@ Home Solutions

People with Passion Working in Minneapolis Senior Care

2011-11-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Today more seniors than ever before need a caring hand, whether that is in the form of occasional companionship, household help, mobility assistance or medical senior care.

Many Minnesota seniors believe that their only choices are to live alone or to live in a Twin Cities senior facility. But another option is to obtain care in the home from licensed and trained caregivers. At Home Solutions specializes in this middle ground between complete independence and care in a senior living facility. For many seniors, obtaining home care gives them peace of mind and helps them to remain in their home.

Last month, we highlighted the volunteer work of Kristin Kopp, owner of At Home Solutions. In this post, we wanted to share a little bit about the people, practices and the passions that make up our staff and caregivers. Enjoy getting to know us! We hope it will help you to know that if you choose At Home Solutions home care, you or your loved one will be treated with caring and respect by staff members who are not only trained but who truly love the work they do.

Our Hiring Practices

You might be wondering: How do they make sure they are hiring quality people who are suited to working with seniors and adults with disabilities?

We start with a lengthy interview to learn about the individual and ensure that they have the personal skills we need on our team. After the initial interview, the candidate must undergo drug screening. We also check their criminal background and driving record, and personal and professional references. We also review Minnesota Department of Health records to ensure the candidate has no past violations. Finally, when we bring our new At Home Solutions staff member on board, they attend a three-day orientation with us to learn our practices and policies. Each staff member also attends ongoing training. In this way, we ensure that we work with the most caring, high integrity individuals who support our mission and commitment to high quality care.

Our Staff

Meet Heather, CSA. Heather is the Operations Manager for At Home Solutions, and in this role she matches our caregivers with our clients to ensure relationships are built for long term success. Heather believes strongly in our mission to provide trustworthy home management support services to adults in transition and their loved ones.

Meet Tanja, Care Manager and Scheduler. Tanja is a registered nurse and has both worked and volunteered for local and national non-profits in the area of program support and administrative work. She has a personal commitment to helping seniors and people with disabilities and has designed and implemented creative arts programs for adults with dementia.

Meet Hope, our Scheduler and Administrative Assistant. Hope has a degree in Sociology, with a focus on community and family, and is actively involved in her children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Meet Camille, RN. Camille has worked in geriatric nursing and long term care settings as both a caregiver and RN. She also volunteers for a local community outreach program.

Meet Kris, our Care Manager. Kris is an RN and a graduate of Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing. She has worked in Geriatric Nursing and Long Term Care both as a caregiver and in an administrative capacity. She is an advocate for turning to professional caregivers, when the time has come to seek assistance and obtain peace of mind.

Meet Linda, an At Home Solutions Caregiver. Linda loves working with senior citizens. She has a lengthy medical background and has worked extensively with cancer patients of all ages. She loves to see those she cares for smile and enjoy life.

Meet Kristin, an At Home Solutions Caregiver who is pursuing a degree in nursing. She is passionate about helping people and has realized through her work at AHS that personal care is her true calling. She loves to help people maintain their dignity and independence in the comfort of their own homes.

The caring staff at AHS are the mainstay of our business, and they are passionate about working with the senior community and those with disabilities. As you can see, each of these individuals has a personal commitment to help people live comfortably and well in their home, and to receive just the right amount of care.

How to Find Volunteering Opportunities with Minnesota Seniors

2011-10-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder how you can make a difference in the life of a senior in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area? With the rising numbers of elderly people today, and a challenged economy, there are many opportunities for helping out seniors in need, providing companionship and more. This post was inspired by the work of our own Kristin Kopp, Founder and President of At Home Solutions, who has been an active volunteer for over 20 years. You can read more about Kristin’s volunteer activities on Our Story page.

What Do Volunteers Do?

Did you know that Americans devoted an estimated 8.1 billion volunteer hours in 2010? Where do all those volunteer hours go? Volunteers today are involved in every aspect of community service from working at non-profit agencies to serving meals, helping with low-cost housing construction, decorating senior living communities with festive décor and much much more. The only limits to what can be done or accomplished through volunteering are the limits of our imagination.

How Do You Find Volunteer Jobs and Get Involved?

Finding volunteer opportunities with seniors in Minnesota or another area of special interest or skill simply involves a little bit of hunting. In this blog post we provide some resources to help you get started finding ways to volunteer with senior care centers, help homebound seniors, or find just the right opportunity based on your skills and interests. No matter what kind of service project or volunteering makes sense for you, you will enjoy making a difference.

1. Deliver meals to seniors.

One of the most fundamental needs you can help to fill is meal delivery. The statistics:

There are over 5,000 senior nutrition programs in the U.S.
Over one million meals are delivered to seniors each day.
According to the Meals on Wheels Association of America, the “volunteer army” that serves these meals at congregational facilities and individual homes is somewhere between 800,000 and 1.7 million people.
Here in the Twin Cities 400 volunteers are needed daily to delivery meals.

To find a meal delivery opportunity, you can:

· Start at the Take Action page of the Meals on Wheels Association of America.

· Start at the Deliver a Meal page of the Twin Cities Metro Meals on Wheels organization.

2. Start with VolunteerMatch.org.

Volunteer Match has a search tool that you can use to find volunteer opportunities by location and interest. For example, a Volunteer Match search on seniors in Minneapolis, MN turned up the following opportunities:

Visit with seniors in a memory care home.
Set tables and serve meals to seniors in a senior living community.
Help out at a spa day for seniors by providing manicures and massages.
Visit homebound seniors to provide companionship.
Provide chore help, such as fall raking.

3. Browse government service and volunteering organizations.

Several U.S. government organizations provide resources and databases for volunteers. Here are a few examples.

GetInvolved.gov: This government organization provides links to many resources and affiliated programs, including Senior Companions. The Senior Companions program has a focus on helping seniors to continue living independently in their homes. As a volunteer, you can take advantage of a range of resources as well as specialized volunteer training.
Serve.gov: This nationwide service initiative, spearheaded by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, is designed to provide opportunities for all citizens to help meet the growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn. The site includes a search feature where you can scout for service opportunities and projects by keyword and location.

4. Think of ways for kids and teens to help seniors.

Volunteer roles are very often filled by already busy adults. What about kids? Kids can bring a boatload of energy and fun to senior centers and senior living communities. And the kids and teens can benefit too. Volunteering can help enhance their understanding and compassion toward others, help them to see that elderly people are just as three dimensional and interesting as young folks, and even provide work experience that can be added to a resume. Teens can even find volunteering abroad opportunities to expand their horizons.

Here are a few resources for thinking up ways kids and teens can volunteer with seniors:

DoSomething.org: DoSomething is an organization with a youth focus that encourages involvement. Kids can find opportunities, join “Do Something Clubs” or start their own club.
Kidz World.com: The Kidz’ World Working with Seniors page provides excellent inspiration for ways in which kids and teens can make a difference in seniors’ lives.
Cross Cultural Solutions.org: The Cross Cultural Solutions site is full of ideas and resources on volunteering overseas. Volunteer opportunities to be found on the site include helping people with disabilities, helping women to gain life skills and providing elder care.

5. More ideas for helping others.

The online resources are endless for finding volunteer projects, whether related to senior care or other interests. For example here are some idea pages and volunteerism databases:

Idealist.org: Idealist is devoted to nurturing the desire to make a difference in the world. You can search by volunteer opportunities, internships, programs, jobs and more, and refine your search by keywords and location, including many countries worldwide.
Help Others.org: The Help Others site provides ideas for helping others in many ways, including simple acts of kindness.
SmartVolunteer.org: The Smart Volunteer database is an excellent starting place for those who want to apply their professionals skills to their volunteer roles. You can search many categories from accounting to legal to writing and editing, and find opportunities by zip code.

And finally, you can simply use your favorite search engine to find opportunities in your area of interest or expertise in your area. For example you could search “volunteer with seniors in Minneapolis, MN.” No matter how large or small your volunteer role, your efforts can make a difference!

5 Ways Home Management Services Help Seniors Remain Safe

2011-09-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Senior home services can provide home management help to ensure that a Minnesota senior citizen can remain comfortably and safely in their home. Home management services for seniors can include a range of tasks such as assessing the senior’s needs and providing any needed safety modifications.

Here are five ways senior home services can help to enhance a senior’s safety and well-being:

1. A professional assessment of the senior’s needs.

Changes in a senior’s physical and mental health as they age may or may not be readily apparent to a family member or caregiver. A trained senior home services consultant knows how to ask the right questions and perform a thorough evaluation of the elderly person’s needs. For example, an assessment may include the senior’s ability to safely navigate the home, prepare nutritious meals and to safely bathe or shower, as well as the senior’s need for companionship and community.

2. A professional assessment of the home’s safety.

Many things we take for granted can pose challenges and safety concerns for seniors. Senior home services consultants can help to determine whether hand railings are needed in certain areas, if necessities such as the telephone and furniture are well placed for safe and optimal use, and whether floor mats pose a safety hazard due to slipping.

Other assessments might include fire safety. For example, the senior home services provider might assess whether cords are frayed or too close to a heat source, whether oven mitts are placed too close to stove burners, and so on.

Watch Kristin Kopp, owner of At Home Solutions explain more about home management services when she was interviewed by Seniors on Screen.

3. Providing basic home adaptation services.

A senior home services provider that is trained in occupational safety can make many needed adjustments. For example, the service provider can convert throw rugs that slip into secure non-slip rugs, re-arrange furniture so that items such as ottomans do not pose tripping hazards, and that reaching for certain items does not pose risks to the senior.

4. Providing referrals to qualified service providers for home adaptations.

Some home adaptations that are needed to ensure senior home safety require a handyman service. These adaptations may include making changes to stairways, adding ramps and installing grab bars and hand railings in hallways and bathrooms. In these cases the senior home services consultant will typically refer these adaptations to a trusted service provider in the Minneapolis area who is skilled at making these changes.

5. Providing companion care, geriatric care or travel assistance.

Many seniors benefit from occasional companion care visits or assistance getting to the store, a place of worship or to social events. The appropriate caregiver will be assigned depending upon the senior’s needs. If the senior has a medication regimen, a nurse practitioner can be assigned to set up the medication schedule, while a home health aide may be assigned to manage the medications.

Seniors living alone benefit from companion visits or geriatric care visits because they provide social interaction, ongoing safety assessments, and personal care services such as meal preparation, bathing assistance and light housekeeping.

In each case, home management and senior care services can be tailored precisely to the needs of the senior, and modified over time to meet changing requirements.

Eight Common Scams Against Seniors

2011-08-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today there is a growing trend for scammers to target senior citizens in Minneapolis. Common scams include door-to-door sales and telephone pitches regarding insurance policies and other “hot button” issues for seniors. Here in Minnesota, our “Minnesota nice” values may contribute to seniors being more trusting and less willing to shut the door or hang up on unwelcome callers.

According to the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota, there are a number of reasons why seniors are more vulnerable to scams:

They are more likely to be at home to answer the phone or greet someone at the door.
Seniors tend to be more trusting and may not suspect that a friendly stranger is a con artist.
Elderly citizens are often lonely, and may be susceptible to a friendly approach, even if it is a sales pitch.
They may have a need for home repairs or services that they are physically incapable of handling themselves, which can expose them to pitches from itinerant workers who stop by to offer low-cost repairs.
Seniors are often on fixed incomes, which may make them vulnerable to high yield investment promises or savings on medical care.
Elderly people may own their home outright, making them a target of predatory lenders.

Most Common Scams Against Seniors

First, let’s look at the most common scams targeting retirees, senior citizens and adults with disabilities. Then we will cover how to avoid them.

1. The Grandparent Scam.

With this technique, the scammer calls the senior on the phone, posing as a grandchild in trouble, or a friend of the grandchild. Gary Johnson, Senior Outreach Manager of the Better Business Bureau in St. Paul, MN describes this scam.

“The primary scam that I hear about around the region is the Grandparent Scam:

‘Grandma this is Tim. I am in jail and need your help. Don’t tell my parents. I am so embarrassed.’

They are then asked to wire funds out of the country and the money is gone. One of the reasons seniors are targeted is that people 65 and older control approximately 70% of the assets in the country. That makes our demographic a big target for the Scammers.”

Quick Tip: Ask for a phone number where your grandchild can be reached or the name of the detention area where he is being held. Call the grandchild’s home or cell phone and ask for him. Chances are, he will answer the phone or his parents will know right where he is.

2. Domestic or Foreign Lottery Scams.

There are many versions of this scam, all of which require that you provide your account information or submit payment to cover processing fees, foreign customs, taxes or other costs in order to receive your prize. You may be told you must submit a payment through personal check, wire transfer, direct deposit or other means. The hucksters may make contact through a letter, phone call or email, and you may be asked for your bank account number or social security number in order to transfer funds.

Some of the most common forms of this scam include an announcement that you have won a very large sum of money in a foreign lottery or that you have been awarded money in a legal settlement or class action lawsuit due to illegal telemarketing by a foreign business.

Quick Tip: Never give out confidential information, even your home address, to a stranger.

3. Home and Garden Handyman and Remodeling Scams.

This type of scam typically shows up via a door-to-door sales person offering to perform work on your home or in your yard, often at a bargain price you “can’t refuse.” Here are some examples:

A roofing company suggests that they can provide roof repairs or replacements at a fraction of the cost of their competitors, typically asking for up-front payments to begin work.
A tree service tells you that one of your trees is diseased or was damaged in a recent storm and must be cut down.
A plumber or home repair outfit tells you they will make repairs or do handyman work.

There are many problems with these scams. For instance, there may not be anything wrong with the “diseased” tree. The home repairs, if they are even completed, may be shoddy and done by inexperienced personnel with the only real goal of getting you to pay them money. And if you are asked to pay in full up front, you may never seem them again.

Quick Tip: Do not open your door to someone you do not know, unless you have a friend or relative with you to help ascertain the nature of the visitor’s business and whether the person can be trusted.

4. Discount Health Plan Schemes

Fake discount health plans are becoming more common today with the hubbub in the healthcare world, and the resulting confusion. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to increased medical care needs. With this scheme, the caller claims to be with the government or a government sanctioned company and tries to sell you a health plan that offers medical services at discount rates.

Quick Tip: Ask for the company name, phone number and website so you can perform your own research. If these details are not provided directly, hang up.

5. Investment Scams

Investment scams come in a variety of forms, and may even occur through established investment firms. Unnecessary fees, short term investments, promissory notes, and unregistered securities are examples of some of the investment opportunities that have turned up as being scams.

Other investment scams show up as a free offer of some kind. The hoax focuses on creating trust so that the unsuspecting fraud victim supplies personal information or investment funds. You may receive offers of high returns on investment or free trips, and typically you will be pressured to make a commitment of some kind on the spot. These scams are often Ponzi schemes or empty promises designed to obtain access to your money.

Quick Tip: If you receive a call from an investment company soliciting your business, ask for the company name, phone number and website so you can perform your own research. Also be sure to review your financial statements and ensure that you understand all fees and charges.

6. Fake Charities

Alas, even companies posing as Minnesota charitable causes may not be trustworthy. Today, due to the challenged economy, some companies are using an emotional appeal to tap into seniors’ desire to support a cause. In some cases the company calling you may be an actual charity set up as a 401c(3), but very little of the money actually benefits the cause. Some charities may request that you purchase something you otherwise would not have been interested in buying, such as magazine subscriptions, while others request donations of money, cars or other property to help support “those in need.”

Quick Tip: Do not donate money to a charity without first researching whether the organization is registered with the state by visiting the Minnesota Attorney General’s website at www.ag.state.mn.us or calling 1-800-657-3787.

7. Jury Duty Scam

Barbara Johnson Hannah, a Certified Pre-planning Specialist and Family Service Specialist for Aftercare informed us of this scam in which someone calls and claims to be a “Jury Duty Coordinator” and threatens to prosecute you for failing to report to jury duty. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury, the scammer asks you for your social security number and date of birth so he or she can “verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant.” This is a fraudulent attempt to obtain your personal information in order to steal your identity.

Quick Tip: Never give out your social security number, except to those you trust completely. No legitimate company or organization will request this information over the phone.

8. Phishing scams.

With this common scam, you receive an email suggesting there is a problem with one of your accounts. You may be asked to click a link to another site to verify your information. Often the email looks legitimate, and may even include a well-known company logo. These emails are often written poorly and are addressed not to the individual but generically, such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear Account Holder.”

