Archive for June, 2012

Evidence-Based Medicine Recommendations

The Beers Criteria medication list has been updated to reflect new, evidence-based medication recommendations. The list includes potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly. View the list and additional resources about the Beers Criteria here.

Delirium: A Culprit Not Only During, But After Hospitalization

A hospital stay is often a subject of fear, especially for older adults; many are afraid that they will leave in a worse condition than before they were hospitalized. Unfortunately, recent studies reveal that these fears may have some merit. Researchers from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have discovered that elderly patients who are hospitalized are at a higher risk of developing cognitive problems afterward.

While the cause of this mental decline is unclear, research indicates that both the patient’s initial illness along with treatments received in the hospital may contribute. To learn more about this study, visit the New York Times column The New Old Age, or click here to read the study.

Tips to Save a Relationship From Caregiver Stress

Caring for a loved one is rewarding in many ways, and can often strengthen a relationship between a caregiver and the person receiving care. However, studies have shown that it can also be a stressful experience that can impact other relationships in the caregiver’s life.

Even though caregiving is an incredibly hard task, taking a few steps to protect the other relationships in one’s life, like setting periodic rituals to spend time together, will make all the difference. Continuum has items in our Resource section which provide helpful tips for overcoming common stresses in caregiving and suggest some specific ways to keep relationships strong.

The Amazing Power of Music: Creating “Awakenings” in Dementia Patients

Music is a powerful medium, possibly more powerful than we realize. Recently, Henry, an Alzheimer’s patient, became an Internet star after a clip from the documentary Alive Inside showed him go from slumped and unresponsive to being animated after listening to his favorite music. Click here to watch Henry’s amazing and heartwarming video on YouTube.

What is even more amazing is that when the headphones are removed, Henry is able to answer questions, speak about his youth, and even sing songs that he used to love. Read more about Alive Inside and how social worker Dan Cohen is striving to help elderly patients through music in this article from NPR.

 

Father’s Day Humor and Heart

Continuum extends our wishes to all the wonderful fathers in our community for a happy Father’s Day!

The things we do for our parents… Share this funny story with your father this Father’s Day!

This beautiful video will tug at your heartstrings and make you think twice about what it means to love your parents. It’s perfect to share with your dad this Father’s Day!

15 Things Your Walk Reveals About Your Health

Your stride, gait, pace, and posture while walking can reveal surprising information about your overall health and well-being, according to an article by Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor.

For example, walking at a snail’s pace may reveal shorter life expectancy, not too much arm swing may reveal lower back trouble, or a short stride may reveal knee or hip degeneration.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

What It Takes to Move an Elderly Parent into Your Home

When considering bringing an elderly parent into your home, there are more things to consider than just space. Caring for another person takes time, patience, physical and mental strength, and support from other family members and friends.

The community you live in is also something to consider. If your parent can no longer drive himself or herself, can he or she walk to the store, a salon, or a friend’s house? Will he or she be out of touch with a social network because of the move? This article from the Washington Post raises many good points that should be thought through when moving an elderly parent into your home.

If you are in need of assistance with or a break from caregiving, Continuum can provide respite care. Call (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 for more information or to schedule a free home consultation!

You are Cordially Invited to Continuum’s Ten Year Celebration!

We are celebrating our 10th anniversary with a Wine & Chocolate Open House! Please stop by the Continuum office on June 6th from 4–6 pm for hors d’oeuvres, wine and conversation. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

An RSVP is appreciated. Please click here for more details.
For directions please click here.