VA benefit gets cost of living increase...

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

 After several years with no annual increases, Congress recently passed a bill to raise the pension for eligible veterans and surviving spouses for the VA Aide & Attendance benefit.  Beginning January 2012, the 3.6% increase results in new monthly pension amounts of: 

1. Married Veteran- $2,020  
2. Single Veteran- $1,704 
3. Surviving Spouse - $1,094

 There are 3 key elegibility requirements for A&A benefits.  These are:
 (1)  The veteran must have served in active military for 90 or more consecutive days, with 1 day during a period of wartime as defined by the Veterans Administration.
 (2)  The veteran must have been discharged under anything other than dishonorable conditions.
 (3)  The veteran must be over the age of 65 or disabled.

The application can be daunting, but this is a benefit that every veteran should take advantage of. If you're eligible for this benefit, or just have questions about how to get started, feel free to call our office.  We'll be glad to help get you started.

Care for the caregiver...

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

 Despite the best of intentions, family care-giving can quickly become a difficult and overwhelming task. Known as the “Sandwich Generation,” millions of Americans are understandably feeling the strain of caring for aging parents and raising families, all while managing demanding careers and tending to household duties.
 Although it may seem selfish at first, your top priority as a family caregiver should always be yourself! You must be at your best in order to provide your loved ones the quality care and attention they deserve. The good news is there are several resources and support groups available to provide respite care and relieve much of this undue stress, including:
• http://www.caregiving.org/ : Connects you with other family caregivers and provides access to support groups and organizations.
• http://www.lknhomecare.com/ : Provides easy access to caregiver tips and resources, pertinent information and a national network of compassionate, qualified caregivers.
  We know from personal experience that family caregiving can be a much more enjoyable experience once you recognize and accept there are limits to what you can accomplish alone. Our own families have cared for at least two parents who were facing terminal illnesses. While we had quite a bit of family to help provide support, we hired supplemental care as well. As a result, we were less stressed and able to enjoy precious time with our loved ones.
 When all is said and done, you want to cherish fond memories of spending quality time with your loved ones, not the strain and tension it caused.
 Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s encouraged.

Alzheimer's awareness: 2011 Sobering Facts and Figures

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958


 When it comes to Alzheimer's Disease, it's not just the person with the disease that suffers.  It's also their caregivers:

- In 2010, 14.9 million families or friends provided over 17 billion hours of unpaid care to Alzheimer's patients.
- The estimated cost of the unpaid care totaled over $202.6 billion in 2010.
- Over 60% of those caregivers report symptoms of stress or depression resulting from caring for an Alzheimer's sufferer.


 An item that is often forgotten about Alzheimer's:  It more than just memory loss.  It kills.
- Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and the 5th leading cause of death for those 65 and older.
- There is no know way at this time to prevent or cure Alzheimer's.
- Deaths from Alzheimer's increased 66% between 2000 & 2008.  Deaths from other major diseases (ie: breast cancer, stroke, prostate cancer, HIV), including heart disease decreased.


 The good news is that for 2011, there was over $12.8 million in funding granted to more than 70 investigative groups.  New information on the disease is forthcoming on a daily basis.  We'll continue to post information as it's available, so check back often.  Also, visit www.alz.org for more information.

Easy Access to Free Information

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958

  There are numerous agencies, programs and organizations that provide assistance and support for seniors and families. Each agency has a particular focus of interest and resources to support its clients.  The U.S. Administration on Aging maintains the Eldercare Locator, a national directory that helps people locate aging services in every community throughout the United States. You can find the Eldercare Locator at www.eldercare.gov .  This is a free web service that can direct you to local contacts in your area.  Give it a try!

Alzheimer's Awareness: New Research Results for Treatment

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 The amount of effort that goes into Alzheimer's treatment is impressive.  Just this week, researchers reported that insulin may have a very positive impact on Alzheimer's sufferers.  While this is all preliminary information, it highlights some of the continuing research which seeks to find a way to control or prevent this disease.  This short video gives a summary report of this new development...

  Home Helpers of LKN and Central NC will continue to keep you up to date on news and developments surrounding Alzheimer's.  If you have questions about caring for someone with Alzheimer's, call our office today.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Tips - Continuing Awareness Series

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958 

 Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be one of the most difficult challenges a person will ever encounter.  The following tips can help smooth the experience:

1. Don't argue with the sufferer -- agree with them even if it seems completely silly, and live in the reality of their moment.
2. Don't use logic or reason -- Alzheimer's suffers rarely respond well to logic.  Find a diversion, or distraction, and focus on something they like.
3. Don't try to force -- Offer suggestions and rewards.
4. Don't command -- Ask them to help, and compliment their performance when they comply.
5. Don't say, "remember" -- Asking an Alzheimer's patient to "remember" often creates frustration.  Simply reminisce about the old days.  For instance, talk about how much fun you had on a trip.
6. Don't say, "I told you!" -- Expect to repeat the answer to a question several times.  Often you can turn it around and ask them the same question. For instance: "What time does my TV show come on?"  Respond with "I'm not sure, what time does it usually come on?"
7. Don't let hurtful comments upset you -- These are going to happen.  Just calmly change the subject.
8. Don't be condescending -- Encourage, praise, and reward.  The smallest actions should be recognized.
9. Don't be negative -- Be positive and reassure them of your love, your continued support and their safety.
10. Don't focus on the decline -- Live in the moment, savor the time and the life that is still there.