confidant for both the patient and the patient's family. Despite some difficult times, including a few sleepless nights, Catherine has maintained her calm and friendly demeanor and has managed to not lose her cool even in the most trying of times.

As a recognition of her success, Angie will receive a Visa Gift Card, 2500 Care Reward points and her name engraved on the Right at Home caregiver of the month plaque.

Congratulations Catherine!

Right at Home is Growing...and Moving!

2010-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of our great clients, caregivers and referral sources that have helped make Right at Home in Los Angeles such a success. Because of all of you, we have grown steadily and have decided to move into new, bigger offices.

We'll still be in Glendale, but our new mailing address is:

Right at Home
249 North Brand Blvd. #539
Glendale, CA 91203

We actually started moving in to our new space on January 15th, but officially as of February 1st we'll be moved.

We still have the same phone number - 818-956-5905 - and the same website - www.glendale.rightathome.net - and we'll still provide you with the same great service.

Thank you again for helping Right at Home continue to serve and assist the senior population in Los Angeles.

Multigenerational Households: A Rising Trend in Caregiving

2010-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Multigenerational households, those that consist of at least three generations living together, are greatly increasing in numbers in the US. Many adult children are choosing to move their elderly parents and loved ones into their homes for several reasons, including aging, health problems and economic considerations.

Multigenerational households were once a common occurrence in the U.S. In the late 1800’s, almost 70 percent of elderly widows lived with an adult child, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 1990, that number drastically decreased to 20 percent but the trend has reversed again. U.S. statistics show the number of parents who have moved in with their adult children increased 67 percent to 3.6 million people between 2000 and 2007.

It is important for caregivers in multigenerational households to be aware of the stress that may arise from this type of living arrangement. For those with children still at home, caring for their older relatives under the same roof can increase the stresses of caring for the rest of the family. In addition, caregivers may worry about their own health or have their own financial issues. It is also important to consider potential needs such as home modifications, the division of chores and outside assistance.

Whether the creation of a multigenerational household is permanent or temporary, sandwich generation family caregivers should keep the following tips in mind to help all family members peacefully adjust to their new living arrangement:

- Discuss the circumstances: Discuss the circumstances upfront with the entire family so that everyone understands why the arrangement is in place. Every living arrangement has its benefits and drawbacks, and in order for it to work, the benefits must be recognized and outweigh the drawbacks. In the future, remembering why one has chosen to live in a multigenerational household will help family members cope with any conflicts that may arise.

- Share responsibility: Caregiving is a family responsibility and it lessens the weight for all involved if everyone works as a team. Devise a system to help out with household chores; each person should be responsible for something that helps the whole household.

- Prepare the home: Several physical modifications may be necessary to ensure the home is safe and convenient for seniors. Make sure there is proper lighting throughout the house and no loose carpeting, cords or other hazards to help avoid falls. It also may be necessary to modify the bathroom by adding non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower and grab-bars near the tub, shower and toilet.

- Consider hiring a part-time caregiver: Help is available for those caring for their elderly parents or relatives in their homes. Hiring a trained caregiver from an in-home care agency such as Right at Home can provide much-needed respite for family caregivers. They offer individualized services ranging from companionship, meal preparation and housekeeping to personal hygiene, bathing, medication reminders and more.

- Be flexible: This new living arrangement will take adjustment time. What works at the beginning will most likely change within the first few months and even more so in the next few years. Use a trial and error approach to refine boundaries and guidelines to keep peace in the household.

With family members living longer, many people are faced with the prospect of becoming a family caregiver for a significant number of years. It is important for the family to recognize that they will not be able to tend to all the needs of their loved ones alone and that occasionally they will need to rely on others for support. Communication is the key to making a multigenerational household a beneficial experience for all.

List of Senior Citizen Centers in Los Angeles

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Department of Recreation & Parks operates 27 senior citizen centers throughout the city. In addition, there are activity centers offering special events to accommodate seniors including: shuffleboard, croquet, arts and crafts, language lessons, oil painting, cards, entertainment and social dancing.

Below is a list of those 27 Senior Centers operated by the Department of Recreation & Parks in Los Angeles.

* Ahmanson Senior Center 3990 S. Menlo Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037
* Anderson Senior Center 828 S. Mesa Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
* Betty Hill SSenior Center 3570 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90018
* Boyle Heights Senior Center 2839 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
* Canoga Park Senior Center 7326 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303
* Claude Pepper Senior Center 1762 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
* Costello Senior Center 3121 E. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023
* El Sereno Senior Center 4818 Klamath Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032
* Fairfax Senior Center 7929 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
* Felicia Mahood Senior Center 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
* Glassell Senior Citizen Ctr 3750 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
* Griffith Park Senior Center 3203 Riverside Dr., Los Angeles CA 90027
* Highland Park Senior Center 6152 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042
* Jim Gilliam Senior Center 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
* Las Palmas Senior Center 1820 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
* Lincoln Heights Senior Ctr 2323 Workman Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
* Lincoln Park Senior Center 3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90031
* Mid-Valley Senior Center 14450 Valerio Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406
* Montecito Heights Senior Ctr 4545 Homer Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
* Mt. Carmel Senior Center 830 W. 70th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90044
* North Hollywood Senior Ctr 5301 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
* Slauson Senior Center 5306 S. Compton, Los Angeles, CA 90011
* Sunland Senior Center 8640 Fenwick Ave., Sunland, CA 91040
* Van Nuys Multi-Purpose Ctr 6514 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401
* Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Ctr 5040 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
* Vineyard Senior Center 2942 Vineyard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016
* Watts Senior Center 1657 East Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90002
* Westchester Senior Center 8740 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
* Westminster Senior Center 1234 Pacific Ave., Venice, CA 90291
* Pan Pacific Senior Center 141 S Gardner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
* Wilkinson MultiPurpose Ctr 8956 Vanalden Ave., Northridge, CA 91324

For more information on these facilities and other city services for seniors, cick on http://www.laparks.org/dos/senior/senior.htm

2009 CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR

2010-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

It was a close race, but the ballots have all been cast and the votes have all been tallied.

The Right at Home Los Angeles 2009 Caregiver of the Year is SUSANA A.

Susana has worked for Right at Home for 2 years and has been a model of consistency. She has worked with one client for over 1 year and has worked a weekend Live-In case with another client for the past 6 months. Sometimes this has resulted in Susana working 7 days a week, but she has never complained.

Not only is Susana A. reliable and always on time, she superbly documents all of her cases after each shift and has a calm and easy going demeanor that has allowed her to work through even the most difficult and stressful of situations.

Susana showed particular grit and smarts this year when she helped prevent one of her patients from being scammed out of thousands of dollars by an relentless con artist preying on vulnerable seniors. Susana recognized what was going on immediately, informed the office and then was able to deftly delay the situation until family members were able to address the issue.

We are proud to have Susana as part of our team.

CONGRATULATIONS SUSANA!

Understanding Home Care

2010-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

What is “home care”? How is it different from “home health”?

This is a question that is important for anyone who has an aging parent, relative, or acquaintance who they are trying to help deal with disability, or retain their independence by remaining at home. If keeping a parent or loved one at home is the goal, then understanding clearly what home care models are available is important.

Most of us think of the traditional “visiting nurse” when we think of home care, but this is actually usually home health care. We kind of get stuck in what I call the medical model mode of thinking. When we think of care, we assume services are designed like most of our medical care services to help us recover from an illness, and usually just short term. This kind of care is paid for by Medicare or health insurance, and comes most often after a stay in the hospital.

Home care as provided by companies like Right at Home is substantially different in its focus. We provide many services all geared to help maintain the quality of life in a home setting. This can be an array of care, including support with everyday activities like bathing and dressing, preparing and serving nutritious meals, running errands and keeping up with housework–in other words, a lot of stuff that family members do if they have the time or capability.