Quick Tip: Never click links inside of emails unless you have verified that the sender is who they say they are, and never supply personal information or PIN numbers online. A legitimate company will never request confidential information this way.

How to Thwart Scammers

Seniors and their friends, family members and senior caregivers must all work together to help prevent these crimes. The good news is that there are many simple things you can do.

Tips for Seniors

Do not allow strangers into your home. Do not even open the door to a stranger if you are alone. And do not do business with anyone who just shows up at your door.
Never disclose your social security number, credit card number, check routing information, or bank account information to telemarketers. No one except those closest to you, whom you trust completely, should have access to any of your account information, your social security number, or other identifying information that could be used to steal your identity or access your funds.
Recognize that people who “sweet talk” you may have ulterior motives. Be wary of any stranger who pours on charm, and/or uses pushy, high pressure techniques or fear tactics to obtain your personal information, close a deal or make a sale.
Be firm. Simply telling a caller that you require their contact information and website to perform your own research or have your relative evaluate their company may be enough to thwart their attempts if they are con artists.
Simply hang up. You can feel free to just hang up the phone when you receive unwanted calls, phone calls from solicitors, and especially anyone asking you to send a check, wire transfer, or other payment for future services.
Never pay money to collect your winnings. It is important to know that legitimate lotteries deduct applicable taxes from the awarded winnings, rather than requiring money up front.
Carefully check out any company you plan to do business with or hire. Turn to trusted relatives for help researching the legitimacy of charities, home services, investment firms and other companies that may benefit from your business or contributions.
Do not pay an entire amount for a repair or home remodeling project up front. A good rule of thumb is to pay only 1/3^rd for the company to begin work.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Do not let a desire for a better nest egg prevent you from using good judgment.
Pick up your mail as soon as it is delivered, and do not leave outgoing bills in the mailbox. Take them directly to the post office, have a relative do it for you, or pay securely online.

Tips for Family Members and Caregivers

First, as a trusted family member or senior caregiver, be on the watch for unusual activity around the senior’s home. Some home service scammers have been thwarted simply because someone asked them what they were doing on the property. Watch for signs that the senior may have fallen prey to a scam artist, such as new magazine subscriptions or new knick knacks around the house.
Review the senior’s accounts, including bank accounts and investment accounts for unusual fees or charges. And ensure that you fully understand and have checked out the legitimacy of any investment vehicles, such as IRAs, stocks and mutual funds.
Register the senior’s phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov.
Check out any company the senior wants to do business with through the BBB at www.bbb.org. If you want to hire a repair service or handyman, you can obtain a list of accredited services through the BBB.
Obtain a shredder and ensure the senior shreds any documents with identifying personal information.
Help to set up Social Security or pension benefits so they are direct deposited into the senior’s account.
Screen all caregivers who are hired to assist the senior or provide in home care.

Additional Resources

The following websites provide excellent information on how to spot scammers and how to stop them in their tracks:

The Minnesota Attorney General’s office: http://www.ag.state.mn.us/. View the Scams section for detailed information.
The Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org. You can research companies to determine their rating and whether they have complaints filed against them.
The BBB’s Consumers page: http://minnesota.bbb.org/consumers/. This website page contains a number of resources including a Top Scams page.
Adult Protective Services, such as those offered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/. Go to the Aging page, then look for Adult Protection to learn about how to report financial or other exploitation of seniors.
Hoax Slayer: http://www.hoax-slayer.com. This site provides more information on common hoaxes and scams.

How Does Companion Care Differ from Nursing Care

2011-07-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

And Which is Right for You?

Seniors remaining in the home need varying levels of companionship, assistance and care. To meet these varying needs, in-home senior care services range from weekly companion visits to round-the-clock care, with nursing assistance for everything from mobility to medications.

In this post, we will share some great information with you on the different levels of care, and how to determine which level of care is right for the senior in your life. We also invite you to watch our short video for additional information.

Identifying the Need for In-Home Care

One of the first steps, of course, is determining that care is needed. Here are some of the many reasons seniors and their families seek out in-home companionship and/or nursing care for seniors in Minneapolis:

The senior needs help with tasks in the home such as light housekeeping, cooking or dressing
The elderly family member is not getting enough social interaction, which can lead to low morale or depression
The senior is in declining health and needs assistance with bathing, mobility, transport to errands, shopping, church or social events
The primary senior caregiver is a busy family member, and is not able to provide the full amount of care needed
The primary caregiver needs respite care to take breaks from senior care and attend to other personal or family needs
Medication management has become a challenging task for the caregiver
The senior has experienced a fall or has a challenging health condition, and requires daily personal care services

As you can see, there are many reasons for turning to an in home care service, from simple companionship to complete senior assistance.

In some cases, the senior may not want to consider an in-home caregiver, even though family members feel that there is a need. The home health care company you choose should help introduce the concept of in home care services in a way that is caring, friendly and non-threatening.

Comparing Companion Care and Nursing Care

Once you determine that some amount of care is needed, the next step is to decide how much care the senior needs and how often. Every senior is different, of course. Everything from age to social interaction needs to the senior’s mental and physical health profile must be taken into consideration. Let’s look at some of the options.

Companion Care

Companion care and other caregiver services can be tailored to the senior’s level of need, from just two hours per week to as much time as you wish. Here are some examples of basic companion care services:

Companionship, chatting, playing cards
Home care and pet care
Housekeeping, bed making and laundry
Letter writing and mail management
Medication reminders

Nursing Care

Home health aides, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and registered nurses (RNs) can be assigned to provide more in-depth care and medical assistance whenever services are needed that require caregivers with specific skills, training or certifications. Read the extensive qualifications we require when we employ a CNA or RN. Here are some examples of home health aide and nursing care services:

RN case management services
Medication review and medication management
Bathing assistance, grooming and hygiene
Dementia care
Ambulatory care
Feeding assistance
Hospice support

Together with your home care agency, determine the right amount of care for the senior based on a review of the senior’s mental, physical and emotional needs.

In some cases, the need for in home care services may decrease over time, such as when the senior is recovering from an illness or injury. In other cases, the need may increase with time, if the senior is experiencing a decline in mental or physical health. If the senior moves to an assisted living facility or nursing home, the At Home Solutions team can continue to provide services to the senior in the new location for continuity of care.

When the senior is receiving nursing care, the registered nurse case manager will perform scheduled follow-ups to assess the senior’s medications and/or perform the medication set-ups, and will also act as a liaison to the senior’s physician.

As the senior’s family member or personal caregiver, you can be assured that the senior’s needs will be met by the appropriate level of in home care services.

Respite Care for the Caregiver

2011-06-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

If you are a senior caregiver, you may be among a growing number of adults who cannot remember the last time they sat down and put their feet up.

A survey completed by the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, with funding from the MetLife Foundation, revealed that an estimated 66 million Americans were providing care for adults, both young and old, as well as children with special needs. These caregivers provide 20 hours of care per week, on average. In other words, many caregivers are working a part time unpaid job.

Even when the caregiving role is provided with love, and even with the many rewards it can offer, caregivers can experience fatigue and burnout. In this post we’ve provided some tips and resources to help you, the caregiver, to be sure that your own needs are met.

Tips for Caregivers

One of the first steps you can take as a senior caregiver is to acknowledge that you do have a job, and that job is one that can be both physically and mentally demanding.

When you acknowledge that your caregiving role is work, it goes without saying that taking breaks, rewarding yourself for hard work, and ensuring that you factor in breaks from your caregiver tasks are important considerations.

We’ve aggregated some helpful ideas for you from the National Family Caregiver’s Association and other resources across the web to provide these additional tips:

Educate yourself on your loved one’s illness or condition. Doing so will help you to communicate more effectively with other family members and physicians.
Accept your feelings. Senior caregivers very commonly experience complex emotions. Whether they are feelings of grief, burnout or even resentment, understanding how you feel, and letting go of any sense of guilt about what those feelings, can help you provide even better care.
Acknowledge your need for downtime. This should be a “no brainer” and yet a surprising number of caregivers attempt to push through fatigue and just keep going. Be to take breaks whenever you can.

Accept help from others. If people offer assistance, just say yes. Be sure to provide specifics on how they can help, including timelines. Most likely, your helpers will be happy to pitch in and will appreciate specific instructions.
Write down your thoughts. Fears and worries can tend to grow and multiply. Writing them down in a notebook or journal can help to make them seem more manageable. You will also be able to define questions for doctors and make note of any caregiving tasks that you can hand off to others.
Seek professional help. Fretting? Depressed? Don’t ignore these signs. Seek help from a professional counselor or your doctor if your roller coaster ride of emotions includes anxiety or depression.

Be open to changes that support your loved one’s independence. Evaluate and be open to ideas that promote your loved one’s independence. Whether that may include an electric wheelchair or other technologies, these changes may give your loved one more independence while giving you some relief from some of your caregiving tasks.

Remember that you are not alone. Create community with other caregivers to share ideas. You will not only feel more supported, but you may learn some things you would never have thought of on your own.
Find a local senior center in your area. Senior centers and area agencies on aging exist in may communities. Through these centers, you may have access to free and low cost resources and activities.

Caregiver Resources

When you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your senior caregiving responsibilities, here are some additional resources you can turn to for ideas and help:

At Home Solutions (yes that’s us!): Respite care is one of our specialties. We provide support to your loved one, which helps you get the respite care you need. Be sure to visit our Caregiver Services page.
Independent Home Living: Programs that provide knowledge, tools and resources for empowered caregiving, maximum senior independence and living within your budget through web-based tools and a free call-in service.
The Well Spouse Association: A non-profit organization that advocates for and addresses the needs of individuals caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled spouse/partner.
The National Family Caregiver’s Association: A non-profit organization that provides education and support to the millions of Americans who care for loved ones, including elderly, disabled and chronically ill family members.
MinnesotaHelp.info: A listing of resources and agencies to help those caring for aging, disabled, or chronically ill loved ones.

And remember, if you are stressed or burned out, your ability to provide care to your family member will be compromised. Caring for yourself and ensuring that you don’t become incapacitated yourself is important both for you and for your loved one.

Preventing Falls in the Elderly

2011-05-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

Frank is 91 years old, limber and healthy, and has lived on his own in the Minneapolis, MN area since losing his wife two years ago. This last winter, on a cold December morning, Frank went out to get the newspaper, stepped over any obvious icy patches, and… went down. He had not realized that a dark patch on the driveway was black ice, a common winter hazard in cold climates like Minnesota.

This story has a happy ending. Frank spent several months in a rehabilitation facility while he healed from fractures in his wrist and ankle and followed a strict physical therapy regimen. He is at home now, living independently again. But the incident undermined Frank’s confidence and that of his family members. And it could have been much worse.

Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Frank’s scenario is not uncommon today with the baby boomer generation now in the senior years. According to the National Safety Council, falls are a leading cause of senior citizen injury deaths, which are estimated at 16,000 annually in the US. A large percentage of seniors want to live at home for as long as they can, which can increase risks for those not attended by in home caregivers.
The causes of falls for seniors range widely from home safety conditions to changes in physical and mental health status, and many are preventable. To help you assess ways to reduce risk, for yourself or a senior in your life, At Home Solutions, LLC offers these tips:

• Review and correct potentially slippery conditions inside and outside the home

In winter, cover walkways and driveways with sand
Indoors, remove sliding area rugs or replace them with non-skid mats
Place non-skid mats inside and outside of tubs and showers

• Use adequate footwear both indoors and outdoors

Use shoes and slippers with good tread or non-slip soles
Make sure all dress shoes provide support and are non-slip

• Keep floors clear of tripping hazards

Move any extension cords out of walking areas
Place duct tape over any cords that cannot be moved
Keep shoes, umbrellas and gear in bins rather than in entry ways
Make sure low furniture, such as ottomans and end tables are placed out of walking areas and are kept in predictable places

• Install handrails and safety rails where appropriate

Make sure stairways have secure and sturdy handrails
Areas to consider for safety rails include the bathtub, next to the toilet and hallways

• Maintain physical and mental activity

Encourage and assist with stretching, walking or senior aerobics, if within the senior’s capabilities
Play games such as cards, board games, and word games to enhance mental clarity and stamina
Provide companionship, conversation and socializing opportunities

• Maintain vision prescriptions and good visibility in the home

Regularly check for cataracts and glaucoma
Ensure prescription lenses are kept up to date
Keep prescription glasses on the night stand
Install night lights by bedsides, in hallways and in bathrooms
Place a touch lamp on the night stand
Install good lighting on stairways and in hallways

• Schedule regular doctor’s appointments and bring a checklist

Review all medications
Request blood pressure checks when sitting and standing, as a dramatic change in blood pressure can cause light headedness
Request checks on balance and strength and request physical therapy when needed to make improvements
If dizziness or hearing loss is an issue, request a referral to an ENT specialist to address any vestibular problems
Assess mental clarity

• Finally, consider home care services to provide assistance or companionship to the senior

These services can range from occasional companion care or home health services to round-the-clock care

Home care services such as those we provide from At Home Solutions of Minnesota can make a huge difference in the well-being of elderly people who remain in the home. Even just taking care of the little things like laundry, cooking, changing linens and providing medication reminders can dramatically improve home safety and enhance the sense of security for a senior.

When the need is greater, such as when a senior needs bathing assistance, ambulatory help, or medication management, home care services can be increased to meet those needs. An RN case manager can be assigned to provide oversight of home health aides and ensure that medications are kept up to date.

Whether occasional or daily, caregiver and companion services can help to ensure that a senior’s home environment is safe, and that the senior receives regular assistance with the tasks of daily living.

Putting It All Together When You Are Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One

2011-04-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Major life events such as births, weddings, and a loved one’s passing involve huge shifts in your daily routine, your way of thinking, your needs, your list of tasks and your priorities. At these times, it seems that everything about your life abruptly shifts. A sudden change in the health status of someone in your family is another life event that has this kind of impact. You may be transformed overnight from the child of your parent to your parent’s caregiver. How do you cope?

Perhaps an elderly family member takes a fall, becomes ill, has sudden failing health or can no longer manage without assistance. You may be asking some or all of these questions:

What choices do I have regarding senior services in Minnesota?
Who can perform a home safety assessment?
Who do I turn to for help with wheelchair accessibility?
Can I hire a handyman, or do I need a home adaptation specialist?
How do I handle all of my parent’s personal care needs?
Where do I begin to assess issues of wills, power of attorney affidavits and health care directives?

Fortunately, help is available here in the Twin Cities for every need you may have, including home care for seniors, personal care services, home management, elder care facilities, elderly fiduciary assistance, companionship services, and even chore services to help you manage those around the home tasks like laundry and dishes that keep a household in shape.

A Team of Experts Weighs In On Managing Elder Care, Home Care and End of Life Planning

Four Minneapolis area women have collaborated together to help senior caregivers navigate the many considerations involved when a senior’s life takes a turn. The collaboration, Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One, provides a go-to resource for the guidance seniors and their caregivers need at every step along the way. The group also acts as a clearing house for caregiver support and respite services, as too often caregivers become overwhelmed by the tasks involved in senior care, and it is often critical to obtain assistance from a home healthcare agency to manage a senior’s personal care needs.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC

At Home Solutions is a Home Health and Companion Care Agency based in Edina, Minnesota and serving the seven county Twin Cities area. Kristin’s role with Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One is to help caregivers make choices about care for their loved ones and arrange the home care and personal care services needed.

Kristin shares that not all home health care agencies are alike. Important considerations when evaluating senior care services include:

Does the agency provide both medical and non-medical home care?
Can the agency provide all the services needed to help a senior remain in the home, if desired, and live as independently as possible?
Can the agency also provide care in an independent or assisted living center?

Kristin assists with these and other questions about elderly care, personal care and senior citizen services in Minnesota.

Kim Tophen, Senior Options, Inc

Senior Options provides guidance and power of attorney and conservatorship services to help seniors with important choices at a vulnerable time in life. Kim’s role with Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One is to offer support to seniors and families addressing topics such as healthcare directives, and to help prevent family conflict that may arise around key decisions regarding wills and trusts and ongoing care.

Kim shares that seniors should answer several important questions, hopefully before a time of crisis:

What are your healthcare wishes should you become ill?
Who do you want to make decisions for you when you no longer can?
Where do you want to live out your final years if you are unable to stay in your home?
If you are concerned about family conflict, do you know where to turn for help to obtain assistance from a neutral party?

Kim is a professional guardian/conservator who can help answer these questions and help to preserve dignity and quality of life.

