My Elder Advocate

Ten Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient

By Carole Larkin
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Ever feel like your loved one is ignoring you or that you just weren’t getting through to your loved one? Try some of these tips to see if they help.

via www.alzheimersreadingroom.com

US Nursing Homes Have Poor Record of Infection Control

May 5, 2011 — American nursing homes have a poor track record of keeping infections at bay, a new study shows.

via www.medscape.com

Growing Demand for Sandwich Generation to Step Up to Elder Care Role

With the struggles of today’s economy and the life expectancy of the population increasing, there are huge demands surfacing for caregivers of the elderly. A popular term and the primary demographic for senior caregiving is the Sandwich Generation, the adult children of seniors.

via www.noozhawk.com

What the Night Brings

I am lying in my bed reading when there is a distant rat-ta-tat. It is after 11:30 p.m.

via newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com

You can avoid going to court if you have the proper legal documents

Your mother could be forced to sit in a courtroom and listen to a judge take away her right to vote, drive and manage her money. You'll be required to prove that you aren't trying to steal your parent's money. And your private family business will become a matter of public record.

via www.usatoday.com

Elders' Refusals to Eat: What's a Caregiver to Do?

First, Do No Harm

One need not be a doctor to adhere to the ""first do no harm"" clause of the Hippocratic Oath. It would be negligent, irresponsible, and may have criminal implications, if a caregiver were to allow a family member to starve to death. Therefore, the short and simplest answer to the question often posed by caregivers is that there is a point where elders who refuse to eat need prompt medical intervention. Seek medical intervention long before the situation gets out of hand.

via www.eldercarelink.com

Study: Popular Alzheimer's drug ineffective for mild cases - CNN.com

(Health.com) -- A drug widely used to treat mild Alzheimer's disease appears to provide no benefit to this group of early stage patients, according to a new analysis of previously conducted research.

via www.cnn.com

NOW THEY TELL YOU!

Antipsychotic drug use among elderly nursing home residents in the United States

Background: Antipsychotic utilization in elderly nursing home residents has increased substantially in recent years, primarily due to the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. However, few studies have examined antipsychotic utilization patterns in nursing home residents in the United States since the introduction of atypical agents in the 1990s.

via www.ajgeripharmacother.com

There is an upward trend in over-medicating nursing homes. This is inhumane and in many cases the sole purpose is to chemically manage these residents.

If you visit as many nursing homes as I do you will notice residents who are just sitting there totally zombied out. It's criminal. If what this article describes is happening to your loved one, you need an advocate to stop this insanity.

Federal Government Responsible For Nursing Home Abuse and Death

By Jack Halpern, CEO, My Elder Advocate

NJ nursing home row with 72-year-old kills man, 81
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/nj-nursing-home-row-856566.html

78-year-old dementia patient in Pa. nursing home kills floor-mate with door
http://www.startribune.com/nation/116307439.html

NYS AG Investigation Leads To 22 Arrests For Patient Neglect at WNY & Troy Nursing Homes
http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/89646037.html

Handling Anger: Why is Mom So Defensive?

Elders who become vulnerable and need help from family are often difficult to please. Generally this behavior stems from fear and grief over loss of function. Trying to create a respectful dialogue can go a long way in maintaining lines of communication and dealing with behavior change in an elder.

via www.mindingoureldersblogs.com

Great Article by Carol Bradley Bursack