Arthritis Supplements and Diet; Separating Fact and Fiction from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

The pain of arthritis can be so severe that some people will buy and try anything that is touted to relieve the pain. But what really works and what doesn't? This article on WebMD can help sort it all out:

Arthritis Diets & Supplements: Do They Work?

Information on Cateracts from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging, they are very common in older people but younger people can get them, too. By the age of 80 more than half of all American will either have a cataract or had cataract surgery. I have found a couple of websites with information about cataracts:

A Complete Guide to Cataracts

Facts About Cataracts

Caring for Your Elderly Parents Finances in Troy, MO

Credit card debt among seniors is up 26 percent according to some studies. Problems with finances can arise even if your parents have always been responsible with their spending and budgets. Dementia, depression and other factors can affect their ability to make sound decisions. How can you tell if your parents are having financial troubles and what can you do about it if you suspect they are? Read the following article from MSNBC for some tips:

Helping aging parents dig out of debt

Taichi Exercise from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Months ago I posted the link to some Taichi exercises for the elderly. This is the second video on Taichi for the your elderly loved one from the same source.

Holiday Tips Video from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Gift Ideas for Elderly Loved Ones Comfort Keepers Home Care in Troy, MO

I just found this great list of ideas for gifts for senior family members. Can you come up with any more? Leave a comment!!

Gift Ideas for Your Aging Parent

Facts About Osteoporosis from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. If it gets bad enough sometimes even mild stresses like bending over, or coughing can cause a fracture. The following website from the Mayo Clinic can help you understand more about this condition.

Osteoporosis

Holiday Assessment from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

Often we overlook a variety of warning signs such as forgetfulness, lack of house
cleaning or a decrease in physical appearance by writing them off to “old age”.

Comfort keepers has developed a checklist to use each of your five senses that provide key
indicators or warning signs to help determine if your family members are in need of additional care or assistance.

If your not sure if your loved one may need extra care this holiday please download this assessment:

Holiday Assessment Guide

Check Out Parkinson's Disease for Dummies from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

If the loved one in your care has been diagnosed with Parkinson's this website has a lot of useful information. Take a minute to read through it.

Parkinson’s Disease For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Holidays and Caregiving from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

The holidays can be stressful enough as it is. If you are caring for children and an elderly relative the just the thought of the upcoming holidays could leave you hoping they'll cancel them on account of snow or something. Here's an article I found that has some good tips on how to make it less stressful for everyone concerned.

Making Holidays Easier for Caregivers of Aging Adults

Diabetes and Exercise from Comfort Keepers Senior Care-

Exercise can be an important part of caring for diabetes and controlling blood sugar., but you (or your loved one) still have to be cautious, and consider factors that non-diabetic persons do not have to. Please read the following article for some guidelines:

Diabetes Health: Exercise Caution

Becoming Your Parent's Parent, One Family's Story from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care inTroy, MO

I ran across this story about one family's struggle with a loved one with Alzheimer's. It's not just about one family but about what so many family's struggle with when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia.

Becoming 'parent of your parent' an emotionally wrenching process

Tips for Communication with a Loved One with Alzheimer's from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

Often, because of the changes brought about by Alzheimer's and dementia there can be quite a bit of difficulty understanding what your loved one wants and also making yourself understood by them. I just ran across this article giving some excellent tips to make communication much easier.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER'S

November is National Hospice Month from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

The hospice movement was founded in England over thirty years ago to help cancer patients "die with dignity." It was conceived as a way to plan the end of life for terminally ill patients. Hospice care covers everything from pain management to funeral plans. Although dying at home surrounded by family and loved ones is th central idea of in-patient facilities do exist. The hospice companies we work with here at Comfort Keepers see patients at home and nursing homes as well as other facilities.

Hospice focuses on the individual and their family, not the illness, and brings dignity to life’s end. It's always difficult to lose a loved one but having the support and care tailored to their needs can help people live every moment of life to the fullest, leaving loved ones with memories they can treasure.

Preventing Falls From Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

It has been estimated that over one third of all adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death in this age group and the also a common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. How can you keep the loved one in your care safe?

Your loved one:
1. Encourage exercize, see if there's a local program nearby, Tai Chi and similar programs that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.
2. Have their doctor or pharmacist go over their medications to see if there's any drugs or drug interactions that can cause dizzyness or balance problems.
3. Make sure they get an eye exam yearly.
4. Wear proper footwear.

The home:
1. Increase the lighting for better visibility.
2. Remove throw rugs, use carpet tape to secure edges on other carpets.
3. Reduce clutter
4. Make sure electrical and telephone cords are safely out of walking paths
5. Install grab bars in the bathroom
6. Buy a shower chair and raised toilet seat if needed.
7. Use a non-skid mat or appliques in the bathtub.
8. Arrange furniture so it can easily be walked around.
9. Use nightlights.
10. Have sturdy handrails on both sides of all stairs.
11. Use brightly colored tape to mark the edge of stairs both inside and out.
12. Adjust the height of the bed to make it easy to get in and out of.

Coping With Dementia from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

One of the things that make dealing with a parents Alzheimer's or related dementia is that your reality and their's aren't necessarily the same thing. If your mother thinks it's 1968 and she can't understand why her daughter isn't home from school yet, all the arguing that it's now 2009, you are her daughter and you haven't been in school in over 30 years usually isn't going to change what she believes is true. I found this blog post about Coping With Dementia that gives some good tips on how to deal with different situations.

Ask Medicare for Caregivers from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Did you know that Medicare has a website designed just for caregivers? To sign up just go to this link:

Ask Medicare for Caregivers

What About Controlling Behavior from the Seniors in Our Care? in Troy, MO

As difficult as it is for us to 'parent our parents', imagine what it's like to be parented by your children. Often controlling behavior from our parents we are trying to care for a symptom of their fear of losing control over their own lives. Please read the following article for more insight into this situation and how to handle it.

Elders and Controlling Behavior: What's a Caregiver To Do?

Warning Signs for the Long Distance Caregiver from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

It is very hard sometimes to tell what is happening with our paremnts from a distance. I know my parents don't tell me certain things because they don't want me to worry. Fortunately, I have several siblings that live close enough to visit on a regular basis. But what if I didn't? I only visit every other year. Even then, would I really be able to tell what is going on? The article I've linked to below has some warning signs to look for if your parents aren't telling you everything.

