Category: Aging

Family Advocacy in Long-Term Care

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The decision to move into a long-term care or assisted living facility is one that requires thought and preparation. Taking steps to choose the facility most likely to meet your loved one’s needs, is necessary work for a positive long-term care experience. 

Necessary work includes acts of advocacy done in preparation for long term care placement, and while your loved one is residing in long-term care.

The three stages of long-term care family advocacy are…

Stage 1:  Advocate by assisting loved ones, as they wish, to take the steps to choose a facility that meets their needs and preferences.
  • Assist  your loved one as needed to call and request facility information to better narrow down the options.
  • Together as appropriate, review basic amenities, cost, staffing ratio, dining, resident rooms, does facility accept Medicaid if needed in the future or long-term care insurance? Can you stay at the facility should you transition to Medicaid, and would you have to share a room once on Medicaid?  Does the facility allow visitation, or compassionate caregivers. 
  • Encourage your loved one to choose 2-3 facilities to visit.  Assist to set appointments and walk through the facility, schedule to eat a meal, visit with the staff and meet the administrator.  The administrator sets the atmosphere for the facility.  Listen to the volume level of the facility, does the facility have strong unpleasant odors?  Is the facility clean and orderly and are the staff friendly and welcoming or rushed and inpatient?
  • Discuss with your loved one what they liked and did not like in each facility.  If one of the facilities appears to meet their needs and preferences and they are willing to accept your assistance, then assist them to choose a facility.

Stage 2: Advocate for and create a positive move-in experience.
  • Plan ahead to create a more orderly experience.
  • Visit the new room prior to move-in day.
  • Make the room homelike and comfortable for your loved one.  Having some personal belongings, they would like around them can make the transition a more pleasant experience.
  • Introductions to staff assisting with the move-in and to those who  will be working with your loved one is important.
  • Assist to inventory all items being brought into the facility to include hearing aids, dentures, jewelry, clothing—everything.
  • Offer to assist your loved one to get settled or if they are tired, set a time to come and assist to organize their things at a later time.
  • Request a locked drawer if your loved one has items they would feel better having locked up.
  • Learn when Resident Council and Family Council Meetings are and where they are held.
Stage 3:  Be actively involved with your loved one during their stay in the facility of their choice.  Residents whose family are involved receive better care.
  • Know your loved one’s rights and educate them so they will be able to voice expectations for care with informed confidence.
  • If the facility is not allowing visitation due to an outbreak of infection request to visit with your loved one via, zoom, even if it is just to lay eyes on them and let them know you care.
  • Participate in Family Council and if one is not formed in the facility speak with your loved one and with their support create  a council in their facility.  Ombudsmen are willing to assist in the development of councils.
  • Know who your advocates are and how to contact them- Ombudsmen are formally trained advocates that can help when family efforts aren’t enough.

Visit the Idaho Commission on Aging website for additional information and services to help older Idahoan’s age with safety and dignity.

Falls Aren’t Always Funny

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We have all seen the video where a person trips or stumbles over something and falls. When mixed with a few good sound effects, they are often humorous. It’s OK to be able to laugh at life sometimes but falls are more often than not a life-changing event, especially for older adults.

Falls are an important health concern. They often result in injuries more severe than just a scraped, bruised body and bruised ego. Falls are the #1 cause of accidental injury and death in people age 65+. Even what seems like a simple fall can lead to a trip to the emergency room or call to 9-1-1. Bone fractures and head injuries are common. Most of us are aware of the costs associated with an ER visit and other treatments but the full cost is far-reaching.

Accidental falls kill about 158 Idahoans each year at a cost of $164 million. We can easily calculate the cost from medical bills but what about lost productivity? What about the cost to have someone who takes time off work so they can take someone to medical appointments? What if that person had to hire someone for childcare while they provided transportation or in-home care? These are just the financial impacts of a fall. It is impossible to quantify loss of functionality, independence, and quality of life.  For the 1 in 5 Idahoans who experiences a fall that results in significant injury, there is nothing funny about it.

These are certainly sobering statistics for those age 65+ but falling is not limited to older adults. They can happen to any of us.  Are you ready for some good news? All falls are preventable. Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of falls. Invest the time now to learn how to reduce fall risk and become fall-free.

Idaho celebrates Fall Prevention Awareness Month each September!

