While the title may sound a bit ominous, the subject is a lot less complicated and emotional than you may think. Alan Lakein once said, “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” So, you may ask, “What do I do and how do I do it?”

I recently attended a seminar on this topic and I learned a great deal. I thought that the information was worth sharing. This may seem overwhelming for those who are disorganized or who are procrastinators but it can be done.

Getting one’s affairs in order was often considered a person’s last duty. This is no longer the case. We want to be sure our lives are always under control until the end. It is best to get the job done when we are most able. During my years at the Farrar Home, I have seen, first hand, the benefits of planning and achievement of this task. Successful accomplishment of the plan can actually be rewarding and rejuvenating if it is approached with a positive attitude.

We are all different; so, too, our plans for the future will vary.  You will need to review what is important to you. Then, you will need to take steps to ensure everything is completed in the manner which you intended.

The following suggestions may help you to get started:

 

1. Get organized – Locate and file any of the following items you may have and will need in the future. If you do not have the necessary documents contact the appropriate professional in order to learn how you may obtain a new document.

Identification Documents – Birth Certificate, Adoption Papers, passport, Immigration documents, Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Family Tree.

Insurance Documents – Health Insurance Cards, Medicare or Medicaid Cards, Medigap Care, Drug Coverage Cards, Long Term Care Coverage Documents, Health Savings Account Document, Organ Donor Card, etc.

–List of Emergency contacts and Professional Contacts, Religious Contacts

–Burial, Funeral and Other End of Life Information

-Marriage License, Divorce Decree, Prenuptial Agreements, etc.

-Employment status and History with Current Benefits and Assistance

-Pets’ Information and History, along with your plan for them

-Passwords, Keys to House, Car, Safety Deposit Box, etc.

-Obituary, if you have specific wishes on how it should be written

-Legal Documents including Financial Inventory, Insurance Coverage, Health Information

1. 2.  Medical Advance Directives – Get them done.  Recently, the medical field began a movement to educate patients and complete the appropriate paperwork. Consequently, we are seeing fewer older adults without advance directives.
2. 3.  List and Track Healthcare Information – Keeping track of important health information and treatment history can prove to be a life saver.
3. 4.  Review Health, Other Insurance and Social Security Benefits – We are living in a time when all insurances are changing on a regular basis.  We need to educate ourselves or seek out professional advice regarding Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans and other insurance benefits.

5. Complete and Review Your Financial Inventory – This is the time when you need to understand the relationship between your finances, projected longevity, personal and family obligations and your lifestyle.  This is when it may be worthwhile to work with a financial advisor.

1. 6.  Review and Update your estate plan – Have a will written or update your current will, if necessary, to accurately outline all of your wishes.
2. 7.  Stay Connected to Your Friends, Family and Community – This will avoid isolation which may contribute to depression and other medical challenges.
3. 8.  Safety and Common Sense – It is as important at this stage of your life as in any to avoid dangerous and harmful situations.  Don’t gamble with your health.  Do not become a victim.
4. 9.  Burial Arrangements – Making end of life arrangements will ensure your wishes are known.  Families shouldn’t have to make such a difficult decision, which requires time, effort and money as they grieve over your passing.
5. 10.  Identification and Selection of Professionals – This is always an important time to use professional for advice.  Your attorney, healthcare professionals, financial planner, insurance broker, accountant and tax advisor can become members of the team on whom you need to rely on for guidance.

Many of us tend to postpone or avoid dealing with issues we consider difficult, confusing or nerve wracking. At age 62, I realize that I need to get serious about this issue. I have completed a number of the above items. However, I know that it is time for me to continuing working on getting my plans for the future in order. Change seems difficult and it does take some work. Nevertheless, taking charge of your future will provide you with great rewards and peace of mind. It will help you make life the best it can be.

 

Imagine my surprise when I had to answer NO to that question during a recent visit to a local hearing specialist.  Since the lives of many of the residents at the Farrar Home have been negatively impacted by hearing loss, I thought it would be a great topic to learn more about and possibly get information that may be of help to anyone with hearing loss.