The problem is, and you know this already if you are caring for an aging parent–it is not always possible for family members to help with this sort of care. Without it, the quality of life of the aging parent continues to decline. They don’t eat well, they don’t take care of basic hygiene, and if they are forgetful they can do things that create a danger to them without someone checking in.

For further information, check out the definition at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_care. For an informative newsletter on caring for an aging parent see www.rightathome.net and click on newsletter signup.

Caregiver of the Month for December

2010-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Right at Home Los Angeles caregiver of the month for December is Dorothy T.

Dorothy has worked for Right at Home for about a year, much of it with the same client the past 8 months. Despite driving over 20 miles to her shift, Dorothy is never late and has created a close and personal bond with the client that she cares for as well as the client's family.

A Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.), Dorothy is currently in school to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.)

Reliable, always professional and exceedingly competent, Dorothy is an exemplary example of the best Right at Home can offer.

Congratulations Dorothy!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home in Glendale wants to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year! Get those resolutions ready - 2010 could be your year to thrive!

Seniors May Need Help Overcoming Post-Holiday Blues

2009-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Christmas and Right at Home is already bringing you down with news about depression - what's that all about? Well, it's certainly not our intention, but we did find the following article by Robert Preidt published in HealthDay News that we thought was relevant for this time of year, especially as so many of you may be leaving your parents or grandparents after the holidays and may not see them again for a while.

For many seniors, the holiday season can trigger melancholy as they think about lost loved ones, struggle with health issues or worry about money problems, according to the American Geriatrics Society.

To help overcome the seasonal blues, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging offers the following advice:

* Get out and socialize or invite family and friends over. Those who find it hard to get around should ask relatives and others for help traveling to parties and events.
* Volunteering can help improve mood. Contact the United Way or call local schools or religious organizations to ask about opportunities nearby.
* Don't drink too much alcohol because it can actually lower your spirits.
* Accept the fact that many people feel blue during the holidays and there is nothing wrong with not being "merry."
* Talking to someone about your feelings may help you understand the reasons why you feel sad.
* Watch for warning signs of depression. While holiday blues are temporary and mild, depression is more serious. Signs of depression include: persistent sadness; lack of interest; frequent crying; changes in appetite, weight or sleep; constant feelings of fatigue, restlessness, worthlessness, or guilt; suicidal thoughts.
* If you're depressed, contact your health-care provider. Depression is treatable.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging also offers tips for people with older loved ones who experience sadness during the holidays:

* Invite them out and to gatherings. Remember to take into account their needs, such as transportation or special diets.
* Lend a hand by offering to help with shopping and preparations for get-togethers in their homes.
* Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Acknowledge their sadness, including a sense of loss if family or friends have died or moved away.
* Suggest your loved one talk with a health-care provider. Many older people don't realize when they're depressed. Let your loved one know depression is a medical illness and there's no shame in having it.

Merry Christmas from Right at Home

2009-12-25T07:15:00.000-08:00

Right at Home in Glendale wants to wish everyone a warm and happy Christmas.

Unique Christmas Gifts for your Grandparents

2009-12-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas. You've bought gifts for your kids, your friends, your parents, maybe even your siblings. But don't forget your grandparents. Often times, it truly is the thought that counts, but as this article from Associated Content points out, sometimes you need to think outside that proverbial box when it comes to great gifts for your grandparents.

Need an idea of what to buy at Christmas for grandparents or other elderly friends and relatives? Some of the elderly have given up the hobbies they used to have, and may have moved to a smaller houses or apartments or live with family with little room for anything new.

If your grandparent is short of money, they may appreciate a card with a gift card or voucher for groceries. A surprise check to a utility company may come in handy for them. The gift giver can also make up a basket of the person's favorite food and drinks. When making a food basket, keep any dietary restrictions in mind.

A gift of a cleaning service or handyman (or a caregiver from Right at Home)might be appreciated by an elderly person who finds it hard to do any of these things for themselves. You may also print out a gift certificate and offer to do the cleaning, cooking or gardening yourself.

Elderly people tend to say they don't need a thing. But everyone including the elderly appreciates small luxuries. A gift certificate to a hair salon or even a spa for a facial or a massage is a great idea. Even a gift basket made up of moisturizers and bath supplies would be welcome as skin gets drier as we age.

Most elderly people stay home more often, some would like to get out more but don't socialize as much as they used to. A gift of an evening out would be welcome to a senior who has not been to a movie and dinner in a long time. Find out what the person likes and purchase tickets in advance. Maybe the person would like dinner and a movie, a play, concert etc..

A most unusual or interesting gift would be to purchase lessons for the receiver. A tennis or golf lesson, a ballroom dance class. Even learn to fly a plane! Talk to your grandparent and find out what their secret dream is.. You could possible make one of their dreams come true!

Elderly people also like music, movies and books just like younger people. Find out their favorite artists by talking to them. You would be surprised at what you find out. Getting an old album or movie or a signed book may just make their Christmas special.

Whatever you do just remember that grandparents are people too and sometimes the best gift of all is spending time with their family and friends making memories in front of the tree.

Knowing Alzheimer's

2009-12-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home Glendale owner Doug Dickstein had the great pleasure of working every now and then with Griffith Park Senior Center's Stephanie Vendig during his tenure as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in 2006-08. Stephanie also writes a monthly column for the Los Feliz Ledger, a local paper serving the Los Feliz, Atwater Village and Silver Lake areas. Below is a re-print of her most recent article.

Alzheimer’s, for us older adults, is cause for anxiety, especially since this disease, a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, is connected to our aging.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 report just released, nearly 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; most develop symptoms after age 60. This number is expected to double within 20 years. In fact, 50% of us, 85 and older, will probably succumb to Alzheimer’s or other related dementia conditions. Total healthcare costs are three times higher for Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementia than for other people age 65 and older, putting a financial burden on both families and programs.

Alzheimer’s is prevalent for various reasons. People are living longer. This means that more people will exhibit the full impact of dementia because it takes time to develop. Previously, you would die of other conditions before you die of Alzheimer’s. Because women live longer than men, their incidence is higher. In addition, the large group of “Baby Boomers”—78 million—is now reaching the age when the disease becomes evident. And finally, there is no cure at this time to restrain the increase.

In early stages, called “mild cognitive impairment,” the person shows a pattern of deficient memory and reduced performance on cognitive tests, but is still maintaining activities of daily living. In addition, depression, irritability, anxiety, aggression, and apathy are more apparent. Where once it seemed useless to get a diagnosis as early as possible, it is now worthwhile because studies into the earliest stages of the disease suggest that certain behaviors may slow cognitive decline, or that specific medication might slow the progression.

The saddest feature of Alzheimer’s and dementia is the toll on the person’s family who become caregivers. As a person’s behavior becomes more unpredictable, it is the caregiver who must increasingly be the manager of the person’s life. The stress and the time necessary to make sure that the person is safe and functioning is all consuming.

Check out Leeza’s Place about support groups and activities for the caregiver. (323) 932-5414 or ywyte@leezasplace.org. The Los Angeles City Dept. of Aging, with its multipurpose centers, provides resources for training, support groups, case management, and in-home respite care or adult day care: (213) 252-4030 or (800) 510-2020.

For comprehensive information on Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementia conditions, go to www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers, www.alz.org (Alzheimer’s Association), www.mayoclinic.com, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus. If you don’t have a computer, come to GPACC and get help there.

Senior Classes Offered by No. Hollywood Poly Adult School

Brain Fitness:
Based on UCLA’s Department on Aging, this course offers information on brain structure, ways to protect and practice memory skills, to live well. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Piedmont, 6750 Whitsett, North Hollywood and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Valley Storefront, 12821 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood.

Popular Music Appreciation:
Historical study of America’s Tin Pan Alley composers, using film, documentary, lyrics, life stories and discussion format. Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., The Valley Village Senior Apartments, 12111 Chandler Boulevard, Valley Village and Wednesdays at The Sunrise, 4610 Coldwater Blvd, Studio City.

