Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Emotional Touch. There's Not Yet An App For That.

Gimme a hug. Give us a sqwunch. Get in here. Hug it out. Slap me five. Slip me some skin. Up high. Down low. Too slow.



Over the last several years, major technological advances have been made in the field of senior care. Families who are separated by thousands of miles are now able to monitor virtually all facets of their aging loved one's lives via the internet. Whether it is a daily medication reminder software or a computer enabled shoe to measure the stability of a senior's gait, sons and daughters rest more easily feeling that they know what is going on with mom and dad.

Many in the senior industry feel that the combination of innovative tools now available and the general reticence of seniors to transition into a facility environment is causing a paradigm shift in the way America approaches aging. It would seem that the justification for living out one's golden years in a nursing home has been rescinded; an intended casualty of the ability to address the physical needs and safety concerns of an aging parent from a distance with minimal cost.

But there exists within the physical world gaps which cannot be filled by the miracle of modern science.

In the 1940's, a Hungarian psychiatrist named Rene Spitz conducted research on the effects of emotional deprivation in infants. Spitz observed children who, for various reasons, had been separated from or denied a loving family and raised instead in an institutional environment. His research noted that while the observed babies' physical needs were being met, the emotional toll of not having any sort of familial affection or compassionate physical touch were catastrophic. By the conclusion of the study, more than one third of the babies had died. After 40 years, 21 of the emotionally neglected children were still living in institutions and most were physically, mentally and socially retarded.

The affect of this sort of cruel deprivation during formulative years is unquestionably debilitating. However, I would suggest that the isolation many seniors face on a daily basis is equally tragic.


Imagine that you are a senior. No longer able to drive, you are fully reliant on paid caregivers for your only live human contact each week. A caregiver comes in on Tuesdays and Fridays with a laundry list of things they have been told by your kids are top priorities; dishes, vacuum, groceries, trash, bathrooms, dusting, prepare a few meals to be easily reheated later and of course...laundry. With a friendly but quick greeting, the caregiver arrives and immediate begins to tackle the mission at hand. Rather than disturb her work, you retreat to your worn beige recliner where you doze off during "The Pioneer Woman," daydreaming about what life must be like on the ranch with Ree and the kids. She leaves as quickly as she arrived, having satisfactorily completed the requisite tasks and reported to your children that all was well with their parent today.

Now imagine an alternative scenario. Your caregiver arrives a couple minutes early with a decaf Chai latte, your favorite Starbucks treat, in hand. Before she even glances at the list of absolute musts, the two of you sit down in the sunroom and talk. You just talk. Maybe you talk about the crazy weather. Maybe you talk about nothing at all. Still, you talk and sip your latte. At one point, the caregiver puts down her cup, gently wraps her warm hands around one of yours and tells you how much she enjoys getting to spend time with you each week. The rest of your time together is a blur. You hate it when it's time for her to leave for the day. During every task she accomplished, you were by her side; helping, instructing, living. There is no need for her to report in to your adult children after today's shift. Instead, you pick up the phone. You can't wait to reach out to the people in your life and tell them all about the day you just enjoyed.

The ability to emotionally connect with people is a God-given gift. Without a certain amount of innate sensitivity, I do not believe it can be successfully taught. I am proud to say that many of the individuals who possess this remarkable gift are a part of our Home Instead family. Some work in nursing homes and facilities. Still others float in and out of our lives disguised as postal employees, baristas, pastors, tellers and grocery store clerks. Despite all of our modern advancements, there is not yet an app for that.









Thursday, March 20, 2014

Veteran Made Famous in 'Band of Brothers' Dies at 90


I will forever be grateful to the friend who first encouraged me to watch the HBO miniseries, "Band of Brothers." Over the last several years, I have watched the miniseries in its entirety at least four times. My wife, not usually a fan of war movies, found herself similarly drawn in within the first couple episodes. So it was with a heavy heart, I read this morning that one of the members of Easy Company, the outfit famously portrayed in the film, had died.

William "Will Bill" Guarnere was a hero in the truest sense of the word. He lost his leg while trying to rescue a fellow wounded soldier during the Battle of the Bulge. Yet even an injury as serious as that couldn't keep Guarnere down. Upon his return from the battlefields of WWII, he moved back to the South Philly neighborhood which was his home for more than 60 yrs.

In 2007, Guarnere partnered with his fellow 'Brother', Edward "Babe" Heffron, to write a best selling memoir called "Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends." He and Heffron met during the war and remained lifelong friends until Heffron's death in December.

In addition to his heroic exploits on the battlefield, which earned him the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart, Guarnere worked tirelessly to make sure that his WWII Brothers received the recognition they deserved.

I feel that the video below gives a funny glimpse into the heart of the inimitable Bill Guarnere.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Coffee Reduces Risks For Parkinson's, May Lead To New Treatments.