Long Distance Caregiving

Having the "Money Talk" from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

I think for some people having the "money talk" with their elderly parents is almost as uncomfortable as having a "sex talk" with them. If you wait until you need to know, it may be too late. Understanding your loved ones finances may turn out to be a big help in a crisis. Read the following article to find out more.

Discuss finances, final wishes with elderly parents

Guard Against Financial Abuse, Brought to you by Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Although there are many others who may take advantage of your elderly loved one financially, most cases of elder financial abuse are perpetrated by family members. How can you know when another family member is taking advantage of your loved one? The following article describes some signs to look for.

Financial Elderly Abuse: Do You Know the Signs?

Symptoms of a Stroke from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

The quicker someone gets treatment for a stroke the better the chance of making a full recovery becomes. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke can help you get care for the person exhibiting them faster. The following article describes these symptoms:

Stroke Symptoms

When the Telephone Becomes a Problem for the Elder in Your care in Troy, MO

Years ago my eighteen month old son went into my bedroom, picked up the phone and started punching keys. I noticed he was missing and when I called him he came toddling out of the bedroom. It never occured to me to go in and check the room. The next thing I knew there was a policeman at my door telling me someone had called 911. The phone was still off the hook and there was a 911 operator on the other end.

This may have been cute when they are a year and half old but what do we do when they're 87 with Alzheimer's and your still getting emergency personnel showing up at the door?

I took care of several seniors who had problems with this. The solution for one family was to put the phone on the top of the refrigerator so mom couldn't get to it. Another, an elderly man, would have trouble dialing his daughters number, when the 911 operator would answer, he thought it was his daughter and would start telling her all his woes. You, of course, know what happened next, I'd be at the door explaining to the officer that there was no emergency.

The man who wrote the following article also had some problems with his dad and telephones and came up with some solutions also.

Telephones and Alzheimer's

Is Mom or Dad Becoming a Shopaholic? from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care In Troy, MO

I have had several clients who loved the shopping channels on TV. Both of these women were no longer able to go out to the stores to shop.

One of them was prudent, staying within her means and buying gifts for birthdays and Christmas and the occasional pretty for herself.

The other one, however, was not. There was a steady stream of packages coming in just about every day. There was so much that packages often went unopened for days. Much of it was useless and unneccessary. She no longer semed to have any control over her spending habits.

Sometimes, as people age and start losing their independence and mobility they try to compensate with other things. What can you do if Mom or Dad are spending money they can't afford to spend? Read the following article for some pointers.

Is My Elderly Parent a Shopaholic?

When Mom or Dad Won't Bathe from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

One of the reasons adult children come to us looking for help with their parents is because Mom or Dad isn't taking care of their personal hygeine. There are many reasons for this, among them memory problems or just that they are afraid of falling in the tub or shower. The following article may help and just remember, we here at Comfort Keepers can help. If you are in the St Louis, St Charles or Lincoln County areas of Missouri you can call 314-288-0054.

Dad Won’t Shower or Change His Clothes. What Do I Do?

Eating Right Helps Control Diabetes from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

The complications of diabetes can be devasting and are the result of poor blood sugar control. The major factor in controlling blood sugar is, of course, diet. Everyone knows that the diabetic can't have sugar, but it's more complicated than that. If you find yourself taking care of a diabetic loved one, you need to know the ins and outs of the diabetic diet.

The first most important thing is to follow your loved ones doctor's advice. The doctor can point you in the right direction and perhaps tell you where to go for more information.

Here are a few sites for menu planning and recipes to get you started:

American Diabetes Association: Meal Planning

From the Mayo Clinic: Diabetes meal plan recipes

And more recipes: Diabetic Living

And here's the best part, following this diet can help you and your other family members eat healthier, too. So you don't have to make your diabetic loved one feel left out by serving them something different than the rest of the family

Interactive Caregiving from Comfort keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

There was a study done in Chicago recently that showed that staying socially active may help prevent the onset of symptoms in Alzheimer’s. What this means is, if we keep our elderly parents engaged in life mentally, physically, emotionally and socially there is a good chance that we can keep them in their own homes for a longer period of time.
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s have a tendency to isolate themselves and have lost the ability to reach out to family and friends for their social needs. Friends and even family may stop visiting so often, or be so taken up with caring for basic physical needs that they may not recognize the need for social and mental activity. Even if we, as family members, recognize the need, we may not be able to do much about it because of restraints of time and distance.

Here at Comfort Keepers we can assist families with these needs, as well as your loved ones physical needs and safety, we call it Interactive Caregiving. Caregiving should be more than just cooking, cleaning and assisting with personal care, we take everyday activities and transform them into opportunities to communicate with and engage our clients. If you would like to know more about Interactive Caregiving please take the time to read our online brochure or if you’re in the St. Louis, St. Charles or Troy, MO area call us at 314-288-0054.

Interactive Caregiving

Explaining Your Elderly Parents Alzheimer's to Your Children from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

It's hard enough taking care of an ageing parent while you still have young children at home, but have you considered the effect it may be having on your children and all the unasked questions they have? My sons were teenagers when my mother-in-law moved in with us. They were a big help with her even though she usually confused them with each other or someone else.

Even though she was their step-grandmother and they had only a few years history with her it still affected them. It was easier because they were older, but how should we explain what's happening with Grandmom? The article I've linked to below has some advice for those of us dealing with this situation.


When a grandparent has Alzheimer's: helping your kids understand

Preventing Elderly Suicide Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

I know we don't like to think about it but the highest rates of suicide for an age group is among those 65 or older. You may not think your loved one would even consider it but things like the death of a spouse or a chronic illness may cause depression and thoughts of suicide. Please take a few minutes to read through the following article so you will have an idea of what to look for.

5 tips on helping prevent elderly suicide

Understanding Reverse Mortgages from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

As our parents age we find ourselves taking on more and more responsibility, ranging from grocery shopping to using our money to help pay their bills. It can cause a lot of stress for the caregiver and it starts to seem like you never get to just sit and enjoy your parents company, it's go, go, go all the time. A little extra money could ease the financial stress and even provide some in-home care for grocery shopping, housework and more, leaving us more quality time with our parents.