I did realize that my hearing was not as good as it used to be.  I was occasionally having trouble hearing on the phone (especially cell phones) and would often have to have people repeat what they had said to me.  My father became profoundly deaf in his 50’s and hearing loss can run in families.  I thought it would be a good time to do some research on the subject, along with getting my hearing tested.

We are very fortunate to have reputable hearing specialists in the Malone area.  My exam took about an hour and was easy and painless.  I was told that I had approximately a 25% hearing loss in both ears.  I certainly did not feel that I was in need of hearing aids at this time.  I have a little trouble hearing at times, but nothing that would indicate the need to wear hearing aids now.

  I was wrong.  What I learned is that if you let your hearing go until it is so bad you are really struggling to hear, you will never regain your full hearing ability.   This is because signals are sent to the brain, where hearing actually takes place.  If the brain cells weaken from lack of stimulation, they lose their ability to process sounds and recognize speech. This is the reason why people who wait until their hearing is so bad it is difficult for them to function, then get hearing aids, often do not get the results they are looking for.  They will see improvement with hearing aids, but will never regain their full hearing ability. 

With this information, I was happy to be fitted for hearing aids, and was allowed to use them for three months on a trial basis, before purchasing them.  I have had them for over a month.  Although my loss is not considered extreme at this time, they do help in certain situations.  The main reason I will purchase them, and use them, is to ensure the best results for the correction of the progression of my hearing loss in the future.

Hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common problem, especially in the elderly. Men are more likely to experience hearing problems than women.  This problem generally affects people over the age of 50 and is usually progressive. Almost 50% of people over the age of 75 have a hearing impairment.   It is not only caused by age, but noise, smoking, heart disease, high blood pressure and heredity are also contributors.  Hearing is a complex sense that involves not only the ear’s ability to detect the sounds, but the brain’s ability to interpret those sounds.

It is important to realize that failure to properly communicate with others can have a negative impact on a person’s life.  Difficulties with socialization, may lead to isolation.  Trouble with learning and the overall inability to fully enjoy life are problems often seen with untreated hearing loss.  People may not want to acknowledge their hearing loss and withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed.  This may lead to depression and in some cases can contribute to the progression of dementia. A person’s safety may also be at risk when they have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms.

Untreated hearing loss can get worse.  Hearing loss that is identified early can be helped through treatment such as hearing aids, certain medicines and surgery.

If you have problems with three or more of the questions below, you could have a hearing problem that should be reviewed by your doctor and/or hearing specialist.

-Do you have a problem hearing on the telephone?

-Do you have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background?

-Is it hard to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once?

-Do you have to strain to understand a conversation?

-Do many people you talk to seem to mumble or not speak clearly?

-Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?

-Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?

-Do you have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?

-Do people complain that you turn the volume of the TV up too high?

-Do you hear a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound a lot?

-Do some sounds seem too loud?

The good news is that there is help out there for hearing loss.  The sooner you get help, the better.  Hearing aids have improved considerably in recent years.  Taking care of yourself as you age helps to make your life happy, healthy and the best it can be.

Aging Gracefully articles can be seen at www.farrarhome.org

Submitted by Carol McKee, RN, Administrator of the Farrar Home

 

 

 

 

Truer words were never spoken.  Whether you live in a castle or a cabin, there is no place like home.  Unfortunately, for some people, the time comes when it is necessary to make a move.  Over the years, I have worked with many people while they were making this decision.  I am convinced that, for some individuals, it is the most difficult decision they have ever had to make. Many elderly people have already experienced multiple losses in their lives.  The loss of a spouse, a child or a friend is common among older adults.  They have a strong desire to hold onto their homes which have provided them with comfort and security over the years. Also, their independence becomes extremely important to them.  Having to leave their homes may also mean giving up their pets and their cars.  It is understandable that this could be devastating for some people.  No one can imagine this feeling unless he or she has personally experienced it. 