Review and register for the four fall prevention seminars in September:

  • The Importance of Fall Assessment as a Matter of Practice
  • Why Falls Matter and How to Prevent Them
  • Recognize and Remove Hazards at Home
  • Simple Steps to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

Descriptions, dates and registration available on the Commission for Aging website.

Take Action to Prevent Falls

It only takes a few simple steps to dramatically reduce our risk of falls. We can easily encourage others to do so as well.

  1. What is YOUR fall risk? Answer 12 yes/no questions to find out and get resources to help you reduce your risk.
  2. Are there hazards in your home? Do a safety check with this checklist to identify where to look for trip hazards and resolve them.
  3. Can you recover from tripping or losing balance? Stay active to maintain balance, strength, and flexibility by doing simple movements each day. Watch our Simple Steps seminar to learn more.
  4. Do your medications put you at more risk for falls? Ask about interactions and side-effects that may make you more prone to falling.
  5. Are you more likely to fall because you can’t see well? Check your vision and get correction (and wear your glasses) or learn skills to reduce misjudged steps and tripping on unseen obstacles.

Other than on TV and the movies, falls aren’t funny. Avoid the physical, mental, and financial impact of falls. Take charge of getting fall-free this fall!

The Dog Days of Summer Can Bite You!

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How to Prepare for Power Outages

You know the feeling, and it’s a bad one. Suddenly everything in the house goes silent and dark. Power’s out. You run outside to see if it’s just you and check your breaker box. Meanwhile you are wondering: How long is it going to be out? (Did I charge my phone?)  A few minutes is one thing. A few hours, even. But if you’re without electricity for days— or longer — real harm can result for both you and especially elderly shut ins.

We tend to take the power grid for granted, until it fails us. Based on demand, rolling blackouts are more common in summer. So, sooner or later chances are you may be facing an eerily quiet, dark house. What now?

The first action you should take is notifying your utility. Do not assume your neighbors have done it — besides, the more people that report an outage, the better they can pinpoint the problem. After critical care community services (like hospitals and airports) have power restored, utilities generally look to areas that can bring lots of customers back at one time.  So, you cannot over-report.

However, don’t wait until the lights go off. It’s best to do research ahead of time to know what tools and resources your utility offers. Most utilities have methods of reporting outages via text message, dedicated phone app, or websites.  Sign-up to receive outage updates on your cell. Do yourself a favor and set this up before the next outage.

If your provider is Idaho Power, input these phone numbers into your contacts to be prepared.

REPORT AN OUTAGE

  • By Phone
    • Treasure Valley: 208-388-2323
    • Outside Treasure Valley: 1-800-488-6151
  • By Email

If you, or especially your elderly family or neighbors rely on electrically powered medical equipment, be sure to notify both your local fire department and utility company.

What if it’s going to be an extended outage?

No matter the emergency, be ready with a disaster supplies kit like that detailed on ready.gov. That should include water, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, and things like manual can openers, flashlights and extra batteries (including for your cell phone). It is a good habit to keep all important prescriptions filled, and medical supplies well stocked.

Before deciding to stick it out, listen to authorities. If the outage is the result of a natural disaster or other calamity, it may be that you need to evacuate.  But if you stay, take note of the time. When the outage strikes, the clock is ticking on the food in your refrigerator and freezer. The USDA says food in a fridge will stay safely cold for four hours if the door isn’t opened and a full freezer will maintain temperature for about 48 hours (if it’s half full, that’s 24 hours) as long as you keep the door closed. Don’t rely on just looking — and certainly not on tasting — to see if the food’s safe. Instead, keep appliance thermometers in the fridge and freezer. You want to see 40°F or below in the fridge and 0°F or lower in the freezer. When in doubt, take individual foods’ temperature with a food thermometer.

Even as we continue to move past a world-wide pandemic, it’s the common stuff, like power that can cause the most significant, instantaneous disruption to our daily activities.

Make sure to check in on your older loved ones or neighbors. It may be necessary to temporarily move them into your home or another safe living location until power is reestablished.

To learn more and be prepared follow the links provided in the resources.

Resources:

Please visit the ICOA website at aging.idaho.gov for more great information on aging services.

Independence for Older and Disabled Adults

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In July we celebrate liberty and justice for all. Sadly, as we age well intentioned fellow Americans often chose to curtail older or disabled Americans’ inalienable rights.