A reverse mortgage can bring in that extra money. There's been a lot of talk about reverse mortgages in the news and we're seeing the commercials and ads, but there's a lot of misconceptions about them. The following page from the HUD website is a good place to start if you need more information about reverse mortgages.

Top Ten Things to Know if You're Interested in a Reverse Mortgage

Cancer Facts for Seniors and their Caregivers in Troy, MO

Cancer can affect anyone at any age but as we age our chances of getting it increase. What should you know as a caregiver and what should you be watching for in your elderly loved ones? Here is an article that answers these questions.

Cancer Facts for Seniors

Comfort Keepers Senior Care of Troy, MO Walk for Alzheimer's

It was a beautiful day for a walk and we had a great time. The walk we participated in was in Laurel Park in St Peters, MO. The purple and white balloons marked the beginning of the walk.

One of our team members, Our Human Resources Assistant Leigh had a prior commitment so she had participated in the walk in St. Louis last week. Here's the rest of the team. Me, Jackie Walker, the owner of Comfort Keepers in St. Louis, St Charles and Lincoln County, her daughter in law Samantha and husband Dave (i.e. Mr. Boss).

This was the view ahead of us, I wish I had a better picture to show you all the other walkers, this place was packed. I was told so many more people turned out that they ran out of the purple bracelets we were supposed to wear!

Here's Jackie and Dave walking in front of me.

And now we are nearing the end, Jackie is out in front as you can see! Our team raised over $1500 and you can still donate if you wish! Go to Our Team Page.

Credit Card Debt Affects Seniors Too from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Credit card debt has been rising amoung the seniors in recent years. Your parents could be heading into serious financial difficulties and you may not even know it. The article below talks about how you can spot signs of trouble and what you can do to help.

Helping aging parents dig out of debt

Exercises in Bed for the Elderly from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Our parents are sure to remember Jack LaLane and probably watched his show. I remember my Mom watching it when I was younger. So who better to show our loved ones how to exercise if they are spending a lot of time in bed after a recent hospitalization or illness?

Memory Loss Isn't Always Alzheimer's from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

Last year I took one of my clients to her doctors and while we were there mentioned to the doctor that my client was having some trouble with her memory. The doctor immediately said that she was not going to put her on the typical Alzheimer's drugs because in her opinion they didn't work. She also said she wasn't going to give her a referral to a neurologist because he would only put her on the drugs and they didn't work.

I won't even tell you what I was thinking at the time but I have seen the drugs work with other clients (but I'm just a caregiver so what do I know?). That wasn't even the point. The point was, how did she know it was Alzheimer's? Why jump to that conclusion without even the most cursory investigation into other reasons for memory loss?

Memory loss can be caused by many things and they really need to be ruled out before a diagnoses of Alzheimer's is made. This article from The Alzheimer's Reading Room lists many of the possible causes for Alzheimer's like symptoms. If you suspect your loved one has Alzheimer's they need to be seen by a neurologist and not just the primary care physician to make sure all other causes have been ruled out.

Is it really Alzheimer's or something else?

10 Signs of Alzheimer's from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

What is normal and what is not? We all forget things now and then. We have all misplaced items or walked into a room and then forgotten why we are there. So just what is normal and when should we start worrying about a loved one? The Alzheimer's Association has compiled a list of ten warning signs for Alzheimer's disease to help you discern what is typical for most people and what can be a warning that things are not quite right.

Know the 10 Signs

Caring for an Elderly Loved One Who's had a Stroke in Troy, MO

Strokes often happen without warning, it can leave a loved one who was able to care for themselves in need of 24/7 care. Strokes can affect mobility, memory, speech and more. The American Stoke Association has put out this 15 tips to help make caregiving for a stroke victim a little bit easier.

15 Things Caregivers Should Know After a Loved One Has Had a Stroke

Helping Your Elderly Parent Through a Health Care Crisis in Troy, MO

You can do quite a bit for your parent who is going through a health crisis to help make it easier for them. I have spent many hours with clients in ERs, hospitals, rehabs and nursing homes. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly of how a family members actions and reactions can affect their loved ones. In this article Helping Your Parent Cope can help you the next time you have to deal with your parent being hospitalized.

Be Ready for the ER from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Even though we don’t like to think about it, accidents happen, illnesses become worse and sudden medical emergencies occur. Are you ready for your loved ones next emergency room visit?

Much like the bag we all packed when expecting our babies, we can have a bag ready to take with us at a moment’s notice in case of a sudden ER visit. As well as a copy of al the important papers in the bag, an extra copy can be kept in the possession of the primary caregiver. Here is a check list you can use to prepare the bag. You may think you will remember all this information but in a stressful situation some of this may be forgotten. Make sure all information is kept up to date.

1. A list of all the doctors your parent sees, their specialty and their contact information.

2. A medical history listing all surgeries and major or recent illnesses.

3. A list of all medications, past medications they have been on and any medication allergies.

4. Copies of insurance cards and information. Using copies lowers the risk that the originals will be lost.

5. Copies of Advanced Directives and Power of Attorneys for health Care as well as Durable Power of Attourney

6. Pack in the bag a change of clothing, pajamas and any toiletries your loved one may need.

7. Put in a book or magazine for you and your loved one or puzzle books to keep you both occupied while you wait.

8. Take something for you to eat or nibble on in case your there for awhile, the cafeteria may be closed or you may not want to leave your loved one.

9. Have a light sweater or jacket ready for the caregiver and the parent, ER’s can get chilly.

10. Make sure you have your cell phone, although of course, this isn’t kept in the bag. You will need to call other family members or your parent’s doctor.

Remember, you are there as your parents advocate. Make sure the doctor knows everything that is going on with your loved one. You may be able to provide valuble information from your observations and what you know about your parent. Know which doctor and nurse is caring for your parent so you can go directly to them with any questions. Ask questions about tests or medications, make sure you know what they are doing and why. Ask how long test results and such are going to take and check with someone if they seem to be taking too long.

Last but not least try to relax, it’s already a stressful situation for your parent, if you remain calm it will help them remain calm.

