Real Sage Advice

Minnesota Aging Policy Summit

I was fortunate enough to attend the aging policy summit last week. I was able to hear local representatives, leading thinkers on aging, and my favorite, Skip Humphrey speak about our challenges and opportunities to address aging issues this legislative session.

The majority of the attendees were service providers, and most of them lived in the Twin Ciies Metro area (not surprising with the frigid temperatures keeping those outstate at home for the day).

During the summit they polled attendees to get feedback from there on what Minnesota priorities should be in regard to aging issues. I've pulled the most interesting from the discussions here:

1. The budget requires that legislators and the Governor make decisions about state revenues and spending. Regarding aging services across the continuum, should they…

a.Maintain current funding for aging services through tax/revenue increases
b.Increase funding for aging services through (larger) tax/revenue increases
c. Limit cuts in aging services through smaller tax/revenue increases
d. Reduce aging services proportionately based on currently projected revenues

The answers:

2.   What is the most significant service barrier that prohibits older persons from remaining at thome as they age and require services?

a.Services are unavailable
b.Services are unreliable
c.Services are unaffordable
d.Lack of knowledge about services
e.None of the above

The attendees answered:

3.  Do you think communities would find value in achieving designation as a COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME?

a. Absolutely-good for business, desirable fr retaining senior residents
b. They would find value but find it hard to achieve
c. Cities have too many other priorities
d. Cities would not want such a designation

The attendees answered: 

See more information about the aging summit

Asking for Help with Aging Parents. When Someday is Today

This last week I had a conversation with a colleague about her parents. I'll call her Sandy. Sandy's mom was recently hospitalized, and her mom is the primary caretaker for her dad, who is legally blind and quite vulnerable. This is the second or third hospitalization within as many weeks and Sandy is talking with her parents about moving to a senior community.  Sandy said they would be open to the idea of moving, but they can't bring themselves to ask their son to find a new place to live. Sandy is concerned that her sibling is taking advantage of their parents.  After some brief questions I had some suggestions for her, and gave her the name and number of a geriatric care manager. As a fellow REALTOR, Sandy knows when I give out a name and number I stake my reputation on it. I wouldn't give out a referral unless I would trust them to take care of me and my aging parents.  As REALTORS we can't get any kind of referral fee or kick-backs when we make referrals to other professionals. So she also knows when I give out a name and number, it's of someone I trust.

Later the next day I received an email from Sandy thanking me for the information, and apologizing for not remaining professional. She said she wanted to tell me about a "friend" who was having these family issues so she could give the appearance of being once-removed. She was a little embarrassed about having divulged so much personal information.

I was surprised by this. I work in an environment where I'm used to consulting with other REALTORS and we often brainstorm and problem solve in groups on ways to better serve our clients. I've come to expect other agents to consult with me about their elderly clients. This is my expertise. It's what I do. So, when this agent talked with me about her aging parents and family dynamics, it was just another consultation--at least to me.

I realized to Sandy this wasn't just another professional consultation but rather an exercise in saying "I need help". She said she knew it was something she would have to do "someday". We just never think that someday is today.

Has this happened to you or someone you know?

Other Blog Articles

Plan Ahead

Where Will Seniors Live in Minnesota?

Report on Caregiving

Plan Ahead

I've said this before, those that plan will have choices, those that don't get what's left over. I've said this in reference to planning for senior housing choices. When you plan for your future thinking about it isn't enough. Planning it out and ACTING on it will define your choices and quality of life for years to come.

David Solie over at Aging Insights has posted a must-read excerpt from his new book which is in the works...Booming On.  A comparison of two couples, one that planned for the future and IMPLEMENTED the plan, one that didn't.  Bravo, David.

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

Alan Kay

Other Blog Articles

Develop Your Move Plan...Even If You're Not Moving Yet

I'm Not Ready Yet

Step #3 to The Senior Move Plan-Don't Procrastinate

Guilt

Elderly, Dementia and Drugs

The Minneapolis Star and Tribune published a fantastic article about aging and mental health: People with dementia getting drugged instead of helped by none other than our Warren Wolfe. Wolfe states:

In Minnesota, antipsychotic drugs are given routinely to 32 percent of Minnesota nursing home residents with dementia and behavior problems -- and to 15 percent of residents who don't have that diagnosis, the state Department of Health reported.

Antipsychotic drugs have become the No. 1 drug paid for by Medicaid, which regulates and pays for most nursing home care. They are prescribed for about 30 percent of all nursing home residents.

The word dementia has become a household word. We've all known someone who has had "symptoms of dementia."  Ironically with seniors what LOOKS like dementia can actually be a symptom of another condition. Get a geriatrician (NOT the family doctor) or mental health professional who specializes in working with seniors involved.

Holiday Blues Busters for Families

I attended a teleseminar last night with Pat Samples, an author and professional speaker about caregiving.  It has finally dawned on me that those that are caring for their parents in their homes are often dealing with the same issues and emotions as children who are trying to help their aging parents move.