Terrie Lewis, Elder Law Answers

Elder Law Answers supports seniors, their families and their attorneys by providing information about crucial legal issues facing seniors, and providing qualified elder law attorneys. Terrie, a Minneapolis attorney specializing in senior law, provides a legal perspective for Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One.

Terrie shares that there are critical legal documents that should be in place when a loved one enters the golden years, including:

A living will with directives regarding treatment should the senior become incapable of communicating his or her own instructions.
A durable power of attorney, allowing a person to act in your place for financial purposes should you become incapacitated.
Your will, directing who will receive your property at your death.

Terrie helps seniors and their families to understand the purpose and importance of these and other legal documents.

Jeanne McGill, Midwest Funeral Pre-Planning Consultants

Midwest Funeral Pre-Planning Consultants of Minnesota helps seniors to pre-plan their funeral to ensure that their own unique wishes are met. As a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Pre-Planning Consultant, Jeanne’s role with Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One is to help families assess funeral expenses and learn whether they qualify for medical assistance.

Jeanne shares that there are several great reasons to consider pre-planning and pre-paying for a funeral:

Planning is a free and simple process involving setting up a file with your wishes at a funeral home.
By pre-paying, you can eliminate any concerns you may be experiencing that a large funeral expense will burden your family members.
You can invest in your family’s future, even when you’re not there.

Jeanne helps seniors to sort through the options and make the best possible choices regarding funeral planning to create peace of mind for themselves and their families.

Options for Paying for Home Care

2011-03-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of the first questions seniors & caregivers in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota ask when considering home care is how much it’s going to cost and what are the options for paying. It’s a common misconception that Medicare or insurance companies will pay for home care in every senior’s situation. Many caregivers are working tirelessly to assist their loved one during failing health or a medical crisis and wonder, “What services will Medicare pay for?” If it’s determined that Medicare or private insurance won’t cover home health care, the idea is often abandoned but with a little persistence and creativity, other funding sources can be uncovered.

1.    MN Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit. This is Minnesota’s best kept secret for paying for home care. Here is a list of services to consider. The long term care benefit offers a disability income to veterans who served during a period of war or to their surviving spouses. For a pension benefit for veterans younger than 65, evidence of total of disability must be provided. Senior veterans 65 and older do not have to disabled. There are several factors that determine the amount of each senior’s monthly stipend including income limit & medical need. Go to our Links & Resources page for more information.

2.    Medicare or Medicaid (Medical Assistance). According to Medicare.gov, Medicare generally doesn’t pay for long-term care activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, and grooming. Medicare will help pay for skilled nursing or home health care if you meet certain conditions. For instance after a medical incident such as breaking a hip, Medicare might cover home rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech or nurse’s visit. Benefits will end when the senior recovers or is no longer making progress. If an elderly or disabled person has a skilled need such as a catheter & their doctor’s approval, long term nursing care can be paid for. Get a link to a handy eligibility tool to see if you or your loved one qualifies.

Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s largest publicly funded health care programs. Senior can apply through their local county human service offices. More than two-thirds of seniors enrolled receive all their health care through health plans. The remaining get care on a fee-for-service basis and home care providers bill the state directly for their services. View more information.

3.    Insurance. Private health insurance may pay for some aspects of senior services in your home but long term care insurance actually pays for personal care such as bathing, toileting and transferring. There are many elements of long term care insurance to consider and it’s important to get educated by a professional. The amount of daily benefits, pay out options and inflation riders may increase your premiums considerably. It’s a good idea to review how much home care costs in Minneapolis today in order to determine how much money you’ll need. Review our link to a Long Term Care Insurance resource.

4.    Reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage allows you to access the equity in your home without having to sell your home or make monthly loan repayments. Seniors can use this money any way they’d like, including using it to pay for home care. Advantages are that your income and credit are not considered in determining eligibility and the proceeds of a reverse mortgage are tax-free. A disadvantage is if you’d like your family to inherit the home, they must refinance or pay off the debt. There are also closing costs that might make a reverse mortgage cost prohibitive if you don’t plan on living in the home for many years. Get more information.

Not Just Your Average Caregiver!

2010-08-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Richmond pulls into the parking lot near the south side of Medicine Lake. It is too cold to go fishing today, but they have time to enjoy the view and make plans for a warmer day. Together, they take a short walk down to the dock, watch the lake for a few minutes, then head back to the car to stay warm.
“Now what?” asks Donald.
“Well, how about writing a song?” Richmond, a local singer/songwriter and senior services caregiver, pulls out a pen and paper and begins to take notes. “I’ll say a line and then you say a line,” he suggests.
“Water is good medicine!” says Richmond

“Water is good for your heart!” responds Donald.
Later, after lunch at a local diner, Richmond drops Donald off at his home where he lives with Betty, his wife of 59 years. They will see each other again in two days. Richmond is Donald’s companion caregiver, and works for At Home Solutions in Edina. “Richmond was hired specifically for Donald,” says Heather Reynolds, Director of Operations for At Home Solutions. “The family wanted a male caregiver to be a driver for Donald, to take him to his office 3 days a week and to provide some activities away from home so that they could have a break from daily caregiving.”

Donald Johnson is a retired business owner suffering from moderate dementia. His wife, Betty, has been his primary caregiver for the last five years, since his dementia began to cause safety concerns. Donald continues to stay in touch with some of his clients and when it became clear that he needed someone to drive him to his office, Betty called At Home Solutions to find out about their services.

Kristin Kopp, owner and president of At Home Solutions, is an experienced caregiver. She responded to the Johnson’s needs right away. “We offer our clients the option of interviewing potential caregivers. Since we didn’t have any male caregivers available at the time, we posted a job description for the Johnson’s and Richmond answered.”

The locally owned and operated At Home Solutions is a Home Health and Companion Care Agency that serves the seven county Twin Cities area. Because they are smaller and not franchised by a national corporation, they are able to respond to individual client’s needs and provide a very family-friendly service.
“Families choose us because we give them options, like flexible scheduling.” Heather goes on to say. “We have excellent caregivers who really go the extra mile to assist their clients and families. Besides the usual daily cares expected of a home health aide, we have had caregivers help create autobiographies, cook gourmet meals, sort through years of accumulated photos, help host parties, and create exercise plans.”

The Johnson’s liked Richmond right away. He and Donald have similar interests and they could tell that he was a compassionate and intelligent person. Richmond came prepared with a list of ideas and activities that would engage Donald’s mind and body. Betty recalls Richmond’s first week of service for the family: “At first we just needed a driver, but it didn’t take long to realize that Donald needed the companionship even more.”

Donald forgot all about the song they wrote that day. But Richmond didn’t. He went home and took out his guitar. A few weeks later, Richmond told his supervisor that he had written a song with Donald and he was planning to perform it for the family the next week at their quarterly case review meeting.
Betty, Donald, their daughter, and two of the staff from At Home Solutions gathered the next week to discuss the plan of care. The family loves Richmond—they all agree he is a perfect match for Donald. They appreciate his gentleness, his forethought to Donald’s safety and comfort, and his ideas for activities to keep Donald engaged and stimulated. They do have some concerns about Donald’s changing health and they are considering having Richmond fly with them to a wedding next fall to provide some additional support for him. The team of family and care managers discussed options and updated Donald’s service plan.

Then Richmond arrived and everyone prepared to listen to the song. Richmond sat down next to Donald, holding a piece of paper between them printed with the lyrics. “Do you remember writing this song?” he asked. Donald did. They retold the story of the day by the lake. “We were talking about how healing water can be,” said Richmond, “The song is called ‘Water Medicine.’”

With his eyes on Donald, Richmond began. “Remember your part, Donald?” he whispered. “…the chorus?” Donald nodded.

The music had a foot tapping rhythm. The lyrics were touching and poignant about the healing power of water and the love of one’s family.

Donald’s face lit up when the chorus began—a simple, repetitious line: “Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa….water” he sang, “Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa….water” His deep voice joined Richmond’s as they smiled at each other. Unaware that anyone else was in the room, they relived that moment near the lake when the song began.

It was clear that this was much more than just your average caregiver and client relationship.

WATER MEDICINE
BY DJ and RICHMOND

Water is good medicine
Water good for heart
Water good for soul
Water fills the whole of my heart
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa water
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa water

Water clears my mind
Water anytime
Flow my beauty out
Water makes me cry and sigh
She begs the question why water
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa why water
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa why water

Why do children cry
The tears of salty water
They long for mother father-No other will do
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa why water
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa why water

Water water everywhere
Nor-a drop to drink
Water everywhere
And all the boards do shrink
Cry me a river-I am your true blue-water giver
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa why water
Wa wa wa wa wa wa wa why water

Betty is my water
We love our sons and daughters
I would never cry you a river
Cause I am your true blue sincere Donald water giver!

Looking for a Caregiver Support Group?

2010-07-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Look no further! We have recently launched a Caregiver Support Group for adults who have aging parents and want to hear other people's journey as they go through similar situations.

Adult Children Caring for Aging Parents in the Twin Cities is now organized and regularly scheduled meetings are posted on Meet Up: http://www.meetup.com/Adult-Children-Caring-for-Aging-Parents-Twin-Cities. Join us to share your expertise and suggestions with other adult family members, hear professional speakers share their insight, come with questions about your own situation.

This is an anonymous, non-solicited Caregiver Support group hosted in Edina. Questions? Call Kristin at 952-292-5801.

How do Home Care Companies screen their employees?

2010-07-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

One of the very first questions asked when a family calls is "how do you screen your employees?" This is how we answer them:

We require past experience working with either seniors or adults with disabilities
We conduct professional and personal reference checks
Background checks are done through the Department of Health
Additional driving record checks are run to provide incidental transportation
Social Security and address verification is completed
Situational questions and personality interview is conducted
Applicants are interviewed by at least 2 managers
7 page application is required to be filled out

While we aren't 100% perfect all the time with our hiring, we certainly provide due diligence to ensure our families are paired with the most trusted, empathetic, caring and professional staff we can find. We can train someone how to do their job better but we can't improve their compassion and attitude - that is what makes our staff stand out.

For your peace of mind and comfort, it is possible to stay safe, secure and independent at home with compassionate Caregivers and Home Health Care Services for seniors, elders, people with disabilities or the elderly. I am thankful for all your referrals to your loved ones, clients, neighbors, co-workers or friends who needed some assistance.

Please continue to keep us in mind and contact me personally if I can be of any assistance to you.

In Gratitude,
Kristin Kopp

President / Founder

At Home Solutions, LLC

2010 Dementia Conference Schedule and Information

2010-03-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Dementia Conference ~ March 20th, 2010

http://www.alz.org/mnnd/in_my_community_13666.asp

Who Should Attend?

Medical and care professionals, dementia care thought leaders, families,

persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early dementia come

together for this day of education, sharing and support. We invite you to:

* PARTICIPATE in a day of education information and support

provided by locally and nationally recognized experts.

* LEARN about strategies for family caregiving, legal and financial

planning, brain fitness and cutting-edge research.

* VISIT exhibits and displays such as the University of Minnesota Brain

Exhibit and purchase books and CDs from Micawbers Books.

Look inside for breakout sessions designed especially for:

* Persons with MCI or early dementia

* Families or friends of those with dementia

* Allied healthcare professionals/care providers

* Advanced practice professionals

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

7:45 – 8:30 am Registration / Exhibits Open /
Continental Breakfast
8:30 – 10:35 am Welcome and Opening
Keynote: The Rock Stars of Science – On the Brain
10:35 – 11:00 am Break / Exhibits Open
10:45 am Medical Symposium Begins
11:00 – 12:00 pm Breakout Session One
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch / Exhibits Open
1:00 – 2:00 pm Breakout Session Two
2:00 – 2:20 pm Break / Exhibits Open
2:20 – 3:20 pm Breakout Session Three
3:20 – 4:30 pm Closing Keynote: Let Go of the Could’a, Should’a, Would’a – Choose to Connect & Make Moments of Joy

Care For The Caregiver

2010-03-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 18, 2010

CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER

OnYourMind: Heather Reynolds reminds caregivers to care for themselves as well as others.

by: Heather Reynolds, CSA

I hear it all the time in my profession: tired, worn-out women on the phone saying that they just don't know what else to do, how to squeeze one more second out of the day, one more ounce of energy out of themselves. They are career women, mothers, partners, people with their own dreams. And now they are finding themselves as caregivers-parents to their own parents. Something has got to give.

I have learned that, on average, you:

• are a 46-year-old female, married and working outside the home

• spend as much as 50 percent more time providing care than male caregivers

• may have passed up a job promotion, training or assignment to fulfill caregiving duties.

Few people are fully prepared for the conflicting emotional challenges that caregiving can place upon them-from joy to sadness, anger, frustration, a sense of loss for a loved one's declining health and your own personal losses: (friends, time or job loss). It's not uncommon to have guilt while trying to juggle personal wants and needs, the needs of our families as well as the needs of the person being caring for.

While this may not have been how we saw our life unfolding, it can still become a journey with many rewards. We need to take time to make that happen, and to be good to ourselves in the process:

• Take care of yourself by watching for signs of depression and seeking professional help when needed.

• Accept help when others offer it-have a list ready of what other people can do to help you, and say YES!

Educate yourself on your loved one's illness

• Seek support from other caregivers and support groups

• Eat well and exercise

• Carve out quiet time for yourself each day to do something just for you

• Be patient with yourself

It's OK to grieve losses and to dream new dreams. We inevitably learn as much about ourselves as our loved ones in the process of caring for them.

You can find this article at: http://www.womenspress.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=738&ArticleID=3548

Heather Reynolds lives in St. Paul and is a Certified Senior Advisor and program manager for At Home Solutions, LLC Inc. http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/
952-292-5801
Kristin Kopp, President & Founder

GO Computer - Designed for Seniors

2009-10-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Designed For Seniors® GO Computer
If you, or some one you love, has ever said "I’ll never buy a computer"...you need to read this!
Now you can finally enjoy writing to your family, researching your favorite hobby or important news item, or just relaxing playing games...simply by clicking on a green GO button.
If you can type an email or website address into a box...you have mastered a whole new world of computing with the designed for SENIORS® GO Computer. Backed by nearly a decade of research and development, the GO Computer has been designed especially for you. It takes about five minutes to set up, and no tools or special skills are required. Plus, it is so easy to understand, no computer classes or DVDs are necessary.

But wait until you start to use it ! It’s easy to see and use with specially designed features like a large-letter keyboard, an easy-rolling trackball mouse and a zoom feature that magnifies up to 200 percent. firstSTREET’s computer features a whole new operating system based on a "GO" screen concept, backed up by immediate phone access to around-the-clock U. S.-based remote service and assistance.

Finally...a computer you can’t break, crash or confuse; a computer that won’t lose what’s put into it, and that’s protected from viruses and spam!
Welcome to the world of a failure-free and fear-free computer!

Now you, and anybody who may be feeling a little technologically challenged these days, can start enjoying a whole new world of entertainment, communication, and education...smoothly and effortlessly into the 21st century.
firstSTREET is proud to introduce to you...the designed for SENIORS® Go Computer...sold exclusively through firstSTREET.

Order the GO Computer now for just $879 plus $19.95 per month for access to our unique service and unlimited email and phone support, upgrades, an effortless computing experience and user friendly links to safe websites.

http://www.thegocomputer.com/

HERE IS THE PROMOTIONAL CODE = 38476

Kristin Kopp ~ President & Founder of At Home Solutions, LLC

952-292-5801

Boomers and Social Security

2009-10-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

By Stephen Clifton, Director
Social Security Office, Greeley.

While some baby boomers
expected to retire at one of the
traditional milestones such as age
62, the current economy is forcing
many to re-evaluate their plans.
Many are wondering if they
should work longer or how their
Social Security benefit—or their
spouse’s benefit—would be affected
if they continued working.
To help find answers, Social
Security has published a fact sheet
called When To Start Receiving
Retirement Benefits. You can read it
online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

As most workers know, your
choice of a retirement age can
dramatically affect your monthly
Social Security benefit amount. If
you choose to start receiving benefits
early, the monthly payments
will be reduced based on the
number of months you receive
benefits before you reach your full
retirement age.
The rate of reduction will
depend on the year you were born.
The maximum reduction at age 62
will be: 25 percent for people born
between 1947 and 1958; 30
percent for people born after 1959.
If you wait until your full retirement
age, your benefits, your
benefits will not be reduced. And if
you choose to delay retirement,
your benefit will increase up to
eight percent a year from your full
retirement age until age 70.
However, there is no additional
benefit increase after you reach age
70, even if you continue to delay
taking benefits.