Occasionally, I have residents who enter the Home because it was their plan to do so once they reached this stage of their lives.  They don’t dwell on the past and their losses but look to make the best of the rest of their lives.  They are true examples of aging gracefully.  I hope when I reach that time of my life I will be as accepting of my situation as they are.  Wish me luck! 

The decision to move out of the home can be complicated and emotionally wrenching, not only for the individuals, but for the family and caregivers.   It is difficult to acknowledge and accept that physical, emotional and mental changes have reduced their independence.  

Before a decision is made, it should be recognized that loss of sight, hearing loss, memory loss, confusion, incontinence and depression are not normal aspects of aging. In many cases, these are conditions that can be corrected or improved when identified and treated. 

The following checklist  may help in evaluating the situation relative to older adults. Keep in mind that safety is the most important issue.

 -Are they acting depressed and lonesome?  Are they socially isolated?

-Are they becoming increasingly anxious about being alone? Do they want caregivers to stay with them and become clingy when they have to leave?

-Do they have an understanding of how to leave their home in an emergency?

-Do they wander away from their home?

-When they do go outside, do they know where they live and how to get back inside?

-Are they able to respond to a fire alarm, smoke or other potential dangers?

-Are they able to call for help by using the phone?  Do they know how and when to dial 911 in an emergency?

-Are they able to handle their medications and take them as directed?  Do they have frequent medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment?

-Do they have the proper judgment regarding who should and should not be let into their home?

-Can they safely prepare something to eat if they get hungry?  Do they know how to use the stove and remember to turn it off?

-Are they able to use the bathroom and toilet without assistance?  Are they able to take care of their own hygiene?

-Are they driving when they shouldn’t be?  This, of course, is not only a danger to themselves, but to others.

-Are they able to manage their home and their bills? 

Some of these issues and concerns can be managed by having caregivers come into the home. This strategy would be “ Plan A”.  As needs increase, however, it becomes more difficult to handle the situation by simply using outside help.  When the need for 24 hour supervision becomes necessary, it is usually the time to discuss leaving the home. Options would include living with family or entering an adult home or assisted living situation. This action would be “ Plan B”. Healthcare professionals and family play an important role in finding appropriate placement. It is also always preferable, when possible, to have the senior involved in determining his or her future. This helps one to maintain some sense of control and independence. 

The good news is that from my observations, most seniors adjust well to “the move.”  When they feel safe, comfortable, and their needs are being met, their lives become easier. Stress levels are decreased because their responsibilities have lessened.  They are able to use their energy to enjoy life, their families and their friends.  These positive outcomes help to make their lives the best they can be. 

Submitted by Carol McKee, RN, Farrar Home Administrator     5/2013

Aging Gracefully articles can be found at www.farrarhome.org

 

 

Herman Melville once said, “The eyes are the gateway to the soul.” I happen to agree. I did not know how precious my vision was until it was partially taken away from me. Over the past few years, the vision in my right eye was becoming progressively cloudier. Since my eye pressures were within normal limits, cataract formation seemed to be the possible cause. When the situation worsened, an ophthalmologist performed extensive testing. Although a small cataract was discovered, it was not my main problem. I was diagnosed with severe glaucoma in my right eye and the onset of glaucoma in my left eye. Not all cases of glaucoma can be diagnosed with pressures alone. I was devastated because this situation could have been prevented had it been caught early enough. My loss of sight is permanent.

I feel blessed to have the sight I do have. With proper care and treatment in maintaining my vision, I look forward to a bright future.

 

As people age, so do their eyes. It has been said that a person fears losing her or his eyesight more than the loss of any other sense. Taking good care of your eyes will help to ensure that your vision remains the best it can be. Certainly your eyes require as much care as the rest of your body if they are to work well for you. Walk around in a dark room (carefully) in order to imagine what it would be like to live without sight. Many elders are doing just that. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and “Dry Eye Syndrome” are a few of the most common conditions experienced by our senior citizens. Many of these problems can be avoided or successfully treated with proper care.

