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PATHWAYS FOR AGING E-NEWSLETTER  
Volume 1, Issue 9
 December, 2008
Home for the Holidays!  
    ...Holiday Survival

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW

The professional Social Workers at Pathways for Aging would like to wish each of you Happy Holidays, and hope that it is a happy time spent with friends and family,  But we are aware that often the Holidays are stressful, potentially full of surprises, and may not be quite the joyful time we had  envisioned.

Often during family gatherings, we see relatives that we do not see regularly and may be surprised, as we spend time with aging family members, who are declining. Or we may be chastened by out-of-town relatives who are shocked by the condition of their aging family members, and blame the caregiver.

What if your Holiday celebration reveals serious concerns about an aging relative? What can you do or should you do? In researching this topic, I found this great list on the www.caring.com website blog:

Holiday Survival Guide

Ten Signs an Aging Relative May Need Help

A holiday visit may provide a closer look into your aging relative's life and routine. And, sometimes that look yields concern.

Your aging relative may need more help if:

1. You find that some bills, such as for utilities, have been unpaid.

2. You find a stack of unopened mail.

3. The refrigerator is stocked with old food; you can't find any fresh groceries.

4. Your aging relative has lost weight and appears gaunt.

5. Your aging relative's appearance is unkempt.

6. Your aging relative's home is unusually cluttered and dirty.

7. The outside of the home needs maintenance.

8. You find multiple bottles of medications, but your relative is unclear about when and why to take the medications.

9. Your aging relative no longer participates in regular activities, such as attending church or the local senior center.

10. You learn that your aging relative has received driving violations.

This list focuses on activities of daily living, but coming from a mental health perspective, I would also recommend seeking help if you see signs of Depression and/or Anxiety in your loved one,such as:

1.      Little interest or pleasure in doing things previously enjoyed

2.      Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

3.      Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or oversleeping

4.      Feeling tired or lack energy, without reason

5.      Poor appetite or overeating

6.      Feeling badly about themselves, like a failure

7.      Difficulty concentrating, such as reading or watching TV

8.      Moving or speaking slower than usual or fidgety and restless

9.      Excessive worrying or nervousness

10. Thoughts of death

11. The impact of these problems impact ability to manage in the home

If you observe enough problems to be concerned - you should seek help for your aging relative. This could be as simple as making an appointment with their physician, seeking a comprehensive in-home assessment, such as that offered by geriatric care managers, or seek mental health assistance from a therapist, though organizations and companies such as Pathways For Aging.
 

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient
in the Healthcare System
  Only $14.95.
  Get your copy here.

 by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW

"How will you or a loved one die?" 

This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.
 

 

Website Tip of the Month
Medicare Benefits
www.medicare.gov

The Medicare website has a wealth of information.  They have alread posted the rates and benefits for next year.  You can get ahead of the curve, by checking out Medicare and You 2009  Did you know that Medicare also offers Mental Health Benefits?  Check out the coverage for inpatient and outpatient services at Medicare and Your Mental Health Benefits.


 

Pathways for Aging in the News

 
Recently, Jeannie Krause-Taylor and Sherrill Wayland, Executive Director of SAGE, were interviewed by a reporter for the Nov 20 - Dec 9, 2008 edition of the West End Word.  The article titled "Boom of gay seniors presents challenge to service sector" was written by Kara Krekeler.  She begins by writing
     "As baby boomers quickly become senior citizens, geriatric-care organizations are bracing for the onslaught of older adults and preparing for many of the special needs that had been overlooked in previous generations.

While in many ways this aging generation is similar to those that came before, the current batch of senior citizens is beginning to receive attention because of its gay and lesbian members"
 
If you would like to read the entire article, it can be accessed through the West End Word website.
 

Our team.... 



Deb Kinmonth, MSW,LCSW joined Pathways for Aging in November 2008.  Next month Deb will share some information about herself.


 



Recent Posts on Our Blog 
 

Times are changing............! In October I wrote a post about Women as Caregivers and asked readers for comments.  While women still tend to be the predominant caregivers, today, I ran across a great article about the increasing numbers of men who are caregivers.

 

Please Contact Us

Call us today at 314.361.3530 if you or a friend or family member needs help with an older adult. 

 

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Personalized Care Management from the staff at Pathways for Aging provides:

Customized information about community resources to meet the needs of your loved one.

Peace of mind if you are separated from your loved one by geography or by a vacation or business trip.

Someone to act as your eyes and ears, and troubleshoots problems before they become crises.

A supportive advocate if you need to make life-altering decisions which impact quality-of-life, such as medical decisions, whether your loved one is able to continue independent living, when is it time to consider alternative housing, etc.

A professional to help with strained family relationships and negotiating difficult decisions.

Call us today at 314.361.3530 to see how we can help you.

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(C) 2008 Pathways for Aging, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. This newsletter is provided with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Our mailing address is: 6614 Clayton Road, #235, St. Louis, Missouri 63117
Our telephone is 314.361.3530

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