Overprotection may appear on the surface to be kind, but it can be really evil. An oversupply can smother people emotionally, squeeze the life out of their hopes and expectations, and strip them of their dignity.

Robert Perske

Is there such a thing as too much protection? Yes! Older and disabled adults deserve the right to make decisions about their own life that could expose them to potential harm. It is called dignity of risk, and it is an essential human right. The term, dignity of risk, was first coined in 1972 by Robert Perske in reaction to over-protective safeguards and a paternalistic manner by direct care staff toward elders in institutional settings, which he argued, was patronizing and diminished a person’s freedoms and self-esteem.

Today the term dignity of risk refers to the concept of affording a person the right (or dignity) to take reasonable risks, and that the impeding of this right can suffocate personal growth, self-esteem and the overall quality of life (Ibrahim & Davis 2013).

Yet even today well-intentioned relatives and caregivers are stripping away older and disabled Idahoan’s civil and legal rights, self-esteem, and quality of life by pursuing guardianship with the motivation to keep their older loved ones safe. Although we applaud the motivation, the Idaho Commission on Aging advocates for older and disabled adults by urging concerned caregivers to consider the multitude of alternatives to guardianship for as long as possible.

What are alternatives to guardianship? Some examples include:

  • Representative payee
  • Durable powers of attorney
  • Health care surrogacy
  • Living wills
  • Trusts
  • Community advocacy systems
  • Joint checking accounts
  • Case management
Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document. The document grants one person, generally called an agent, sometimes known as an attorney in fact, the authority to act on behalf of the person appointing them. The person appointing the agent is called the grantor. To create a power of attorney, an adult must be able to understand they are appointing the agent and understand the kinds of authority they are giving the agent. The scope of the agent’s authority is limited by the terms of the document and by state laws. A grantor with capacity can revoke or modify the appointment of an agent in a power of attorney. Revocation of a power of attorney should be in writing, signed by the grantor, with a copy delivered to the agent and anyone who is likely to be dealing with the agent. In some states, the revocation needs to be recorded in the public records like a deed. A power of attorney is a private agreement and is not subject to automatic oversight by the Courts.

Social Security Representative Payee

A Social Security Representative Payee (rep payee) receives the benefits for a beneficiary who has been determined unable to manage money by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Rep payee is specific to Social Security benefits, including Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). VA pensions and some private pensions have separate payee systems. Social Security will place the benefits in payee status if SSA has reason to believe that the beneficiary is unable to manage benefits. The evidence is either a verification from a physician who has seen the person recently, or evidence in a disability case of serious mental illness or substance abuse. The beneficiary can file voluntarily if they are unable to manage their benefits. The process is entirely administrative. Social Security does not recognize any other agents. Guardians and agents under powers of attorney must apply to Social Security to be recognized as a representative payee.

Someone seeking to be appointed as a rep payee should contact Social Security with the name and identifying information for the beneficiary, the reason the person needs a payee, and name and contact information of a physician who has recently seen the person and may include a proposed payee. Social Security then sends notice to the beneficiary, and a verification form to the physician. The beneficiary has a right to object to the need for a payee, or to the proposed payee. Upon finding of need for a rep payee, Social Security does a basic background check on the proposed payee. The payments must be directly deposited into a separate account, titled “payee as representative payee” for the benefit of the named beneficiary. Most payees file a very basic annual accounting. Representative Payee status can be terminated, at request of the beneficiary, with proof that the beneficiary has regained the ability to manage benefits. If the payee resigns or becomes unable to serve, benefits are held until a replacement payee can be appointed. There is a shortage of reliable volunteer payees and a need for representative payees. All payees are volunteers, with an exception for narrowly defined non-profits who are allowed to receive a limited fee from the benefits. In some states, inpatient residential settings, such as nursing homes, are allowed by state law or regulation to serve as representative payees.

Health Care Surrogate

A health care surrogate is a person who makes health care decisions for a person, when the person lacks capacity to make health care decisions. This person may also be called a health care agent or proxy. In every state, a person with capacity can appoint a health care surrogate in a durable power of attorney that incudes health care authority. Many states have a short form for naming a health care surrogate. A person has capacity to appoint a health care surrogate if they understand what a health care decision is and can name a person they trust to make health care decisions. If a person does not appoint someone, 45 state statutes give guidance on who can make health care decisions. Generally, statutes turn to the nearest relatives to make health care decisions. Health care decision-making is the only area of decision-making where the law creates a default agent when a person does not name an agent in writing.