Piedmont Music Ensemble (Chorus):
Learn about rhythm, breathing techniques, harmony singing while rehearsing the great songs of the 1930s and 1940s as well as Beatles music. No professional experience necessary. Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., The Piedmont, 6750 Whitsett, North Hollywood.

Intergenerational Tutoring:
Job-training in tutor-mentoring with opportunity to practice skills with high school students needing assistance with exit exams. Thursdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., The Valley Village Senior Apartments, 12111 Chandler Blvd., Valley Village.

Help During the Holidays

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

As we get closer and closer to Christmas and New Year's, we want to remind everyone that Right at Home is here for all of your in-home care needs. From light housekeeping to transportation to meal preparation to assistance with bathing and dressing, Right at Home can supply your loved one the qualified, trained and thoroughly background checked caregivers that you need.

The Holiday season is a time to de-stress and enjoy your time together with your family and friends. Rest assured, Right at Home is here to help you when you need us. We take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Even on Christmas Day or New Year's Eve, we'll have someone there to answer your calls.

So if you do need a caregiver, don't hesitate to give us a call at 818-956-5905.

Happy Hanukkah

2009-12-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home in Glendale would like to wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a safe and joyous holiday.

New Research Study is Seeking Participants

2009-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home would like to bring your attention to an online research study . Participants will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

Chapman University in Orange, California is conducting a research study that examines interpersonal communication patterns of people who have provided unpaid long-distance care to an individual who is age 55 or older in the past year. The purpose of this study is to learn more about your interactions and experiences as a distant caregiver. They are seeking volunteers to complete an approximately 15 to 20 minute online survey that includes questions about demographic and relational information, your interpersonal communication with the individual receiving care, and your health.

To qualify for this study and receive compensation, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Be age 18 or older;
2. Live long-distance from the care recipient; and,
3. Have provided unpaid care for a friend or family member who is age 55 or older in the past year.

Distance caregiver participants who fit the above criteria and who provide valid email addresses will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card via email within 1-2 weeks of completing the online survey.

If you would like to participate, please click on the following web link:

Please note: Survey responses may be randomly verified before participants are compensated. Individuals may participate only once and receive one gift card.

If you have any questions or concerns about this research, please contact the study coordinators at bevan@chapman.edu or sparks@chapman.edu.

Increase In Diabetes Will Fuel Explosion Of Alzheimer's Dementia

2009-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

We thought this article, written by Dr. Scott Mendelson, would be a very interesting read for everyone. We see so many clients suffering from both diabetes and Alzheimer's and this article discusses some interesting parallels between the two. Dr. Mendelson is the author Beyond Alzheimer's.

In a new report published in the December issue of the journal Diabetes Care, it is predicted that in the United States the number of people suffering from Diabetes will double over the next 25 years. This is bad news for those of us concerned about the looming epidemic of Alzheimer's Dementia.

Diabetes is a disease of metabolic function in the body that is defined as an inability to control levels of sugar in the blood. However, Diabetes does far more than disturb blood sugar levels. Diabetes adversely affects the functions of virtually every organ in the body. Consequently, it is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other illness, among which are various forms of dementia.

There are actually two types of diabetes. Diabetes Type I, often referred to as Juvenile Onset Diabetes, is most often seen in children and young people. This form of Diabetes results from a loss of pancreatic function and subsequent decrease in the production of the essential hormone, insulin. The other, far more common form of Diabetes is Diabetes Type II, or what is sometimes referred to as Adult Onset Diabetes. Diabetes Type II is not primarily due to a lack of insulin, but rather to a loss of the body's sensitivity and response to insulin. Whereas Diabetes Type I is usually caused by infections or autoimmune diseases of the pancreas, Diabetes Type II is almost always the result of poor diet, stress and lack of exercise. That is, it is generally the result of poor lifestyle choices. It is Diabetes Type II that is expected to grow in such disturbing fashion over the next 25 years.

Diabetes Type II is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's Dementia. Indeed, having Diabetes Type II is thought to at least double the risk of developing Alzheimer's Dementia. Over the last ten years we have greatly increased our understanding of the relationship between Diabetes Type II and Alzheimer's. The most obvious reason that Diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer's Dementia is because it increases the incidence of heart disease; high blood pressure; high levels of fat in the form of triglycerides in the blood; decreases in the levels of the good cholesterol, HDL; and increases in levels of the bad cholesterol, LDL. All of these factors are individually known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's Dementia. These conditions also increase the risk of stroke and other forms of damage to blood vessels in the brain, which thus increases the risk of vascular dementia. Unfortunately, vascular dementia accelerates the pathological changes that occur in Alzheimer's Dementia. Thus, vascular dementia is itself a risk factor for Alzheimer's Dementia.

It has more recently become apparent that insulin itself plays an important role in brain chemistry, and that disturbances in the body's response and sensitivity to insulin may play a role in the pathology of Alzheimer's Dementia. Thus, in respect to the growing epidemic of Alzheimer's Dementia, the predicted increase in the incidence of Diabetes is particularly ominous. The hallmarks of the damage done to brain tissue in Alzheimer's Dementia are plaques of abnormal amyloid protein, and tangles of abnormal forms of the brain protein tau. Insulin plays an important role in maintaining normal forms and functions of those proteins. A lack of insulin or insufficient sensitivity to insulin in the brain results in increased build up of amyloid plaques.
Interestingly, the enzyme that breaks down insulin in the brain after it has served its purpose, an enzyme known as Insulin Degrading Enzyme (IDE) is also able to destroy amyloid plaques. Insulin stimulates the production of IDE, and when there is insufficient insulin activity, there is also a decrease in the presence of IDE that could help reduce amyloid plaque build up. Another curious relationship between amyloid and insulin is that amyloid protein resembles insulin closely enough to bind to insulin receptors in the brain and block the effect of insulin. Thus amyloid plaques further decrease the brain's sensitivty to insulin. Insulin also prevents the production of abnormal neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein by inhibiting an enzyme in the brain known as glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). GSK3 adds phosphate to tau protein and "hyperphosphorylation" of tau protein causes it to tangle.

Beyond its direct effects on amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau, insulin serves as a growth factor in the brain that helps maintain nerve endings where neurons communicate with each other. Maintenance of these nerve endings is essential for what is referred to as "neural plasticity". Neural plasticity allows us to learn and adapt to changing conditions, and without it our brain function deteriorates. Insulin acts to reduce inflammation in the brain. It is known that inflammatory processes play a major role in the progression of Alzheimer's Dementia.

Although increases in the incidence of Diabetes Type II will almost certainly increase the number of individuals who will develop Alzheimer's Dementia, there is also a hidden danger. In most cases, Diabetes Type II arises in individuals who have first developed the condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is the presence of high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. The other characteristic of Metabolic Syndrome is high blood sugar. However, the levels of blood sugar in Metabolic Syndrome are not high enough to reach those necessary to diagnose Diabetes. In fact, Metabolic Syndrome is often referred to as "pre-Diabetes".
The underlying cause of Metabolic Syndrome is thought to be insulin resistance, and it is largely due to poor lifestyle choices, that is, too much sugar, too much saturated fat along with it, too much stress, and too little exercise. The frightening fact is that along with the doubling of cases of Diabetes Type II, there will also be an enormous and less apparent growth in the number of individuals with Metabolic Syndrome but not actual Diabetes. Unfortunately, Metabolic Syndrome, even when it does not progress to full-blown Diabetes Type II, is also a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer's Dementia.