Social Security also has created
several retirement planners to help
you make an informed decision. We
have an online calculator that can
provide immediate retirement benefit
estimates to help you plan for retirement.

The online Retirement
Estimator uses information from
your own earnings record and lets
you create “what if” scenarios. You
can, for example, change your “stop
work” date or expected future earnings
to create and compare different
retirement options.

Source= http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

Kristin Kopp ~ President & Founder

952-292-5801

Surprising Stroke Statistics

2009-10-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Nearly half of the Americans who
have a stroke are under age 65,
according to a report in the American
Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Most of their strokes are mild, and
the people are sent home to deal with
the effects on their own.

But many should receive rehabilitation therapy;
and they are not getting it, said researchers.

“If you are young and have a mild
stroke, chances are you will not
receive rehabilitation services,” said
Timothy J. Wolf at Washington
University in St. Louis where the
study was conducted.
Of the nearly 8,000 young people
involved in the study over 10 years,
52 percent said they had trouble
concentrating after a mild stroke; 42
percent said they could not perform
their jobs as well as before the
stroke.
Researchers suspect that an
increasing number of young people
are having strokes because more have
high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
diabetes and obesity.

Source = http://www.scribd.com/

Kristin Kopp ~ President & Founder

952-292-5801

A Little Exercise !

2009-10-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

A little physical exercise is much
more effective for treating
clogged arteries than angioplasty,
said researchers at the European
Society of Cardiology.

One study showed that 90 percent
of heart patients who rode a bicycle
cured their cardiovascular problems
within a year while only 70 percent
of those who had angioplasty did so.
Walking 30 minutes five days a week
does the same. In fact, one-third of all heart
attacks and strokes in the United

States could be prevented by walking
briskly for a total of two and a half
hours a week, said researchers. Such
exercise boosts good cholesterol,
lowers bad cholesterol and makes
blood vessel walls much healthier.
But getting people to exercise?
That’s the hard part, said researchers.
Most would rather sit on a couch and,
if a problem occurs, have a quick fix
like angioplasty, which requires only
a day or less in the hospital.

Source = http://www.scribd.com/

Kristin Kopp ~ President & Founder

At Home Solutions, LLC

Conversation Strengthens Memory !

2009-09-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Conversation Strengthens Memory -- In a University of Michigan study, psychologist Oscar Ybarra at the U-Michigan Institute for Social Research tested a large group of people up to 96 years old. He found that just 10 minutes of conversation with a friend worked just as well as elderly activities involving brain games, like crossword puzzles to strengthen the memory. "In our study, socializing was just as effective as more traditional kinds of mental exercise in boosting memory and intellectual performance," he said. So make sure the elderly in your life have plenty of time to socialize. It not only will help with memory, but also elderly issues of depression and loneliness as well.

Current Events -- Discuss current events on TV and in the newspaper, but keep it light and on a positive note as much as possible (some seniors can be prone to depression, so heavy current events may not be appropriate). Keeping up what’s going on in the world helps seniors stay mentally involved. You can get all sorts of elderly activities involved. Ask for their opinions, and how an issue differed x-amount of years ago. My father is unable to read from vision loss. So on Tuesday and Friday evenings I selectively read the newspaper to him. I already know he gets tired of hearing about war and political scandals, so we mostly skip those. He’s able to watch the news with his infrared earphones on, so he gets most of the evening news. But he still enjoys it when I read to him. When I read about something, I make sure to ask him if they said anything on the news about this. It usually leads to very lively discussion and opinions about all sorts of other issues as well. When I watch the news on TV with him, we turn off the sound during the ads and talk about what was just said. These elderly activites are some of the highlights of his week.

Source ~ http://www.elder-one-stop.com/elderly-activities.html

Kristin Kopp, CSA ~ President/Founder

http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

952-292-5801

Recording Memoirs

2009-09-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Recording Memoirs --

Another of the meaningful senior activity ideas. When my father was in his 90s we bought him a small digital tape recorder to tape his memoirs for us. Even though he was partially blind, it was very easy to use. He could pause at any time to re-group his thoughts. He started at the earliest age he could remember, and took it one or two years at a time, mentioning as much colorful detail as he could remember. We then downloaded the material into the computer. Each segment is a “file” that can be moved around on the computer screen if you want to insert that segment into a different chronological order. Later, we thought of all sorts of things to ask him about, and he continued to tape. These segments were out of chronological order, of course. But it was very easy to move them around on the computer screen to get them in the correct order with the previous files. After being organized on the computer, the project was transferred onto a CD that could be played in a standard CD player. Everyone in the family now has this journey down memory lane right from our father.

This is one of our favorite senior activity ideas.

Source ~ http://www.elder-one-stop.com/senior-activity-ideas.html

Kristin Kopp

At Home Solutions, LLC

http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

952-292-5801

Disposing Old Medications

2009-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mix medications with coffee grounds and toss them in the trash. It turns out that the common practice of flushing pills down the toilet has a harmful effect on waterways and their ecosystems. Instead, mix most expired pills with coffee grounds, cat litter, or sawdust in a zippered plastic bag and throw it out with the garbage. This will keep them away from kids and pets and prevent harm to fish and other wildlife habitats.

The exception? Highly addictive drugs, such as Percocet and OxyContin, which the Food and Drug Administration classifies as controlled substances. (Visit smarxtdisposal.net for a full list.) These should be flushed, to eliminate any chance of accidental ingestion.Another option is to participate in a medication take-back program. To find out if your area has one and which medications it accepts, contact the local waste-management office at your city hall. ―Kristin Appenbrink

Source: http://www.realsimple.com/

At Home Solutions, LLC

Kristin Kopp: President/Founder

952-292-5801

http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

Brain Blank

2009-08-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

According to a new study published in the current issue of Neurology, if you engage in activities that exercise the brain now, you may delay the rapid memory decline that occurs if you develop dementia later.

The study involved 488 people age 75 to 85 who did not have dementia at the start of the study and were followed for an average of five years during which time 101 developed the disease. At the beginning of the study, people reported how often they participated in six leisure activities that engage the brain: reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, having group discussions and playing music. For each activity, daily participation was rated at 7 points, several days a week was rated at 4 points and weekly participation was rated at 1 point. The average total for those who later developed dementia was 7 points, meaning they took part in one of the six activities each day, on average. The researchers then looked at the point when memory loss started accelerating rapidly for the participants. They found that for every additional activity a person participated in, the onset of rapid memory loss was delayed by 0.18 years.

"The point of accelerated decline was delayed by 1.29 years for the person who participated in 11 activities per week compared to the person who participated in only 4 activities per week," said study author Charles B. Hall, PhD, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. "The effect of these activities in late life appears to be independent of education. These activities might help maintain brain vitality. Further studies are needed to determine if increasing participation in these activities could prevent or delay dementia."

Source = http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/newsflash/brain-bank/

Kristin Kopp ~ Owner/Founder

952-292-5801

Pets Fill a Special Role in Seniors' Lives

2009-08-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.stjohn.org/HealthInfoLib/swArticle.aspx?1,92
Pets Fill a Special Role in Seniors' Lives
Having a pet can be a boon to body and soul—especially as we age.
"Seniors can benefit substantially from pet ownership," says Richard B. Ford, D.V.M., M.S., a veterinarian.

Pets offer companionship, something to nurture, unconditional love, and a sense of security in new situations. And pets can relieve stress, which may help explain why studies have found that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The nurturing role
"Taking care of a creature that cares about you and responds to you is a real antidote and preventive medicine for loneliness and depression," says Lynette A. Hart, Ph.D., an animal behavior specialist.
The fact that you have to attend to a living creature gives structure to your life. If you have to feed your pet, you're more likely to get moving in the morning. The opportunity to nurture fills an essential need that can no longer be filled by grown children or by grandchildren who may not live near.
Pets provide us with the kind of nonjudgmental love we all need but probably don't get enough of. Everyone needs to laugh and play, no matter what our age. There's great joy in tossing a ball around or playing keep-away with your dog and Rover's favorite toy.

The social role
Pets can also fill a social role in older adults' lives. "For seniors who are uncomfortable with social relationships or in starting new ones after a spouse has passed away, having a pet offers an opportunity to meet other people, to talk about your pet," adds Dr. Ford.
California researchers outfitted older adults with tape recorders, then sent them out to walk their dogs. They found the dogs accounted for a lot of conversations. The owners talked constantly to their pets, and when they encountered a friend, the dogs were a major topic of conversation—even when the pet owners were walking without their dogs.
"It's like talking about the weather, only a lot more interesting," says Dr. Hart. This socializing effect is also true for people who are disabled. If they have a dog, peers are much more likely to approach them.

The physical benefits
Pets also carry physiological benefits. "Walking a dog is exercise for both you and your pet," says Dr. Ford.
Just petting an animal lowers your blood pressure (and that of the animal). Older adults who take care of a pet tend to do better at eating, exercising, caring for themselves, and getting around.
Some studies have found that pet owners have lower cholesterol levels—and that a year after a heart attack, people who have pets have a better survival rate than those who don't.
Older adults who own pets visit their doctors less often than those who don't have pets, according to one California study. That's true even for people experiencing major stress, such as dealing with the loss of a loved one.
"Owning a pet in some way counteracts the effects of stress," says Judith M. Siegel, Ph.D., a public health specialist.

Finding a pet
Interested in a pet? Dr. Ford suggests calling your local humane society or animal control society, a veterinarian, or a dog trainer. Avoid mismatches by selecting a pet appropriate to your lifestyle and mobility.

Training a boisterous puppy that will require a lot of exercise might seem too daunting. An adult dog is a better choice, but where do you look? "A lot of adult dogs given up to shelters are the last to be adopted," Dr. Ford says. "But some of them make the best pets for seniors because they are already housebroken and well trained, with good temperaments."

If you don't feel up to having a pet at home full time, one of your local animal societies might be able to link you with a volunteer willing to share a pet with you for a few hours each week. And in some programs, volunteers bring pets into nursing homes.
Published: 2009-07-08
Copyright Health Ink & Vitality Communications

At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
Kristin Kopp - Owner/Founder

Avoiding Identity Theft

2009-08-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things to me as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® is keeping my senior clients informed, protected and served in a way that addresses their needs as a whole person - health, social and financial.

That's why I'm sending along these valuable and important tips for how you can avoid identity theft, what you can do if fraud does strike, and a list of resources who can answer your questions and give you help.

Avoid Becoming A Victim of Identity Theft
There’s no sure-fire method to prevent identity theft, but you can make stealing your
identity as difficult as possible.
Take care of your Social Security number:
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and ask that they use only the last four digits of
your Social Security number.
• Give out your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use
another identifier whenever possible.
• Don’t carry more credit cards or ID than you need. Keep the rest, including your Social
Security card, in a secure place.
• Since the identifier on your Medicare card is your Social Security number, don’t carry it
unless you’re keeping a doctor’s appointment or know that you’re going to need it.
• If any other insurance card you carry uses your Social Security number, ask that
company for a new card with a different identifier.
• Make sure that your driver’s license doesn’t carry your Social Security number. If it does,
get a new one.
• Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
Mail and Paper:
• Don’t just toss, shred. Shred anything that has personal information on it, including credit
card offers. Invest in a cross-cut paper shredder.
• Keep track of when your statements and bills are due. When something doesn’t show up
when it’s supposed to, call that company. This includes your monthly bank statements,
credit card bills, utility bills, anything with personal information on it.
• Check your bank statements every month and report any suspicious transactions.
• If you’re going to be away from home for any length of time, don’t forget to stop your
newspapers and mail.
• Replace your mailbox with one that locks.
• Never clip outgoing mail to your mailbox. Take it directly to the Post Office or place it in
an official Postal Service mailbox.
• Be careful when responding to unsolicited promotions. Identity thieves often create
phony offers just to get personal and financial information.
• Don’t fall for any “claim your prize” scams that ask you for personal information before
your so-called prize is sent to you.
Computer:
• Never give out your personal information over the phone, through the mail or via the
Internet unless you’re the one who initiated the contact.
• Keep your virus protection updated.
Avoid Becoming A Victim of Identity Theft
Computer (continued)
• Don’t open files sent to you by people you don’t know.
• If you use a high-speed Internet connection such as DSL, cable or a T-1 line that keeps
you connected 24/7, use a firewall program.
• Before providing personal or financial information through a company’s website, make
sure it’s secure. Look for signs that show the site is secure, such as a lock icon on the
status bar or “https” in the URL. (The “s” stands for “secure”.) Keep in mind, however,
that these can be faked.
• Don’t store financial information on your laptop if you can help it. Especially don’t store
passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs). Memorize those!
• Don’t check the automatic log-in feature box that remembers your name and password
on your computer or on sites you visit regularly.
• Always log off completely when you’re done.
• Before getting rid of an old computer, delete all your personal information. You’ll have to
do more than just reformatting the hard drive. Use a “wipe” utility instead.
• Take the time to read website privacy policies. They should address access, security
and what happens to personal information collected on the site.
• Be careful what you share. Don’t put personal information in blogs or share it in chat
rooms, genealogy or reunion sites.
• Do use the Internet to check your account balances daily.
Other things you can do or need to keep in mind:
• Call (888) 567-8688 to keep your credit information from being sold and to opt out of
receiving unwanted credit card offers.
• Put passwords on bank, phone and credit card accounts, and don’t use information that
can be easily found, such as birthdates, your mother’s maiden name or the last four
digits of your Social Security number.
• When opening new accounts, if they want your mother’s maiden name or something
common like it, ask to use a password instead.
• Always keep personal and financial information put away and secured in your home.
This is especially important if you have roommates, home health care workers, cleaning
people, etc. in your home.
• Remember where you are. When ordering something by phone—especially on a cell
phone—make sure there’s no one around you to hear and make note of your credit card
number.
These tips are brought to you by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors® (SCSA), the
world’s largest membership organization educating and certifying professionals who serve
seniors. Visit us at www.csa.us.

I value our professional relationship and am always here to listen, to talk and be of service whenever it's needed.

Remember, if I don't have the expertise for a particular need you may have, call me anyway so I can put you in touch with one of my qualified professional colleagues in the area you need help with. I refer only those professionals whom I know to be as concerned about ethical and competent service as I am.

With best regards,
Kristin Kopp, CSA
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801

Vitamin D and Curcumin Show Promise in Prevention and Reversal of Alzheimer’s

2009-07-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Vitamin D and Curcumin Show Promise in Prevention and Reversal of Alzheimer’sAt times, even with all of the research being conducted, Alzheimer's prevention or reversal of symptoms seems like a dream. Just as scientists start to work on one line of thought, new obstacles arise, either convincing them they need to tweak their research or abandon it all together in order to follow some new line of thought. So, while we hope and pray for Alzheimer's prevention, studies and their results can seem discouraging.
Now, there is promise shown by researchers at UCLA using substances already available. An article titled "Vitamin D, curcumin may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's: Early research findings may lead to new treatments for the disease," reports on research done at UCLA. Vitamin D3 (a common form in supplements and the type made by the interaction of sun and human skin), plus curcumin, which is found in the herb TUMERIC, are showing signs of preventing and even reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Source = http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/

At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
Kristin Kopp Founder/Owner

Blessed Are They

2009-07-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Blessed Are They...

-- Author unknown.
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and my palsied hand.

Blessed are they who know today
My ears must strain to catch what they say.

Blessed are they who never say
"You've told that story three times today."

Blessed are they who know the ways
To bring back memories of yesterdays.

Blessed are they with cheery smile
Who've stopped on their way to chat a while.

Blessed are they who ease the days
On my journey Home with loving ways.

At Home Solutions, LLC
Kristin Kopp ~ Founder/Owner
952-292-5801

Healing Properites of Human Touch

2009-07-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Healing Properties of Human Touch

As a lifetime caregiver I’ve observed many situations where our human touch has made a world of difference in the lives of people. Many studies have been conducted to monitor and document the beneficial results of touching and being touched. The website http://www.helium.com/ has interesting information on the powerful changes that can possibly occur through human touch.

Seniors who are living alone or have no family members available to spend quality time with on a regular basis will benefit from the touch of a caregiver. A hand on the shoulder when walking, a touch of a hand or a gentle hug can bring their spirits up immediately. Home care can include touching through combing or brushing their hair for them, moisturizing hands with lotion, or helping them with gentle stretching and range of motion. Home care for seniors should include at least one sincere touch from a caregiver during every visit.