The authority of a health care surrogate to make health care decisions does not start until the person loses capacity, or knowingly defers to the agent. The determination of loss of capacity is made by the person’s health care providers. The criteria and documentation for the loss of capacity is based on state law. The scope of the authority is defined in the document and by state law. If the person has capacity, the person can revoke or modify the appointment of a surrogate. Many states have a very low standard of capacity for revocation of an advance directive. Aside from leaving directions on who can make health care decisions, many people leave directions about the health care they want or do not want in the form of an advance directive or living will directive. When making health care decisions for another person, it is helpful to understand their health care values, goals of care, and specific wishes.

Bank Accounts

A common way to manage another person’s finances is to authorize an agent to sign on to that person’s bank accounts. There are two ways to do this: 1) add a person authorized to transact business on the account; or 2) make the bank account a joint account. A joint account creates a presumption of ownership in the account assets and may create inheritance rights. Joint accounts are very helpful for married or committed couples. For more distant family members or friends, joint accounts should be used with great caution. Rather than create a joint account, the bank can authorize someone to sign on the account without creating an ownership interest in the account.

This is commonly accomplished by the bank recognizing the authority granted under a power of attorney. In many states, the banks may insist on a state standard form, or a bank approved power of attorney form. Banks can also authorize signers on accounts without creating an ownership interest; many business accounts are structured this way. Direct deposit and automatic payment for All Social Security benefits and virtually all retirement benefits are paid by direct deposit. Direct deposit eliminates the need to make deposits and prevents lost or stolen checks. Nearly all reoccurring bills can be set up on automatic payment. The combination of direct deposit and automatic payments can help to assure that necessary bills are paid when a person is unable to attend to finances. These arrangements should be monitored to assure that all income is properly received, and automatic payments are correct. Increasingly, financial institutions and utility providers are willing to send copies of invoices and statements to a third party, or to arrange online access for accounts oversight.

This information was supported by a contract with the National Center on Law & Elder Rights, contract number HHSP233201650076A, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201

Additional resources to help concerned family and caregivers support their older relatives without the civil death of full guardianship are:

Thank you for standing up for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for older Idahoans! Visit the ICOA website for additional information and services to help older Idahoan’s age with safety and dignity.

www.aging.idaho.gov

Older Americans Month: Communities of Strength

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In tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in Idaho as friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other.

In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built resilience that helps them to face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too.

Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme Communities of Strength, recognizes the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.

Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life—a conversation shared with a friend, working in the garden, trying a new recipe, or taking time for a cup of tea on a busy day. And when we share these activities with others—even virtually or by telling about the experience later—we help them build resilience too.

This year, the Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) will celebrate OAM by encouraging community members to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future.

Here are some ways to share and connect:

  • Look for joy in the everyday: Celebrate small moments and ordinary pleasures by taking time to recognize them. Start a gratitude journal and share it with others via social media, or call a friend or family member to share a happy moment or to say thank you.
  • Reach out to neighbors: Even if you can’t get together in person right now, you can still connect with your neighbors. Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a homecooked meal.
  • Build new skills: Learning something new allows us to practice overcoming challenges. Take an art course online or try a socially distanced outdoor movement class to enjoy learning with others in your community. Have a skill to share? Find an opportunity to teach someone, even casually.
  • Share your story: There’s a reason storytelling is a time-honored activity. Hearing how others experience the world helps us grow. Interviewing family, friends, and neighbors can open up new conversations and strengthen our connections.

When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or service—we help build strong communities, and promote better mental and physical health, and that’s something to celebrate!

Please join the Idaho Commission on Aging in promoting healthy actions that increase health, resiliency, and connection for all in our communities.

For more resources, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation via #OlderAmericansMonth.

Visit the ICOA website at: https://aging.idaho.gov for more great information on Aging Services.

Please complete our educational series on how to Reduce Loneliness in Idaho.

Boost Your Budget

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Decrease Financial Stress, Promote Health!