The answer to this looming health catastrophe, which will destroy both lives and financial plans, is the dissemination and implementation of common sense protocols of preventative medicine. We must reduce our intake of sugars and simple carbohydrates; reduce our intake of saturated fats, particularly when consumed along with simple carbohydrates; fight obesity and maintain ideal weight; promote exercise and stress reduction; and build a health care system that is dedicated to prevention of disease and monitoring for signs of risk factors for disease that can be improved or reversed. If these steps are not taken, our society faces a heartbreaking and extraordinarily expensive future of ill health, regardless of what type of health care plan congress is able to establish.

Caregiver of the Month for November

2009-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Right at Home is pleased to announce that the caregiver for the month of November is George S.!

George has worked for Right at Home for a little over a year now. Already a Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.), George is currently in school to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.). Despite this hectic schedule, George has worked a variety of cases for us, including most recently filling in a 24-hour shift over Thanksgiving!

George almost never says "no" to a case, willing to travel from Inglewood to Woodland Hills; from Eagle Rock to Santa Monica; without ever a complaint. He's also received nothing but praise from our clients, who call him "a gentleman", "a super nice guy" and "a class act." He is one of our most reliable caregivers and we always know our clients are in good hands when George is on the case.

Congratulations to George S.!

December Issue of Caring Right at Home Now Available

2009-12-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out our latest edition of the Caring Right at Home eNewsletter at www.poststat.net/RightAtHome. In it you’ll find informative articles on Long-Term Care, holiday visits may be the time to discuss home care, confusion and forgetfullness: the right diagnosis is important, and coping with medical challenges during the holidays. Let us know what you think!

Assessing the Holidays

2009-11-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

All business have "seasons." Beach resorts make most of their income during the summer while ski resorts make their bounty during the winter. Gym memberships have a tendency to "perk up" after January 1st (new year's resolutions and all) and of course the gift under the tree for many retail business during Christmas season is supposed to be increased sales.

In the homecare industry, however, business is not nearly as predictable. Let's face it, most people can't predict when they may become ill or injured and find they're in need of a trained caregiver. Still, in homecare there are some general business trends you notice. The summer, for example, is usually a little slower for whatever reasons.

And in that same breath, business tends to pick-up over the holidays and into the new year. The reason seems to be that often times sons and daughters (or grandsons and granddaughters) come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas and find that a particular family member may not be doing as well as when the last time they saw them. Perhaps they're not moving quite as well or their eyesight seems to be a little less sharp and concern starts to grow.

Obviously, when coming home for the holidays, ideally one hopes to rest, relax, keep the drama to a minimum and enjoy the time with family and friends. Still, if you are concerned about a particular family member and whether or not they may need a little extra assistance, there are a couple of small things you can observe that might help give you an indication.

* Does the house, kitchen or even bathroom look a little more unkempt than usual.
* Has laundry begun to pile up
* Do you notice that maybe their pill boxes seem to be filled when they should be empty or empty when they should be filled
* Are they no longer changing clothes daily and maintaining personal hygiene

These are obvious but important examples that it might be time to at least consider having someone come in once a day, once a week or even just once a month to offer some assistance. From meal preparation, light housekeeping and even medication reminders to more personal care needs, a caregiver can offer your loved one not a life of dependence, but rather the ability to maintain independence.

At Right at Home, we offer free, in-home assessments. We'll come to the home and meet with family members and together help figure out what, if any, assistance may be needed. And there's no obligation for you to sign-up with Right at Home to provide a caregiver at the time of the assessment or ever. But if you do find that bringing a caregiver in would be a good idea, we'll be there to help if you want us to. To set-up an assessment with Right at Home, feel free to call us anytime at 818-956-5905.

Happy Thanksgiving from Right at Home

2009-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

All of us at Right at Home in Glendale wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Setting Your Mind at Ease

2009-11-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

As owner of Right at Home in Los Angeles, I’m on-call 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Even if another employee is taking calls during the evening or weekend, I know that they may reach out to me anytime if an issue arises beyond their authority to rectify.

Back in November, I took my first vacation in over 2 years. While still reachable, I was going to be outside of California. Although I had confidence in our employees, I was still nervous leaving them “on their own.”

As I thought about this, I realized my feelings of unease probably don’t compare to how family members of our clients feel when they leave their loved one alone for the first time with a caregiver. Yes, it’s true that Right at Home caregivers are trained and criminally background checked; covered by liability and worker’s compensation insurance; licensed and bonded. But that doesn’t assure they’ll bond with their family member in need of help.

From clients who’ve had the same caregiver for over a year to clients who’ve asked for a different caregiver literally every other day, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we always do an assessment when possible prior to placing a caregiver so we can meet the family, meet our prospective new client and select the best caregiver for their needs. And its why, even when on vacation, the owner of the company is always just a phone call away to address any concerns a family member may have.

As we exit the holiday season and enter into 2010, Right at Home will continue to do everything in our power to make sure your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care so you can be at ease while you’re away.

Veteran's Aid & Attendance Benefit

2009-11-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit is a benefit paid in addition to monthly pension. Benefits are available for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication monitoring or other various activities of daily living. This benefit is available to individuals who reside in assisted living communities, personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities and those receiving personal in-home care.

Any War Veteran with 90 days of active duty with at least one day during active War time (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf). A surviving spouse of a War Veteran may be eligible if he/she remained married to the Veteran until his/her time of death and has not remarried. The individual must also meet medical, service and financial qualifications.

Right at Home is committed to meeting the needs of those we serve to improve their quality of life. As part of our commitment, we want to make Veterans and their families are aware of this little known benefit available that can help them pay for care services. A veteran may be eligible for up to $19,728 a year, a Veteran with a dependent spouse may be eligible for up to $23,388 per year, a surviving spouse of a veteran may be eligible for up to $12,672 a year and two veterans married to each other may be eligible for up to $30,480 a year. Right at Home wants to connect Veterans with the people that can help Veterans qualify for these benefits.

If you want to learn more about the Aid & Attendance Benefit, call Right at Home at (818) 956-5905 or email info@rahglendale.net. We can get you in touch with the appropriate accredited claims agent to help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the process to help expedite your claim.

Happy Columbus Day!

2009-10-12T15:07:00.001-07:00

It's been an unusually quiet day at the Right at Home Glendale offices today. I assume that probably has something to do with the oft-talked about, but not always celebrated holiday of Columbus Day.

So with a little extra time to take a breath today, everyone at Right at Home in Glendale would like to wish the hundreds...not thousands...no millions of readers of our blog a very happy Columbus Day and we look forward to a great last 2 1/2 months of 2009.

The Responsibilities of Ownership

2009-10-08T12:45:00.001-07:00

A few years back while working at Game Show Network, we had a "Fire Drill." I don't mean that the fire alarm went off in our building and someone we worked with donned a green helmet and began directing us out while my co-workers slowly made their way to the stairs saying things that ranged from "A fire drill now, I'm in the middle of something due today." to "I hope it really is a fire so I can be off all week."

No, in business acumen, a "Fire Drill" is a fairly lame metaphor to describe a time when some sort of business "emergency" has occurred and everything you're working on needs to be dropped and all hands are called on deck to put out the "fire" of this particular emergency.

The fire drill I refer to had to do with a radio ad that was playing in Las Vegas that incorrectly stated that Game Show Network could be seen on Comcast cable, when in fact the cable company for the area was actually Cox cable. Due to a delicate relationship between Game Show Network and Cox at the time, this was more than just an unfortunate embarrassment and thusly a new radio ad needed to be created immediately and sent to the station that day.

So I called the owner of the production company that created the ad. I remember while speaking to him that there was a fair amount of noise in the background and hullabaloo all around. "Okay, okay," he said to me in a somewhat perturbed tone as I mentioned to him the problem. "I'm at the Dodger game right now, but I'll leave and we'll get something to you before 5pm."

The Dodger game, I thought to myself. I'd hate to be him. Buy those tickets, think you're spending a relaxing afternoon at the ballpark and then some schmo like me calls you up and makes you give up you're half-drunk, $11 beer just to re-record a 60-second radio spot. That's tough sledding.

