Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives .
Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives .
a hard time to stay hydrated , so use a calendar or water bottle to track water intake .
If you do fall in your home , the best approach is to ease up on elbows and then on to hands and knees . Crawl to a firm surface such as a chair to use as a support . Face the chair and come up to standing . Turn and ease into the chair . Consider a wearable system , such as Lifeline , in order to immediately access help .
It is important to maintain activity during the winter months . During winter months seniors often limit the amount of exercise and daily activities , which leads to weakness and decreased endurance . If the weather makes it difficult to get out , try an exercise workout to do at home .
To avoid falling outside during the winter months , consider these suggestions :
• Clear steps and walkways of ice and snow . Better yet , hire someone to do it !
• Wear footwear with non-skid soles to prevent slipping or try a shoe cover like a Yak Trak .
• Use icepick type attachments for your cane for traction .
Special Concerns for Those with Alzheimer ’ s
As winter approaches , those caring for someone with Alzheimer ’ s and other forms of dementia should be on notice that snow and extreme temperatures may present special problems . Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems that caregivers face . Six out of 10 people with Alzheimer ’ s will wander . In frigid weather , a person with dementia may not know it ’ s cold and leave the home with just light clothing and no shoes . Wandering can be triggered when a person with dementia tries to search for familiar objects , surroundings or people when they no longer recognize their environment . They may believe that they need to go to work or take care of a child . They may be searching for something specific such as food , drink , the bathroom or companionship .
Never assume that being at home with someone who has Alzheimer ’ s makes wandering less of an issue . It only takes a moment for someone to leave the house , and the confusion and disorientation that accompany the disease means a friend or loved one can get hopelessly lost in a matter of minutes . Medic Alert + Safe Return is a 24 hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with dementia or have a medical emergency . Enroll your loved one in this program by calling the Alzheimer ’ s Association ’ s Helpline : 800- 272-3900 or register online : medicalert . org / safe return .
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment is currently underway and continues through December 7th . If you have not yet enrolled , the following are a few reminders :
• Make sure to read your “ annual notice of change ” letter to help determine if you want to change your Medicare or Prescription plan .
• Are your medications covered next year on your current plan ? Is your new doctor in the plan ? To find out , go to www . medicare . gov .
• Do you qualify for extra help paying for Medicare ? To find out , call 1-800 Medicare and ask for SHIP ( State Health Insurance Assistance Program ).
• Check each plan ’ s star rating . 1 = Poor 5 = Excellent
• If your current plan still meets your need for next year , then you ’ re done .
Contributors : Jay Breneman , LSW , LIFE . NWPA , 814.456.5433 Amy Chevalier , Mercy Hilltop Center , 814.824.2214 Terry Pytlarz , Meals on Wheels Erie , 814.452.6930 Lori Davidson , Scales Law Offices , LLC , 814.392.3750
Debbie Wisinski , Alzheimer ’ s Association Greater PA Chapter , 814.456.9200
Ron Crist , Hubbard . Bert , Inc ., 814.453.3633
Emily Kaminske , LECOM Health VNA of Erie County , 814.454.2831
Julie Hartmann , Gannon University , 814.871.5723
The Niagara Network is a group of business professionals affiliated with the human services industry . If you would like to join or find out more information about the group and its members , visit the Niagara Network ’ s web site at http :// www . NiagaraNetwork . net .
Millcreek | Winter 2016 | icmags . com 69