Long Distance Caregiving from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Living a thousand miles away from my elderly parents I can identify with the woman telling the story about her aging loved ones in this article. It's not always feasible or desirable to move your senior loved one closer to you or for you to move closer to them. Keeping in touch by telephone and trying to solve the problems long distance can be very stressful and traveling back and forth can get very expensive. If you are caring for a loved one from a distance an agency such as Comfort Keepers can help. An agency such as ours can be your eyes and ears. We can help with most of the things you aren't able to do from a distance. Making sure your loved ones are eating, taking their meds and getting to doctor appointments. We will also be able to let you know if there are other problems that need to be addressed.

Is caring for the elderly the same as caring for children in Troy, MO?

Of course it isn't although many people speak of the elderly as childish or going through a second childhood. Many people with dementia can seem very child like also but it's still not the same thing. Read the following article for ten ways that senior care and child care are different.

Caring for Parents Versus Caring for Children: 10 Ways They Differ

Poor Medication Management Can Harm Seniors from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

When our loved ones do not take their medications properly or at all it can harm them in many ways. Over or under medication, or not following directions taking it can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations and even death. Using several pharmacies to get better prices or just because it was convenient at the time can cause drug interactions.

Up to 10 percent of all admissions into long term care and/or assisted living facilities are because the client was unable to self-medicate. Adverse drug reactions are also considered to be the 4th leading cause of death among the elderly.

Comfort Keepers Home Care of the St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln County areas in Missouri can help. Starting with our new Daily Meds program that will package your elder loved ones medications in packets with instructions on what day and time to take it. This is mailed to the home monthly.

We also offer a Safety Choice Medication Dispenser which organizes, reminds, dispenses and tracks delivery of up to 40 days of prescribed drugs. It can alert the elder that medications are due and warns when they have not been dispensed.

We also, of course, offer our wonderful caregivers, who can help with many other things as well as remind your loved one when to take their medication.

Resource: The elderly face the dangers of poor medication management

You can call us at: 314-288-0054

Warning Signs of Diabetes from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

The complications of diabetes can be devastating. Sometimes they occur even before diagnosis. However there are warning signs for diabetes that have often been ignored. If you or the loved one in your care experiences any of the symptoms discribed in the following article a visit to your doctor is in order.

Diabetes Warning Symptoms

Caregiving Misconceptions from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

There are many misconceptions about caregiving floating around, such as that it is detrimental to the caregiver or that adult children don't want to be bothered with caring for their elderly parents. The following article sorts out these and others.

Common Caregiving Misconceptions

Long Distance Caregiving from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

I moved a thousand miles away from my parents years ago. Actually Mapquest says it's 978 miles but who's counting? I call them at least once a week and so far everything is usually fine. I do have a brother that lives much closer and he is available in case something went wrong. But what if he wasn't? What if I were an only child, or my siblings lived even further away? Some elderly loved ones will also not tell you if anything is wrong because you "live so far away" or they "don't want to worry you". The following article gives some good tips on how to tell if there is a problem or not.

Long Distance Caregiving

If you are a long distance caregiver with parents in the St. Louis, St Charles or Lincoln County Area give Comfort Keepers a call at 314-288-0054.

Diabetes and Alzheimer's from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

There are some studies that suggest that Alzheimer’s is actually a form of diabetes. Whether this is true or not, there is a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Trying to manage diabetes in the person your caring for is difficult enough without the added complication of dementia.

Failure to adequately control blood sugar can cause complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, loss of limbs and death. As memory losses become more severe it will be up to you to make sure your diabetic loved one’s blood sugar is controlled.
Your loved ones doctor can be your best resource for care. Ask him how often blood sugar needs to be checked and what to do if it is too high or low. He can also give you dietary guidelines and point you towards resources that can help. Don’t hesitate to ask him about anything you don’t understand or are unsure about.

It also helps to be able to recognize the symptoms of high or low blood sugar. This page from The Diabetic Caregiver describes these symptoms.
Proper diet and eating on a regular schedule are a must. There is no one “perfect diet” for diabetics, again consult your loved ones physician for the guidelines. Use these guidelines to evaluate anything you may find or read on the internet. There is a wealth of information and recipes out there but not all of them may be what’s right for your loved one. Skipped meals, a common problem with Alzheimer’s patients, can be dangerous, also, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low. Make sure they are eating three meals a day and more often if that’s what the doctor recommends.

Doing the stick to check blood glucose and injecting insulin may also become a problem, let’s face it, those needles hurt. If it gets to the point where the senior in your care no longer understands why it is being done it can cause upset and agitation as well as striking out against the caregiver who is trying to do what has to be done. Patience and understanding can help considerably here. Try to find someone or something that can distract the person in your care while you do this.
Don’t forget the exercise, it can help keep weight down and control the blood sugar levels. Take a walk, even if it’s just around the yard or the house. Find something your loved one likes to do, dance, go swimming, play and enjoy yourself. The exercise is good for you, too and gives you and your loved one a chance to have fun together.

Resource:
What is Diabetes?

Music and Dementia from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Years ago I had a client who had practically lost the ability to talk from Alzheimer's. Her aphasia was such that the most she could speak was one or two words at a time and only in response to someone speaking to her or asking a question. What she would do however, was sing bits and pieces of songs as she walked down the hall.

One day somebody left toddler's toy that belonged to her great-grandson in her room. It played nursery rhymes and just to try to keep her occupied I was playing (and singing) with the toy. Much to my surprise, since I was a fairly new caregiver at that time, she started singing too. After that we would sing every time I went to see her, mostly nursery rhymes and any "old" songs I could think of. She loved it and would perk up and smile a lot more during our time together.

Music can help you relate to and communicate with someone who has lost some of their ability to communicate. I've used it to cheer up clients and to calm them down. Try to keep the songs to things they recognize. If they have an old record collection you can use this as a clue to what their tastes in music were. You can also do some research as to what was popular while they were growing up and in their early adulthood and try a few different types of music to see what they respond to. Music can help so much when you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, try it out and see if it can help you and your elderly loved one.

Reference:
Why Music Matters for Alzheimer’s Patients

Caring for an Elderly Loved One with Diabetes in Troy, MO

If you are caring for a parent with diabetes, you may already know about things such as blood sugar levels, insulin, proper diet and the complications that can result from this disease, but then you may not. I have found an excellent source of information that is specifically geared to the caregiver of an elderly person with diabetes.