Yet that's exactly the situation where I find myself today. Because at 3pm this afternoon, I too will be at the Dodger game. And this is no ordinary game, no mid-Summer Wednesday tilt against the lowly Pirates of Pittsburgh. This is a playoff game, against the slick pitching, high-powered Cardinals of St. Louis. And let me tell you, the last thing I want around the 3rd inning is a call from my office with the homecare equivalent of a new radio ad needing to be produced.

So what do I receive at 8am this morning. The "fill-in" caregiver (because the regular caregiver is on vacation) for one of our more difficult clients tells us minutes before her shift that she's got to go to the "emergency room" for an undisclosed illness and can't make her shift. I'll reserve comment on the legitimacy of the excuse, but thankfully our fine office was able to get another qualified caregiver over there and she arrived only a few minutes late. I commend both my office and that caregiver for their quick work.

Then, I receive another call at around 12pm from another client informing me that they need service at a different location than usual - some 48 miles farther away. When I inform them that we might not be able to send the same caregiver - who lives over 60 miles away from this new locale - they don't seem to quite understand why that is.

And first pitch is just 2 hours away.

Still, Right at Home here in Los Angeles is ready to go and certainly not depended on me to operate smoothly. My office staff is prepared, our schedules are set and we don't anticipate any issues for the rest of the day. Still, I full well know as the owner of this company that the buck stops with me...even if I sometimes wish the buck would stop with that other guy in row 9, seat 17 wearing the blue & white dodger wig.

But I made a promise to our clients. That one way or the other, we would always make sure a qualified, licensed and bonded caregiver will be there to take care of their loved one even if it means I have to stop what I'm doing and help tend to one our clients personally.

So, there will be no beer for me today and I'm prepared that my hot dog may have to be left behind half-eaten. But that's the deal I made and all in all, it's not so bad.

Oh, and by the way, GO DODGERS!

The Selling of In-Home Care

2009-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

The "phenomenon" of in-home care is not new. There is no debate that the aging of the Baby Boomers certainly has everyone from their sons and daughters to Medicare Customer Service Reps bracing for the inevitable onslaught of care that is needed. It is a safe assumption that most people aren't going to want to leave their home to take up residence at an Assisted or Skilled Nursing community if they can help it.

However, there have been homecare agencies in Los Angeles that are 10, 20, even close to 30 years old. What has changed is the volume of home care agencies in Los Angeles and the abundance of choices families now have which no doubt at times probably seems more cumbersome than helpful.

As discussed in previous blogs, it doesn't take much of anything to start a homecare agency in the state of California as there is no separate license and no government regulatory agency overseeing it. The result of this is significant competition among homecare agencies for new clients.

At one point in an earlier life, I worked in television and for a while I was a sales rep at a cable network in a department called "Affiliate Relations." The job of a sales rep in Affiliate Relations was usually to convince a cable company (Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, and so on) to carry the cable network you were representing on their cable system. The people in charge of these decisions was usually the Vice Presidents and/or Directors of Marketing and while the launch of a new network on a cable system was of major importance to a sales rep like me, it was often times little more than an annoyance to the marketing person at the cable company.

To get these meetings, you'd call an assistant, maybe meet first with a middle manager or coordinator, and eventually beg, annoy, befriend and cajole the person long enough until you'd eventually get a meeting, which was usually a formal affair involving power point presentations, fancy, logo-infused pens and often times a not so cheap lunch or dinner.

Yet no matter how tasty the dinner, fancy the presentation or unique the gift, these cable marketing folk were fundamentally interested in one thing: How much would it cost them. And because of this, my retort often times focused on how we could offset, defray and even reduce those costs one way or the other. It's not that they didn't care at all about what the actual programming was on the network, but they were largely MBA's who'd spent long parts of their career in one organization often brought up to look at things in one very distinct, linear and "cover-your-you-know-what" way.

Now home care is a different business than cable television. First of all, it's largely a referral business. Only a small portion of your clients likely come by calling you directly after a Google search. Most will get your number from a social worker or case manager working for a medical or retirement organization. Yet any thoughts one might have of some "higher" call or moral standard that your average Hospital Case Manager, Nursing Home Social Worker or Hospice Nurse may possess are going to be disappointed.

You have a better chance of throwing a message in a bottle into the Pacific Ocean and getting a response than you do of calling and leaving a message for a Case Manager or Social Worker as a sales representative. Regardless of whether or not they're too busy or you're not deemed important enough is irrelevant.

The result of this is that a home care agency rep has no choice but to truly cold call. That is to say walk into a hospital or assisted living facility or wherever, and hope you can catch a wayward social worker, friendly physical therapist or wary case manager and pitch them your companies wares on the spot.

In addition, because the sales process is so informal and disorganized and there are so many different agencies (not to mention medical transport companies, durable equipment suppliers, and so on) coming in unannounced it forces you to go back again and again and again...and yes again so your agency can be remembered and, in theory, referred.

However, it is at this point where the similarities between these referral sources and our old marketing friends at cable companies begin to look alike. Because what do you think the number one question our account representative receive from social workers, case managers, discharge planners, resident care directors and the rest? Are you licensed and bonded? No. Do you carry liability and workers comp insurance? Nuh-uh. Do you background check your caregivers for criminal records? Hardly ever. Do you pay your caregivers a fair and legal wage? Not once.

Their number one question is almost always - "How much do you cost?"

Now I've always found this to be a rather startling question when you consider the source. Social Workers, Nurses and the like are educated people. They may or may not be caring people or compassionate people, they may or may not even be good at their jobs. But what they most certainly are not is financial planners. They seldom have access or a full understanding of a families financial situation or their personal beliefs on how money should be best spent. Therefore whether or not an agency is a "good deal" or "too expensive" is based on really nothing other than that individual nurse or social worker's personal perception and nothing at all to do with the family's perception or, far more importantly, their needs.

Please don't misunderstand me. Nurses and social workers, occupational and physical therapists, even hospital department assistants, are in the majority of cases decent people. They are often overworked, saddled with antiquated office technology and probably underpaid. But I bring this up to let you know that if you or your loved one find yourself in a hospital on the verge of being discharged and decide (or are told) you need extra assistance in the home, it's perfectly reasonable and a good place to start by asking for a list or brochures or reccomendations from your case manager or social worker. However, understand that those recommendations may be based not necessarily on the quality of the care or integrity of the caregivers that an agency can provide but rather on someone's personal perception of "value" or on someone's personal opinion of the agency sales representative or even on how often that agency brings gifts or food to their office.

So keep an open mind and be sure to ask the questions that are important to you. You probably wouldn't blindly take the advice of a car salesman when buying in a car and you should use a similar level of healthy skepticism when picking a homecare agency. By asking a few more questions of the agency at the beginning of the process may mean you have a lot fewer questions to deal with when caregivers are actually in your home.

Healthy Aging: Simple Lifestyle Changes Improve Quality of Life

2009-09-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

A healthy lifestyle begins with small steps and setting achievable goals. Getting started is easier than you might think, even for the elderly. It is never too late for seniors to take control of their health and focus on the positive aspects of aging instead of the myths and negative stereotypes. With the right mindset, seniors can embrace growing older and start on the journey to healthy aging using items found around a typical home.

“Living life to the fullest as you age can be challenging, yet exciting. Making an effort to better your health can improve your quality of life greatly,” said Douglas Dickstein, President of Right at Home, a provider of in-home care serving the Greater Los Angeles area. “Awareness and education are important to empowering seniors to age gracefully.”

The following household items and activities can act as simple ways for seniors to begin their healthy aging journey.

Physical:
Before undertaking any type of physical program, seniors should talk to their doctor. There may be activities seniors should avoid due to personal health situations.

• A notepad and pen – Stay on track by writing down goals and recording your progress.

