Abstract:

This paper explores the misconception that a caregiver must possess the same interests or conform to a specific age group to be considered a good caregiver. By examining the fundamental qualities and skills required for effective caregiving, we demonstrate that shared interests and age are secondary factors that do not significantly impact the quality of care provided. By challenging these preconceptions, we hope to foster a more inclusive and diverse understanding of caregiving abilities.

1. Introduction:

The conventional belief that a caregiver should have the same interests or be of a specific age has permeated societal norms and expectations. However, this notion fails to acknowledge the complex nature of caregiving and the multifaceted qualities required to excel in this role. This paper aims to debunk this misconception and emphasize the essential attributes that truly define a good caregiver.

2. Qualities of an Effective Caregiver:

a. Empathy and Compassion: Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and compassion, the desire to alleviate suffering, are crucial qualities in a caregiver. These traits enable caregivers to form deep emotional connections and provide sensitive support.

b. Patience and Adaptability: Caregiving often involves challenging situations and evolving circumstances. Patience and adaptability allow caregivers to handle difficulties calmly and adjust to the ever-changing needs of those under their care.

c. Trustworthiness and Reliability: Care recipients must feel secure in the knowledge that their caregiver is dependable and trustworthy. Reliability instills confidence and peace of mind, essential elements for establishing a strong caregiver-patient relationship.

d. Communication and Active Listening: Effective communication skills are vital for understanding the needs, preferences, and concerns of care recipients. Active listening ensures that caregivers respond appropriately and empathetically to the unique circumstances of each individual.

3. Interests and Caregiving:

a. Different interests can enrich caregiving: While shared interests may foster a sense of connection, it is important to recognize that diverse interests can also bring enrichment to the caregiving relationship. Varied experiences and perspectives can broaden the care recipient's horizons and create opportunities for mutual learning and growth.

b. Empathy transcends shared interests: Empathy forms the foundation of caregiving, allowing caregivers to understand and respond to the emotions and needs of others. Regardless of shared interests, an empathetic caregiver can provide the necessary support and understanding.

4. Age and Caregiving:

a. Experience is not synonymous with age: While experience can enhance caregiving skills, it is not exclusively tied to a specific age group. Caregivers of all ages can accumulate relevant experiences through personal and professional contexts, allowing them to develop the required skills and competencies.

b. Intergenerational relationships: Interactions between individuals of different age groups can foster intergenerational understanding and empathy. A diverse caregiving environment enables the exchange of knowledge, cultural perspectives, and emotional support.

5. Case Studies:

a. Case 1: An older caregiver with different interests: This case study highlights how an older caregiver with dissimilar interests can establish a deep bond with a care recipient, demonstrating the irrelevance of shared interests in delivering high-quality care.

b. Case 2: A younger caregiver with limited experience: This case study challenges the notion that age determines caregiving aptitude, as a younger caregiver with limited experience can still excel by embodying essential qualities such as empathy and adaptability.

Case Study 1: An Older Caregiver with Different Interests

Background: In this case study, we explore the story of Clara, a 67-year-old caregiver, and her care recipient, Mrs. Johnson, an 80-year-old woman diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Clara and Mrs. Johnson have vastly different interests and backgrounds, creating a potential barrier to establishing a deep bond between them.

Introduction: Clara had spent most of her life working as a librarian, fostering a love for literature, history, and quiet contemplation. Mrs. Johnson, on the other hand, was a former art teacher who had a passion for painting, visiting art galleries, and discussing creative endeavors. Despite their dissimilar interests, Clara was determined to provide high-quality care and foster a meaningful relationship with Mrs. Johnson.

Challenges:

1. Lack of common ground: Clara found it challenging to connect with Mrs. Johnson due to their divergent interests. Conversations often felt strained, and Clara felt a sense of inadequacy in providing companionship.

Approach:

1. Empathy and active listening: Clara realized that while they might not share the same interests, she could still engage with Mrs. Johnson on an emotional level. She actively listened to Mrs. Johnson's stories about her experiences as an art teacher, showing genuine interest and compassion.

2. Exploring new activities: Clara recognized the importance of engaging Mrs. Johnson in activities that aligned with her interests. She took the initiative to research and find local art exhibitions, inviting Mrs. Johnson to join her. This allowed them to bond over shared experiences, despite the differences in their personal interests.

Results: Over time, Clara's efforts paid off. Despite their divergent interests, Clara and Mrs. Johnson developed a deep bond based on mutual respect and care. Mrs. Johnson appreciated Clara's willingness to understand and support her passion for art, while Clara found joy in witnessing Mrs. Johnson's enthusiasm and creativity.