Caring for an Older Adult with Diabetes

Driving and Dementia can be a Deadly Mix from Comfort Keepers Elder Care in Troy, MO

We had a client several years ago that had caused an accident and then just drove away. He had Alzheimer's and didn't seem to think that he had done anything wrong. He claimed that the other car had left so he left too. The other car hadn't left, it had simply pulled off the road. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and his driver's license was revoked.

He probably shouldn't have been driving in the first place but no one in his family had thought to take away his keys. Accidents aren't the only danger of allowing someone with dementia to continue driving. They also run the risk of becoming lost and disoriented. Unfortunately, some dementia patients who become lost aren't found until it is too late.

The following article gives some good tips on how to take away the keys:

Taking away keys tough for Alzheimer's caretakers

Emergency Planning and Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Keeping to a set routine with people with Alzheimer's really helps to reduce agitation and confusion. When something happens that upsets this routine the person in your care may become very agitated, combative and resist all attempts to help. Although the writer of the following article is talking about hurricanes, the tips he gives on how to deal with an emergency while caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer's are good for any emergency situation.


Weathering the Storm

When Your Elderly Loved One Resists Care in Troy, MO

Sometimes our parents are embarrassed to admit they need help and sometimes they just don't see the need as we may. Some times there are other things going on that may not be readily apparent. The following article gives some good tips for assessing the situation.

When Your Loved One Resists Care

Keeping Track of Senior Care Paperwork in Troy, MO

Things can get complicated when we take over the affairs of our elderly parents. In my work I have seen children struggle with piles of financial papers, doctor's bills, pharmacy receipt's and more. Keeping track of all of this accumulation of papers can be a nightmare. The following article describes a system to keep their paperwork under control.

Taming the Paperwork Monster

Recognizing the Joys of Elder Care in Troy, MO

There are many challenges when we care for our elderly parents but don't forget that there are also positive things coming out of it also. Please take the time to read the following article.



Recognizing the Joys Beyond the Challenges

Catch Macular Degeneration Early from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, Missouri

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the elderly, The earlier it is caught, the easier it is to treat. Read the article linked below for more information.



Macular degeneration treatable if caught early

Sibling Rivalry and Elder Care in Troy, Mo

I have this wonderful vision of me and my brothers and sisters getting together, if the time comes that we have to make decisions for our parents, and actually agreeing on everything in our parents best interests. Of course, that's not going to happen. If and when the time comes there are probably going to be some major disagreements. It probably will not help that we have a "Yours, Mine and Ours" family either. We don't all get along now so my sweet, unrealistic fantasy is just that, very unrealistic.



The following article talks more about the problems of sibling rivalry and caring for our loved ones.

Why does caring for our elderly parents turn us back into squabbling children?

Dealing with Incontinence from Comfort keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Incontinence often becomes a problem when we are caregiving for our elderly loved ones. Many of the conditions that affect our aging parents can cause incontinence or make it difficult to reach the bathroom in time. I found the following article to be a good guide on different incontinence produts to help you decide what is a good fit for your particular situation.

Understanding incontinence supplies

Overcoming Caregiver Depression from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Caregiving for an elderly relative can lead to depression unless you take steps to take care of yourself. The slide show in the following link gives you 12 great ideas to avoid caregiver depression.

12 Depression Busters for Caregivers

We can help in the St. Louis, St Charles or Lincoln County, Missouri Area. Call 314-288-0054.

Background Checks are Important from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

There are a lot of pitfalls to hiring someone from an advertisement or even from an agency that doesn't do background screening. The link I have included below is only one of them. Here at Comfoprt Keepers Elderly Care all iof our caregivers are our employees, they've been thoroughly screened and are bonded and insured. Making sure this is the case with the agency you use could save you the problems this woman had with her mother's caregiver.

Worker's theft shines light on elder abuse

Understanding Memory Loss from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

There are many causes for dementia, some are reversible and some are not. Not all memory loss is Alzheimer's, although Alzheimer's is the most prevalent cause there are many more. Please take the time to read the following article.

Understanding Memory Loss

If you have a loved one with dementia who could use some help to stay in their home in the St. Louis, St Charles and Lincoln County areas in Missouri please call 314-288-0054.

Wheelchair Exercises from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Exercise is important for everyone, even those with limited mobility. The key is to help tailor the exercise plan around your elderly loved ones abilities rather than their disabilities. Please consult your loved ones doctor before starting any exercise program. Here is an excellent article about exercising even when confined to a wheelchair.



Wheelchair Workouts

Depression and the Elderly from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Depression in the elderly is often overlooked. People have a tendency to simply think of many of the symptoms as just old age. Depression is easily treatable and enjoyment and quality of life can be enhanced. Please read the following article for more information.

Is Dad Okay? Or Is It Depression?

The Financial side of Caring for your Elderly Parents in Troy, MO

Here's a video from Bloomberg On Demand about your money and caring for your aging parents:

Wii Fit Helps Promote Senior Health in Troy, MO

A few months ago I stopped by my son, the college kid's, apartment and he had recently acquired a Nintendo Wii. He showed me how to use it and then quickly proceeded to beat me at both tennis and bowling. It was a lot of fun and I unknowingly got some exercise.

Many seniors tend to lead a sedentary life style, I think sometimes, simply out of boredom. The Wii Fit can give them a chance to have some fun and get some exercise, too. With practice they may even get good enough to beat the grand kids.

Here is an article from The Medical News that talks more about the benefits.

Nintendo's Wii Fit helping seniors get healthy

Avoiding the Donut Hole for Senior Care in Troy, MO

I used to live down the street from a Dunkin Donuts and I would often stop there to buy their donut holes. I loved donut holes because you could just pop them in your mouth! Now there's a different kind of donut hole and it could end up costing your elderly relatives a lot of money.

It's also called the "coverage gap" in the Medicare Part D prescrition drug plans. There are ways to avoid the gap by talking to your doctor and seeing if there are cheaper prescriptions or OTC medications you can take to reduce your overall costs for the year. If you wait until you reach the gap, it's too late. You have to plan ahead and try to reduce your costs for the whole year. The AARP has a DOUGHNUT HOLE CALCULATOR that can not only calculate whether or not you will reach the gap, but also gives you options of cheaper alternatives and a form you can print out and take with you on their next appointment so you can discuss it with the doctor.

