How to Teach Technology to the Elderly January 29, 2010
Posted by columbiaagedcare in articles, Health.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, Columbia Aged Care Services, teaching technology to the elderly, technology, technology and the elderly
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While information technology has become second nature to younger generations, it still remains a bewildering and scary concept to many elderly people.
Technological advances now allow elderly people to have access to new systems and programs designed to help them live independently. To help them make the most of technology, and stay in contact with friends and family more easily why not set aside some time to help them understand the concept and how to use technology, such as computers, the internet, emailing and even mobile phones.
Chad Hunter has provided four helpful tips on how to teach technology to the elderly these include:
1. Be patient. Take your time and slowly go through the whole process clearly and concisely. Making the person feel rushed, stupid or incompetent will not help the situation. Remember this is all new and difficult to understand.Take your time and take breaks if you get frustrated.
2. Use analogies. Elderly people are used to learning new things and have learnt alot during their lives. Use analogies to describe different terminologies and instructions to help them not only understand but remember when you aren’t there.
3. Spoon-feed terms. World wide web, email, hard drives and symbols like ‘@’ are all new to elderly people with no technological knowledge. Go through it slowly since most of these terms seem like a foreign language to younger learners, you can imagine what your elderly student might be feeling. It would be a good idea to put together a glossary and instructions that they can refer to and study.
4. Practice makes perfect. Sit with your student and go over concepts and practice exercises with them. Give them tasks and things of their interest to do on the computer. Show them how email can connect them to family. Show them how digital cameras can capture hundreds of photos. Once you find things of interest for them, have them practice these steps as much as possible.
8 summer health tips to help seniors beat the heat January 20, 2010
Posted by columbiaagedcare in articles, Health.Tags: aged care, Columbia Aged Care Services, elderly, Health, heat tips; summer health tips, Seniors
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Summer is well and truly here! Whilst this is a time for increased leisure activities, fun and holidays the implications of the heat should not be forgotten – especially when organising activities for seniors.
Seniors are more prone to heat related stress than younger people and find it difficult to adjust to sudden increases in temperature. Ramciv Mendez has provided the following eight summer health tips to help seniors beat the heat.
1) Reduce strenuous activities. When the heat rises to high temperatures, seniors should try to avoid the sun by staying indoors in air-conditioned comfort. They should try to reduce strenuous, physical activities because the more they do, the higher the body temperature will rise.
2) Keep hydrated. Seniors should try to increase their water intake during summer months. Encourage them to have 4-8 glasses a day. They should try to minimise their intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help hydrate the body as well as keeping the body healthy.
3) Avoid direct sunlight. Seniors should try to avoid the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day. If it is necessary to go outdoors, cover up and use plenty of sun cream.
4) Wear cool clothing. To avoid heat-related injuries, seniors should wear cool light coloured clothing. This will help maintain a normal body temperature.
5) Choose shady locations. If planning an outdoor activity with seniors try to choose covered or shady locations with a cool breeze.
6) Spoil seniors with cool treats. Treat seniors with a cool water based iceblock to keep them hydrated, refreshed and cool.
7) Be aware of medications. Hot weather can accelerate dehydration, especially in people who are taking medications that have side effects of fluid and electrolyte loss. Many medications, particularly antibiotics and diuretics can block the body’s natural ability to cope with sun and heat. You should always check with a pharmacist or doctor to ensure that medications will not cause seniors increased heat-related problems.
8) Keep a look out for early warning signs. Watch out for heat exhaustion warning signs such as weakness, nausea, heavy sweating, rapid pulse, and/or fainting. Move the affected senior to the nearest cool shady place and provide them with water. Wet a towel or something similar and apply to the forehead and call for medical assistance.
How to Help the Elderly at Christmas time December 9, 2009
Posted by columbiaagedcare in Uncategorized.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, aged care tips, christmas, Christmas help, elderly, Seniors
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Christmas is a busy time for most people as they rush to get everything organised. During this rush period elderly individuals often get over-looked and forgotten about. It is important to remember that Christmas can often be a lonely and depressing time for the elderly. Here are some tips to help make this time happy and hassle free for the elderly individuals you know:
1. Spend time with them. Elderly individuals are often lonely due to the fact they have little interaction with others during the day. Many elderly people just enjoy conversing with others, and you stopping by just to chat can make their day.
2. Take a small gift. Everyone enjoys receiving a gift and the elderly are no different. Why not make a small gift, such as cooking some Christmas treats. They will appreciate the home made touch and it will show you care.
3. Help decorate their house or care room. Many elderly still love Christmas decorations but due to their physical limitations are unable to put them up themselves. Helping do this will bring some Christmas cheer and will be a nice bonding experience. Don’t forget to help take them down after the festivities!
4. Take them along to your Christmas activities. It is often difficult for the elderly to get around and often do not like going by themselves. If you are attending Christmas activities, such as the local carols by candlelight or your child’s school Christmas play, or even driving around the local neighbourhood to see the Christmas lights – offer to take them with you.