Lessons learned: This case study highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and a willingness to explore new activities in overcoming the challenge of differing interests. It demonstrates that shared hobbies or passions are not prerequisites for delivering high-quality care. Instead, building a strong emotional connection and finding common ground on an emotional level can lead to a meaningful caregiver-care recipient relationship.

Case Study 2: A Younger Caregiver with Limited Experience

Background: This case study focuses on the journey of Jake, a 25-year-old caregiver, and his care recipient, Mr. Thompson, a 70-year-old man recovering from a stroke. Jake had recently started his career as a caregiver, with limited prior experience in the field. However, he was determined to provide the best care possible to Mr. Thompson.

Introduction: Jake's limited experience as a caregiver made him question his ability to meet the challenges of caregiving, especially when caring for someone like Mr. Thompson, who required assistance with daily activities and rehabilitation exercises. However, Jake believed that his qualities of empathy and adaptability could compensate for his lack of experience.

Challenges:

1. Lack of experience: Jake's limited background in caregiving made him unsure of his ability to handle the complex needs of Mr. Thompson effectively.

2. Adjusting to changing circumstances: Mr. Thompson's condition and requirements often changed, making it necessary for Jake to adapt quickly and provide personalized care.

Approach:

1. Continuous learning: Despite his limited experience, Jake was committed to improving his caregiving skills. He sought guidance from experienced colleagues, attended training workshops, and kept up-to-date with research and best practices in caregiving.

2. Building a supportive network: Jake recognized the importance of collaboration and sought advice from his fellow caregivers, nurses, and therapists involved in Mr. Thompson's care. This allowed him to gain insights from

6. Conclusion:

Shared interests and age are secondary factors that do not significantly influence the ability to be a good caregiver. The fundamental qualities of empathy, compassion, patience, adaptability, trustworthiness, and communication skills are paramount in delivering effective care. By recognizing the diverse range of experiences, perspectives, and skills that can be brought.

One of Warren Buffet's most famous quotes is, "Price is what you pay: value is what you get." This is an idea that largely has guided his investment decisions that he has used to achieve an unparalleled level of success. 

One of the most critical distinctions between price and value is that price is arbitrary, and value is fundamental. For example, consider a person is selling, For example, consider a person selling gold bars for $5 a piece. The price of those gold bars is, in this instance, $5. The seller chooses an arbitrary amount for reasons known only to them. Yet, even though those gold bars are priced at $5, their value is so much more.

This happens a lot in the stock market. The examples may not be as immediately noticeable as $5 bars of gold, but they are often quite extreme in their own right. You see, the price of a stock is determined by a list of factors it would take years to read through. Many of these factors are driven by human characteristics and emotions, such as fear and greed, market tendencies, and events so distantly related that trying to unravel the correlation between those events and the stock's price would make your head spin. All of these things can and do affect the price of a stock, sometimes to a large degree, but rarely do they significantly affect its value.

Home care companies that charge the lowest prices pay their caregivers the least. To have high-quality caregivers, they have to be paid well. Many people think that care is very basic and entry-level, but HIGH-QUALITY home care is not. Top-tier companies have very educated caregivers with strong, soft skills. A large percentage of the work of a caregiver is psychology based. Unsurprisingly, one of our most loved caregivers by our patients throughout the years was a psychologist in Lithuania! He had a deep understanding of people, and the level of care he provided was invaluable. Top-tier caregivers thoroughly understand disease processes and gather data daily to ensure their client's well-being. Not only that, they have excellent attendance, which is crucial when providing caregiving services.

Case managers at top-tier home care companies are very educated in geriatrics with a plethora of experience. They check in daily with staff and patients and often provide around-the-clock support. Our case managers have and continue to save our patients' lives and offer them a higher quality of life by preventing infection, catching complications, identifying disease advancement right away, and providing thorough care plans that integrate disease-specific protocols and activities. This skill requires education and consistent and close monitoring of clients. 

Many people do not think they require a complex service, which is a common mistake. In older adulthood or while serving populations with chronic conditions require a much more comprehensive skill set than what many compare to nannies or housekeepers. Many hospitalizations and complications are caused by not receiving adequate care hours and care provided by individuals that are not appropriate based on the patient's medical history, etc.

For instance, Tom* had been living with his son for years. Tom's son decided to go on vacation and line up home care for Tom while he was gone. On our first visit, we saw that Tom needed a swallow study to avoid aspirating. Tom had been eating regular food in the home unsupervised prior to our care. With our insight, Tom got scheduled for a swallow study and was quickly evaluated for pneumonia. Tom may have developed severe aspiration pneumonia and died without educated case managers and team members. Tom went on to live several more years under our care with a relatively high quality of life in the home, where he could maintain a level of independence.  