• Two cans of soup – Actually, any canned goods from the pantry serve as great hand weights and can be used help to improve arm strength. While sitting in a chair, place both arms out flat in front of you and lift the can up about six inches. Repeat five times. Remember, it’s not a race, start slow and increase your repetitions as you are able.

• Kitchen timer – Start with five minutes of exercise and increase time as ability warrants. Making slow, steady progress builds a routine and endurance.

• Glass of water – Among other health benefits, staying hydrated can prevent temporary memory impairment. Try to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

• Healthy snacks and meals – Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibers and low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Make foods that are flavorful and simple to prepare. If your loved one needs assistance preparing healthy meals or snacks, consider hiring caregivers that for a few hours a week to help with advanced meal and snack preparation.

Mental Fitness:
• Deck of cards – Games keep the brain working and cognitive skills healthy. Play a game of Solitaire or flip the cards over and match numbers or suits to improve memory.

• Calculator – Maintain cognitive skills and financial health by keeping close track of monthly expenses.

• Newspaper – Reading exercises the mind and helps the ability to focus. Most newspapers also include a daily crossword puzzle, which helps delay memory impairment.

Overall Well-being:
• Calendar – Record doctor’s appointments, including preventative care visits. Also keep track of loved ones’ anniversaries and birthdays.

• Pillow – Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is important. Commit to a regular sleep schedule and develop a bedtime ritual, such as listening to soothing music or taking a bath.

• Telephone – Staying connected with friends and family is good for emotional well-being.

There is a higher probability of healthy aging success when there is support and encouragement from a senior’s loved ones. Families and friends can cheer on the seniors in their lives by giving them a “Healthy Aging” basket that includes some of the items listed above.

A simple matter of mutual respect

2009-08-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Customers in all lines of business can be difficult. When A&E aired the reality television show Airline it largely consisted of irate passengers berating Southwest Employees. One can't turn on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares without seeing some unhappy restaurant patron bemoaning the quality of their food. And how upset would you be if you drove a new car off the lot only to have it break-down a week later, installed a new washing machine that leaked water or bought season tickets to the Detroit Lions only to watch them become the first team in NFL history to lose all 16 games they played.

Of course, it isn't the Southwest Airline employee who your screaming at who's responsible for the bad weather or the planes mechanical error. It isn't the waiter's fault that the food isn't edible, or the car salesman's fault that the factory sent them a lemon or even the ticket takers fault that the Lions hired the worst General Manager in the history of professional sports. But sadly, they're the underpaid person who has to take the abuse and try to satiate you in some way.

In homecare, however, the anxiety of family members searching for assistance for their mother or father, grandfather or grandmother, spouse or child, is far greater than that of someone eating out or watching a football game. And unlike the research one might do before planning a trip or buying a car, when it comes time for mom to get some extra help, there's usually been no research conducted, there's virtually no "common" knowledge of what to do, and usually the time to make a decision is immediate.

So we understand when family members might lose their temper or wear their stress on their sleeve. We realize that much of homecare is "private pay" and the shock that crosses a family members face when they realize how much Medicare DOESN'T pay for can be off-putting to say the least. And we certainly realize that family members want the best possible caregiver for their mom (and want to pay as little for it as possible).

However, the truth of the matter is that caregivers are people too. They can also have "bad" days, feel stressed out about personal issues, or just not feel comfortable (or properly compensated) working a particular case.

It's important to remember that at the end of the day, the primary goal of both family member and agency is to provide the best possible service of the person receiving in-home care. There are reasons an agency such as Right at Home charges a certain rate and believe it or not, it's not solely to "maximize" profit. There are costs associated with liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, bonding in addition to paying the caregiver a decent wage so that they are more likely to stay and not run to the next job that offers them 25 cents more an hour. In addition, one of the reasons a family signs on with an agency is because there is back-up in case the regular caregiver gets sick or has a family issue of their own and can't come in one day.

If you as the client are honest and respectful towards us as the agency, then in return we can work through difficulties together and ultimately have a far more harmonious - and far less stressful - relationship. And the real beneficiary of that strong relationship will the person receiving the care.

Finding the Right Caregiver

2009-07-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

Catch this sneak preview of an article that will be included in the next Caring at Home newsletter coming out this fall.

Hiring caregivers is not without its drama. At Right at Home in Glendale we’ve encountered many “interesting” experiences over the years. From caregivers not showing up to work to caregivers coming up with bizarre excuses as to why they can’t work, we’ve seen (and heard) it all. And we’ve learned from those experiences and it’s the reason why we’ve come to take such care and diligence in selecting who can work for Right at Home as a caregiver.

When someone lets a caregiver come into their home, it can be an uneasy experience. At Right at Home, we understand this and go out of our way to assure you that our caregivers will do their job professionally and compassionately.

We always prefer to start a case with a free, no-obligation home assessment. This gives us a chance to get to know the client and family personally and allows us to supply the individual with the right caregiver for their particular needs. In addition, it allows the family to feel comfortable with us and associate us as your partners.

When the caregiver does start, you can be confident that all of our employees have gone through multiple competency exams, reference checks, criminal background checks and training courses. And if you’re not satisfied with the caregiver we send, we can always make a change without hassle.

Sometimes a caregiver and client hit it off immediately. Sometimes it takes awhile until things begin to come together. And occasionally, we determine its best for all involved to make a change. Regardless, we want you to know that Right at Home will always be there to do whatever it takes to make sure that you introduce someone you love to someone you can trust.

To subscribe the Caring at Home newsletter, log onto www.poststat.net/rahsubscribers/SubscribeRAH.asp.

Finding Hope

2009-07-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

I should be having a fine day today. We signed-on two new clients and while I'm working on a Saturday, it is allowing me to catch-up on some much long overdo work.

However, things are not as rosy as they should be. A week-and-a-half ago my wife and I adopted a new puppy. She had been rescued the previous month from the Baldwin Hills pound the day before she was going to be put to sleep.

She is a cute 7-month old basenji mix named Mira. We thought she would be a perfect match for our current dog Chloe and at times it has been. But at other times, it's been anything but.

Mira is very toy jealous and has spent much time trying to dominate Chloe. In addition she lunges at other dogs when we walk her in more than just a casual or playful manner. Worse, while Mira and Chloe have had some spirited play sessions, twice they've gotten into vicious fights. Last night was the worst - with Chloe needing to go to the vet and my wife also getting injured trying to break up the fight.

When she spoke with our trainer about the incidents, the trainer was not positive. While dogs like Mira certainly can be rehabilitated, the level of aggressive behavior she's showing would take a lot of time - time that realistically we probably don't have. While I'm not willing to give up on Mira, I have to admit I need to seriously think if we can do this. Luckily, there's a foster home waiting for Mira if we can't continue but the idea of giving up on her is very hard for me to accept.

Our problems with Mira, though, pale in comparison to the new case we're starting in Beverly Hills later this week. Our client is having a serious surgery after being diagnosed with cancer. However, her cancer isn't nearly as difficult for her as the fact that her husband is suffering from Alzheimer's. He's had it for the last few years and things have gotten to a point where even without the illness it has become increasingly difficult for her to handle. This has not only played havoc with her health, but has created severe depression.

As I explained to her, as cold as it might sound, she needs to take care of herself now. There's a limit to how much can be done for her husband and while you don't want to give up, Alzheimer's can take a cruel course. As the Alice Munro book (made into a movie starring Julie Christie just a few years ago) illustrates, sometimes the most caring thing to do is not always so clear-cut.

Our client doesn't need to let go of her husband just yet as the husband in the novel ultimately does and maybe things will level out with his illness. Regardless, she'll need not just assistance for her own illness but respite from her life for a while. Her ability to find hope and a sense of calm within herself will be a process that will neither be short nor easy, but it is attainable.