Elder Rage and Early Alzheimers? from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

I spoke in an earlier post about people with Alzheimer's sometimes withdrawing from their normal social activities because of their disease. Although there is no predicting how anyone with Alzheimer's is going to react, there are other personality changes that sometimes take place. I can only imagine how frustrating and confusing this disease can be, but I can understand why some paople would lash out at the people around them in their frustration. The article below talks about one woman's experience with her father and elder rage.

Elder Care & Elder Rage: Know the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Having the "Money Talk" with Elderly parents, Senior Care in Troy, MO

I really don't have a clear picture of my parents finances, it's just not something that ever came up. I think my brothers who live much closer know what's going on, but I'm not sure of even that. On the other hand, my daughter knows everything there is to know about mine, including passwords to my bank accounts in case there's an emergency, even though I'm only in my fifties.



Even if you think everything is all right, problems can come up unexpectantly, like the man in the following article found out. The article also talks about ways we can approach our parents to open up this subject for discussion.



When Your Parents’ Money Is Your Problem

Exercise and Osteoporosis from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Many women with osteoporosis become so afraid of falling that they cut back on exercise and the activities they enjoy. This could be detrimental to their overall health and put them at even a greater risk of falling. Staying active can increase balance and muscle strength and help their overall well being. Of course you should always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. The following article shows even more benefits and suggests what type of exercises would be the most helpful.

Exercising with osteoporosis: Stay active the safe way

Extra Light a Cure for Sundowners? From Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Many people with Alzheimer's or dementia at one time or the other experience problems sleeping that is often referred to as Sundowners Syndrome. We, here at Comfort Keepers of St. Louis, St Charles and Lincoln Counties, have gotten calls from family members who just need someone overnights so they can get some sleep. There has recently been a study in the Netherlands that suggests that simply using brighter lighting during the day will help, and if they pair this with doses of melatonin(a natural substance that promotes sleep) the effect is even better. To read about it follow the link below.

Aging: Cue the Lights and Help Dementia

Summer Heat Safety for the Seniors in our Care in Troy, MO

1. What causes Heat Injuries?
The body gains heat continuously from various sources and gains even more heat with activity in a hot and humid environment. People are at greatest risk for heat related injuries if they:
 do not adjust to an increase in temperature
 do not drink enough fluids
 have poor physical health
 are obese
 have an acute OR chronic illnesses
2. What are the types of heat related injuries?
- Heat Cramps occur with profuse sweating. Sweating causes both the loss of salt and water, which results in leg cramps, usually in the thighs and calves.
- Heat Exhaustion is a more severe form of heat injury. There is a significant loss of water from the body. Signs and symptoms are weakness, exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, and profuse sweating with elevated temperature.
- Heat Stroke is the most serious form of heat injury. The bodies core temperature is 105.8F or above. Signs and symptoms could be confusion, aggressive behaviors, and even a comatose state.
- This is a medical emergency.
3. What is the cause of dehydration?
Dehydration is the reduction of body water content below a normal and safe level for the body to function. Water is most often lost through sweating.
 Caffeine and alcoholic beverages cause more urination which
increases the possibility of dehydration.
 Heat, wind, and dry air increase the body’s requirement for water.
 At high altitudes there is an increase in the rate of breathing
and often the atmosphere is drier, leading to decrease thirst.
 If a person is under stress in a hot environment, they may not
recognize the early signs of dehydration.
4. What are signs of dehydration?
- Skin: Less elastic; if you pinch the skin & it returns to its original shape slowly.
- Urine: Concentrated in color and smell, with decrease volume and frequency
- Sweat: Large amount that stops suddenly
- Endurance: Reduced physical ability and fatigue
- Heart Rate: Faster
- Appetite: Decreased, nausea, vomiting
- Mental Changes: Lethargy, difficulty concentrating, less alert, confusion
and irrational behaviors
5. How can you prevent heat related injuries?
 Drink water until you are no longer thirsty and then a little more
 Rest well before and in-between strenuous exercises and activities
 Loosen your clothing while at rest
 Avoid too much exercise / activity if you have any illnesses
 Look for symptoms of heat injuries and react
 Rest in a cool spot in the shade
 Reduce the body temperature as quick as possible
 Re-hydrate slowly if showing signs and symptoms of heat related injury
 Get medical help if there is no response to re-hydration or you have
heat stroke symptoms.

Alzheimer's and Social Activity with Senior Care in Troy, MO

There was a study done in Chicago recently that showed that staying socially active may help prevent the onset of symptoms in Alzheimer’s. What this means is, if we keep our elderly parents engaged in life mentally, physically, emotionally and socially there is a good chance that we can keep them in their own homes for a longer period of time.
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s have a tendency to isolate themselves and have lost the ability to reach out to family and friends for their social needs. Friends and even family may stop visiting so often, or be so taken up with caring for basic physical needs that they may not recognize the need for social and mental activity. Even if we, as family members, recognize the need, we may not be able to do much about it because of restraints of time and distance.

Here at Comfort Keepers we can assist families with these needs, as well as your loved ones physical needs and safety, we call it Interactive Caregiving. Caregiving should be more than just cooking, cleaning and assisting with personal care, we take everyday activities and transform them into opportunities to communicate with and engage our clients. If you would like to know more about Interactive Caregiving please take the time to read our online brochure or if you’re in the St. Louis, St. Charles or Troy, MO area call us at 314-288-0054.
Interactive Caregiving

Medication Side Effects from Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care in Troy, MO

A side effect is a result that may occur along with the therapeutic effect of the medication you are taking. The effect can happen when you start taking the medication, when you increase or decrease the medication, or when you stop taking the medication. Side effects can range from mild to severe in nature. If you have a severe side effect to a medication, your physician may want to prescribe something else for you to take.