Top-tier home care consists of educated caregivers that are excellent at observing, recording data, and develop deep and meaningful relationships with their clients, knowledgeable and experienced case managers that are diligent, scheduling, insurance, tax management, provide HR, around-the-clock support. There's a lot that goes into providing each client care. 

Large firms base their services on volume and provide less diligent care. After spending years in the community, prospects have come to us all saying the same things. Their past caregiving experiences provided them with caregivers who couldn't communicate and didn't understand their cultural norms; they felt caregivers weren't well groomed, were always on their cell phones, and lacked emotional intelligence and common sense. 

Agencies that provide a low-cost service can't provide all these things. If in need of simply a companion and do not have chronic conditions, this may be a viable option. However, those with more than one chronic condition and those closer to the end of life require more complex care, and the diligent management of care profoundly impacts the person's day-to-day existence. According to a survey, the average cost for around-the-clock in-home care is $18,972 a month. In-home care provides individuals that come to you and provide care only to you versus several patients in a facility. These costs in facilities are shared. Many consumers quickly find that if their loved one is a fall risk, facility dwelling is not suitable; many facilities recommend hiring a service to supervise their loved one in the facility. 

While many families may not have an unlimited budget for care, one of the best strategies to keep care costs down throughout the lifespan is to utilize care before it becomes reactive to a crisis that occurs. In these situations, care costs are significantly higher and, most of the time could have been prevented. The decisions made regarding care significantly impact the patient's life. We have observed thousands of patients in all care settings with different conditions, cultural backgrounds, and financial situations. With over 20 years of experience, we are happy to educate families and help them choose the best avenue for their unique situation. To schedule a personalized assessment that includes advisement of which avenue of care may be best for your situation (skilled nursing, assisted living, home care, hospice care) and guidance and assistance with paperwork for both public and private financial programs, click here. 

At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Wearing sunscreen and hats and scarves to protect the skin are essential. Opt to sit in the shade, utilize umbrellas, and be conscious of the length of time spent in the sun.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells that make up the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among older adults. Symptoms are often subtle, so it’s important to understand what to look for.

There are three major types of skin cancer:

1. Melanoma

2. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

3. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

All three are common among older adults, but melanoma is the most aggressive and most deadly type.

What is Melanoma?

Cutaneous melanoma occurs when skin cells called melanocytes become cancerous. The skin has 2 main layers: the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer). Melanocytes are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. When exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment, which is what causes skin to tan or darken.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body. Malignant tumors typically develop in areas that are exposed to the sun, but skin cancer cells can also occur in areas that do not usually get sun exposure. In men, melanoma is often found on the trunk (the area from the shoulders to the hips), head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the arms and legs. The majority of people who develop melanoma are caucasian men over 55.

Melanoma Risk Factors

• Unusual moles

• Exposure to natural sunlight

• Exposure to artificial ultraviolet light (tanning booths)

• Family or personal history of melanoma

• Being white and older than 20 years

• Red or blond hair

• White or light-colored skin and freckles

• Blue or green eyes

Skin Cancer Symptoms to Look for

To be on the lookout for skin cancer, it’s best to conduct a self-exam at least twice a year. We recommends head-to-toe at-home skin checks once a month to ensure early detection.

The easiest way to remember the symptoms of skin cancer is by using the following A-B-C-D-Es mnemonic device.

• Asymmetry: If a mole is divided in half, the two halves are different in size or shape.

• Border: Look for moles with irregular edges or borders.

• Color: More than one color in a mole may be cause for concern.

• Diameter: Moles that are larger than the size of a pea should be examined by a physician.

• Evolving: Changes in the appearance of an existing mole and the development of new moles around existing ones (known as satellite moles) should be discussed with a doctor. This also includes any moles, sores or areas of skin that itch, ooze, bleed or do not heal within three weeks.

Caregivers can help conduct these skin checks and note any areas of concern to track closely and discuss with a primary care doctor or dermatologist. Older adults who are at high risk for developing skin cancer are encouraged to see a dermatologist at least annually for a full-body skin check.

Since the release of the COVID-19 vaccine, almost every long-term care provider has needed help finding staff. Quality caregivers are the lifeblood of any service-providing care. Many older adults are dependent on the services that these individuals provide.

If your loved one is a fall risk, consider other options before moving your loved one into a facility. Facilities do not provide one-to-one care. Individuals that are fall risks should be stand-by assistance for all activities of daily living. Most older adults prefer to stay in their homes and are happier doing so. Each older adult should be evaluated based on the level of care needed, financial resources, mental health, how social they are, and the support systems available to them. You can schedule a free assessment here.