April 12th – 16th will be the second annual “Boost Your Budget Week: Find Your Benefits to Age Well” campaign, promoted by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Every year, millions of Americans and thousands of Idahoans are eligible for, but not enrolled in, benefits that can save them money on health care, prescriptions, food, rent, utilities, and more. In 2014, only 63.4% of Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra help were enrolled in those programs, meaning that over a third of Medicare beneficiaries across the country – almost 3 million older adults and persons with disabilities! – were not enrolled. The national campaign seeks to bring together community partners to:

  • Educate low-income Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about the benefits available to help improve their economic security and health​
  • Connect individuals to online (BenefitsCheckUp®) and community-based resources for screening and application assistance​

Community and state agencies, including local businesses, that work closely with low-income seniors and adults with disabilities should join the effort in promoting “Boost Your Budget Week”.  Organizations wanting to be a part of the campaign, can choose some of the following activities:

  • Share information about benefits as part of a food drive, health fair, or tax assistance event
  • Sponsor a “telethon” at your local radio or TV station
  • Run ads in local newspapers or on social media
  • Invite media, legislators, and the public to tour your facility and learn about the importance of benefits for your community

The official start date for “Boost Your Budget Week” is scheduled for Monday, April 12th, 2021, and  runs until Friday, April 16th, 2021. Community and government partners wanting to take part and promote the campaign are more than welcome to begin at any time before this date.

For further information and resources needed to start planning your “Boost Your Budget Week” events, please visit the official “Boost Your Budget Week” website.

Your efforts can be life changing for low income seniors or people living with disabilities. Visit the ICOA website to learn more about the MIPPA/MSP programs.

Let’s Celebrate the National Senior Nutrition Program

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Funded by the Older Americans Act, the National Senior Nutrition Program began in 1972 and has been meeting the nutritional, social, and wellness needs of Older Americans for nearly 50 years. Each March, the Idaho Commission on Aging recognizes its anniversary by celebrating the program’s rich history and tremendous value across the nation with the Area Agencies on Aging and all meal providers. The Administration for Community Living funds senior nutrition services, including home-delivered and congregate meals.

Reach out and encourage the elders in your life to consider attending a weekly congregate meal to promote a healthy mind and body!

March is a universal nutrition and diet awareness month, to raise the importance of nutritionally balanced diets for all ages and cultures, the importance of developing sound eating habits, while companioning physical activity to support overall strength and physical health. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services release updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans every five years. Each edition reflects the current body of nutritional science and research on what to eat and drink to promote health, while reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Recommendations from the new Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate are to:

  1. Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage.
  2. Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.
  3. Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages and stay within calorie limits.
  4. Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages.
  5. Eat fruits and vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned. Eat dark green vegetables such as leafy greens or broccoli and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
  6. Vary protein choices with fish, beans and peas.
  7. Eat at least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day. Choose whole grains whenever possible.
  8. Have three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy (milk, yogurt, or cheese) fortified with vitamin D to help keep your bones healthy.
  9. Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food.

By adopting these goals, your chosen theme strives to help people manage their weight successfully and reduce their risk of chronic disease while promoting general health.

In our busy, fast paced world, myths and misinformation on the internet, social media and other sources make nutrition and healthy eating confusing. Not to mention what is “good for you” is not the same for everyone. There is no one-size-fits all approach to healthy eating.

For more information on Congregate Meal Sites and Home-Delivered Meals, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

For additional nutrition information and free webinars during the month of March, please visit ICOA website and events. New nutrition education information will be provided starting March 1st and during the entire month.

Visit Administration for Community Living’s website to see how the healthcare system benefits if seniors eat a nutritious meal at a congregate meal site.

Use Technology to Prevent Loneliness

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As we slowly recover from a much different holiday season, each of us may be adjusting in our own unique way. A sense of loss due to a change in holiday tradition, relief due to it all being over, or loneliness due to no longer being surrounded by family.

A 2018 survey of 20,000 adults conducted by Cigna showed that nearly half (46 percent) of 20,000 U.S. adults report that they feel alone sometimes or always. This loneliness is no-doubt felt fully by the aging population, and is likely exacerbated by both the pandemic, and post-holiday blues.

Although technology will never replace personal contact, it can bring a familiar face to the screen, conversations with a virtual friend, and more adventures than anyone could experience in a lifetime. Whether you prefer to visit the Louvre, chat with an artificially intelligent robot, or take a free course at Harvard, here are a few ideas to fill time and combat loneliness.

Social Media

Facebook, Instagram, etc. are a great platform to reconnect with old friends, see what is happening in your grandchildren’s lives and participate in games or social events.

Virtual Reality

Myndvr creates immersive virtual reality.

Webcams

Webcams give you the opportunity to experience real-time views of animals and places.