It makes my concern over a 7-month old puppy seem trite in comparison. But just like a foster home awaits for Mira, help is also out there for our clients and millions of other spouses who find their dream of growing old with their mate be derailed due to illness, both physical and mental.

Right at Home can't change diagnoses or create cure-all medications but we can play a role in allowing someone to find the time to find hope that there is plenty of life out there still to live.

Checking my own personal distresses to help those with so much greater need is, at times, one of the more difficult but also more rewarding parts of this business and I hope we'll do well by this new client and anyone else who ever calls Right at Home looking for help...and hope.

Hiring Your Household Employee “Under the Table” May Cost More Than You Think

2009-04-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

I recently spoke with Robert E. King, the founder of Legally Nanny, a law firm representing household employees and domestic employment and homecare agencies. King specializes in household employment legal and tax issues and has served as an expert witness in household employment matters.

He wrote an excellent article in the Riverside County Bar Association Journal which emphasizes why it is so important to hire in-home care help from a licensed, bonded agency who's caregivers are employees of that agency (not independt contractors).

Both he and the Journal allowed me to re-print the article and we thought it would be of interest to many. We are re-printing it here in its entirety.

You’re a busy attorney trying to juggle work and family. To help care for your children, you hire a nanny. Or perhaps your parents are getting older and need some help around the house, and you hire an elder care provider or companion to care for them.

Because you think you’ll never get caught, you’ve heard that it costs so much more to hire legally, and hey, let’s face it, you weren’t planning on being Attorney General any time soon, you think it’s safe to hire someone under the table. Think again.

The decision to hire someone “under the table” – although it may seem easier and cheaper – ultimately is penny-wise and pound-foolish. If (and most likely, when) you get caught, you will have committed federal tax fraud and endangered your ability to practice law. Even if you don’t get caught, you’ll be missing out on legal and tax advantages that would have applied if you were paying legally. In short, don’t do it.

Admittedly, hiring a nanny, elder care provider or other household employee legally can be daunting. There are many legal, tax and insurance questions that can make employing someone seem like an onerous task. On closer examination, however, hiring a nanny or other household employee can be a straightforward process that benefits both the employer and employee.

Getting Caught
There are many ways – such as your nanny filing for unemployment (a very common occurrence in today’s difficult economy), social security, disability or workers’ compensation benefits – that even an amicable parting between you and your nanny could result in you facing an investigation for unpaid taxes. And these are just the unintentional examples. They don’t include your disgruntled nanny, upset over some perceived slight, quitting and turning you in herself – or worse yet, trying to blackmail you. Or the neighbor or co-worker or family member who is envious or has always had a grudge against you reporting you. Or perhaps the IRS decides to audit you and notices the same amount of money flowing out of your bank account every two weeks and gets suspicious.

Under any of these scenarios, the result is the same: You get caught and face considerable consequences.

The Consequences
Because you must report household employment taxes on your personal federal tax return, failure to pay the appropriate taxes constitutes federal tax fraud. At a minimum, the consequences include payment of all back taxes, penalties and interest, and they can include federal charges of perjury and tax evasion, fines of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five
years, and a criminal record for the rest of your life. There is no statute of limitations for failure to report and pay federal employment taxes.

The professional consequences are equally severe. For example, Business and Professions Code section 6068, subdivision (o)(4) requires that if you’re charged with a felony such as tax fraud, you must report the charge to the State Bar, potentially jeopardizing your ability to practice and earn a living. Additionally, if you’re even considering becoming a judge or holding elected or appointed office, having a “Nannygate” story break about you, just as it did with Bernie Kerik,
Zoe Baird, Kimba Wood, or Linda Chavez, can ruin your reputation and career.

Regardless of your interest in higher office, as an attorney, you trade on your reputation for integrity, and being labeled a “tax cheat” isn’t good for anyone’s business.

Advantages of Hiring Legally
Happily, there are a number of advantages to hiring a nanny or other household employee legally. For example, you may be able to save taxes by putting up to $5,000 pretax per family per year into a Dependent Care Account (“DCA”) to help pay for your nanny. Alternatively, you may be eligible to claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, for a minimum tax credit of 20% for the first $3,000 in qualifying expenses for each of up to two children per year. Most importantly, you get to spend more time with your family and sleep well at night knowing that you’ve done everything legally. Don’t underestimate how Riverside Lawyer, February 2009 worrying about getting caught and the consequences of hiring illegally can take a toll on you personally and professionally.

Your Bottom Line
Perhaps the most common fallacy about employing a nanny or other household employee legally is that it will greatly increase your expenses. A review of the additional costs, especially in light of the significant potential tax savings, reveals this contention to be inaccurate.

Social security, Medicare, and state and federal unemployment taxes add approximately 9% of a nanny’s salary to the typical household employer’s costs. However, by maximizing your tax advantages, the true “burden” of hiring a nanny can be substantially less, as little as 4% of your costs.

An example best illustrates the true cost. The approximate 9% tax burden on a nanny’s $30,000 annual salary likely would cost her employer roughly $2,700. However, the employer could shelter $5,000 pretax in a DCA and use this money toward paying the nanny.

The employer normally would pay approximately 30% in taxes on $5,000 in earnings, taking into account the employer’s personal income taxes and other payroll taxes. Thus, the employer’s tax savings from using the DCA would be approximately $1,500. Subtracting this $1,500 savings from the roughly $2,700 paid in taxes yields an effective “cost” of approximately $1,200, or 4% of the nanny’s annual compensation.

Thus, in this typical example, the bottom-line cost of hiring someone legally is approximately 4%
more, a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes along with hiring your nanny legally.
Remember, paying employment taxes isn’t an option, it’s the law.

For more information, you may contact the firm at (714) 336-8864 or at info@legallynanny.com.

Passing Away

2009-04-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

When you work in the Senior Care business there is one fact-of-life that you cannot escape - and that is the end of it.

Recently, my stepfather passed away. An amazingly outgoing and friendly man, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away 3 weeks later. On his final morning in his home, he suffered tremendous stomach pain but waited until my mother woke up before telling her that he thought he should go to the Emergency Room. After a few days in the hospital he refused any treatment and only requested pain medications and passed away. The doctor called him "very brave" for his decision.

Dealing with the elderly and how you handle your final years is - if nothing else - an eye-opening experience. And if I've learned one thing it is that the saying "Life is for the living" is about as accurate a cliche as there is. Rich or poor, male or female - if we are so limited at the end of our life that we're forced to live much of it at home or - less desireable - in a nursing home - than no matter how much money we've saved, no matter how many different caregivers we have, there is little we can do except try to be as comfortable as possible.

In the last week, 2 clients of ours also passed away.

One was our client for 10 months and we'd cared for her son and daughter (both stricken with cancer) as well. All she wanted to do was stay at home with her dog and she was able to fulfill that wish until she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

The other was a client of ours for 36 hours. On Hospice and dealing with a myriad of ailments including a collapsed lung, she requested that her oxygen be removed and slowly went away from this world. Similar to my stepfather, she was by all accounts a gregarious person who demanded to be discharged from a Respiratory hospital less than a week before despite her doctor's protestations. She knew she was going to die but she was going to do it on her terms.

Within that same week, we started cases with 4 additional clients - ranging from a 26-year-old male dealing with a devastating injury to seniors who still have plenty of fuel to go. In the homecare business, clients come and clients inevitably go.

But what my stepfather, as well as our two dearly departed clients, teach us is that life is indeed for the living - and what that means and how we choose to deal with the end of it is unique to each and everyone of us.

When Caregivers Fail to Show

2009-04-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of frustrating things to owning any business, but unique to owning a homecare business is that your employees are scattered throughout your service area. And when your service area is as large and diverse as Los Angeles, that causes more than a fair share of stress.

At Right at Home, we have an automated check-in system. When a caregiver arrives at the home of a client, they call a toll-free number from the clients home (not their cell) and clock in and out remotely. If they're late, I receive a text message and email notifying me of this. It's one of the many things has made Right at Home so respected throughout the industry.