Finding a home that allows a family member and the loved one in need to reside together comfortably is often one of the most economical and sustainable ways to support a loved one as their needs change. Most older adults appreciate the security of their family being around to assist them if needed. Families can hire a home care agency to provide services or supplement care when they can’t help.

Utilizing an agency that provides a hands-on, customized personal approach is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one's satisfaction. Aside from the soft skills necessary to provide good care, ensuring the agency you choose has a robust medical background that collects data and can guide you through care is essential. Most older adults have multiple chronic conditions requiring close home monitoring. Doing so can prevent hospitalizations and health complications and provide the individual receiving care with a higher quality of life.

Developing a personable relationship with your care team is an excellent way to create more buy-in with the staff working with you. Staff that feels appreciated, recognized, and valued by families they work with have the highest rate of attendance and responsiveness when other team members are sick.

Defining a good “a good death is a topic widely and deeply discussed by most medical professionals. A good death is different for everyone, but most can agree they usually define a good death as comfortable and not in pain. But what if you could help their final days include the things they treasure -- like their favorite song playing, who is at their bedside, even the scent of a candle in the room -- so they feel at peace.

That’s why some people turn to end-of-life doulas. They are among the professionals who can help someone prepare for their death and reflect on their life: their greatest joys and regrets, any fears or worries on their mind, and how they want to be remembered.

It’s work that many people don’t want to think about.

We live in a death-denying culture. Doulas can be part of the team that helps prepare people for death by opening up conversations about it and providing comfort and resources.

Like a birth doula, an end-of-life doula tailors services to each client. Beyond getting wills and advance directives in order, they encourage the dying to reflect on their life. Are there relationships they want to repair? Something they need to say or do before they are gone? Who do they want to see again before they die?

There is no such thing as a typical case when you’re a doula. Doula visits can be daily, weekly, or span several years. They can assist with writing letters, doing laundry, planning a funeral, or creating a legacy. A legacy project might involve captioning photos, scrapbooking, or organizing recipes to pass on to family.

Doulas sit with clients, and many families feel better knowing they are there so they can attend to things they need to do. Our Doulas are trained professionals with psych backgrounds that utilize different techniques to help put the clients and families they work with at ease.

To learn more about how a Doula can help support you and a loved one, you may call our office at 847-510-7441.

“There are six myths about old age: 1. That it’s a disease, a disaster. 2. That we are mindless. 3.That we are sexless. 4. That we are useless. 5. That we are powerless. 6. That we are all alike.” Maggie Kuhn, Founder of the Gray Panthers

 “It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Author

 “By the time you’re 80 years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.” George Burns, Comedian

 Which of these quotes can you relate to? And did you laugh at the last one? I bet you did. And maybe that’s okay as long as you don’t translate your own foibles onto every older adult you meet. That would be an example of ageism.

 Ageism is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”

 Also, according to WHO, ageism often intersects and interacts with other forms of stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination including ableism, sexism and racism. We know that any kind of prejudice or discrimination based on stereotypes can be harmful not just to the person being subjected to it, but also to the person doing the stereotyping. And to be clear, ageism is not just a problem for older adults; people of other age groups can be the target of this prejudice at various times in their lives.

 In a 2005 article in the Journal of Social Issues Todd Nelson said, “Ageism is prejudice against our future self.”

 Can that be healthy? No. Ageism can shorten a lifespan by 7.5 years, according to a 2002 study by Becca Levy. Individuals with a more positive self-perception of aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions. This advantage exists even after age, gender, socioeconomic status, loneliness and functional health were considered.

 Furthermore, people with a more positive self-perception about aging experienced better overall health.

 Consider how older people are typically portrayed in the media. Overall, there are still significant negative representations in advertisements, television and movies. These ageist stereotypes can have a negative impact on an older adult’s self-esteem, health status, physical well-being and cognitive performance. Also, in the absence of positive portrayals of older people, they are left to wonder, “Where are the people who look and act like me”?

 Ageism is a hurtful, insulting and uninformed type of discrimination. Even well-intentioned “compliments” or comments—such as calling any older adult “honey” or “sweetie” promotes a demeaning and infantilizing view of an older person.

 Older adults are a vital and important part of society. They make countless contributions and represent a meaningful and growing segment of the population.

 On Ageism Awareness Day, Oct. 7, let’s take a moment to consider how we treat older adults and how we want to be treated as we age.

 And maybe take a lesson from media star and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey who said: “Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.”

 Or Frank Lloyd Wright, architect: “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”

…

 Barbara Croyle, JD, is the Founder of AgingConfident LLC, and consults with family caregivers and solo agers in the greater Philadelphia area. She is also a member of the American Society on Aging’s Ageism & Culture Advisory Council.