5. Assist with Christmas shopping. One of the best ways to help an elderly individual during the lead up to Christmas is to help them with their Christmas shopping. Almost all elderly people have family that they will exchange gifts with, thus they will need to do some shopping. This can often be an intimidating and frightening experience due to the crowds and the traffic. You can make their Christmas shopping experience pleasant by offering to take them and helping them out.
Checklist for choosing an aged care facility December 3, 2009
Posted by columbiaagedcare in Uncategorized.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, aged care services, Columbia Aged Care Acacia Centre, Columbia Aged Care Services, elderly, Residential Aged Care, Residential Care
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- Does the overall atmosphere appear friendly, safe and comfortable?
- Does it seem to be a comfortable temperature for all residents?
- Are residents treated with respect as well as in a friendly manner?
- Do the staff seem caring and attentive towards residents?
- Are there other people with similar care needs to yours?
- Will it be easy to see your family and friends?
- Is it easy to get to local shops, club, church or other places and events?
- Is there adequate transport to help you get where you want to go?
- Are there call-bells in the bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas?
- Are rooms, stairs and corridors suitably lit?
- Is there a safe garden that residents can use?
- Are there smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?
- Are there security arrangements?
- If you have to share a room can you meet the other person beforehand to see that you get on?
- Are there screens in shared rooms to give privacy?
- Can you bring some of your own furniture and belongings?
- Can you lock your cupboard?
- Can you have your own TV in your room?
- Can you have a telephone installed in your room?
- Can you have air-conditioning installed?
- Are toilets, baths and showers easy and private for residents to use?
- Is there a toilet within easy reach of your bedroom?
- Are there toilets within easy reach of all the communal rooms?
- Is there a choice of lounges?
- Is there more than one TV room?
- Is there a quiet room with no TV?
- Are there non-smoking rooms?
- Are you comfortable with the “house rules” (eg. About smoking or pets)?
- Is there an independent Residents and Relatives group?
- Can you get up and go to bed when you want to?
- Will your room be cleaned at least once a week?
- Can you help arround the nursing home or hostel if you want to?
- Are daily papers and mail delivered?
- Is there a staff member who can speak your language?
- Is there a policy of culturally appropriate care?
- Is there a secure place where personal items and valuables can be kept?
- Does the nursing home or hostel take responsibility for insuring your possessions?
- Do the menus include foods which you like?
- Do the menus give you a choice of dishes?
- Is it possible to have meals other than at set times?
- Can you have meals in your rooms?
- Are social events and outings organised frequently?
- Will you be able to practice your own religion?
- Are there regular visits by a practitioner from your religion?
- Can you have a telephone in your room?
- Is there a telephone you can use without people overhearing what you are saying?
- Can family and friends visit you without restriction?
- Are there places where you can spend time in private with your guests?
- Can visitors stay for a meal or even overnight?
- Can you have a say in the way you are looked after/helped?
- Is the personal care you need available?(eg. Help with washing, bathing or going to the toilet)?
- Will your health care needs be met?
- Will you have access to a doctor at all times if required?
- Is there a local doctor who accepts patients from the nursing home or hostel?
- Does a doctor visit the nursing home or hostel regularly?
- Do other other health professionals visit the nursing home/hostel regularly(eg. Physiotherapist, podiatrist, dentist)?
10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease November 19, 2009
Posted by columbiaagedcare in articles.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, Alzheimer's Disease, Columbia Aged Care Services, elderly, loss of memory, Residential Care, Signs of Ageing
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The Alzheimer’s Association in the US have provided 10 signs to help you recognise that Alzheimer’s Disease might becoming a problem for an elderly person in your care.
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
4. Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget forget where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining colour or contrast.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
8. Decreased or poor judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
Caring for an elderly spouse may be becoming too risky for you November 11, 2009
Posted by columbiaagedcare in articles.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, care giving, Columbia Aged Care Services, elderly, elderly spouse, elderly spouse care, spousal caregiving, stress
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Caring for elderly spouse presents difficult challenges. It is extremely important to ensure your loved one is properly cared for, but it is equally important to look after yourself.
Looking after a loved one is a stressful and strenuous process and sometimes it can all become too much. It is important to constantly evaluate your situation and assess if the current situation is best for the both of you. Care giver stress have provided some hints to help you gauge if spousal caregiving has become too risky for you:
- Missing or delaying your own doctor appointments
- Ignoring your own health problems or symptoms
- Not eating a healthy diet for lack of time Overusing tobacco and alcohol when you feel stressed
- Giving up exercise habits for lack of time
- Losing sleep Losing connections with friends for lack of time to socialize
- Bottling up feelings of anger and frustration and then being surprised by angry, even violent, outbursts directed at your spouse, other family members, co-workers – even strangers
- Feeling sad, down, depressed or hopeless
- Loss of energy
- Lacking interest in things that used to give you (and your spouse) pleasure
- Feeling resentful toward your spouse
- Blaming your spouse for the situation
- Feeling that people ask more of you than they should
- Feeling like caregiving has affected family relationships in a negative way
- Feeling annoyed by other family members who don’t help out or who criticize your care
If you are experiencing a number of these signs, it is important to get support. Sometimes even the most resourceful person needs to ask for help from other family members or outside professionals or sources. It is important to take care of yourself, while taking care of someone else.