Personally I believe that human touch is a conduit for physical and emotional healing and it also has the ability to connect us on a spiritual or soul level. While in any church or house of worship it’s common to see embracing or hand holding during prayer. I’ve especially noticed this among the seniors who are present.

Try your own personal experiment for a day or two by making an effort to use human touch when ever it’s appropriate or when an opportunity is there. Most of the time a smile with come to the person you’ve touched. It may be the first time that someone has reached out to them for several days. You might be surprised what it brings to your life in return!

Kristin Kopp Owner/Founder
http://www.athomesolutions.com/
952-292-5801

M. Mersky
At Home Solutions, LLC

Communication Tips for People with Alzheimer's

2009-06-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Communication Tips for People with Alzheimer’s

Ø Keep the communication simple
Ø Only convey one idea at a time.
Ø Be patient
Ø Don’t argue
Ø Ask questions more than once
Ø Pay attention
Ø Be present
Ø Use one step commands
Ø Don’t try to reason
Ø Don’t ask the person to remember
Ø Don’t say I just told you that
Ø Don’t correct

Source: The Alzheimer’s association www.alz.org

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
www.athomesolutionsllc.com
952-292-5801

Healthy Living Tips for Seniors

2009-06-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you are a senior, using healthy living tips can make all the difference in the quality of your life. Even small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact not only on your overall health, but how you perceive yourself.

Eat Healthy FoodsHaving a low fat diet that consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains along with lean meats and fish can help you feel better and control your weight.

Make Small ChangesIf you have poor eating habits, it may be harder for you to change your diet completely all at once. Make your changes is small steps.

Get Regular Medical CheckupsPreventative medicine is important regardless of your age.

ExerciseIf you are starting an exercise regime, do it slowly. You don’t have to do a full 30 minutes all at once to reap health benefits.

VarietyThe key to successful exercising is variety. Walk with a friend. Take a tai chi chuan class. Lift weights, starting with the lightest weights first.

Work Your Mind and BodyLiving isn’t just about having a healthy body. You also need a healthy, challenged mind. Your life experiences and talents can be meaningful to others. Volunteer to mentor young businesspeople or tutor college students. Read to children or visit hospitals. You can make a difference.

Source: Life123
http://www.life123.com/health/healthy-aging/age-well/healthy-living-tips.shtml

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
www.athomesolutionsllc.com
952-292-5801

Home Safety for Seniors

2009-06-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

People who are 65 and older are at increased risk of a fatal or non-fatal fall in their home.

As people age, they become more susceptible to accidents in the home. Fading eyesight, balance and disorientation problems, and memory loss can all contribute to the possibility of a fall or other home incident.

Here are a few safety tips to keep your loved on safe in their own home.

Declutter. Removing possible hazards in the home helps prevent falls from tripping, stumbling, or bumping into non-essential furniture, scatter rugs, nicknacks, and anything else that could cause a serious injury.

Keep everything off of a stairway. Don’t leave shoes, books, or other items on the stairs to take up at a later time. People walking up or down stairs may not see what has been placed on the steps.

During the day, keep window shades, curtains, and blinds open for optimal sunlight. At night, keep adequate lights on in the home.

Install nightlights in bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways.

Wear shoes outside and shoes or solid-soled slippers indoors.

Most aging Americans want to stay in their own homes. As long as proper care is taken to assure their safety, many are able to remain where they are familiar, and close to friends and neighbors.
With a few simple steps, many elders can remain in their home for many more years than they, or you, might expect.

Source: Elder Care Café http://www.eldercarecafe.net/10-home-safety-tips-for-seniors.html

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/
952-292-5801

Summer Safety Tips for Older Adults

2009-05-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Summer Safety Tips for Older Adults

Every summer, thousands of Americans suffer from heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses as their bodies do not effectively cool down and it takes longer to recover when they get overheated. As the temperature starts to rise, it’s important to take a moment to think about ways to beat the heat and avoid unnecessary illness.
Below are three tips that can help you or someone you love battle the heat, sun and humidity, which are unavoidable throughout the summer months:

•Seek relief from the heat in public buildings that are air-conditioned. Not every older adult has air conditioning in their home, and there is a point at which fans can’t combat the summer heat. When this occurs, visit public places such as local shopping malls, libraries, restaurants, or visit with friends or family for a welcome break from the heat.

· Plan ahead for outdoor activities or events – During hot weather, everyone, especially seniors, should wear loose fitting, cool, light-colored clothing, and a hat or cap.

· Drink plenty of replenishing fluids – Alcoholic beverages and caffeine should be avoided since they can cause dehydration.

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
www.athomesolutionsllc.com
952-292-5801

10 Red Flags an Older Adult May Need Assistance at Home

2009-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

10 Red Flags an Older Adult May Need Assistance at Home

Independence is very important to all of us. Some older adults go to great lengths to cover up the fact that they need help.

Here are some of the warning signs an older adult may need assistance at home:

· The house is cold, the telephone is cut off.

· Losing track in a conversation, forgetting the names of children, grandchildren, the day of the week, etc.

· The death of a spouse.

· The refrigerator and cupboards are half empty even though you know they can still get out.

· Personal hygiene is poor.

· Constantly making excuses when asked to go somewhere or do something, or wanting to be alone.

· Sudden weight loss.

· Never cleaning or delaying home repairs.

· Failure to take prescribed medications.

· Behavior changes.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar to you, it may be time to look into some extra help.Home care is a great option. A companion can come to the home from a few hours a week up to 24 hours a day to help with cooking, laundry, light housekeeping, errand running, companionship, and much more.Sometimes a little extra help is all that is needed to provide families and friends of an older adult peace of mind.

If you want more information about home care please call:

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Travel Tips for Older Adults

2009-04-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Travel Tips for Older Adults

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. For many older adults summer means more opportunity for travel. Here are some tips to make traveling easier for an older adult:

Pack light

Keep medications readily accessible

Bring light clothes and a travel sweater

Take breaks

Don’t rush

Bring snacks and water

Wear comfortable shoes

Plan ahead for accommodations

Ask for help

Enjoy your trip

This may also be a good time to look into some home help options for yourself or a loved one. Even something as simple as someone doing the grocery shopping or errands so the older adult doesn’t have to leave home so often can be a huge help. You could also have a companion come in and cook meals, help with laundry, light housekeeping or just for company. Home care is a great option!

For more information about Home Care in the Twin Cities Call:

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC,
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Exercise Tips fpr Seniors

2009-03-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Exercise Tips for Seniors

1. Get a Checkup
Before you start any program, be sure to check with your physician. He can help you determine whether you are ready to begin a specific program.

2. Find an Activity You Enjoy
To help you stick with any fitness program, try to find an activity you really enjoy. That way you’ll look forward to doing it every day.

3. Take It Slow
Be sure not to do too much too soon. When your body gets stiff and sore you will be less likely to stick with your new program.

4. Set Realistic Goals
Be sure to have a goal. It can be as simple as how many steps you take or how fast you get from A to B. Be realistic because you can revise these goals as they are reached.

5. Every Step Counts
Consider wearing a step counter (pedometer) throughout the day to keep track of how many steps you take.

The most important thing about any exercise program is getting started! You will receive benefits immediately. You just need to start moving. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to start exercising with you. Having support is a great motivator and can turn exercise into a social event.

For another option, consider Homecare. Homecare caregivers not only help with daily tasks, such as laundry, light housekeeping, cooking and errands, they are also great companions for walking and all sorts of other exercises.

For more information about homecare please contact:

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Tips for Spending the Holidays with a Person with Alzheimer's

2009-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Tips for Spending the Holidays with a Person with Alzheimer’s

Holidays are usually a joyful occasion but for a person with Alzheimer’s and his/her caregiver, these gatherings can be a time of great stress. Here are some tips for getting through the holidays successfully and as stress free as possible.

Engage in one on one conversation. It is very hard for someone with dementia to track what is happening in a large group. A quiet one on one conversation is much less stressful.

Approach gently. To avoid startling the person, approach from the front making eye contact and use a light touch. Reminding him/her who you are and talking about something you have in common can be very helpful.

Be kind about repetitions. Expect repeated questions and stories. Rather than point out that you just heard the story, stay interested or try to redirect the conversation to another topic.

Skip simple “yes or no” questions in favor of open ended ones. “Yes or no” questions can make someone feel like they are being tested and may cause anxiety.

Be inclusive. Take care not to talk as if person is not in the room. Encourage him/her to join the group and ask direct question.

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

5 Tips for Effectively Communicating with a Person with Dementia

2009-03-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

5 Tips for Effectively Communicating with a Person with Dementia

Keep it short. Since someone with dementia has a very short attention span he/she may find it difficult to follow long conversations.

Be patient. Getting frustrated with the person will only cause anxiety and will not help him/her communicate any better.

Offer conversational crutches. It is acceptable to supply the right word if the person seems to be having trouble as long as you are not patronizing about it.

Be gentle. Eye contact and touch are very good methods to let the person know that his/her thoughts are being heard.

Never contradict or argue. Arguing can cause an angry outburst or further isolation. Try to be sensitive to the limited understanding and comprehension of the person with dementia.

Most importantly, simple expressions of caring communicate love and appreciation. A smile or hug speaks volumes to a person with dementia.

If you are a family caregiver who needs a break consider Homecare. Homecare can provide respite from 2-24 hours a day so you, the family caregiver, can have some time to take care of some of your other needs.

For more information about homecare please contact:

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

2009-02-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

Respite Tips for Family Caregivers:

Ask any caregiver who has been at it for any length of time, and you will learn that their own health has suffered when they failed to take proper care of themselves. Respite care is one way in which the caregiver can get this needed break, and hopefully do it without that old GUILT feeling creeping in. By taking care of you, and recharging your own batteries, you are ultimately taking care of your loved one. There is no need to allow guilt into the picture. All this will do is prevent you from reaping the full rewards of a true respite.Respite care can be anything from a few hours a week, to longer periods of up to two weeks or longer in some cases in order to provide care to a loved one while the caregiver takes a break. Respite Care provides caregivers the opportunity to:

* Take a vacation.

* Have a weekend getaway.

* Attend to home or work responsibilities that have been building up.

* Recharge their energy to be better prepared to provide the attention and patience required on a daily basis.

Think about these principals to ensure your guilt-free respite:

*I am entitled to take care of myself.

* I am worthy of a break.

* I am showing my commitment to my caregiver role when I take steps like respite care to ensure that continued quality care is delivered to my loved one.

*It is OK to relax and enjoy other aspects of my life.

Homecare can help ease your burden.

Caregivers can help with: respite care, socialization/companionship, homemaking, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping/running errands, medication reminders, stand-by showering assistance, downsizing/decluttering/organizing; meal preparation, laundry/linen change and plant care.

Kristin Kopp, Owner/Founder
At Home Solutions, LLC
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/
952-292-5801

2009-02-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

When to Give up the Wheel: Warning Signs that an Older Adult Should Give up Driving

Getting an older adult to give up driving can be a difficult hurdle to overcome because older adults, like all of us, don't want to give up the freedom of driving. But when you understand that older adults have a four times higher accident rate, and a nine times higher fatal accident rate, families realize the importance of acting sooner than later to prevent a catastrophe.
Here are some of the warning signs that you or someone you know may need to consider giving up the wheel:

Having difficulty staying in the correct lane

Having trouble paying attention to traffic signals and road signs

Responding more slowly to unexpected situations

Getting lost, especially in familiar areas

Having frequent “close calls” or almost crashing

Feeling uncomfortable and nervous or fearful while driving

Having other drivers frequently honk at you

Not seeing the sides of the road when looking straight ahead

Finding dents and scrapes on the car, on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, etc

Receiving many traffic tickets or warnings from traffic or law enforcement

Having a hard time turning around to check over your shoulder while backing up or changing lanes.

When an older adult has to give up driving all together it might be a good time to consider some additional help at home. Home care is a good alternative to institutionalized care. Home care can cover all of the transportation needs for the older adult so that they don’t feel stuck or isolated at home. In addition home care can help with laundry, cooking, light housekeeping, errands, companionship, and many other services.

If you have any questions about home care please call:
Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

8 Ways to Assess Weather an Older Adult Should Quit Driving:

2009-02-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

8 Ways to assess Weather an Older Adult Should Quit Driving:

It is a very hard decision to tell someone that they need to stop driving especially
if they don’t think it’s necessary. But there comes a time when safety of your loved one and the people on the road with your loved one is more important than
keeping the peace. Here are 8 ways you can assess whether an older adult needs to quit driving:

Take several drives with the older adult at the wheel, and observe his/her driving with an open mind.
Notice whether the older adult is reluctant to drive.

Watch for slowed reaction time.

Notice her awareness of her driving environment.

When she's not with you, walk around her car and look for signs of damage.

If you've observed some questionable driving on the older adult’s part, ask her whether she's gotten any tickets for speeding or other violations.

If you're not comfortable asking about tickets, ask whether her car insurance rate has gone up.

Check in with trusted friends and neighbors about her driving.

If the decision has to be made that the older adult should stop driving, be prepared with some suggestions for alternative transportation. Arrange for friends and neighbors to help out with rides. Offer to drive them yourself and maybe set a certain day and time each week that you will take the older adult on an outing. Homecare is another good option, along with helping around the house and companionship a caregiver can drive them to appointments, grocery shop, or run errands.

For more information about homecare please call:

Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
http://www.athomesoutionsllc.com/

Fifteen Warning Signs That An Older Adult May Require Assistance

2009-01-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

Fifteen Warning Signs that an Older Adult May Require Assistance

1. Poor hygiene
2. Missed meals
3. Malnutrition
4. Incontinence
5. Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
6. Mental confusion
7. Memory problems
8. Signs of depression
9. Wandering
10. Poor judgment
11. Poor decision making
12. Unpaid bills
13. Limited mobility
14. Inability to drive
15. Withdrawing from friends

If any of these warning signs sound familiar to you, it may be time to look into some extra help.
Home care is a great option. A companion can come to the home from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day to help with cooking, laundry, light housekeeping, errand running, companionship, and much more.
Sometimes a little extra help is all that is needed to provide families and friends of an older adult peace of mind.

If you want more information about home care please call:
Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Nine Winter Safety Tips For Older Adults

2009-01-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Nine Winter Safety Tips For Older Adults

Winter is a special time for caution if you or someone in your family is an older adult. The following tips can help you stay healthy and safe while awaiting the arrival of Spring:

*Get vaccinated annually against the flu. The season for flu runs from mid-October to mid-
March, and the illness can be fatal to older adults. The vaccine offers some, if not complete, protection.

*Check the lighting in your house. Make sure there are no great contrasts from one room to another, because older people have difficulty adjusting to changes in light and high contrasts increase the risk of slip and falls. Also, use night lights, and don't have loose extension cords lying around -- tape them to the floor.

* Check your rugs. Make sure they are not wrinkled or torn in a way that can trip you up as you walk. Use padding or special tape underneath them to prevent from sliding.

* In the bathroom, have mats inside and outside the tub to keep you from slipping on a wet surface. If you need them, install grab bars inside the tub, and always check the temperature of the water before getting into the tub.

* Continue your exercise regimen -- indoors if possible. However, avoid strenuous exercise like shoveling snow.

* Maintain your diet and a good level of hydration. Drink at least four or five glasses of water every day. This should not change just because it is winter.

* Make sure your smoke alarms are working. If you live in your own house rather than an apartment, you should also have carbon-monoxide alarms.

* Wear appropriate footwear. Comfortable shoes with anti-slip soles will help you navigate icy streets.

* Have a programmable phone with emergency numbers entered. Another good idea for older persons living alone is a personal emergency response system -- a device worn around the neck or on a bracelet, which can summon help if needed. Wear this device all the time, and use it.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Winter can be especially lonely in a cold climate like Minnesota. People don’t get out to visit their senior friends and family as much as they do during the warmer months. Consider hiring a home care company that can help with many needs for an older adult who is having a hard time getting out in the winter. Services range from grocery shopping and errand running to companion care and staying overnight.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions LLC,
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Six Winter Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults

2009-01-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Six Winter Fall Prevention Tips For Older Adults

The holidays are over and winter is here in full force! For older adults, all that ice and snow means an increased chance of slipping and falling. Here are six things you can do to make winter a little less dangerous:

· Keep your shovel and salt in your house. The reason you have a shovel and salt is so you don't have to walk on a slippery sidewalk. If you have to traverse through the snow and ice to get to your garage where the salt and shovel are kept, that defeats the purpose.