Elephants, Panda, Lion, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and  National Parks

Robotics

Chat bots are artificial intelligence applications that respond to human interactions. Some of the most popular are apps Woebot, Replika and tabletop robot Elliq.

Online Classes & Activities

Senior Planet offers many free online classes, expanded with membership.

Virtual Support

Virtual Support is actual therapy support, only online.

Circles up offers emotional support for those struggling with loneliness, or other emotional issues. 

Quarantine Chat  allows people to chat on the phone.  No phone numbers are exchanged, protecting everyone’s privacy.

Big and Mini is designed to bring older and younger adults together.  This connection is designed to be a mentorship between a senior and a younger adult.

Sweet Readers connects youth 11-22 and seniors with dementia for 15 – 30 minute “story times”.

Robotic Pets

These robotic stuffed animals from Joy for All react like a live animal.  These animals are a wonderful gift for someone with dementia, or who has had to give up their special pet.

Education

Free online courses at many colleges including: Harvard; Stanford; and Yale

Boise Community Education also has a variety of online classes

Links to New Adventures

This is only a small sampling of available virtual tours. 

Science: NASA; North Carolina Museum of Natural History

History: Smithsonian Natural History Museum; American Battlefields; National Museum of the US Air Force

Art: Louvre Museum; VanGough Museum; Albertina Museum

Other: National Aquarium; National Parks; and Washington DC

Loneliness is as bad for your health as being obese or smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  (Holt-Lunstad, 2015)

These statistics show us the importance of working towards a solution. Technology is not the complete answer, but it brings us one step closer to disrupting the silent epidemic of loneliness.

Although many seniors may find technology intimidating, we cannot overlook the advantages.

If you have a senior in your life, take the time to teach them about technology. The knowledge will enhance their lives, but the time spent with them will enhance yours.

Dementia Capability

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As the number of adults living in the United States grows, the number of individuals living with dementia grows along with it.  People who live with dementia and their caregivers often require and benefit from a broad array of services and supports that help them continue living in the community.  As a result, the Idaho Commission on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which have decades of experience helping older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes and communities, are at the front lines of providing critical services and have been developing a statewide program to ensure access to sustainable, long-term services and supports that can meet the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia and their caregivers. 

Supports include:

Researchers continue to examine ways to prevent or delay dementia and a 2017 review by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, found evidence that three types of interventions–cognitive training, blood pressure control, and increased physical activity–could help prevent or slow cognitive decline and dementia (NAP, 2017). Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the concept that brain health is connected to heart health.  The CDC recommends steps such as controlling blood pressure, eating healthy foods, limiting alcohol, managing diabetes, not smoking, and staying active as ways to reduce risk factors for dementia.

Sources:
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Way Forward; https://www.nap.edu/resource/24782/Highlights062217CognitiveImpairment.pdf
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Brain Health Is Connected to Heart Health; https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/healthy-body-brain.html

Return to Your Key to Successful Aging

Saving for Retirement

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No one can predict the future.  That is why saving for retirement is so complicated.  As members of PERSI, State of Idaho employees are in an enviable position in our retirement planning strategy.  However, there are several options above and beyond our PERSI 401(k) that can help us save for our retirement years.  Let’s look at some strategies and products we can use to boost our retirement savings.

Strategies

  • Set a goal. Determine how you want to live out your retirement years.  Do you want to travel the world or stay home and tend to your garden?  How much money will you need to accomplish these goals?  A popular rule of thumb is to plan to have savings of about 25 times your expected annual expenses.  At retirement you can withdraw 4% each year to live comfortably.  Remember that commuting expenses will go down, but healthcare related expenses may go up.
  • Use a retirement calculator. There are several comprehensive retirement calculators available online by reputable investment companies.
  • Start early. The benefit of compound interest means that any interest you earn is added to the base savings amount and new interest is earned on top of that.  Over time, this is a powerful way to save for retirement.  Plan to contribute at least 10% of your gross earnings to whichever savings plan you choose.
  • Automate. Set up automatic contributions to your retirement savings plan to support your goals.  You do not need to think about it, it is already done!
  • Delay claiming Social Security benefits as you near retirement age. For each year you wait (until age 70), your benefit will increase.