Holidays can be a difficult even in families without a crisis. Add to the stress of the holidays the decision to get an elderly loved one ready to move to a senior housing community and you've got a recipe for the blues.  Here are some tips to cure the holiday blues, as shared to us by Pat Samples:

BLUES BUSTERS

1. Take Care of Yourself.  You're often the last person who gets taken care of at a time of family crisis...if you aren't at your best and ready to take on the day, you won't be very effective at helping anyone else. Eat right (push away that cookie tray), sleep right, exercise (take 5 minutes to stretch, you're body will thank you!), consider taking some supplements.

2.  Use your "Guilt Eraser".  We spend a lot of time adding things to our to do list that "should" get done.  Take time to evaluate your list of to-dos and limit your list ONLY to those things that are really important. ERASE the guilt that comes from not doing the things you feel you "should" do.  Perhaps spending some extra time with your loved one is more important than Baking cookies for your neighbors-at least this year.

3.  Light your "creative match". If the pilot light is on, but not lit, the gas coming into your home is nothing but poisonous.  Light that pilot light, and you get warmth.  Light up your creativity this holiday season with your family and loved ones by taking the time to play.  Think back to your fondess memories of the holidays and they likely involve crafts or games you played.  Have fun, be silly, play!

4.  Write a letter.  It's okay to acknowledge this may be the last holiday you spend in your family home. Spend some time writing, write a letter to your parent, your higher power, or just Holiday's past and honor those past holiday's with your memories.  Then, look forward to holiday's yet to come, new people who are in your life to help you and your parents get through the transition, and new traditions you and your family will begin.

5. Spiritual Life Support. Stop. Breathe. This can be as simple as stopping to look at the stars, the beauty of the snow, the blessings in your life, or  following some formal religious traditions. Taking a few minutes to slow down and listen to your inner voice...making sure not to indulge any guilt!

6. Find a way to honor the seniors in your life. If it has been your mom's job to make the lefse every year, pass that job to somone else to do in her honor. This is how tradition's live on and are passed down from the generations.

Pat Samples produces a newsletter that announces opportunities for you to listen in on her teleseminars. I highly recommend it, whether you're a caregiver or work with caregivers it's time well spent. 

Is it Dementia or Depression?

I had been working with a senior client, let's call him Harry,  who has been preparing to make a move to a senior condo for the last 6 months. During these six months I have gotten to know him and his family fairly well. Right before his move last week I made a visit to him to make some final plans regarding his move. Harry was pacing, was disorganized and down right mad about moving. I expect to see my clients express some sadness about moving out of their homes. It's normal and healthy. However, this drastic change in Harry was well beyond what I expected, and a little scary.  It was so out of character for him!

I called his daughter later that day and expressed my concern about Harry.  She tried to reassure me that Harry was just nervous about the move. I told her this seemed beyond nervousness, that I suspected there was something a-miss and encouraged her to get him in to see a Geriatrician--NOT his family doctor.

Harry was diagnosed with depression.  I suspect after a few weeks on medication he'll be back to his jovial energetic self. Harry said "funny, I don't feel sad, just mad as hell."

Depression is very common in seniors, and often under diagnosed.  Think about this...do you know a senior who is:

• Lonely or isolated?
• Suffered a recent loss such as a neighbor moving away, a pet, a loved one?
• Suffering from a chronic illness or chronic pain such as arthritis?
• Not eating quite right because it's "hard to cook for one?"
• Experiencing some fear due to changes in their neighborhood, or changes in their physical health?
• Experiencing a reduced sense of purpose due to recent retirement or changes in physcial abilities?

Most of the seniors I know meet more than one of those descriptions! Triggers for depression can be as simple as poor nutrition or high blood pressure medication.

Great resources for mental health issues with our elderly are:

• Eldercare Consultants who are Geriatric and Mental Health Care Managers; mikejustin02@yahoo.com
• And, the Geriatric Mental Health unit at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN and a brand new Geriatric Mental Health Unit at Unity Hospital in Fridley, MN. To make a referral, you can call the referral line at 763-236-4464.

Not in Minnesota?

Contact the Eldercare Locator

See also: Resources for Seniors

Is this the new recreational therapy for seniors?

The Zimmers-a study in aging well

On the Tonight Show last night, Jay Leno interviewed these rockers. Now THIS is aging well. Click on the arrow below to see the video.

Read the BBC post on the worlds oldest Rock Band. You can also read about The Zimmers here, and here. Ironically, Zimmer is a prosthetic joint company, and it's also a walker!

Enjoy Your Coffee, It's Good for You!

Wooo Hoooo! It's GOOD for you! With 30 years of research to back it's current claims, Food Technology has published a study that's going to make the coffee, java, mud, latte, espresso crowd jump for joy.  Even better, the studies claim there are benefits to drinking as much as 3-5 cups a day.  Finally a serving size that seems realistic. They deemed 3-5 cups of coffee a day to be a moderate amount.

So, for the caretaking, babysitting, super human baby boomer sandwich generation that is trying to do it all in a 24 hour day...Drink up!

• The benefits include:
• Reduced risk of type 2 Diabetes
• Reduced risk of cancer
• Reduced risk of liver disease
• Reduced risk of Parkinson's
• Reduced risk of Alzheimer's

To You:

Dove, Pro-Aging

Have you seen the Dove Print Ads?  Take a look at the Dove commercial that won't be airing in the US.  If I squint real hard, I think I can barely make out the beginning of a new definition of beauty on the horizon.  Hallelujiah.