· Check the railings. If you have railings leading up to your front door, check to see if they're sturdy. If you slipped, would they be able to support you?

· Bring a cell phone when you leave the house. If you fall, it can sometimes be hard to get up. Carrying a cell phone whenever you go out can bring peace of mind.

· Slow down. Allow extra time if it's slippery out. It's when you hurry that you end up pushing the envelope of what your balance can handle. Also, keep in mind that being a little late is better than rushing and causing a fall.

· Ask for help. If you have to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are happy to help an older person navigate a slippery walkway. You just have to ask.

· Check your footwear. Examine your shoes and boots. How's the traction? Is it time for a new pair? Better traction can help keep you more stable on icy surfaces.

This may also be a good time to look into some help options for yourself or a loved one. Even something as simple as someone doing the grocery shopping or errands so the older adult doesn’t have to leave home so often can be a huge help. You could also have a companion come in and cook meals, help with laundry, light housekeeping or just for company. Home care is a great option!

For more information about Home Care in the Twin Cities Call:
Kristin Kopp
At Home Solutions, LLC, 952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

8 Signs That Your Parent Needs Assistance At Home

2008-12-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

8 Signs That Your Parent Needs Assistance At Home

We all like to be self-sufficient and certainly want to support our parent’s decision to live independently. But what if you begin to question your parent’s safety and well being? How do you know when it is time for some extra help? What are the signs to look for?

They are not taking care of things around the house. Often there is rotten food in the refrigerator, the house is dirty, and the laundry is not done.

They are not taking care of themselves. Their hair is not washed, they wear the same clothes for many days, and they often have body odor.

They start withdrawing from activities. Not wanting to participate in activities they used to enjoy. Not wanting to see friends or run errands.

They may lose track of medications. They miss doses, or take too many doses.

They have trouble walking, getting up and down stairs, falling.

They are not making sound decisions that are likely to cause self harm or others: forgetting something on the stove, not recognizing emergency situations.

They are having trouble driving: not having any situational awareness, driving too slow, weaving.

They are not paying bills on time. The utilities are being turned off, important documents left out not where they belong.

If your parent’s are showing some of these signs it may be time to get some assistance for them in the home or consider assisted living. In home care can provide companionship, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking, and assistance in showering and medication reminders. Home care can also help with errands, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, and many other needs. This extra help can often keep an older adult out of a care facility and provides the family with peace of mind.

For more information please contact:
Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC,
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Things to do with Seniors for the Holidays

2008-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

10 Things to do with Older Adults for the Holidays

During the holidays, seniors often experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, so it is important to keep them active and involved. Try to include your loved ones in the family holiday preparations and activities. Whether you are a family member, friend, caregiver or home care provider here are 10 things you can do with older adults to make their holidays more enjoyable.

1. Make and decorate cookies.

2. Decorate their space

3. Drive around and see the holiday lights

4. Listen to Holiday music or attend a holiday music concert

5. Take them shopping take time to window shop

6. Make a scrapbook with new and old photos and take a stroll down memory lane

7. Go visit another older adult who can’t get out of their house

8. Volunteer at a food shelf

9. Go to the library and read holiday stories to children

10. Address and write holiday cards

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC,
952-926-5801 www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Holiday Gift Ideas for Older Adults

2008-12-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

10 Holiday Gift Idea’s for older Adults

Older adults often live in small spaces that are already cluttered with “stuff.” Smaller gifts, useful gifts, and gifts that you can use with them are most appreciated!

Make homemade dinners that are easily re-heated (soups, casseroles, stews) and portion them out in single serve containers and stock the freezer.

Stock their pantry with special treats the older adult would normally not buy for themselves.

Gift certificates don’t take up much room, and they will be extra special if you make a date with the older adult to use it with them. Some suggestions are for their favorite restaurant, movie theatre, department store, grocery store etc.

Pre-pay for home care- A companion to visit once a week, light housekeeping, and errand running.

Make an appointment for a spa date with the older adult. If they are homebound- call around and find a salon that will bring the services to their home.

Jar openers, Reacher/grabbers, nightlights, large button remote controls and phones are all useful things to make an older adults life easier.

Old home movies put together on a disk could bring back good memories and provide hours of entertainment.

Magazine subscriptions are always nice…something to look forward to every month.

Puzzles and calendars personalized with pictures of the family, friends and pets can be ordered and enjoyed all year.

Soft warm non-skid slippers or a cozy throw will warm them throughout the long winter months.

The best gift you can give an older adult is the gift of your time!

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC
952-926-5801 www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Five Things Older Adults Should Know to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Scam Artist

2008-10-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Five Things Older Adults Should Know to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Scam Artist

There are many reasons that older adults are vulnerable to con artist’s scams.
Here are a few of the reasons:

Older adults are trusting. Most older adults were raised in the 20s-50s and they were taught to be polite, and never hang up on anyone or shut the door on someone even a stranger.

More older adults have ready cash or liquid assets. Older adults are more likely to have a “nest egg,” own their own home and/or have excellent credit.

Many older adults are lonely. Lonely older adults are more likely to listen to long sales pitches by scam artists just to have some company.

Many older adults live alone. Scam artists know that if they can go one on one with their target that they are more likely to lure them in to the scam.

Here are five things that older adults should look out for to avoid getting scammed:

If it seems too good to be true it probably is!! This is the number one rule to remember. You will never get something for nothing so don’t let greed overcome common sense!

Never make rush decisions. A deal that is good today will still be around tomorrow, unless it is a scam.

Never give out personal financial information. Never give out your Social Security number or any account information or passwords to anyone on the phone at the door or online

Always get a second opinion. The scam artists count on fast talking and that you won’t consult anyone before making a decision.

Don’t be afraid to report your experiences. If you feel uncomfortable tell someone!

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952-292-5801
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

Great Quotes: Growing Older

2008-10-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Quotes on Growing Older:

About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age.-- Gloria Pitzer

'Age' is the acceptance of a term of years. But maturity is the glory of years. -- Martha Graham

The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been. -- Madeleine L'Engle

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.-- Author Unknown

To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, and reverent - that is to triumph over old age.-- Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. -- Eleanor Roosevelt

You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older.-- Anouk Aimee

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions LLC, 952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Is it Grief or is it Depression?

2008-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Is it Grief or is it Depression? Signs of depression in Older Adults:
Loss is painful—whether a loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It’s depression.

Left alone, depression not only prevents older adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy toll on health. But if you learn how to spot the signs of depression and find effective ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout the golden years.

Recognizing depression in older adults starts with knowing the signs and symptoms. Depression red flags include:
Sadness
Fatigue
Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
Social withdrawal and isolation
Weight loss; loss of appetite
Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts

If you’re depressed, you may not want to do anything or see anybody. But isolation and inactivity only make depression worse. The more active you are—physically, mentally, and socially—the better you’ll feel.

Some ways to combat and prevent depression include:

Getting out in to the world – Try not to stay cooped up at home all day. Go to the park, take a trip to the hairdresser, or have lunch with a friend.

Connecting to others – Limit the time you’re alone. If you can’t get out socializing, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or email.

Participating in activities you enjoy - Pursue whatever hobbies or pastimes bring or used to bring you joy.

Volunteer in the community
– Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and regain perspective.

Taking care of a pet – Get a pet to keep you company.

Learning a new skill – Pick something that you’ve always wanted to learn, or that sparks your imagination and creativity.

Enjoying jokes and stories – Laughter provides a mood boost, so swap humorous stories and jokes with your loved ones, watch a comedy, or read a funny book.

Maintaining a healthy diet – Avoid eating too much sugar and junk food. Choose healthy foods that provide nourishment and energy, and take a daily multivitamin.

Exercising - Even if you’re ill, frail, or disabled, there are many safe exercises you can do to build your strength and boost your mood—even from a chair or wheelchair.

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/, http://www.mayoclinic.org/

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions LLC, http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/
952-292-5801

20 Things To Do with a Person Who has Alzheimer's Disease

2008-09-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

It can be a challenge to keep a person with Alzheimer’s disease active during the day. Activities that used to be stimulating may now cause anxiety for a person with Alzheimer’s. The best approach is to keep the activities simple.

Here are 20 ideas of simple activities to do with people with Alzheimer’s disease:

1. Sort poker chips, silverware, playing cards etc.

2. Plant flowers or seeds

3. Toss a ball or balloon

4. Fold towels or napkins

5. Wipe off tables or counter tops

6. Bring a calm friendly pet to visit

7. Listen to favorite music

8.Cut up paper to use as scrap paper

9. Frost cookies, cupcakes or muffins

10. Roll yarn into a ball

11. Cut pictures out of magazines and make a collage

12. Put a puzzle together

13. Sing favorite songs

14. Reminisce about the old days

15. Draw color pictures

16. Mold things with Play Dough

17. Write a letter to a loved one

18. Take a walk outside or inside

19. Arrange silk flowers

20. Look at photo albums, scrap books, picture books

Kristin Kopp At Home Solutions, LLc,

952-292-5801

www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Coping with Memory Loss

2008-09-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Finding a successful way to communicate with someone with aging memory loss is a creative process and takes a great deal of patience.

· Use short, direct literal sentences.

· Make certain the most important information comes at the beginning the sentence.

· Use common words.

· Focus on the here and now. Try to avoid conversations that rely on memory.

· Cueing is extremely important. Animate your sentences, point to objects that you are referring to.

· Don't argue. If the person doesn't understand you, reword your question.

· Allow time for the person to find the word or words they are searching for.

· Let them be creative in their way of speaking. If they need to say "a thing that takes you places" because they can't find the word for car or taxi, don't correct them. Look for the meaning behind their words and try to make sense of disjointed comments.

· Touching is very important and very reassuring. Make sure it is gentle and loving and does not indicate any signs of restraint.

When someone is very impaired, it is still important to converse to keep the person from withdrawing completely. Make sure you are face to face with the person you are speaking with and keep it at eye level as much as possible. Rely on nonverbal cues as much as possible and keep your tone and demeanor calm and reassuring.

Try not to patronize or talk to the person as if they were a child. Tune in to how they say things, not necessarily what they are saying. This will give you an idea of how they are feeling inside.
Remember that the decline in memory cognition does not limit intelligence, but only the ability to communicate. Be aware that the person needs to feel respected and listened to no matter what is being said. While the frustration for the caregiver may be extreme, it is important to remember and see the person and treat the person with as much respect and dignity as possible.

When a person becomes agitated during a conversation, it may be a sign of fatigue. It's time to take a break, listen to music, and refocus on something that causes less anxiety and fatigue.
Communicating well under these circumstances is a skill that requires creativity, patience, and compassion. When it becomes difficult for you, take a break, gather your reserves and resume when you can. Your frustration, as subtle as it may seem, is conveyed to the person who is also feeling frustrated and alone.

Resources:

The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 159,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 50 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 58 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.

Emily Carton, LISW is a licensed social worker.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC,
952-292-5801
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

Seven Helpful Money Management Tips for Seniors

2008-09-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Below are seven helpful money management tips for seniors:

1. Start a Household Budget
Not only should you outline a personal budget for daily living, you need to make sure you stick to it. As you can imagine, every penny counts when you’re no longer employed full time.

2. It’s Never Too Late to Find a Financial Planner
Yes, you should have already discussed

asset allocation strategies with a professional. However, not all of us think of such things when we are young. If you have never met with a financial planner, do it now. Most seniors are living on a modest fixed income and the best way to protect it is by planning different strategies as early in life as possible.

3. Take Care of Yourself
Now, more than ever, you need to become a health nut. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so stay on top of all regular checkups. Get your flu shot every year, submit to eyeglasses if you really need them and stay away from your grandbabies when they are sick.

4. Don’t Ease Up on Your Debt
Do you feel like you deserve a break from aggressively paying bills? While your lifestyle may have slowed down, your finance charges have not.

Credit card debt isn’t just affecting college students and young professionals. It’s taking a toll on many seniors, as well.

5. Stop Giving Handouts
Some parents (and grandparents) give until there is nothing left. If you have a family of moochers who are depending on your fixed income to bail them out of trouble, cut them off now. This is easier said than done for many people, but you can’t let family take advantage of you until you’re broke.

6. Apply for Social Security
It is still up for debate as to when you should apply for your

Social Security. The earliest you can collect is age 62, though your payments will be higher if you wait until 65. While it is more cost-efficient to wait, don’t do that if you really need the money sooner.

7. Don’t Postpone Estate Planning
While it may be a bummer of a topic, you really shouldn’t postpone the matter of your estate planning. Ensure that all your last wishes are legally documented, even if you are the last surviving member of your family.

Being sensible with your money has never been more important than this moment in your life. There are some seniors who throw caution to the wind, living as if every day is their last. On the contrary, you have a lot of life left in you. In fact, there are more living centenarians today than ever before. In other words, you need to make that money last.

Source: Heather P. Johnson, freelance writer

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC
952-292-5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Tips to Prevent the Top Three Causes of Accidental Deaths for Seniors

2008-08-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Tips to Prevent the Top Three Causes of Accidental Deaths for Seniors
The death rate from accidents of all kinds is rising and older adults are partially to blame! According to an analysis by the National Safety Council (NSC), the death rates for people age 45 to 64 rose 20 percent from 1995 to 2005. This is by far the highest increase of any age group. And during the same time period, the rate rose 9 percent for people over age 75. (Happily, the rate for seniors age 65 to 74 actually dropped slightly by 2 percent.)

So what does this mean for you? If you are over age 45, your risk for an accidental injury is higher than for younger generations. And if you injure yourself at an older age, recovery may be slow. Studies show that after a serious injury, seniors have longer recuperations and higher rates of death than younger people. The bottom line is that preventing accidental injuries becomes particularly important as you grow older.

According to the NSC report, the top three causes of unintentional injury deaths for seniors are falls, then motor vehicle accidents, then choking. Here are some quick tips and resources on how to prevent these injuries:

Falls

As you age, your body changes. For example: Your vision and balance weaken. Your chance of having arthritis or other conditions that make it hard to get around increases. And it is more likely that you will take a medication for pain or other conditions that has dizziness as a side effect.
Falls are lethal for seniors. In 2006, for every 100 people over age 65, fourteen seniors died from a fall-related injury.

One of the best actions you can take to prevent falls is to get a free copy of a handy booklet, Home Safety Checklist for Older Consumers, a room-by-room check of the home, identifying hazards and recommending ways to avoid injury, by sending a postcard to "Checklist for Older Consumers," U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Washington, D.C. 20207 (www.cpsc.gov/, 301-504-7923); or send an e-mail to: info@cpsc.gov.

Motor Vehicle Accidents
You may be a senior who is a good, safe driver. Even so, as you grow older your vision, reaction time, and flexibility naturally diminish. These changes can negatively impact your driving skills. In 2006, for every 100 people over age 65, eight died as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

-Be sure to take a driving refresher class every few years. Some automobile insurance companies will even lower your bill when you take an older-adult driver education class. AARP offers these classes in most communities. To find a program in your geographic area go to: www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety/wrapper_driver.py; or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669) to find a course by phone (toll-free).

Choking

The muscles in your throat weaken over time and can put you at risk of choking. Choking is one of the most overlooked causes of death among seniors. In 2006, for every 100 people over age 65, three died from choking. Follow these tips to prevent choking while eating:

-Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
-Wait until you have safely swallowed your food or drink to chuckle at your dinner companion’s joke. It’s easy to choke while eating at the same time you’re talking or laughing.
-Chop food into small pieces.
-If you wear dentures, always be sure that they are in a fixed position.
-Never eat lying down and don’t tilt your head back. If you must eat in bed, make sure you are sitting up.

For more information on injury prevention, check out the Center for Disease Control’s Injury Center website at www.cdc.gov/ncipc/.

This article is provided courtesy of the membes of Society of Certified Senior Advisors®, 1-800-653-1785, http://www.csa.us/.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952-292-5801
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

Seniors Stay Put

2008-08-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Seniors Stay Put

Do you know any older people who, given a choice, would prefer to move to an institution rather than stay in their own home? Of course not. But AARP and other organizations fund surveys that ask respondents which option they prefer. And, of course, most people answer as you would expect: they prefer to remain at home.