I would like a Grande Iced Starbuck's Doubleshot with classic syrup, 2% and a floater of heavy cream. Each of us probably identifies with a similar version of this refrain. Perhaps it is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte or just a Venti Pike with no room and two Splendas; in any event, much of this nation's morning productivity is undoubtedly fueled by that magical white cup with the green logo.

Beyond the warm fingers wrapped around a cardboard sleeve, beyond the liquid happiness cascading throughout every fiber of our not-fully-awake-yet souls, researchers are finding that the keys to effective treatments for Parkinson's disease may be percolating beneath the surface of that hot cup of joe.

Scientists have found that caffeine, the most widely used drug on the planet, has been linked to improvements in memory and appears to protect against the destruction of brain cells. Several prominent studies have found that people who drank two or more cups of coffee per day were up to 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's. Make mine a Venti!

The well known cognitive benefits of caffeine have prompted researchers to begin looking at the way the brain responds to the chemical and even to produce medications which would, in theory, replicate the benefits. One such drug has already undergone testing in Japan and has now begun US trials.

The challenge is producing the same effect that caffeine has on the brain but on a much larger scale and without the ill effects that overconsumption can sometimes bring. Caffeine is quickly absorbed into the blood stream and releases the proverbial brakes in our minds. The result is an increased sense of clarity which has helped to make coffee one of the world's most popular beverages. For patients with Parkinson's, drugs like caffeine target regions deep in the brain to help control tremors and stiffness. The unfortunate other results can be headaches, rapid heart rate, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and irritability. Researchers hope to get more of the former without the latte-r.





Monday, March 17, 2014

National Poison Prevention Week


All week long you are likely to hear public service announcements and news stories about National Poison Prevention week. Contrary to popular belief, this has less to do with preventing a reunion of the popular 80's hair band and more about protecting people from other, even more toxic substances.


The miracle of modern medicine has brought with it incredible advances in both longevity as well as quality of life. The phrase "70 is the new 60" is no longer just a cute quip on a Hallmark card but rather a realistic statement about the type of active lifestyles that seniors are increasingly able to lead. But just as Every Rose Has Its Thorn, powerful chemicals capable of saving and restoring lives naturally carry with them power to put people's lives in danger as well if they are not treated with the respect they require.

A senior's medicine cabinet is a treasure trove of potentially dangerous substances. As Life Goes On, aging adults find themselves taking an average of five different medications every day. Many medications will simply become ineffective after passing their expiration date. Other medications, such as eye drops, can become bacterial contaminants in as little as one month after opening. But there are other dangers lurking in the shadows of a senior's medicine cabinet.

Every day new medical discoveries change the landscape of medicine. Today, a new drug may give a senior and their family Something To Believe In. By next year, that same drug could be science's Fallen Angel; a medication with great promise but one whose peaks were not as substantial as its pitfalls. Vioxx and Celebrex are recent examples of drugs which have now been shown to lead to increased fatalities under certain conditions.

Another concern for drugs and their respective expiration dates is the environment in which the drugs are kept. Even a 10 degree rise in temperature has been shown to double the amount of chemical reactions in a medical product and can greatly accelerate the rate of bacterial contamination. Many times, seniors keep their homes at a much higher or lower temperature. Sometimes this temperature is intentionally chosen while other times it may be the result of an older HVAC unit. In either instance, the temperature in which the medication is stored can greatly increase the risks associated with seniors and their medication.

Aside from the direct risks posed to seniors there are risks for their families as well.
 

"Pharm Parties" have been on the rise among teenagers and college students for some time. Young adults who are looking for Nothin' But a Good Time raid their parent's and/or grandparent's medicine cabinets and throw each colorful pill into a big bowl which becomes the pharmacological centerpiece of the soiree.

Take a moment this week to go through the medicine cabinet with the senior in your life. You will probably be shocked at what you find.






Monday, March 10, 2014

New Blood Test Predicts Alzheimer's Disease



The Alzheimer's world was rattled yesterday by the news of a study which claimed to be able to predict who will get Alzheimer's disease. Like all such studies, there are many more tests which will need to be conducted. However, this test proved accurate for 90% of subjects tested.

90%

That is a huge number. Even if this test ultimately proves not to be able to state which individuals will suffer from the tragedy of losing themselves, it certainly seems that this new test will at least be able to alert folks who are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

In answering the question of who will get Alzheimer's, scientists have now raised another and perhaps more difficult question: Would you want to  know?

For years, one of the more tragic elements of Alzheimer's and dementia has been its "Russian Roulette-ish" nature. Each passing year brings with it the guarantee of entering into a higher risk category. Like the click of an empty chamber, each birthday draws us closer and closer to the moment when the odds are stacked against us. By the age of 80, roughly half of all Americans will develop Alzheimer's disease.

Up until now it has been impossible to predict who will get Alzheimer's disease. Certain family indicators and/or injuries could raise the stakes but other than that the disease seems to pick its victims at will. You. You. Not you. Not you. You. Me.

There are currently no effective treatments, no vaccines or preventative methods. There is currently no cure.

So would you want to know?