NorthShore Home Care was developed to provide residents of Illinois with higher quality care. Through decades of experience and education, we have developed a formula that delivers high-quality team members, thoughtful matching, educated and comprehensive case management, and responsive and frequent communication. Many clients come to us after having negative care experiences and quickly realize how different our team is. We hire roughly one percent of those that apply. Our organized approach with clear and concise communication and a network of resources to meet our client's needs prevents them from further decline and unnecessary hospitalizations. Many of our clients see improvement after working with our team. Our teams prioritize the things that matter, like soft skills. We realize the importance of how care is delivered and its necessity to be of the greatest service to our clients. Each client is provided with an in-depth customized solution with continuous monitoring. Our unique approach enhances the quality of life, promotes autonomy, and preserves dignity and respect. Call us today to learn more about the NorthShore difference at 847-510-7166.

It is with great honor we would like to introduce Simon. Simon said “he entered this field to help others and to be able to do the right thing for those in need of assistance”. “ I enjoy the compassion I am able to demonstrate and the companionship I can provide that helps so many patients with the psychological aspects of aging and chronic conditions. Not only does my field of work help others, but it also helps me as it makes me feel like I make a difference in the lives of those I work with, which is a gratifying feeling.” His other hobbies include sports, modeling, and being able to live my life through the lenses of social media, which I had built from influencing others. Simon has shown exemplary dedication to his patients. He has set aside many things in his own life to help others in need. When faced with adversity, Simon has handled every situation incredibly respectfully and professionally. We are beyond proud to have him on our team!

What are the Signs a Person May Need Care?

A excellent time to explore care options is when you notice a person's ability to care for themselves beginning to decline. Signs of decline include:

• Unexplained bruises

• A decline in personal hygiene

• Weight loss

• Changes in mood and behavior

• Increased clutter in the home

• Inadequate food supply for proper nutrition

• Old/ expired food accumulating in the refrigerator or pantry

• Little to no physical activity

• Expression of sadness/ loneliness

Those with a dementia diagnosis, complex medical conditions, and individuals that are fall risks can significantly benefit from the 24-hour caregiving services. NorthShore’s live-in caregiving services and technology program can provide effective solutions for older adults in need.

How to Search for the Best Care Option

There are several viable options available to assist in searching for the right care services. Utilize NorthShore’s case management services, A Place for Mom, Caring.com, Care Patrol, and Elderwerks,. They often have a great deal of insight one may not be able to find scrubbing the internet.

What To Consider When Looking for a Provider

Things to consider when choosing care options are: 

• Is the person in need of care an introvert or an extrovert?

• Does the facility provide a good social fit for your loved one?

• Will your loved one be positively impacted by moving into the facility (developing a list of pros and cons with your loved one can help answer this)?

• What are the facility's staffing ratios - do they employ sufficient staff?

• What activities and food are offered (these are the biggest concerns we have observed from decades of speaking with patients living in facilities)?

• The results of state survey findings (these are required to be available to the public at each facility).

• The experience of other residents at the facility - potentially interviewing other residents at that facility

Red Flags During the Search Process

Red flags to look for are uncleanliness, substantial language barriers between staff and patients, unanswered call lights, unmet needs of the person receiving care, low staffing ratios, and high levels of staff turnover.

Preventative medicine has been and continues to be a rapidly growing healthcare sector. As it pertains to aging, preventive medicine is crucial. Preventative medicine can prevent disease and/or disease progression. Our wellness program works similarly to preventative medicine for older adults by addressing issues early on and preventing them from severe injuries/ death. It can prevent them from utilizing costly services due to injury or decline. We have developed a program that targets nutrition, hydration, balance, strength, cognitive health, and emotional well-being. After decades of going into patients' homes to assist them post an acute event or decline, we decided to develop a program to encourage older adults and their families to take a proactive approach. Our customized wellness solution begins by gathering data through our assessment. We then create a customized plan for each client. Through our wellness program, we hope to empower, encourage, and support older adults by following a curated plan that can help them achieve their highest quality of life and keep them safe within their own homes. Our program prevents older adults from utilizing skilled nursing facilities, reduces hospitalizations, and prevents costly in-home care services. After observing many patients and families over the years, the reactive approach to aging is challenging emotionally and financially. Nursing home care is often at least $200,000 annually, with home care services not far behind, depending on how many service hours are needed. Our unique wellness program helps individuals stay healthy and independent longer in their homes where they wish to remain. Contact our NorthShore wellness team at 847-510-7166.

