United Senior Services: Healthcare- Age-related Diseases & Conditions

Age-related Diseases & Conditions

Aging is part of the life cycle. The body goes through natural changes. Some of these changes leave you more vulnerable to illness or injury.

Heart disease is more common in older adults than in young people. The blood vessels lose their elasticity with age. The heart wall stiffens. Fatty deposits may line the arteries.

• High blood pressure also occurs more often in older adults. With less elasticity, the blood vessels have more trouble responding to changes in blood volume.
• Osteoarthritis takes place over time. It often occurs from wear and tear on the joints. Injury or stress of extra weight on the joints increases your risk.
• Osteoporosis is a disease of weak bones, prone to breaking. Bones become less dense with age. Osteoporosis occurs most often in post-menopausal women.
• Type 2 diabetes is quite common in older adults. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use the available insulin. Obesity and inactivity increases your risk.
• Visual impairments or vision changes often occur in later life. You may have more difficulty seeing in dim light. And the eye does not react as quickly when moving from a bright area to an unlit area or vice versa. Other aging related conditions include:

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens

Macular degeneration, cells in the macular area of the retina malfunction, resulting in vision loss

United Senior Services- Healthcare- Memory Disorders & Alzheimer’s Disease

Memory Disorders & Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is a decline in intellectual performance from the person’s previous level of functioning and always involves memory loss. In addition, there is typically a loss of problem-solving ability and other aspects of abstract thinking. Dementia describes a group of symptoms and is not the name of a disease that causes the symptoms.

CAUSES OF DEMENTIA

Dementia can be caused by a number of diseases, and they may be treated differently. Some causes of dementia can be reversed and some can not.

For example, a vitamin B-12 deficiency, malnutrition, and drug interactions can cause dementia and can be treated, eliminating the symptoms. That is why it is so important to get a medical diagnosis when dementia occurs.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most frequent cause of irreversible dementia is progressive and causes structural changes in the brain. The second most common form, called multi-infarct dementia, is caused by a series of small strokes that may be undetectable when they occur, but do cumulative damage to the brain.

MEMORY LOSS

It is important to remember that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Some memory loss is to be expected as we age. Occasional forgetfulness or taking a bit longer to recall a name or the location of an object is common and no cause for concern.

Dementia, however, is notable because of the extent, pattern, and persistence of the problem. People suffering from dementia experience it differently; some will display certain symptoms and some will display others. 

BEHAVIORS TYPICAL OF EARLY DEMENTIA

Often, an individual struggling with early stage dementia will exhibit characteristic behaviors, such as:

• Denial and attempts to cover up the mistakes
• Withdrawal from favorite activities or social interactions
• Paranoia and general agitation, sometimes exhibited as blaming others or accusing them of stealing
• Uncharacteristic personality changes
• Poor judgment and confusion

WHAT TO EXPECT

Family members must try to remember that many of these behaviors and personality changes are outside the person’s control and their capabilities may fluctuate from day to day. However, individuals with early stages of dementia are often able to participate in their treatment, in family decisions and in planning for the future. Therefore, it is critical for the person with dementia to get a thorough medical examination as soon as possible in order to confirm the diagnosis. Even though most dementia is irreversible, much can be done to enhance the quality of life for persons with dementia and for family members.

Education and support are crucial to coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. For more information about memory disorders-research, treatment, caregiving tips, and support resources-click on one of the links below.

www.alz.org  — This is the official site of the Alzheimer’s Association. Their site provides information for caregivers and professionals on such topics as research, advocacy, etc.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers  — This is the site for the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center, based at the National Institute on Aging.

www.alzfdn.org  — This is the site of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

www.adrccares.org/ — This is the official site for the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center.  A local, independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization bringing dementia specific education and support to family and professional caregivers throughout Central Florida. Located in Orlando, Florida, its primary service area consists of Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.

Florida’s Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative Education Manual — New, free, 24/7 internet access to information & tips about Alzheimer’s & Related Memory Disorders.

Information in this article is reprinted from the Elder Care Education Series © 2000, Winter Park Health Foundation

United Senior Services: Video Tutorial- What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage or nursing home coverage to certain categories of low-asset people, including children, pregnant women, parents of eligible children, people with disabilities and elderly needing nursing home care. Medicaid was created to help low-asset people who fall into one of these eligibility categories "pay for some or all of their medical bills.

There are two general types of Medicaid coverage. "Community Medicaid" helps people who have little or no medical insurance. Medicaid nursing home coverage pays all of the costs of nursing homes for those who are eligible except that the recipient pays most of his/her income toward the nursing home costs, usually keeping only $66.00 a month for expenses other than the nursing home.

While Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) set out the general rules under which Medicaid operates, each state runs its own program. Under certain circumstances, an applicant may be denied coverage. As a result, the eligibility rules differ significantly from state to state, although all states must follow the same basic framework.

United Senior Services: FUN- Retirement Jokes "The Boss"

The boss is finally old enough to retire from the company. On his last day of work, he ordered a farewell party for himself. The boss wanted everyone to express their good feeling about him by writing on the farewell card, so later he could remember how his staff "miss" him.

Most people are writing standard phrases like, "Without you, the company will never be the same,"

"We will always remember you," etc.

Obviously the boss was not satisfied. "I need something from the bottom of your heart, something really touching, you know. Okay, John, you have been working with me for the last 20 years. You are my best staff. I am retiring now. What do you have to say?"

Slowly but firmly, John wrote, "The best news in 20 years."

United Senior Services: Video Tutorial- How to Understand Medicare Plans

Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is a social insurance program funded at the federal level and focuses primarily on the older population. As stated in the CMS website, Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with end stage renal disease. The Medicare Program provides a Medicare part A which covers hospital bills, Medicare Part B which covers medical insurance coverage, and Medicare Part D which covers prescription drugs.

Medicaid is a program that is not solely funded at the federal level. States provide up to half of the funding for the Medicaid program. In some states, counties also contribute funds. Unlike the Medicare entitlement program, Medicaid is a means-tested, needs-based social welfare or social protection program rather than a social insurance program. Eligibility is determined largely by income. 

The main criterion for Medicaid eligibility is limited income and financial resources, a criterion which plays no role in determining Medicare coverage. Medicaid covers a wider range of health care services than Medicare. Some people are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and are known as Medicare dual eligibles. In 2001, about 6.5 million Americans were enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

United Senior Services: Transportation- Information

GET INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY.

Pedestrian Safety — Safety tips for walkers

Transportation Resources — Information about Driver Safety Programs

Driver Safety Program — Including information about DriveABLE assessment

Staying behind the wheel — Measures for Staying behind the wheel

Turning in the keys — When is it time to turn in the keys?

Surviving Not Driving - A Transporation “How to” Guide for Older Americans

ITN Orlando — ITN Orlando(TM) non-profit membership-based, limited area transportation program

Transportation Fact Sheets — A series of fact sheets on transportation topics and issues for elder drivers.

CarFit Program - Information about CarFit which is a program to maximize your car comfort and fit to you.

Drivers License & ID Cards - New information for 2012
Spanish version

Florida’s Silver Alert Plan - A Safety net for some of our most vulnerable seniors

Silver Alert — Senior Transportation Resources - Transportation resources for elder drivers.

Silver Alert — Suggestions for Caregivers

Volunteers in Motion — program that helps seniors live independently by offering life sustaining transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

United Senior Services: Medicare- Information

GET INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICARE PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE.

Medicare Overview- WHAT IS MEDICARE?

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

The Different Parts of Medicare

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services if you meet certain conditions. Medicare has the following parts:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

• Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals
• Helps cover skilled nursing facility, hospice, and home health care

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

• Helps cover doctors’ services and outpatient care
• Helps cover some preventive services to help maintain your health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) (like an HMOor PPO)

• A health coverage choice run by private companies approved by Medicare
• Includes Part A, Part B, and usually other coverage including prescription drugs

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

• Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
• May help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future

For more information about Medicare, please visit 

www.medicare.gov

Source: Medicare and You 2009

United Senior Services: Caregiving- Information

CAREGIVER SUPPORT AND TRAINING

So what do you do if, as in the story above, you find yourself thrust into a caregiving role with no preparation or training? Currently, there’s no easy answer, but some places to look for help are these online resources:

http://www.nfcacares.org/  —   This is the website of the National Family Caregivers Association. It can link you to a wide variety of training resources and service information. There are also ways to connect with other family caregivers for peer learning and support.

http://www.familycaregiving101.org/    This website has even more specific tips and training ideas for family caregivers.

http://www.caregiving.org/  -  This is the website of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and it is full of great information for family caregivers, including helpful explanations about the hospital discharge process.

http://www.redcross.org/  -  The American Red Cross offers caregiving classes at some of its local chapters, including the Central Florida Chapter on Bumby Ave. in Orlando. Contact them by calling (407) 894‑4141 or see a complete list of courses on their website: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class . The Space Coast Chapter in Rockledge does not currently offer the caregiver training, but does offer CPR and Nurse Assistant training. Contact them at 321−890−1002.