Fortunately, many creative options are becoming available to make staying put as you age a reality. One of the most innovative alternatives is a grassroots effort to set up neighborhood “villages,” a play on the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. The first village was started in Boston, MA, in 2002 and is named for its exclusive neighborhood, Beacon Hill. The program was organized by local residents who wanted to stay in their homes on the hill rather than move to senior housing. Aging experts refer to this stay-at-home concept as “aging in place.”

The Beacon Hill Village (BHV) is so attractive that one national expert on aging, Joseph Coughlin, director of the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told AARP that it could well change the way Americans—and the rest of the world—grow old. "The assisted living and the die-with-a-golf-club-in-your-hand communities had better take notice," said Coughlin.

Members of the Beacon Hill Village pay an annual membership fee of $580 for an individual or $780 for a household, which is far less expensive that the costs of assisted living or a similar “retirement housing” option. Members must be 50 years of age or older. In addition, foundations and neighbors contribute money so that low income people over age 60 can join. BHV now has about 400 members who receive an impressive package of services and are eligible for additional programs at reduced rates. All BHV services are vetted, and include:

· Computer classes at home.
· Educational seminars.
· Errand running such as picking up prescriptions and dropping off laundry.
· Exercise and stretching classes.
· Grocery shopping.
· Group meals. Home-delivered meals, elegant or casual.
· Home adaptation.
· Home cleaning.
· Home repair.
· Individual and group rides to anywhere–doctors, airport, friends, and cultural events.
· Volunteer opportunities in the community.

BHV programs are tailored to the needs of the individual. One member called the village’s concierge service from his hospital bed and asked to have his betting slips picked up at the race track. A BHV representative ran the errand (probably with a twinkle in his eye).

Similar aging-in-place villages are springing up across the US. By one estimate there are currently about 100 villages open or about to open in areas as diverse as Capital Hill in Washington DC, Bronxville, NY and San Francisco, CA. The village held a conference in 2007 to teach attendees how to turn neighborhoods into villages. 240 people attended including a representative from Australia. BHV also has developed a manual to guide startups called "The Village Concept: A Founder’s Manual."

To get copies of the manual and/or the conference DVD, go to Beacon Hill Village’s website: http://www.beaconhillvillage.org/.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952-292-5801
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

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Time for a Family Council

2008-08-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Do your adult children know what your wishes are for handling your affairs when you:

• Are incapacitated?
• Need to enter a care facility?
• Pass away?

You’ve probably named one of your children as your executor or personal representative. In addition, that same child (or children) is likely the one who has the medical and durable powers of attorney, the medical directives, and other decision-authorizing documents so they can act on your behalf when circumstances require.

But does this child (or other representative) really know what your want them to do on your behalf? Maybe it’s time for a family council.

A family council is an excellent venue for involving all the heirs in the decision-making process, or at least ensuring they understand your wishes and the rationale for them. Most seniors name one child as the executor, and often make this person the one with the powers of attorney and name them a co-trustee for any trusts. But the other children or heirs need to understand what this means and what you want done (or not done).

During the council there are several key topics to bring up:

• Your exact wishes for medical care and cessation of care—the so-called DNR or “do not resuscitate” parameters being a prime example. Without clear guidance your family members may get into arguments over what to do and when to do it, and then the medical facility’s staff may find their hands tied, no matter what legal documents you have created.
• How you want personal property distributed—the many items that are not handled in your will.
• What your wishes are for selling items such as your residence should you become unable to make your own decisions through incapacity.
• What your plans and wishes are for long-term care.
• What planning you have done, and where the documents are stored. Documents might include insurance policies (life and long-term care), annuity contracts, wills, trust documents, powers of attorney, bank and investment information, tax records, property deeds, mortgage papers, and other personal and business documents.
• How to access computerized records, safety deposit boxes, and documents stored in locked cabinets or other locations.
• Names and contact information for your financial advisor, attorney(s), tax advisor, banker, and other professional service providers.

The information you bring out in this family council is vital to ensuring your wishes are carried out. Frank discussions can alleviate the concerns and prevent (or at least reduce) misunderstandings between family members. Your executor will thank you, and so will your other heirs.

References and Resources:

An AARP article on talking about your final wishes:
http://www.aarp.org/families/end_life/a2003-12-02-endoflife-finalwishes.html

A Senior Net article on the four documents you need to have:
http://www.seniornet.org/php/default.php?PageID=7315

Estate Planning “Peacemakers” article from the Financial Planning Association:
http://www.fpanet.org/journal/articles/2003_Issues/jfp1003-art1.cfm

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952-292-5801
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

How to Help Seniors Avoid Financial Abuse

2008-07-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Seniors are one of the primary targets for financial abuse, and many times, the abuse takes place by someone close to the individual – even close family members. Many steps can be taken to prevent financial abuse, and there are many signs that can make us more aware to catch a possible case of financial abuse – following are a few:

- Unusual bank activity, especially large sums being taken out at ATM’s
- Suspicious signatures on checks or important documents
- Missing belongings or property
- Bank statements that have been transferred to a different address
- Bills going unpaid, discontinued utilities, or eviction notices
- Legal documents signed, but not understood, by the senior

Let’s do our part to protect our vulnerable parents, friends, and aging community by always checking into suspicious activity and any signs of financial abuse.

For more information on helping seniors to be in control of their finances, trusted help with paying bills, great referrals for financial help for seniors, etc. please contact us at 952.292.5801 we’d be happy to help.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952.292.5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Life After Retirement

2008-07-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Many seniors want to remain active after retirement – which for some means finding a part time job or volunteer activity. This time in one’s life provides a great opportunity to start something new, to begin something unique that may not have been a possibility earlier on. For many of these seniors, the work is no longer about the money, but becomes about passion and purpose – a driving factor in many of life’s most rewarding experiences.
Following are some of the benefits of having a part-time job or volunteer position as an older adult:

- For many, working provides a source of personal satisfaction
- Having this type of social interaction may provide a vibrant social life and a network of professional colleagues and potential friends
- Allows for a smoother transition into the more relaxed lifestyle of retirement

However, some of these experiences are dependent upon transportation, assistance from a companion, mobility, and other factors that arise with natural aging.

We have many resources which allow us to help match seniors with part time work and/or volunteer opportunities including caregivers who are dedicated to helping older adults in the Twin Cities area maintain their independence.

We’d be happy to offer assistance, resources and referrals as needed.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952.292.5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com

The Medicaid Dilemma

2008-06-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Medicaid and Medicare are two easily, and frequently, confused terms. So, to clear up a bit of the mystery: MediCARE is for medically-necessarily care, MedicAID is for aid or assistance with certain medical costs and custodial (long-term care, or LTC) costs for the truly poor.

What IS the Medicaid dilemma?

Medicare is a largely federal program. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state-federal partnership with the state having the main say in who gets covered, what the income and assets can be, and what types of care (nursing home-only, home care, assisted living, and so forth) are covered.

Qualifying for Medicaid Benefits for LTC

Many people assume that Medicare will pay for LTC. That is true in perhaps five percent of cases. Then they expect that Medicaid will pay these costs. That is true in about 49 percent of dollars spent.

If your individual income exceeds your state’s limits (ranging from about $603 to $1,809, depending on where you live), you will have a hard time getting Medicaid to foot the LTC bill. There are also limits on assets, with certain temporary exclusions such as the residence, if a spouse still lives there, and the amount of assets you--the person who is instituationalized--or the community can keep. This changes each year and depends to some degree on your state’s rules.

Married persons qualify for Medicaid-funded LTC based on their joint assets and personal income, not their joint income. In addition, there are provisions that let a certain amount of the Medicaid-qualified spouse’s income be retained by the spouse not currently requiring care. Check with your advisor for details and specifics for your case.

If You Plan to Use Medicaid for LTC

If you go into LTC using Medicaid, here are a few things you should consider:

 You can only keep about $60 per month for personal care (haircuts, Bingo, adult diapers, tissues, clothes, and so forth). All other pensions and sources of income in your name go to the Medicaid entity in your state.

 Your personal assets must be depleted to $2,000 or less, depending on your state.

 The house is left alone if your spouse or other qualified person is still living in it, or if you might return to it, but at the death of the last resident your state generally reserves the right to sell the house and use the proceeds to help reimburse the costs of your care.

 You will not have full choice of care facilities. Some facilities don’t accept Medicaid patients; some confine them to one wing.

 You will very likely have a same sex roommate—and often not one of your choosing.

Medicaid and LTC Planning

Some seniors and their advisors look at “Medicaid Planning”. This is a controversial topic,especially when you are just over the income or asset maximums or there are other mitigating circumstances. Others look to LTC insurance, or rely on personal assets, or assume their family will take over their care. The options are many, and planning is critical.

References and useful links:

The Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project (January 2007): http://ltc.georgetown.edu/pdfs/medicaid2006.pdf. This is a very interesting and educational fact sheet covering a wealth of LTC concerns and considerations related to Medicaid.

About Medicaid Long-Term Care: http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/medicaid_long_term_care.htm An interesting consumer-focused site.

The Federal Government:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp

50 Ways to Stimulate Cognition

2008-06-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

by Dr.Rob Winningham

1. Read a book
2. Order a subscription to a newspaper
3. Do a crossword puzzle
4. Take a class at a senior center
5. Join a club or another organization
6. Visit with friends
7. Take a class at a community college
8. Go to a sporting event
9. Try to develop a new hobby
10. Take different routes to frequent destinations
11. Go to a different grocery store
12. Take a trip to a new place
13. Go dancing or take a dance class
14. Begin using email
15. Volunteer
16. Write a letter
17. Join a book club
18. Try learning a foreign language
19. Part time job
20. Gardening
21. Read new magazines
22. Listen to the radio
23. Play (new) board games
24. Visit Museums
25. ElderHostel.com
26. Go on a nature walk and take a camera along
27. Try using the bus
28. Cook new recipes
29. Sewing
30. Join a chorus or local orchestra
31. Go to a concert
32. Buy furniture that needs to be assembled
33. Get involved in politics
34. Program your VCR or other electronic devices
35. Learn to juggle
36. Begin journaling
37. Complete puzzles
38. Toastmasters
39. Attend medical lectures at a local hospital
40. Knitting
41. Counted cross stitch embroidery
42. Try using the self-checkout at the grocery store
43. Participate in a play
44. Jigsaw puzzles
45. Volunteer at a church (teach Sunday school classes or volunteer)
46. Thinking cards, mental fitness cards (1-800-327-4269 or www.firststreetonline.com)
47. Sign up for a daily email*
48. Sudoku
49. Crossword puzzles
50. Go to a playground, play on the swings or go down the slide

* Spanish word of the day: www.studyspanish.com/dailyword
Investors Terms of the day: www.investorglossary.com
Health Tip of the day: www.realage.com/news_features/tip.aspx
www.drweil.com/u/Home/Index.html
Jigsaw Puzzle: www.daily.webshots.com/html/sw_jigsaw.html
www.jigzone.com
Crossword puzzles: www.bestcrosswords.com/bestcrosswords/Home.page
English word of the day: www.wordsmith.org
www.dictionary.com/wordoftheday

How to Deal with Memory Loss

2008-06-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

by The Alzheimers Association

Adjusting the environment for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can not only make life easier for the person, but also for their care partner. Rummaging, pillaging, hiding and hoarding are behaviors common to people with Alzheimer’s. The reasons are unclear, but the need for security may be an underlying factor. There are gentle, loving, and practical ways that can be used to foster a feeling of security for the person with Alzheimer’s.

Here are some tips to get started:

- Label drawers, cabinets and closets with the word or picture of items stored there

- Attach small articles to large and more colorful things, like key rings

- Consider purchasing a remote control locator for important or frequently misplaced items

- Check the contents of wastebaskets before throwing out the trash

- Have duplicates made of important items or put important items out of sight and in a place only the care partner knows

- Simplify the house by removing clutter and unnecessary items from view

- Substitute expensive items (like jewelry) with less expensive substitutes that may be lost

- Accept that things will be lost, relax and surrender to the search for the missing items. Try to make this time an activity for you and your loved one (e.g. I’ll help you look, we’ll find it together)

Should I Convert My Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?

2008-05-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

A Roth IRA is frequently touted as one of the best financial tools available for retirement, and with good reason. Unlike a traditional IRA, where distributions will most likely be taxed as ordinary income, qualified Roth IRA distributions are not taxable. True, you do not get to deduct your initial contribution to a Roth, but tax-free distributions are hard to beat. Additionally, Roth IRAs do not impose mandatory distribution requirements. This gives you, the account owner, great flexibility over when you want to take a distribution (or whether to take a distribution at all). If you own a traditional IRA, these positive features may cause you to wonder whether you can convert any amounts into a Roth IRA. The answer is yes, depending on your tax filing status and whether your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) meets the criteria -- currently no more than $100,000.

The real question, though is, should you?

First of all, the conversion is likely to be taxable to you, because it will be considered a distribution from your traditional IRA. This means that you should have enough money to pay the taxes. Also, if you take early distributions from your traditional IRA, and you do not convert them into the Roth, you may have to pay a 10% penalty for the early distributions. Another tax factor to consider is whether any taxable amounts you take out of your traditional IRA might push you into a higher tax bracket. If so, you might want to consider only a partial conversion, or perhaps forego doing the conversion altogether. Remember that conversion amounts that get added to your annual income will affect other factors that are used to calculate your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). For example, if you want to deduct medical expenses, you can do so as long as these expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI; however, if your AGI is higher, because you took a distribution from your traditional IRA but did not convert the funds into a Roth, you will have to pay more out of pocket for your medical expenses.

A traditional IRA that is funded only with money on which you have already paid taxes (non-deductible contributions) -- may be a good candidate for conversion, because your contributions are not subject to income tax. Any earnings will be taxed, but the actual contribution will not. All this means that the decision to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth will vary greatly for each individual. It’s probably a good idea to consult a trusted tax advisor before making the decision.
What if you have decided that a conversion makes sense, but your MAGI (Maximum Adjusted Gross Income) is over $100,000 and therefore it’s too high for you to qualify? Help may be on the way. In May of last year, a tax bill (TIPRA) was passed that eliminated the $100,000 limit on the amount of MAGI (Maximum Adjusted Gross Income) a person can have and still qualify for a conversion of traditional IRA funds into a Roth IRA. The catch – you have to wait until 2010, when it becomes effective. And remember, even in 2010, conversion amounts are likely to be added to your taxable income. So if you make a large conversion, you may have a pretty high tax bill. However, if you convert your traditional IRA to a Roth in 2010, you can either pay all the taxes that are due then, or average your tax payments over the next two years.

Resources for more information:

www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/news/taxguide/20060102e1.asp. Article: Is A Roth Conversion Right for You?
www.rothira-advisor.com/roth_ira_conversion_and_new_tax_cut.htm. Article: The Greatest Tax Break You Ever Received? For Tax Years After 2009 Roth IRA Conversions Will Be Open to All IRA Owners Regardless of Income
www.irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=137307,00.html. IRS Publication 590: IRA Online Resource Guide – Information About Roth IRAs
www.fool.com/money/allaboutiras/allaboutiras05.htm. Article: All About IRAs-The Roth IRA Part II: Conversions

This article is provided courtesy of Kristin Kopp, a member of Society of Certified Senior Advisors, 1-800-653-1785, www.society@csa.us, and founder/owner of At Home Soutions, LLC, 952.292.5801, www.athomesoutionsllc.com

Kids Emerging as Caregivers for Alzheimers Patients

2008-05-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

More Alzheimer's Caregivers Turn to Kids to Help with Care

Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease is proving to be a family affair, with children as young as 8 helping their often-exhausted parents care for an elderly relative with the mind-robbing condition, according to a new caregiving survey.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America reports that young children help their middle-aged parents care for an aging relative with Alzheimer’s in three of every five cases surveyed. These youngest caregivers are often called on to help with a wide range of duties, from feeding and dressing an Alzheimer’s relative to attending their doctor’s appointments.

The findings are contained in AFA’s just-released third annual survey ICAN: Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs.

The surveyed headlined its finding that most "sandwich caregivers" -- the parents or guardians of children under 21 who also care for an aging parent, other relative or friend with Alzheimer’s disease – reporting that their children are actively involved in the family’s Alzheimer’s caregiving.

In more than a third of the cases (36%), they said that the care provided by their children between the ages of 8 and 21 was instrumental in their overall caregiving success in balancing this most-demanding disease and their own family life.