MCI or Mild Cognitive Impairment is common, but most Americans don't know about it. MCI occupies that grey zone between normal aging of the brain and dementia. About 1 and 7 people age 60 or older have it. In a national survey, 82% of respondents were unfamiliar with the condition or knew little about it. MCI is often confused with normal aging because it is very subtle. Roughly 10 million Americans have MCI.

Symptoms can include forgetting people's names, forgetting you said something already, forgetting a story, and forgetting words. MCI is noticeable to the person affected and the people around them, but it's not so severe that it interferes with their daily activities. This is, in part, why it isn't easy to diagnose. Diagnosis is critical, but many do not want a diagnosis. A third of patients with MCI will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease within five years. Before then, we have access to tests that can reveal whether MCI is attributed to Alzheimer's. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's can play a significant role in patient outcomes. Most tests can use imaging, blood, or spinal fluid to establish likely causes. These tests can reveal the presence of sticky plaques and tangled fibers in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Brain imaging studies show that people with MCI have shrinkage of the hippocampus, enlargement of the brain's fluid-filled spaces, and reduced use of glucose in key brain regions. The strongest risk factors for MCI are: 

• Increasing age

• Having a specific form of a gene known as APOE e4

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• Elevated cholesterol

• Obesity

• Depression

• Lack of physical exercise

• Infrequent participation in mentally or socially stimulating activities

MCI can't always be prevented, but there are environmental factors that may increase your risk of developing the condition. Research has shown these steps may help prevent cognitive impairment:

• Avoid excessive alcohol use

• Reduce your risk to head injury

• Don't smoke

• Manage health conditions

• Practice good sleep hygiene and manage sleep disturbances

• Consume a nutrient-rich diet that has plenty of fruits and vegetables and is low in saturated fats

• Engage socially with others

• Exercise regularly at a moderate to vigorous intensity

• Stimulate your mind with puzzles, games, and memory training

Aduhelm is a controversial drug approved last year by the FDA. It can remove the sticky plaques from the brain, but it is still unclear if it can slow memory loss. In cases where MCI is caused by high blood pressure, depression, or sleep apnea, the symptoms can resolve when treating the underlying condition. 

More than three-quarters of U.S. adults age 50 and older want to stay in their current homes for as long as possible, according to AARP’s 2021 “Home and Community Preferences Survey.” But a May 2020 study by the U.S. Census Bureau found that less than 10 percent of U.S. homes are "aging-ready," meaning they have a step-free entryway, a first-floor bathroom and bedroom, and at least one bathroom accessibility feature, such as a grab bar or shower seat. Adapting your home to accommodate another’s needs is a step some are hesitant to make. But if you’re contemplating this move, consider advice from the experts who say the trend is likely to continue as the nation’s population ages.

Download Our Free Home Safety Checklist

The prevalence of malnutrition in older adults remains one of the most underdiagnosed and untreated issues. Malnutrition is harmful at any age, but older adults are significantly affected. Malnutrition is associated with a decline in functional status, impaired muscle function, decreased bone mass, immune dysfunction, anemia, reduced cognitive function, poor wound healing, delayed recovery from surgery, higher hospital readmission rates, and mortality. Clinical outcomes are vastly different for older adults suffering from malnutrition; they are predisposed to higher fall rates in and out of the hospital and show a much higher readmission rate. 

Older adults may be more likely to experience malnutrition due to swallowing difficulties, poor dentition (such as having missing teeth), mobility issues, acute and chronic illnesses, and not meeting changing nutrient demand (such as not getting enough protein), loneliness, depression, being unable to cook for themselves, having trouble accessing shops, and low income. Almost 93% of malnourished older adults live at home, which means their nutritional health is often not monitored.

It’s not always easy to spot the signs of malnutrition. BMI’s under 18.5, or have unintentionally lost greater than 10% of their weight in the last three to six months. People with a BMI of less than 20 with an unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the last three to six months might also be considered malnourished. Older adults whose clothing or jewelry has become visibly loose, dentures have become loose, have a reduced appetite, lack of interest in food and drink, tiredness, altered mood, and weakness may be suffering from malnutrition. 

Malnutrition in older adults can be addressed by encouraging people to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.

• Drinking more nourishing fluids, such as milk, soups, or having powdered supplements that are high in energy and protein.

• Eating high-energy and high-protein foods, such as full-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.

• Frozen, ready prepared meals or home meal delivery services might also ensure better nutrition. If the older adult has hypertension or has issues with edema, it is imperative to ensure they are consuming low sodium foods. Consuming fresh items that are not processed is the best way to adhere to a low sodium diet.