 

A few general tips for eye care as you age include the following recommendations:

 

-Eat a proper diet.  Along with the rest of your body, your eyes will only work well if they have the right nutrition. Your diet plays a very important role in preventing many diseases of the eye. It has been found that maintaining  proper weight and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure are significant factors which help you to preserve good vision. Read food labels. Vitamin A, C and E are the three most essential ingredients in your diet for healthy eyes. Indeed, following a balanced diet will give you the necessary nutrition for your eyes. If, for some reason, you feel your diet is not complete, consult your doctor regarding the need for supplements.

 

-Stop smoking. Smoke is irritating to the eyes and can cause dry eye syndrome. Also, be aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke.

 

-Wear sunglasses. It is a necessity for good eye care. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause serious damage to our eyes including cataracts and macular degeneration. Purchasing sunglasses that will give you proper protection is most important. A visit to your eye care professional will help you make the appropriate choice.

 

-Wear safety glasses.  Your eyes need to be protected when working outside, performing activities which could endanger your eyes. Debris scattered by lawnmowers, trimmers and saws can do permanent damage to your eyes. Injuries to your eyes can be caused by walking into a low-hanging tree branch, hitting an eye during a fall, and exposure to fumes and splashes from chemicals used in gardening or equipment maintenance. You should also wear safety glasses when playing a sport which puts you at risk for eye injury.

 

-Get medical care when necessary. There are certain situations that require professional evaluation and treatment. A strike to the eye which causes swelling and discoloration, a foreign object that cannot be easily removed by flushing with clean water, or a chemical splash to the eye are physical traumas which would require professional examination.

 

-Rest your eyes.  While reading, watching television or working on the computer, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Reading or working with poor lighting can cause eye strain. Eye strain can damage the eyes.

 

For many years, working at the Farrar Home, I have witnessed a number of residents struggle with poor vision and the loss of vision. I now have greater empathy for them. I have seen the concern and careful treatment they give their eyes. They often see their eye doctors as frequently as they do their primary care physicians. They know the importance of preserving good vision. Many have been able to maintain the sight they have with proper care and treatment.

 

Take it from me. Never take your eyes for granted. If you are having any problems with your vision or your eyes, make sure you schedule an appointment with an eye care specialist. For people under the age of 65, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended every 2-3 years. Over the age of 65, people should have annual eye exams as part of their routine eye care. It is even more important for people with diabetes as they are prone to diseases of the eye. All of our senses diminish slowly over time. Always be aware that in order to make our lives the best they can be, we need to do all we can to preserve our overall health and well being.

AGING GRACEFULLY

Happy New Year

Where does the time go?  As we grow older, it is safe to say, that for most people, time seems to go faster.  Getting ready for work on Mondays, my husband often says, “Don’t worry because tomorrow is Friday.”

With that being said, I think that as we grow older it is more important to make the most of each day and to work to be the best that we can be physically, mentally and spiritually.  That does sound like a lot of work, but from what the experts say, it is worth it.

At this time of year, there is a lot of talk about the dreaded New Year’s Resolutions.  I’m sure that I am not the only one who has made many resolutions and only kept a few.  I have to think that maybe the few I have kept have helped me to live a better life.

If you are still thinking about what you should be doing in 2013 to make it the best year it can be for you, I have a few suggestions.  When you decide to make a resolution, discuss it with a friend or family member who would be supportive in helping you stay on track.  This may also encourage this person to ask you for encouragement.  New Year’s resolutions made together can be especially important for seniors.  By helping each other, each one may gain a sense of purpose, this can be very meaningful in the life of a loved one who is growing older.

I recently read an article listing the top five New Year’s resolutions for seniors.  I thought they were worth sharing;

–         Write a letter or send a card, like in the old days.  There is nothing more important than making someone feel they are worth your time and are in your thoughts.  The internet is fine, but it does not take the place of a handwritten note.  This is a win- win situation.