United Senior Services: FOOD- Resources

GET INFORMATION ABOUT FOOD, MEALS AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE.

Food Pantries - people in need can go to the pantry and receive food items.

Home Delivered Meals & Meal Sites - available to people age 60 and older through a federally funded nutrition program.

Nutrition & Special Diets — food provides energy and nutrients everyone needs to stay healthy.

Resources — a listing of web sites that contain valuable ideas, tips, and information that you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Food Safety — simple steps can help ensure that your food is as safe as possible.

Food Stamps — USDA Food Stamp Application Information

Nutrition/Medication Review Brochure - free nutrition counseling and medication review for the elderly.

SRA Medication Review Program - provides a personal medication review by a registered nurse.

United Senior Services: Healthcare- Prescriptions and Medications

Prescriptions & Medications

MANAGING MEDICATIONS

The elderly make up 13 percent of the population, but they buy 30 percent of the prescription drugs sold each year.

It is estimated that 70 percent of older adults also use over-the-counter or nonprescription drugs.

Dangerous drug interactions can result when certain medications, prescription or not, are mixed together.

Age-related changes alter how the body reacts to medications, so effectiveness and side effects must be regularly evaluated.

To avoid medication problems, answer the following questions.

• Does your doctor periodically evaluate your prescriptions?
• Are you taking your prescriptions according to directions?
• Are you getting several different prescriptions from different doctors?
• Are you having your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy or do you use several pharmacies?
• Are you checking the expiration dates on your prescriptions and over the counter medications?
• Can you remove your medicine bottle caps easily?
• Have you purchased the more affordable generic equivalents of your prescription medicines if they are available to you?
• Do you know the dangers of “prescription swapping” among friends or family members?

It is essential to inform your primary care doctor about ALL of the drugs that you are taking, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter medicines (including vitamins).

Reprinted from As Families Grow Older © 1999, Winter Park Health Foundation

RESOURCES FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE MEDICATION USE

M.U.S.T for Seniors

www.mustforseniors.org

Food and Drug Administration

www.fda.gov

Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association

www.ndmainfo.org

Orange County Library System Health & Medical eGuide

http://www.ocls.info/Virtual/eguides/Medical/default.asp

United Senior Services: Healthcare- Wellness & Prevention

Wellness & Prevention

TIPS TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY AGING

Staying Healthy — How to Take Charge of Your Health

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality © 2006

“You may ask yourself,” How do I begin to improve my health habits?” 

A good way to start is to set small goals instead of large ones that you won’t be able to meet. For example, instead of setting a goal of losing 15 pounds in the next year, set some smaller goals for eating better and being more active. You may decide to trade your morning donut for a bowl of cereal or start taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.

REDUCING YOUR RISK FOR HEART DISEASE

Overall, you can reduce your risk for heart disease if you:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat right.
• Stay physically active.
• Quit smoking.
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• If you have diabetes, control your disease.
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WATCHING YOUR WEIGHT

Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Your doctor can tell you what you should weigh for your height.

• To stay at a healthy weight, you need to balance the number of calories you eat with the number you burn off by your activities. You can get to your healthy weight and stay there by doing two things: eating right and being physically active.
• Ask your doctor or nurse: What is a healthy weight for me? What are some ways I can control my weight?
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EATING RIGHT

Eating the right foods and the right amounts can help you live a longer, healthier life. Many illnesses and conditions-such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes-can be prevented or controlled by eating right. A healthy diet also provides the vitamins and minerals you need. It is never too late to start eating right. Watch portion sizes.

• Don’t choose “super” or other oversized portions.
• Be aware of how much you eat.
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KEEPING ACTIVE

Physical activity can help prevent:

• Heart disease.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Osteoporosis (thinning bones).
• Mental health problems, such as depression.

Physical activity also helps you stay at a healthy weight, reduce stress, sleep better, and feel better overall.

WHAT TO DO

All kinds of physical activity, whether it is moderate or vigorous, will help you stay healthy. It’s a good idea to aim for at least moderate activity-such as brisk walking, raking leaves, or house cleaning-for 30 minutes most days of the week. Generally, the more active you are, the healthier you will become.

HOW TO GET STARTED AND KEEP AT IT

• If you have not been active, start slowly.
• Choose something that fits into your daily life.
• Choose an activity you like, or try a new one.
• Activities such as dancing, swimming, or biking can be fun.
• Ask a friend to exercise with you, or join a group.
• Make time in your day for physical activity.
• If the weather is bad, try an exercise show on TV, watch an exercise tape, walk in the mall, or work around the house.
• Ask your doctor or nurse: How do I get started with an exercise program?
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PREVENTING SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer is often preventable.