Products

  • Traditional IRA: Your money is not taxed at the time you contribute it.  This means that your full contribution earns interest.  Your income must be under $124,000 annually to qualify.  The contribution limit is $6000 per year, unless you are over 50 at which time the limit increases to $7000.  You can begin drawing funds when you reach 59 ½ years old, and you must start drawing at age 72.
  • Roth IRA: Your money is taxed up front.  This allows you to not pay taxes during your retirement years.  The income limit is the same as the traditional IRA, however you can make partial contributions if your salary is under $139,000.  If the account has been open at least five years, you can begin withdrawals at age 59 ½, but there is a 10% penalty if you choose to withdraw earlier.  There are no minimum withdrawals required.

Traditional and Roth IRA requirements do change, so be sure to research each option fully before signing on the dotted line.  Also, a traditional IRA can be converted to a Roth.  Evaluate your mindset and don’t let your short-term goals derail you from your long-term goals.  To learn how to keep your hard earned savings safe and avoid fraud, refer to the valuable resources on the Idaho Commission on Aging’s website.

Return to Your Key to Successful Aging

Family Caregivers: A Resource Worth Guarding

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Family caregivers manage emergencies, juggle priorities, and suffer isolation – and that was before unprecedented challenges of the COVID19 pandemic. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Idahoans is a caregiver, providing 171 million hours of unpaid labor to the state annually (AARP, 2017).  This month we will share resources and creative ideas developed by Idaho community respite providers designed to assist caregivers to take necessary small breaks or virtual support during the pandemic.   

Once the pandemic became reality many of our community respite providers had to develop safe and creative ways of aiding caregivers and their families.

Short Breaks Prevent Long Term Problems

Click on each organization’s name to be re-directed to their website for more information.

Hike 2 Heal (H2H) provides short-term relief from the physical, emotional, and daily demands of caring. H2H initiated virtual hiking throughout the summer with caregivers, the activity encouraged caregivers to continue hiking and tracking miles. They also developed a “Virtual Care Package” with a mix of quality entertainment, fun recipes, scenic drives, trail maps and other activities.

Family Caregiver Navigation Pilot is a project of the Idaho Caregiver Alliance (ICA), offering free telephone based support and resource referral to family caregivers in SW Idaho. Adults in SW Idaho who provide unpaid care for another individual of any age, with physical, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities, or a mental health condition qualify for the service. Call 208-426-5899 to connect with a Navigator.

Legacy Corps at Jannus, Inc   changes lives through caring volunteers and a portfolio of diverse programs that promote health, advance policy, and create opportunity. Respite volunteers provided weekly phone support to caregivers providing up to date and accurate information and resources specific to their caregiving situation. Volunteers delivered groceries, household, and COVID-19 protective supplies to homes, and helped families set up online and/or phone ordering/delivery systems. Virtual respite based on individual circumstances included phone/Facetime conversations with recipients, through the window visits and park meet-ups.

Relatives as Parents, Inc (RAP) provides supportive services and support groups to relative caregivers of absent parents in Coeur d’ Alene and surrounding northern Idaho communities. In May, during the Covid-19 lock down, many families were in crisis from being locked down. Stress levels of grandparents were off the charts compelling RAP board members to develop a plan of action. They asked each of these families to plan an outing (Covid-19 safe practice) getting them out of the house. It would have to be a picnic in a field or the mountains, a hike or a scavenger hunt and include the children. RAP supplied them with a grocery gift card and a gas card to help with expenses. After the trip was complete, RAP asked the children to tell about their adventure either in writing or drawing. It was a great success! It provided an outlet for built up energy in the kiddos. The feedback from the grandparents was very positive and it renewed their energy and ability to cope with the Covid-19 lock down.

Senior Connection provides essential services for seniors and their families in the Wood River Valley. The Connection Club memory/day care for clients with Alzheimer’s or another dementia was cancelled due to COVID, and the agency is proceeding cautiously with plans to reinstate it during January 2021. To offset this respite time for the caregiver, the agency offered one-on-one professional caregiving services, typically including assistance with housekeeping or activities of daily living, and now including bringing the care-receiver to the agency for lunch, taking them on walks, hikes and drives to get them outside in the fresh air, while the caregiver receives a four-hour break.

Please see Idaho Commission on Aging’s website for additional caregiver resources and support.

Helping Shouldn’t Hurt

Now more than ever it is important to guard caregivers mental and physical health. For free education on healthy caregiving topics visit the Idaho Commission on Aging’s Caregiving Education webpage.