All medications can cause side effects; however, most people who take medications have no or little side effects when taking their medications. The following factors may have a relation to the severity and duration of side effects:

Ø Age
Ø Weight
Ø Sex
Ø Health Status
Ø Ethnicity
Ø Race
Ø Severity of disease process

1. Notify your physician if you experience side effects – You should be aware of the side effects that may occur with the medication you are taking. You should notify your physician if you notice any of these side effects:

Ø Blurred vision
Ø Constipation/Diarrhea
Ø Dizziness/Syncope/Headaches
Ø Loss of appetite
Ø Abdominal pain
Ø Memory loss
Ø Palpitations
Ø Problems with coordination
Ø Swelling
Ø Ringing in the ears
Ø Rash or hives

2. Stopping medication with side effects – before you stop any medication, notify your physician. If you are having a serious side effect and feel that you may be having increased complications, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

3. Medication Tips

Ø Be aware – take charge of you health care. Learn about the side effects of your medication.
Ø Get the information – if you don’t have a drug printout from your pharmacy, ask for one. Don’t throw them away; make sure you read the information.
Ø Ask questions – If you don’t understand how your medication interacts, ask your physician or pharmacist. If you have any questions related to your medication, don’t be afraid to ask the question.
Ø Write it down – when your physician or pharmacist gives you additional information; write it down so you can remember later.
Ø Ask about alternatives or new medications – keep up to date with new medications. Ask your physician if there are any new medications, or alternatives that might work for you.
Ø All medications – make sure your physician is aware of all medications you are taking, which include supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter. Supplements and over-the-counter include food form as well as pill form. These can still interact with other prescription medications you may be taking.

Why Pay the Extra for an Agency? from Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care in Troy, MO

There are many good reasons to hire an agency instead of an individual. It may seem more expensive than hiring your best friends, neighbor's niece but it can end up saving you a lot of money and trouble in the long run. I just found this article that explains it all much better than I

Research to find in-home caregivers

Identity Theft and the Elderly from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

A. What is identity theft?
Identity theft is a crime that involves someone pretending to be someone else in order to steal money or get other benefits. They acquire your personal information without your knowledge and use it to commit fraud.

B. How does identity theft happen?
Identity theft and credit card fraud all start when someone gains access to your personal information. It can be as easy as someone digging through your trash, stealing your information from your purse or wallet, or listening to a conversation and writing your information down to use later. The con artist knows the questions to ask when they call your home, so beware of your conversations.

C. What to do if identity theft happens.
If you suspect that someone has been tampering with your credit or identity information, immediately contact one of the three credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit report. If you have evidence of identity theft, contact your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft hotline at 877-438-4338, and the financial institution/credit card company.

Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experien: 888-397-3742
TransUnion: 800-680-7289

D. Steps to ensure protection:
1. Shred sensitive documents – shred all documents with personal identifying information on it. Con artists submit the change of address notice and have the information sent to their address with your name on the card.
2. Shop safely on-line – Shop on secure sites only.
3. Monitor your accounts – Check your credit reports regularly for any discrepancies.
4. Avoid Phishing – Phishing is the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering personal information that will be used for identity theft. They usually tell you there is a problem with an account. Never click on a link in the email.
5. Don’t sign Credit Cards/Debit Cards – never sign the back of your credit and debit cards. Merchants are required to verify with a photo ID.


E. Special precautions with your Medicare Card
1. Once you have given a health care provider a copy of your Medicare card, make a copy and black out all but the last four digits for future use.
2. Don’t give out Medicare information over the telephone.
3. Be aware of door-to-door salespeople trying to offer you Medicare prescription drug coverage. No one is authorized to provide this service.
4. Do not reveal personal health or financial information to someone trying to sell prescription drug policies. They are not authorized to request personal information during marketing activities.
5. Protect your Medicare number the same way you would your credit cards and social security card.
6. Make sure the contract you are signing and providing personal information to, is from a legitimate company. Do not let yourself be pressured into signing something.

The most important safety practice you can develop is to always be aware of what is going on around you, and reduce the risks that you put yourself in. Think about the ways you may be putting yourself at risk, and develop habits to correct them. By being aware of those risks associated with identity theft, you will be able to learn to protect yourself from the con artists that want to take your identity from you.

A Virtual Tour of Dementia from Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

It's very hard to imagine what it must be like to be elderly and have dementia. I do know that it is is very frustrating to the person who has it and can cause them to lash out, withdraw or react in other socially unacceptable ways. Just trying to understand what it must be like goes a long way towards helping calm bad reactions. The article below talks about a "tour" that can help others experience dementia firsthand.

'Virtual Dementia Tour' Leaves Participants Frustrated but Sympathetic

Denial can be Deadly for Aging Seniors by Comfort Keepers in Troy, MO

Many times we would like to turn a blind eye to the fact that our parents are aging. We want things to be how they always were. But things change and our parents age. As they age they may become more incapable of caring for themselves or doing the things they have always done. Not recognizing that our elderly parents need more assistance could lead to accidents, falls or even fatalities.

Please take a minute to read the following article:

Denial can be deadly with aging parents

If your parents need more help than you can provide in St Louis, St Charles or Lincoln Counties in Missouri, please give us a call.

314-288-0054

5 Warning Signs of Health Problems from Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Here's an article I found from The Mayo Clinic outlining 5 warning signs to watch for that may indicate health problems our aging parents may have.


Aging parents: 5 warning signs of health problems

If you know of someone who could use our services please visit us at Comfort Keepers. We have over 550 locally owned offices worlwide.

Stopping Elder Abuse in Troy, MO from Comfort Keepers Senior Care

Learning to recognise elder abuse is the first step towards stopping it. Abuse takes many forms from physical to financial. Even those we most trust can be the ones abusing our aging parents. Any reputable home care agency does background checks on their employees to gaurd against abuse. Here at Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO we go the extra step above and beyond what the state of Missouri requires. I found this article that is very thorough in explaining the different forms of elderly abuse as well as what you can do if you suspect it is happening to an aging friend or relative.



Elder Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Helping the Senior in your Care Prevent Falls in Troy, MO

A fall that could be no big deal for a younger person could be devestaing or even fatal to an elderly person. There are things you can do to minimize the possibility of your loved one falling. This short video talks about our aging loved ones and how to keep them safe.

Helping Our Parents Stay in Their Homes, Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Many of our aging parents can be pretty adamant about staying in their own homes as they get older. We can help them by making sure their finances are in order and that their home is in order. Rather than waiting for one of your parents to be confined to a wheelchair and discovering they can't get into the bathroom, take care of it now. The following article gives some tips on how to make sure your parents will really be able to stay in their own home.
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Tips To Help Parents Who Want To Age In Place
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Keeping the Financial Cost of Elderly Care Down in Troy, MO

Although this article is specifically targeted towards caregivers of cancer patients the tips can be generalized to fit many other illnesses our loved ones might have.