But improving nutrition alone might not be the only solution to malnutrition. Older adults may need help with eating and drinking; they may need better fitting dentures, foods that are easier to chew and swallow. For those that are lonely, eating in a pleasant environment might also be vital to building their appetite. Most older adults need someone present at mealtimes to ensure their dietary needs are met. Meeting nutritional needs can quickly be addressed with help from NorthShore Home Cares' highly skilled care team members. 

Most of us feel cold every now and then during the winter. What most of us don’t realize is just being cold can make a person very sick. Older adults lose body heat fast-faster than when they were young. Changes in the body that come with aging can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what’s happening.

A body temperature of 95 degrees or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse. Being in cold temperatures outside or in a cold house can lead to hypothermia.

Here are some tips to keep you warm while indoors and out:

• Set your heat to at least 68–70°F. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms, and keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.

• Make sure your house isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.

• Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.

• When you go to sleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat.

• Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don't eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you to stay warm.

• Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.

• Arrange for a NorthShore companion to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.

• Dress for the weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold, or damp days.

• Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.

• Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.

• Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it's snowy.

• Change your clothes right away if they get damp or wet.

Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm.

• Thyroid problems can make it hard to maintain a normal body temperature.

• Diabetes can keep blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.

• Parkinson’s and arthritis can make it hard to put on more clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold.

• Memory loss can cause a person to go outside without the right clothing.

  Talk with your about your health problems and how to prevent hypothermia.

  Taking some medicines and not being active also can affect body heat. These include medicines you get from your doctor and those you buy over-the-counter, such as some cold medicines. Ask your doctor if the medicines you take may affect body heat. Always talk with your doctor before you stop taking any medication.

As we age, we accumulate many things we do not need. Letting go of items can be difficult considering the memories and emotions often tied to them. Getting rid of items can serve as a reminder that things don't last forever, including us. Going through all of your things can serve as a reminder of who you are, how you see yourself, and how you want others to see you after your death — your legacy.

Many items we see in older adults' homes are from child-rearing, things they no longer use, or items from a deceased spouse. The accumulation of clutter sometimes stems from shopping which can serve as a hobby/source of entertainment, and memory loss (forgetting or misplacing items they already have). Functional limitations and illness can make tackling the clutter feel impossible to manage. Many older adults need assistance with the organization. As nuclear families evolve, they encounter issues with availability and distance to provide the support required.

Clutter creates an increased risk for falling, the risk for fire, and increases burn rate times. Excessive clutter can contribute to medication mix-ups. It's essential to incinerate old meds and create an organized plan for managing medications such as a medication service like pill pack. This reduces the margin for error. Approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually for adverse drug reactions. Increased clutter can limit mobility in the home. Research shows that active older adults can stay in their homes longer and are more likely to be able to complete their ADL's independently.

Start by outlining time to work on decluttering. Sort items by identifying what needs to be put away, recycled, fixed/mended, trash, and donate. You can use bins, baskets, or boxes. Start with one room at a time. As a rule of thumb, if you haven't used it within the last year, you do not need it. Create a designated place for items. You can use containers or recycled items to help keep everything organized. Digitizing keepsakes can drastically cut down on clutter.

When there is less chaos on the outside, we're likely to feel less chaos on the inside. When clutter is decreased, it improves concentration, sleep, reduces stress, and promotes a positive outlook. NorthShore Home Care provides services to help our clients achieve a safe environment and a higher quality of life.

It is with great honor I would like to introduce Priya. She is from Punjab, India. Priya has been working in healthcare for the past 16 years. Priya shared with us, “Helping others brings a smile to my face. I enjoy working for NorthShore.” Priya’s clients have shared with us they appreciate how kind, patient, and calm she is. Priya has made an incredible impact on her patients, and they look forward to seeing her each week. She has developed a strong rapport with those she assists. She enjoys cooking with her clients. Priya is an extremely kind-hearted and reliable person. We are incredibly proud to have her on our team!

When we decide to focus on good things in our lives, blood pressure lessens; heart rate slows; peace and well-being are ushered in, and resiliency is fortified. The tremendous healing power of a positive outlook has been discussed for centuries. 

There is robust literature documenting higher psychological characteristics conceptually related to gratitude among older adults compared to younger adults. These psychological characteristics include forgiveness, attachment security, optimism, and other interpersonal character strengths. For example, Socioemotional Selectivity Theory suggests that as people age, they become increasingly aware that time is limited. This perception of a finite time horizon leads individuals to prioritize personally meaningful events above motives for novelty, growth, and curiosity. One of the ways that older individuals express these preferences is by investing in social interactions with close, significant others and striving to maintain intimate, healthy relationships. Individuals with a limited time perspective choose to spend more time with close relationship partners and less time with acquaintances. The Socioemotional Selectivity Theory is often employed to explain why older adults tend to provide more positive evaluations of their lives and emotional states.