–         Plan to age gracefully by pursuing a healthy lifestyle.  This means taking good care of yourself by eating nutritious food, exercising often, socializing with family and friends and enjoying all the advantages there are with growing older.

–          Share your favorite recipes with loved ones.  Meals made using recipes that have been handed down through the generations often make for a delicious heartwarming meal.

–         Add a bit of technology to your day.  It may be hard to believe, but seniors are the fastest growing segment of computer users.  Computers allow you to be instantly connected to your family and friends.  Ask a younger person for some assistance and a few lessons.  I have learned that the younger people are very willing to help and are a wealth of knowledge.  Realizing that you only need to know a few computer operations in order to send an e-mail may encourage you to give it a try.

–         Make time to talk about the hard stuff.  This may not be fun, but it is the most important resolution of all.  You want to be sure that your wishes are carried out, if the time comes when you are unable to make your wishes known.  Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, MOLST Forms, Power Of Attorney, Estate Planning, Wills, Funeral Arrangements and any other issue you feel is important for you to have a say in, get it done.  The sooner you do this, the better.  This is the best gift you can give yourself and your family.

Ending on a lighter note, I wish that 2013 is your best year ever.  Living life to the fullest, no matter what your age, gives you the integrity and success in life that we should all strive for.

Carol McKee RN, Farrar Home Administrator

 

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AGING GRACEFULLY

 Making the Holidays Special

 It’s that time of year!  We have just finished our Thanksgiving celebration and Christmas is just a few weeks away.   This is a time to spread and receive joy and love.  Together with family and friends, we enjoy good food, gift exchanges and making happy new memories.  Unfortunately, for some senior citizens Christmas can be a sad time.  Many are alone and do not have friends or family with whom to spend the holiday.  I have some suggestions that may make your holiday and someone else’s the best it can be.

 

Invite an elderly neighbor or couple for a holiday meal with your family.  Open your home and your hearts to someone who has no family nearby and is unable to cook a Christmas meal.  Having someone who has loved to cook for years help you prepare the meal could be, in itself, a wonderful gift.

 

Give a helping hand to a senior citizen in your neighborhood to decorate for Christmas.  Many older people like to decorate, but simply cannot do so on their own.  Spend an afternoon with someone. Help them buy and put up a Christmas tree.  A wreath on the door and a few lights outside do wonders in helping a person to get into the Christmas spirit.

 

There are countless Christmas functions going on throughout the area.  Ask an older person to attend a concert or church service with you.  A ride to see the lights is always a favorite for most people, but if a person cannot drive, they miss out on this fun time.  Make room for one or two more when you make you plans to view the holiday displays in town.

 

Visit your local retirement homes.  Christmas caroling or just a friendly visit during the holidays can bring great joy to individuals who are feeling lonely at Christmas time.

 

Check with local nursing homes to see if you can bring presents for those residents who do not have family.  The staff may be able to give suggestions about items patients may need or enjoy.  Small baskets can be made up of necessities and some fun gifts.

 

 

The Christmas season is a time for giving and receiving, but as we grow older, we realize the best gift anyone can give is the gift of ourselves.  A kind word or a conversation with someone who may be lonely, or just showing compassion and care for our fellow human beings can be the best gifts of all.  We sometimes don’t realize how powerful our words and actions can be.  We all have the ability to make someone’s life better, and in turn, fulfill our own.

 

At this time of year, the Farrar Home is full of family and friends enjoying various activities.  The community has always played a large role in helping the residents fully appreciate the holidays. I can tell you, from experience, that the suggestions above can make a difference in a person’s life.

 

We invite you all to celebrate this season at the Farrar Home Christmas Tea and Open House this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.  I wish you a holiday full of peace, love and happiness.

 

Submitted by Carol McKee, RN, Farrar Home Administrator

 

 

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