Tips for managing the financial cost of caregiving

Make the Bathroom Safer for the Elderly in Troy, MO from Comfort Keepers Senior Care

The bathroom is the number one area in the home for falls. We all want to know our loved ones are safe so some modifications to the bathroom can help give us more peace of mind. Even if there is someone else in the home all the time or your parent needs assistance with their personal care the suggestions in the article below can make the bathroom a safer place.

We,here at Comfort Keepers Elderly and Senior Care in Troy, MO, always do a safety check of the clients home when we sign them up. Many the ideas in the article are things we look for and suggest to the client or family caregiver.

Safety With Style - Bathrooms for Aging Americans

Simple Exercises Can Help Our Parents Stay Healthy Says Comfort Keeper Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Exercise can help everyone, even the elderly, no matter how limited their mobility may become. Whenever I had a client who needed to do exercises, I would do them with him or her. I have found through my work here at Comfort Keepers Home Care in Troy, MO, that our clients who make an effort to stay active, stay healthier longer.



I found this short Taichi routine on YouTube that is specifically designed for the elderly, much of it is done sitting down and it may be modified around your loved ones abilities.

Preventing Caregiver Burnout in Troy, MO Courtesy of Comfort Keepers Senior Care

In my job here at Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care I have seen families under a lot of stress trying to care for a loved one. Many times they don't get outside help until the situation becomes detrimental for both the family caregiver and the loved one they are caring for. Caregiving puts a lot of stress both mentally and physically on the caregiver and can lead to them becoming ill also. It can also to lead to making mistakes in the care of the loved one and even to neglect or abuse. Hiring outside help, such as we provide at Comfort Keepers here in Troy, MO, can help and allows the family caregiver to spend quality time with the loved one. Here is an article I found about preventing caregiver burnout.
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Preventing Caregiver Burnout
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Taxes, the IRS and Hiring a Private Duty Caregiver for Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Many people think home health care agencies such as ours, Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care of Troy, MO, are too expensive. They just don't realize all we do and everything we take care of for you. We pay our employees taxes and Social Security, pay for Workman's Comp insurance, do thorough background checks and provide ongoing education to help them be more effective in their jobs. We also make sure there is someone to cover every shift even if your regular caregiver becomes ill or quits.

Hiring an agency who's caregivers are employees and not independent contractors can save you many headaches and, in the long run as you can see from the article I've linked below, money.

Hiring Private Duty Home Care Workers:Why Work through an Agency?

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's with Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

Caring for a parent or other loved one with Alzheimer's or related dementia can be a much more daunting task than caring for someone with a physical disability or illness. People diagnosed with Alzheimer's can often live for many years after they first find out they have the disease. But it can also be a very rewarding task, there is still a lot of love and times of joy to be shared between you and your loved one. You need to take care of yourself and you need to remember that you can't do it all by yourself. I found this really good article that discusses not what your loved one needs but what the family caregiver needs to make this experience a very rewarding one for you and your loved one.

Alzheimer’s Care: What the Caregiver Needs

Don't forget that companies such as ours, Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care of Troy, MO can help give you the assistance you need so you can take care of you.

A Love Triangle with Mom Courtesy of Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

I just watched this ABC Primetime show on the internet and couldn't help thinking how much these people needed to hire an in-home caregiver like we provide here at Comfort Keepers.

About six years ago I had my mother-in-law come to stay with us. She had been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and although it was only a month before a stroke took her away from us, I can understand somewhat what these people are feeling. I knew very little about Alzheimer's back then, like the people in this story and that made it even more difficult.

If you have the time it's worth watching.

Love Triangle: Aging Mother Intrudes
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Checklist for Elderly Drivers Brought to You by Comfort Keepers Elderly Care in Troy, MO

My father is having trouble seeing at night, this isn't an unusual condition for man in his late seventies and he deals with it simply by planning any trips he has to take during the day.

I went home for a visit a couple years ago and we spent a week down at the Jersey shore. It was a great visit but one day we ended up staying out later than we planned, it was going to be dark before we got back to our cottage. My father asbsolutely refused to allow me or my step-mom to drive. Although we argued, and he was quite aware that he has the problem, we lost and he drove back. It was a rather harrowing trip with me riding shot gun and telling him where he had to turn. We ended up missing several turns and driving around in a big circle to get to where we were going.

It causes me to wonder though, if we had that much trouble trying to get him to turn over the keys for one trip, what is it going to be like if he ever has to give up driving altogether?
I found this checklist for elderly drivers and hope it can guide me (and you) when the time comes to make that decision.

When to Put the Brakes On Elderly Drivers

10 Myths about Alzheimer's Disease Brought to you by Comfort Keepers Senior Care in Troy, MO

Here at Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care in Troy, MO, we have dealt with many clients that have Alzheimer's disease. I recently found this article about 10 myths associated with this illness and found it very interesting. If you would like to read it also click the link below.

Puzzling Out 10 Alzheimer's Myths

Let Me Introduce Myself

In 1955, I was born right at the heart of the baby boom. My name is Debra Smith and I am writing this blog to help myself and others who are faced or will soon be faced with caring for our elderly parents. Although we may want to be there for our parents when they need us, time and/or distance may make it difficult to do so.

I work for a company that does in-home care for the elderly, Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care in Troy, MO, and have six and a half years of experience in caring for other peoples' parents. This hasn't made it any easier to think about the potential of having to take care of my own parents.

I live a thousand miles from my parents, have a full time job and still have my youngest in college. If something were to suddenly happen to one of my parents it would be difficult to just drop everything and fly back home for any length of time. I know that the first thing I would consider, in the event they needed more help, would be in-home care such as my company provides here in Missouri. The goal should be to keep our parents safe in their own homes among familiar surroundings for as long as possible, in-home care can help us accomplish this goal.

So whether you live close or far, have kids still at home or are empty-nesters, work full time, part time or not at all please take a minute to follow this blog. I am going to be discussing issues concerning our parents and adding links to articles and resources that can help.Please take a minute also, to visit our website

Comfort Keepers Senior and Elderly Care in Troy, MO
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