Among children, ages 8-21, who are involved in caregiving, many are reported as taking on significant tasks:
• About one-third of young adults (ages 18-21) assist with doctors’ appointments;
• 42% of young adults assist with transporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease;
• About one-quarter of young adults and teens (ages 13-17) assist with activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing;
• Nearly 90% of pre-teens (ages 8-12) visit and entertain a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease;
• Approximately 85% of teens pay visits to the person with the disease.

"Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be an enormous drain on the caregiver and on family resources," said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer, adding:
"For sandwich caregivers the problem is even more acute. It is clear that caregiving is a multigenerational concern. Young adults and even teens and pre-teens are being impacted in life changing ways by their caregiving responsibilities."

Due to the number of teenagers in caregiving roles, AFA recently stepped up its AFA Teens division, which educates and provides resources for these youngsters. AFA introduced a newly designed website specifically for teens and the first of its kind "AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship." The organization is also starting up AFA Teens chapters nationwide.

In other survey findings, the AFA said Alzheimer’s "sandwiched" caregivers are often caught up in a web of wanting more support for themselves and their children. An estimated 5.7 million Americans caring for aging relatives also have children they care for, AFA said. As a result:
• 70% of sandwich caregivers said they need more help caring for the person with Alzheimer’s disease as compared to 33% who say they need more help with their children.
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) would like more information about how to help their children cope when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

"A segment of young adults and teens assist with managing the daily needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and a small percent are even called upon to make informed decisions about treatment. It’s crucial that they have access to good information sources," said Dr. Lesley Blake, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. "As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, declines in cognition, function and behavior worsen. Both adult and non-adult caregivers need to be educated about what to expect and, more importantly, what to do in these cases." "Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial," said Blake. "Symptoms -- loss of function, decline in cognitive ability and difficult behavior -- can be delayed and caregiver burden reduced through medication therapy, which may include combining medications from two FDA-approved Alzheimer’s medication classes." The survey found that 77% of sandwich caregivers were not aware that combination drug therapy can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

The survey also showed that individuals often received a delayed diagnosis – typically two years later than might have been possible. Caregivers of loved ones whose diagnoses were delayed for a year or more say the delay was most often due to lack of caregiver familiarity with symptoms or insufficient knowledge about Alzheimer’s, with about half saying that they thought Alzheimer’s symptoms were normal signs of aging.

Additional key survey findings can be found at the Alzheimer's Foundation website.
© 2008 Pederson Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Commercial use, redistribution or other forms of reuse of this information is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of Pederson Publishing.

New Study for Men: How to live to 90

2008-05-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

How to Live to 90

A new study shows that the lifestyle habits of men in their early elderly years are often the deciding factors in whether they live to age 90 or beyond. These lifestyle habits can include weight control, blood-pressure control, regular exercise and not smoking. Researchers studied 2,357 healthy men with a mean age of 72 years who are part of the Physicians' Health Study. The results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in February 2008.
The researchers estimate that a 70-year-old man who does not smoke, has normal blood pressure and weight, does not have diabetes and exercises two to four times per week has a 54 percent probability of living to age 90. However, if he has poor health habits, his probability of living to age 90 is reduced to the following:

Sedentary lifestyle, 44 percent
Hypertension (high blood pressure), 36 percent
Obesity, 26 percent
Smoking, 22 percent
Three factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes, 14 percent
Five factors, 4 percent

Healthy habits also make for physical well-being. More than 68 percent of the men who lived to age 90 rated their health as excellent or very good, and less than 8 percent reported fair or poor health.

Elder Care Expo - Shaping the future for you and your loved ones

2008-04-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Attend the Elder Care Expo to learn more about Minnesota's best elder care solutions and providers!

The expo is designed for boomers, their parents and elders. The event offers infromation on financial, legal, insurance, medical, housing and care issues that you will be facing in the future, or right now!

Visit with experts from MN Dept. of Human Services, county agencies, advocacy groups, and leading MN elder care providers, and Recieve a FREE long-term care consultation and plan!

Friday and Saturday, May 9-10th, 2008, 9am-7pm
Education Building, MN State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN

For more information, visit http://www.choosingeldercare.com/, call 651.204.0266, or contact us at info@athomesolutionsllc.com, or 952.292.5801.

Home Management Program Overview

2008-04-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know that unintentional falls are the leading cause of hospitalized injuries among persons 65+?

Or that Minnesota has the 4th highest fall rate in the country for seniors with 75% of all falls occurring in the home?

We believe that the key to reducing these alarming statistics is prevention. We have designed a program that addresses this issue by providing a thorough inspection of the home in which the senior resides.

Using our experience working with seniors and those with disabilities, combined with comprehensive research, we have compiled a Home Safety Inspection that will be completed in your home by an Occupational Therapist. The inspection focuses on reducing the risk of falls by suggesting changes that can be made to reduce the number of potential hazards in the client’s home.

The goal of this program is to help alleviate the time, resource, and energy associated with maintaining the home and property, and, by extension, helping the senior maintain their independence in their home.

After the assessment, we provide trusted referrals to help them through the process of various improvements and repairs, and offer follow up with the client, as requested, to ensure the proper safety improvements are being made.

As an additional service we also offer a Home Watch service in which we oversee the client’s home and property while they are away on vacation or an extended hospitalization stay.

Both the Home Management Program and the Home Watch service are offered in addition to our Home Care Services. This program matches our client needs directly with our own Caregivers who help with running errands, light cleaning, companionship, incidental transportation, medication reminders, organization and downsizing of living spaces, food preparation, etc. We offer this program 2-24 hours per day, seven days a week.

For more information on any of our programs, please visit our website, http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/ , or call us at 952.292.5801.

We are here to help.

What is At Home Solutions?

2008-03-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

What is At Home Solutions?

At Home Solutions, LLC provides a variety of Home Management Services for you or a loved one who may need a little extra assistance living independently.

We provide a home and property safety assessment to reduce the risk of falls at home as well as Caregiver assistance. Services we can provide include, but are not limited to: companionship, light cleaning, errands, grocery shopping, house sitting, organization/downsizing of home, transportation, medication reminders and food preparation.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Does your mom or dad need a little extra help to stay independent at home?

At Home Solutions, LLC is a locally owned/operated company that provides Caregivers to assist older adults in staying independent at home longer. We are licensed, insured and bonded and serve the entire Twin Cities area.

We can help with:

Socialization/companionship
Homemaking
Transportation
Medication Reminders
Stand-by showering assistance
Downsizing/decluttering/organizing
Laundry assistance
Gardening
Meal preparation
Running errands/grocery shopping

We offer a free initial consultation to make sure we are the BEST fit for both the client and family. Call us today!

www.athomesolutionsllc.com
952-292-5801

How do I find a trustworthy caregiver? Some Tips:

2008-03-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

In Home Care – How do I find a trustworthy caregiver for my aging loved ones?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself, where do I even begin to find the right caregiver for my aging parent/friend? It can be difficult to find a good companion for your aging loved one. However, once you’ve found that person, you will be able to rest easy knowing that they are in good hands. Here are some tips to hiring trustworthy, caring, and reliable home care for your aging friend or family member:

- Be clear and honest about your needs – there are plenty of home care companies out there, if one does not fit your needs, keep looking

- Ask for references – there is no better way to find out about a company or individual then to ask someone who has worked with them before

- Set up a time to discuss details in your home – it is crucial, both for you and for the home care company, that you meet for a consultation in your home, as this will allow both of you to ensure a good fit for your loved one

- Trust your instincts – if you are not 100% comfortable with and confident in the person and the company, then it’s time to look elsewhere

While we are the primary caregivers for our aging loved ones, we cannot do it all! It’s important that we find the best care for them, so that they can maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home. For more information on finding Caregivers or other services for your aging loved one, call us at 952-292-5801.

Kristin Kopp, Owner/Founder of At Home Solutions, LLC, www.athomesolutionsllc.com

12 Free Ways to Protect the Aging

2008-03-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

12 Free (Or Almost Free) Ways to Protect the Elderly, Simple fixes that will keep them safe, healthy, and protected

1. Help them pick up their house. Falls are the number one cause of accidental death and injury for the elderly. Something as simple as removing a loose throw rug, moving an extension cord out of the way or storing piles of magazines in an out-of-the-way corner can significantly reduce senior falls.

2. Make simple repairs. Broken stair risers, wobbly handrails, the old recliner with a severe lean, or anything that could cause a slip or fall should be fixed as soon as possible.

3. Make sure all safety items are in working order. Test the smoke detector and add fresh batteries if needed, make sure the fire extinguisher is fully charged, and change burned out lights in order to create the safest possible environment.

4. Install grab bars if needed, especially by the toilet, bathtub and maybe the bed. These are inexpensive devices that can help prevent falls. One local program in our community provides these free of charge and even installs them!

5. Review their medication with them and their doctor at least every year. Some medications can have side effects that can cause dizziness or loss of balance. Other medications can have side effects when used with certain other medications. Be sure the elderly person is aware of these possibilities. Over-medication is another problem that can be helped, in part, by sorting their medications into inexpensive daily pillboxes that are sold at drug stores.

6. Encourage exercise! Studies have shown that simple strength and balance exercises can greatly lessen the possibility of falls. Senior exercise classes can be found at local park department gyms, senior centers and sometimes even at local malls. Senior exercise programs can also be found on video and on TV.

7. Make sure their home is secure. Install solid door locks and a "peep hole" on the front door. Take their name off of their mailbox as shysters have been known to address the elderly person by their name found on their mailbox in order to gain entrance into their homes. Also, leave a generic message on the answering machine as opposed to the frail voice of an elderly person to discourage telemarketers.

8. Encourage them to have their vision checked and install nightlights if they need to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom; the inability to see clearly is another cause of falls.

9. Encourage them to keep up their social life. Research shows that a healthy social life can be a boon to senior health and longevity. Check into local senior programs, senior volunteer programs and senior activities offered by local parks departments.

10. Make sure they are protected financially. This may be a touchy subject but reviewing their bills, insurance coverage, and investments is a good way to head off fraud or over-billing. One elderly lady was still paying each month to rent her phone from the local phone company, which was something that had cost a lot of money and had not been required for decades! Also, be sure to have them review their credit report, which is available free of charge on an annual basis.

11. Check on them frequently with a phone call, or better yet, in person to make sure things are going well. If they are prone to falling, have them wear a medic alert device.

12. Review their future plans. Discuss (obviously in a tactful way) their Will, when they should stop driving, a plan for when they will need assisted living and, if possible, their funeral plans. Talking about these sensitive issues beforehand can alleviate a lot of drama and grief at the time when theseplans become necessary.Obviously each of these tips should be approached with care and respect. The bottom line is to protect the elderly as much as possible, without being overbearing and encroaching on their freedom.

Surf's Up! Seniors on the Web!

2008-02-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Seniors on the Web – a potential new target market!
Contributed by Kristin Kopp Owner, At Home Solutions, LLC

Surf’s Up! Seniors on the Net
Seniors are the fastest growing group on the Internet

Every morning Betty Hardin, 70, starts her day by making a pot of coffee and turning on her computer. Most mornings, three or four emails have arrived during the night with the latest reports from her seven children scattered across the country. Daily updates about the weather and the latest antics of the grandkids keep her feeling connected to family members as if they lived down the street rather than 2500 miles away. “Getting online has been an absolute blessing for our family,” exclaims Betty, who lives by herself and has several health problems. “My daughters and I check in with each other several times a day – they know if they don’t hear from mom, to call or have a neighbor stop in to make sure I am ok.”

All this and health benefits too:
Betty is not alone. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population “surfing the net”. Staying connected with family members is just one of the many benefits of this new technology. Seniors the world over are finding old friends, new flames and boundless opportunities a click away in cyberspace. Need a recipe for leftover chicken? Want to investigate stocks or mutual fund options? Interested in learning more about your family tree? All this and more can be readily found on the information superhighway.

And that’s not all. Research indicates that older adults taking the cyber plunge are actually promoting good mental health by learning something new and communicating with others. Furthermore, seniors have available at their fingertips a virtual library of online resources to further promote good health – from the latest ways to lower cholesterol, to online support groups, to the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Getting started:
Even if your parents don’t own a computer there are still many ways to get on the Internet. Public and university libraries, senior centers and community centers are just a few of the places they can get Internet access for free. Furthermore, many of these places offer seniors an opportunity to learn how to navigate for free or for a small fee.

Let’s get our older generation connected! This will lessen the isolation and depression many seniors experience. We can help provide you with local resources and referrals to decrease your stress and empower your parents.

Kristin Kopp, Owner/Founder At Home Solutions, LLC http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

Finding Home Based Services for an Aging Parent

2008-02-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

Finding Home Based Services for an Aging Parent
Contributed by Kristin Kopp Owner, At Home Solutions, LLC

Are you pulled between providing care for your parents and being a mom, homemaker or career woman? You are not alone. Over 41% of baby boomers who have a living parent are providing care for them; either financial, personal care or both. The typical unpaid caregiver is a 46-year-old woman who works outside the home while providing an average of 21 hours of care a week.

Many boomers of aging parents have no idea where to begin looking for services, or perhaps even what the signs are that the time has come to hire a trained, experienced and screened Caregiver. Here are some behaviors in our older adults that you can be watching for: should be on the look out for:

Getting lost repeatedly or frequent “fender benders” while driving

Inability to keep self properly fed, poor nutrition habits

Skipping or mixing up medications

Stale, rotten food in the refrigerator or left out for an extended period of time

Forgetting to pay bills, locate important financial, legal documents

Not showing up to regularly scheduled appointments – lack of tracking time, schedule or day

Poor hygiene, inappropriate dress for weather or occasion

Falling occasionally, different unexplainable cuts, bruises, or change in sleep pattern

Because so many of us are going to be the decision-makers and primary Caregivers for our parents, now is the time is now to start preparing ourselves with the resources and support we will need. For more information on how to find a Caregiver or to begin gathering information for your aging parent, call us.

Kristin Kopp, Owner/Founder At Home Solutions, LLC http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/

My Parent Needs Help - What services are available?

2008-02-22T07:55:00.001-08:00

“My parent needs help – what home & community based services are available?”
Contributed by Kristin Kopp Owner, At Home Solutions, LLC

When our parents begin needing more help from us …and we know we can’t do it all, where do we turn for help? Many boomers are starting to realize that coordinating their own family obligations, work, friends and providing more care to their parents is a difficult, and often, painful balancing act.

You don’t have to do it alone! There are various home and community based services that are well established, professional and have the expertise ready to assist you. Many times we don’t know where to start looking for help, or even what questions to ask. This is a short list of services available to assist our older loved ones who need a helping hand:

In Home

Chore Services
Transportation: shopping, errands, grocery store
Home modifications (bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, stairways, deck, garage, yard)
Meal Preparation
Home Companion – non-medical, medical or personal care
Homemaking/laundry
Decluttering, downsizing, organizing
Medication management
Home health care, nursing, therapy

In Community

Adult Day Services
Transportation (i.e. Metro Mobility)
Alternative housing – co-op, independent, assisted living, memory care, long term care
Transitional / Rehabilitation units
Medication management
Home health care, nursing, therapy
Hospice

Because so many of us are going to be the decision-makers and primary Caregivers for our parents, now is the time is now to start preparing ourselves with the resources and support we will need. For more information on how to find a Caregiver or to begin gathering information for an older loved one, call us. 952-292-5801

Kristin Kopp, Owner/Founder At Home Solutions, LLC www.athomesolutionsllc.com

Helping the Aging Return to a Healthy Lifestyle

2008-02-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

Helping the Aging Return to a Healthy Lifestyle

Studies show that a good diet and an active lifestyle in our later years can help to reduce the risk of disease and enable us to better manage diseases’ signs and symptoms. Often, seniors become socially isolated, causing a loss of healthy eating habits and a decrease in activity levels. What can we do to ensure that our parents, friends, or other important seniors are getting this essential nourishment and activity?

- Look in occasionally to ensure that the older person is eating adequately
- Help with the preparation of healthy food and making this food available to them
- Go for walks, join a yoga or pilates class, or participate in some other form of physical activity with them
- Make sure the food in their refrigerator is fresh
- Provide companionship and joining the older person for meals

Let’s take the few extra minutes necessary for nutritional food preparation, companionship, transportation, exercise, or guidance necessary to ensure that our seniors are maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Many helpful resources for these kinds of services are available. We’d be happy to assist with referrals and resources as needed.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC, 952.292.5801
www.athomesolutionsllc.com