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Residents’ Rights

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If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility, then residents’ rights matter!

Idahoans maybe unaware that their rights continue even though they are residing in a long-term care facility.  Rights do not end once you step through the door of a nursing home or assisted living, rather knowing your rights become even more important.  Exercising your rights has no time limitations, age criteria or location requirements.

Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to do assessments of needs upon admission and develop a plan of care which is centered around your personal needs, preferences, and values. 

Care plans should be developed with each individual resident in mind.  What are your likes, dislikes, what do you enjoy doing and when would you like to do it?

Making and communicating your preferences and needs for care will increase quality of life and overall satisfaction.

Your Rights Include:
  • Right to a dignified existence.
  • Right to self-determination.
  • Right to be fully-informed.
  • Right to raise grievances.
  • Right of access.
  • Rights regarding financial affairs.
  • Rights during discharge or transfer.

Awareness of your rights is the first step to exercising them.

Each facility should have posted residents’ rights in a common area where they are accessible to resident and family.  If you are not able to find a copy of the residents’ rights in your facility, ask a staff where they are located. If you feel that your rights are not being respected contact your local ombudsman and they will advocate for you and assure your rights are honored.

Ombudsman resolve complaints, protect rights, and promote access to services and good care for resident residing in Long Term Care facilities.  The Older Americans Act (OAA), Title VII, Chapter 2, Sections 711/712 and 45 CFR § 1324.13 Federal Regulation require the Ombudsman program provide services to assist residents in protecting their health, safety, welfare and rights. 

Learn Your Rights
Contact Your Local Ombudsman

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Get Fall-Free This Fall

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All of us have stumbled or fallen. In fact, we start as toddlers where the wobble and tumble to the carpet is part of normal development. As we grow older though, falls become an important health concern. Falls are costly—both in dollars and quality of life.  In Idaho, 1 in 5 falls result in significant injury from broken bones to head injuries. Accidental falls kill about 158 Idahoans each year at a cost of $164 million. Falls are the #1 cause of accidental injury and death for people aged 65+.

Falling is not limited to older adults though, it can happen to any of us.  When falls happen, it impacts all of us too. Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of falls! Now is the perfect time to get fall-free!

Celebrate the first day of Fall on September 22 and Falls Prevention Awareness Week on September 21-25 

It only takes a few simple steps to dramatically reduce our risk of falls. We can easily encourage others to do so as well. Here are 5 steps to get us started:

  1. Know your fall risk: Take this free assessment with 12 yes/no questions to find out.
  2. Do a safety check: Use this checklist at home  to find fall hazards by inspecting stairs, steps, handrails, lighting, carpets, and bathrooms.
  3. Stay active: Maintain balance, strength, and flexibility by being active or taking a class.
  4. Know your medications: Ask about interactions and side-effects that may make you more prone to falling.
  5. Check your vision: Get correction or learn skills to reduce misjudged steps and tripping on unseen obstacles.

Avoid the physical, mental, and financial impacts of falls. Take charge of getting fall-free this fall! For more information on healthy aging, visit the Idaho Commission on Aging’s website.

Written by Erin Olsen, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program Specialist at the Idaho Commission on Aging

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Dementia Skills Training

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You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your well-being to take care of someone you love. The Idaho Commission for Aging is here to help anyone struggling to care for a loved one with dementia with a free online Dementia Skills Training. Learn practical knowledge and strategies to help people living with dementia enjoy moments of human connection, beauty, and personal satisfaction.

Many forms of dementia are classified as disorders or diseases, but there aren’t treatments that will cure or stop the disease. So, the world of physicians and medication are not the answer for dementia. Instead the goal is to maintain the highest quality of life, to focus on capabilities, and maintain connections to interests, nature and people. This free online training can enhance your skills and make you a more confident caregiver. Through a series of brief training modules, caregivers learn all types of practical knowledge and tools to improve communication and understanding with people experiencing the middle stages of dementia. 

Learn more about feeling satisfaction and connection in your relationship to a person with dementia.

To learn more and to access the free training modules, visit the Idaho Commission for Aging’s website* at https://aging.idaho.gov/stay-educated/dementia-skills/

The Idaho Commission for Aging suggests accessing their website in Chrome because it works better than other web browsers.

Screenshot of the dementia skills training on the Idaho Commission on Aging’s website.

Written by the Idaho Commission on Aging

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