Gardens Brighten Seniors’ Lives November 4, 2009
Posted by columbiaagedcare in articles, Uncategorized.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, Columbia Aged Care Services, Gardening, Gardening for the elderly, Senior Gardening, Seniors Activities
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Home Instead Senior Care and Rebecca Kolls, star of television show Rebecca’s Garden have provided some helpful hints to help seniors continue to enjoy gardening.
This dual-effort public-education campaign has sought to bring back gardening joys to seniors who have difficulty maintaining gardens, or who have given up gardening altogether due to health or age concerns. The initiative’s primary feature, a four-color gardening guide, includes lots of helpful tips and several fun, simple projects seniors can easily complete – either independently or with their families or caregivers.
Kolls, whose grandparents originally inspired her interest in gardening, credits gardens with supplying not only food and beauty, but also improved mental and physical well-being.
“There’s a nurturing aspect in gardening where you take a seed and coddle it,” Kolls said. “Seniors have given up child rearing, so gardening gives them baby plants and seedlings again. It’s a new way of caring for something.”
“We often hear our CAREGivers speak of their clients who love to care for plants and flowers, and how they see it enriching those clients’ lives,” said Home Instead Senior Care CEO Paul Hogan. “Many of our CAREGivers enjoy gardening as well, and are thrilled to help seniors enjoy gardening and plant projects.”
Another great thing about gardening as a senior activity is that it is timeless. “The beauty of the garden, if done well, will provide four seasons of color. While seniors in warmer climates can garden year-round, those in cold-weather climates should not despair,” Kolls said. “In the winter, snow catches in seed heads, and birds find refuge in shrubbery and feed off seeds from the cone flowers. So no matter where you live, there’s alwayssomething growing in the garden.”
One Container; Many Opportunities
A little creative thinking and some assistance from families or caregivers helps ensure that seniors can continue to enjoy the types of gardening they love. “Imagine growing almost everything for a recipe in one container,” Kolls said. “What a great gift idea!”
She suggests the following projects to get you started:
- Try a pizza garden! (If your senior isn’t a pizza fan, he or she might enjoy growing one for grandchildren.) Whiskey barrels work well for growing tomatoes, but can be expensive. A plastic laundry basket with holes cut in the bottom for drainage will work just as well. Plant a Roma tomato in the center, onions along the sides of the tomato and basil around the edge of the container.
- A twist on the pizza garden concept: a fresh salsa garden! It’s similar to a pizza garden, only with tomatoes, onions, hot peppers and cilantro.
- A one-pot vegetable garden is always a hit! Take three bamboo poles and make a teepee in the center of the pot. Plant beans at the base of each bamboo pole, and fill the horizontal space around the pot with carrots, beets or other favorite root vegetables (make sure your pot is at least 10 to 12 inches deep.)
Rebecca’s Senior Gardening Tips
Check out these handy tidbits on how to help the seniors achieve gardening success:
- Herbs grow anywhere and are great for seasoning. Kitchen herb gardens are wonderful for seniors. The more you pinch and pick the herbs, such as basil, parsley and chives, the more vigorous they grow.
- Think height, filler and spiller. When you’re creating flowerpots, consider height, filler and spiller. Plant a variety that will grow at least twice as tall as the container; fill in with plants that will grow to no more than half of the height of the taller plants, and then plant a variety that will cascade over the pot.
- When it comes to annuals, pack them in. When you create flowerpots, pack your annuals in because they will become root-bound and grow up and over the pots. You’ll get drama and a beautiful arrangement, according to Kolls.
- Look for equipment that can make the job easier. There are many wonderful tools available that can make gardening easier for anyone including seniors. According to Kolls, Bud-Eze tools, which can be found on the Internet, are a good option, as are bionic gloves. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation has a product and services directory for senior gardeners and others with mobility problems.
- Garden right outside your front door or back door. Container gardening allows seniors access to flowers or vegetables in one pot and also gives them the height that helps make gardening easier for them.
- Team with others to garden. If a senior can’t garden anymore, enlist the help of others who might enjoy sharing the work and the produce or flowers from the garden.
Dental Care For The Elderly October 28, 2009
Posted by columbiaagedcare in articles.Tags: aged care, Aged Care Australia, Columbia Aged Care Services, dental care for the elderly, dental problems and the elderly, elderly oral health, tips for the elderly
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