Positive psychology aims to broaden the focus of clinical psychology beyond suffering and its direct alleviation. Positive psychology is the scientific study of strengths, viewing even the most distressed persons as more than the sum of damaging habits. Positive psychology asks for more serious consideration of those persons’ intact faculties. Positive life experience, strengths of character, and how those buffer against disorder extends the concept of optimism as a strategy that mediates the impact of age-related decline on the threat to loss of subjective well-being as one encounters the inevitable challenges of functional and social loss in later life.

There are three ways to experience gratitude; as a trait, an emotion, and a practice. As an emotion, we reflect on the feelings of appreciation for something good that has happened. Gratitude as a trait can frame the way you look at the things that occur in your life. Gratitude as a practice is an activity or exercise of deliberately reflecting on what’s going well or what kind of positive attributes one’s life might be providing at the time. Over time you can strengthen this as a trait with the art of practice. Researchers have developed many scales to measure gratitude, such as the Gratitude Questionaire. People who are typically grateful tend to suffer less stress and be happier in general. 

Practicing gratitude not only benefits our body, mind, and spirit as we age, but it also benefits humans in all roles, whether it be a patient, family caregiver, or formal caregiver. Practice gratitude all month long with this calendar.

It is with great honor I would like to introduce Max. Max’s compassion for others is seen in his daily interactions. His patience and flexibility has been a tremendous asset to NorthShore Home Care. He has quickly built strong rapport with his patients. We are incredibly proud to have Max on our team!

“I’ve always wanted to help people and make a difference in someone’s life. Right after high school I began coaching high schoolers and throughout my experience I realized that my passion in life is making a difference and being that person anyone can rely on no matter the circumstance. Meeting Melody and working for this company has changed my life for the better! Day in and day out, working with clients brings me so much joy and satisfaction that I am indeed helping those who can’t help themselves! Again thank you so much for employee of the month, I’m looking forward to the future and growing with this company! “

It is with great honor we would like to introduce Saira as our employee month. Saira has quickly shown her dedication to clients, their families, and the NorthShore team. She has gone above and beyond for each of her clients, ensuring their safety and comfort. Saira has adapted quickly to each environment. She has demonstrated tremendous flexibility and team spirit. We are incredibly proud to have her on the team!

Saira has been working in the medical field for three years and is currently in her senior year of nursing school at Chamberlain University. She has always found joy in helping others, so she has always been determined to become a nurse. Saira enjoys the day-to-day interactions with her patients and being able to help them in any way possible, especially keeping them company. She can't wait to continue to grow in this field and expand her skills and achievements.

4 out of 5 older adults age 50 and older suffer from at least one or more chronic conditions. Inflammation plays a vital role in age-related diseases in older adults, such as sarcopenia and frailty, especially low-grade inflammation. Diet is one non-pharmacological way to manage inflammation in the body.

Many medical conditions are linked to too much inflammation. Some of these include:: Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive lung diseases (emphysema and bronchitis), chronic pain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), stroke, conditions where the immune system attacks the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.

Anyone can benefit from eating and living in an anti-inflammatory way, but you can work with your doctor to understand if you have too much inflammation. Measuring the level of C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the blood is the most common test.

An anti-inflammatory lifestyle includes; eating anti-inflammatory foods, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, adequate exercise and being active, getting enough good quality sleep, managing stress, and managing weight.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular anti-inflammatory diets. It consists of a fairly high fat intake (30-50% of total daily calories). Mostly from monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly from olive oil). Saturated fats make up less than 8% of calories. If you aren’t sure how to keep track of how much of each fat you are eating, you can trust that following a Mediterranean diet will give you a reasonable amount of the different types.

High omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish (2 or more servings/week) and plant sources.

• A low omega-6:omega-3 ratio of 2-3:1 versus the 14:1 ratio typical of the US and European diet.

• High fruit and vegetable consumption

• High fiber consumption (32 g/day).

You can improve the levels of inflammation in the body by consuming a colorful, well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruit and increasing your intake of omega-three fatty acids. Foods containing long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, and tuna), are especially good for decreasing inflammation. Aim for 2-3 servings per week (a serving is 3.5 ounces) of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna. Consuming ginger, turmeric and cooking with olive oil can help lower inflammation.

Avoid trans fat, refined seed and vegetable oils, processed foods, foods high in saturated fats, limit dairy intake, and reduce intake of red meat.

The Anti-Inflammatory way of eating can take a while to be effective. Try it for at least six weeks or longer. Eventually, it should become a habitual way of eating to keep you healthy long-term. Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide to help promote healthy eating. From pantry evaluations to menu planning, there is something for everyone.