For more information on this story:


Thursday, March 6, 2014

So You Want To Move Closer To Your Grandkids?


I frequently hear of seniors relocating to be near family. That makes sense. If something were to happen, it stands to reason that a person would want to be surrounded by those who know them best and could theoretically provide the best care. Unfortunately, there is not always a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow and many seniors find themselves in a strange purgatory between family and the unfamiliar.

Even in the most optimal scenario, the realities of adapting to a new environment and routine are daunting. Relocation is a difficult process at any age not simply because of the physical aspects of the transition but for the emotional difficulty of founding new friends as well. I have seen this relocation scenario play out a number of times with eerily similar results.

A grandparent (we will call her Eleanor) relocates to be closer to her family. In the absence of any friends of her own in a new environment, Eleanor's family becomes her only community.  Over time, she begins to feel like an unwanted house guest. She can't put her finger on anything specific at first but with each passing week it becomes clear that relations have begun to sour. Soon Eleanor's adult children begin to clearly resent the fact that their family has gained a new(old) member. Smiles and pleasantries are less frequent on both sides which leads her to feel unappreciated and distanced from the family she gave everything up to be near. Sensing that her welcome has run out, she spends less time with the grandchildren for whom she moved to be near and more time in the cute little townhouse she purchased. Suddenly, the isolation she always feared would find her if she lived far away has located her only a few short blocks from her daughter's family. She never wanted to be a burden but a burden is exactly what she feels like.

Certainly there are seniors who manage to make late life transitions work. Unfortunately, they are the exception and not the rule. So here are four quick and easy guidelines for making transitions work for everyone.

1. Set Babysitting Boundaries-

Young children not only add stress to a marriage, they can critically complicate a multi-generational living situation. Set clear parameters for healthy interaction AND distance. Openly and honestly discuss the role you each want to play in each other's life. For some, Sunday lunch and babysitting once a month may be plenty to foster the relationship and preserve the wanted family dynamic. For others, interaction may be much more or less frequent. In either scenario, have this talk with both adult child and adult child's spouse before making a move of any kind.

2. Design Your New Life-

If you can remember that high school boy/girlfriend whose world revolved around you then you understand the importance of having a life of your own. The activities you enjoyed in a previous community should be deliberately cultivated in a new environment. Sit down with your family and establish a plan to engage in the community of which you are going to become a part. From bridge clubs to swimming, soup kitchens to church groups; it is vital that a grandparent be actively engaged in something other than just the life of their family.

3.Take A Vacation...To Your Old Life-

The bonds which have been formed over decades should not simply be cast aside when a move occurs. In many instances, that is the unintended result. Like any relationship, old friendships must be intentionally cultivated in person. Deliberately set dates on which you will return to spend time with your old friends and neighbors. Let nothing prevent you from honoring these commitments. Make sure that your adult children understand and are similarly dedicated to helping you maintain your connection to the life you are leaving behind.

4. Family Meetings-

Take your adult child and their spouse out to dinner once or twice a year (sans kids) in order to continually cultivate an open dialogue. Use this as an opportunity to express your gratitude for the active role they are playing in helping you age successfully. Revisit the plan you created to stay accountable or amend it as needed. Listen to each other and understand that the family dynamic will constantly change as everyone ages together. 


A multi-generational family can be a tremendous blessing to everyone involved. Making it work requires a significant initial investment of both time and vulnerability as well as the careful tending of master gardener. If you choose to plant the seeds, you can't be afraid to get your hands a little dirty.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

A Fresh Perspective From The Lady in Number 6


A few weeks ago, I watched the Academy Awards with my wife. Truth be told, we were both asleep by 9:30 and missed most of the major awards. We were, however, awake to see the award given to this year's Best Documentary Short, The Lady in Number 6.

The film is the inspiring story of the world's oldest living holocaust survivor, Alice Herz-Sommer,  and the optimism with which she lived her life in spite of having endured one of the most horrific ordeals imaginable. Not a traditional holocaust movie, this documentary focuses on Alice's committed belief in the power of music to uplift and transport us to a higher plane.

When asked about her experience during the holocaust, Alice posits a surprising response. "Sometimes it happens that I am thankful to have been there because this gave me..eh...I am richer than other people. My reaction on life is quite another one. All complain 'this is terrible.' It's not so terrible."

She describes meeting German soldiers after the holocaust and their shock at her amiability towards them. "They would ask: 'Don't you hate us?' I would never hate. Hatred only brings hatred."

When asked how she can look at so many horrible things to which she was a victim with such a positive outlook she says: "It depends on me. Everything is good and bad. I look at the good side."

Regarding her status as the world's oldest living holocaust survivor she states: "Only when we are so old, we are aware of the beauty of life."

Sadly, Alice passed away only a few short days before the film documenting her remarkable journey was honored before the world. I think receiving that award would have made her smile.



I would highly recommend spending $5 and taking 30 minutes out of your life to view The Lady in Number 6.  It is available  for both rental and purchase at www.nickreedent.com.




Monday, March 3, 2014