You can lower your risk for skin cancer by:

• Limiting the time you spend in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Wearing sunglasses and clothing that protects against the sun-such as broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants-when you are in the sun.
• Using sunscreen when you are in the sun. (But, don’t stay out in the sun longer just because you are wearing sunscreen.)
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PREVENTING INJURY

Following basic safety rules can prevent many serious injuries. Here are two checklists to follow to help keep you and your family safe.

To help protect yourself at home:

• Use smoke detectors. Remember to check the batteries every month. Change the batteries every year. 
• You may want to use a reminder. For example, change the batteries around your birthday or some holiday.
• Lock up guns and ammunition, and store them separately.
• Keep hallways and stairwells well lit.
• Remove or repair things that someone could trip on, such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and toys.
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TO HELP PROTECT YOURSELF AWAY FROM HOME:

• Wear seat belts.
• Never drive after drinking alcohol.
• Always wear a safety helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
• Be alert for hazards in your workplace. Follow workplace safety rules.
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TAKING MEDICINES CORRECTLY

Always be sure you know everything about a medicine before you take it. This information will help you get the full benefits from your medicine. It will also help you avoid taking too much or too little of a medicine. Taking medicine in the wrong way can make you worse instead of better.”

The excerpt above was taken from, “The Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+” published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality © as posted on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) web site, June 2006. For the complete text of “The Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+” visit the AHRQ web site at: www.ahrq.gov

FINDING THE RIGHT DOCTOR

Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important decisions you will make about your health care. You must begin by finding a family doctor, internist, or board-certified geriatrician to serve as your Primary Care Physician. Your Primary Care Physician will refer you to a Specialist, if specific medical conditions warrant it.

Finding the right doctor may require some research on your part, but it helps if you know what you are looking for.

Consider these three important questions.

• Is the doctor well trained and experienced in working with older adults?
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• Is the doctor, or the doctor’s staff, available when needed?
• Will the doctor listen to you and involve you in decisions that affect your health?
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Once you are satisfied with the answers to these questions, you must consider manner, style, and personality. In the end, you or your loved ones must trust the doctor and feel comfortable working with him or her.

Having confidence in your doctor is vitally important to your sense of well being, particularly when acute illnesses occur or when surgery is required.

PARTNERING WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Good partnerships are based on good communication and shared decision-making. You can be a partner with your doctor by preparing for and playing an active role during office visits.

These following suggestions will help.

• Prepare an Ask-the-Doctor Checklist before your visit 
• Bring your list of symptoms to your office visit
• Write down your main concern and practice describing it
• Write down your hunches and fears about what is wrong
• Write down the three questions that you want answered the most
• Bring with you the medications that you are taking or at least a list of them. Be sure to note the name of the drug, the dosage, and when you began taking it. Don’t forget to include vitamin supplements and over the counter medications as well.
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PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE MEDICAL VISIT

• Begin by stating your main concern, describing your symptoms, and sharing your hunches and fears. Don’t be embarrassed about looking at or reading from your list!
• Be honest and straightforward. Don’t hold back because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. Hiding information from your doctor makes it difficult for the doctor to do a thorough job.
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• If your doctor prescribes a medication, test, or treatment, get more information about it.
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• Ask if the doctor has a pamphlet or information sheet about the medication or procedure.
• If you are unsure about why you need a recommended treatment or medication, ask “Why”. Insist that the doctor explain the reasons and any alternatives that might be available.
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• Take notes about the diagnosis, the treatment, and the follow up plan. It is helpful to take along a friend or family member who can take notes while you speak with the doctor about these matters.
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• Review and summarize. Ask the doctor to confirm that your understanding is accurate and complete. Ask any additional questions that you have if time permits.
• If you think of questions after the visit, don’t hesitate to call the doctor’s office and ask for clarification.

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SIX TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGING

1. Take Care of Your Body

This includes exercise, nutrition, sleep, personal habits, and management of illness

2. Stay Mentally Active

Your mind needs mental activity just as your body needs physical activity.

3. Nurture the Ties that Bond

Maintain family and social relationships

4. Know Where Your Help Is

Utilize community services that help keep you independent

5. Accentuate the positive

Focus on the things that you can do and express thanks

6. Celebrate Your Wisdom

Recognize your Purpose for Living. Help others to gain wisdom.