While almost every day some caregiver somewhere is late and occassionally caregivers get their schedules mixed up and don't show up (and on a very rare occassion have chosen to tell us they quit by simply not showing up to a case and we never hear from them again), we work hard on screening our employees and have a relatively few such incidents.

With that said, the most unsettling times are the weekends when the office staff is off. And when you toss in a holiday weekend such as this Easter weekend, you stomach begins to immitate a Shawn Johnson floor routine.

This happend to us today when a caregiver failed to show for her normal Saturday shift with one of our most difficult clients. When we called her, she told that our staffing coordinator had said she had the weekend off. We informed her that it was just Easter Sunday she had off, not the entire weekend but by that time it was too late - she had made plans for the weekend and was unable to fill the shift.

At Right at Home we never leave a case uncovered and after seven (7) unsuccessful calls, our Director of Patient Care Services filled the case herself. And while this didn't particularly please the client (who felt she could just have easily been left to her own devices anyway) the daughter was thankful for our quick action.

It does beg the question, though, do a lot of other business encounter such scheduling issues?

A Year Navigating the Los Angeles Caregiving Maze

2009-03-24T22:51:00.001-07:00

A little over a year ago, I opened up a business that would provide trained and licensed caregivers to take care of elderly adults in their homes throughout Los Angeles county. I had never worked in this industry before - the extent of my experience working with seniors being primarily limited to occasional discussions with members of the Silver Lake Seniors group while I served as co-chair on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council - but nevertheless in January of 2008 I registered Right at Home in Glendale as a business with the California Secretary of State.

But it seemed like something I would like to do and certainly the need existed. Besides, after 10 years working in sales and marketing in television, the prospect of both working for myself as well as working outside the entertainment industry was beyond appealing.

Over the course of the past 12+ months, I've learned an immense amount regarding caring for seniors and disabled adults as well as the sometimes bizarre world that is senior care in Los Angeles. The lack of regulation, the lack of efficacy and at times the shocking lack of judgement shown not just by homecare agencies operating under the table and relatives of patients who would just rather their mom or dad go away, but of hospital nurses, assisted living facilities, hospice companies and more.

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not indicting the entire industry by any means. Still, if you walked the past year in my shoes and witnessed some of the things I have, your already skeptical view of the medical industry wouldn't likely decrease.

Still, today marked a day as to why this industry not only does employ many a fine person, but also gave me some indication that my company is beginning to form leaves on the branches we've so tirelessly attempted to grow.

After dropping off some brochures at Good Samaritan Hospital, I met with William Hwang, the President of Advantage Home Health. I stopped by without notice and he was kind of enough to sit down with me and discuss our services and how we could work together. Cold calling is tough and not always pleasant and sometimes the reaction you receive will do anything but warm your heart. So to have William take the time to speak with me - and with a smile to boot - set the tone for a positive day.

Afterwards, while driving to my next sales stop, I received a call from Bob King, a lawyer specializing in domestic care law out of Orange County. I had contacted Bob after reading an article he'd written in the Riverside County Bar Association journal regarding the "high price" of hiring care "off-the-books" (read illegally). He could not have been more generous with his time as we discussed the vagaries of wages for Live-In care and allowed me permission to use his article in my future presentations.

After another stop, I made my way to St. Vincent's Medical Center for a presentation to their Physical Therapists. I invited two (2) others to join me - Thomas Tilahun from Oceanside Home Health and Michele Lefever from ResponseLink. It was the first time I'd partnered with other companies on a presentation, but something I've wanted to do. I'd had success working with other neighborhood councils during my public service days as well as partnering with other companies in my television career and didn't see why more of this couldn't be done among those serving various parts of the homecare industry.

While Physical Therapists are not necessarily the first folks I look to market to at hospitals. That honor - or burden depending on how you look at it - goes to Social Workers, Case Managers and Discharge Planners. However, PT's can also be of help and I was thrilled to work with Dee Gilmore at St. Vincent's in setting this up. It was a nice group of folks who listened politely to all three of us, while devouring the pizza, soda (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and, that's right, Sierra Mist too) and cinnamon sticks we bought for them from Pizza Hut (it was supposed to be cheese sticks, but they were out of cheese sticks, so they could give me 2 more pizza's, but I didn't need 2 more pizza's, well then what about cinnamon sticks, what's a cinnamon stick, it's like a cheese stick but with cinnamon-it will only takes us a few minutes to make them, why not put cheese on them instead of cinnamon, I make you cinnamon sticks). Thomas is a great guy and while I just met Michele and didn't want to overextend my relationship with her as I do work with another emergency response company, it seemed like we would work well together. All in all, it was a successful trip.

Finally, as I made my way back to the office, I received a call from a woman looking for a caregiver in Canoga Park. After a discussion that, if we were in a scene from Enchanted April could be described as nothing less than "delightful", we set up a meeting for this Thursday.

The highs and lows of running your own business can be extreme - and it doesn't help that I'm not always the most even-keeled person in the world despite what my outside demeanor may appear. Still today, I very much look back at it being a culmination of a year's worth of incredibly hard work and a steep learning curve. Not one thing I accomplished today could I have done a year or likely even 6 months ago. And for that, I am grateful. Plus, its inspired me enough to start this blog which I've been ruminating about since the day I opened.

So while most my posts will be about my clients, or the struggles of both owning your own business as well as the specific issues regarding homecare in Los Angeles, I figured a review of my day as microcosm of our companies growth over the course of a year would be a good place to start.

And with that, I've just received a text message that 2 of my caregivers scheduled for an overnight shift beginning at 11pm are both late. Time to stop the blog and get back to work.

The Eternal Satellite Bill

2009-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Before I began operating Right at Home in Los Angeles, I worked in television for 10 years, primarily working with cable and satellite companies. I always found the way they ran their business and their outlook towards their customers to be "interesting."

I found this article from Ron Burley in AARP Magazine that I thought might strike a particular chord for both those who've been frustrated in dealing with their cable or satellite provider as well as for Los Angeles Laker fans.

When we inevitably step from this world to the next, we may hope to leave legacies for those we love. An obligation to pay for satellite television service is likely not among them.

* Submit a Question to Ron Burley
* Ron Burley's On Your Side
Bi-Weekly Column (AARP.org)
* Subscribe to the AARP Money Newsletter

Yet that's exactly what AARP member Jayne Sakoda and her family were saddled with following her uncle's death. His one passion was watching Los Angeles Lakers basketball, Sakoda wrote me from Cerritos, California. So in May Sakoda's husband ordered Dish Network for her uncle at his assisted-living facility, since he couldn't do it himself. Regrettably, he died less than two months later, yet Dish Network refused to cancel the contract in Sakoda's husband's name. The company wouldn't even let the Sakodas transfer the two-year subscription—worth almost $1,000—to another account.

Managing Accounts for Loved Ones

1. Establish accounts in their name—whether it's for utilities or subscriptions—but request "user" access that will let you handle the accounts.

2. Set up a filing system for account statements, passwords, PINs, and customer-service phone numbers to save you headaches later.

While the policy is rarely detailed in customer agreements, companies selling services by subscription often cancel them without penalty in the event of a customer's death. Unless Dish Network believed the whole family lived in the care facility, it seemed that the customer-service department had a lapse of common sense. Going on that assumption, I contacted Dish Network. Four days' worth of e-mails and phone messages went unanswered until I tried Robin Zimmerman in corporate communications, whose name I found on a press release on Dish Network's website. (When customer service doesn't help, dig online for a different phone number.) She cleared things up in a day, apologizing to the Sakodas, canceling the charges, and disconnecting the service.

Was it a case of temporary insensitivity or a misbegotten policy? Despite the reversal, Dish Network never offered a clear explanation