A New Year & Heart Health

Every new year, Americans are made aware that it’s a good time to be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack, adopt a healthy diet, or stop bad habits, all to help avoid heartdisease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Some of us make a true effort to change lifestyles, for others, it never really takes hold.  And while a cardiac event can temporarily slow a person of any age, it is particularly limiting for older adults.

Differences in activity level for those with and without heart disease are substantial. Adults with heart disease are much more likely to have difficulties with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, etc.  A task as simple as walking out to get the mail, can become challenging for a person affected by heart disease.  Among those with coronary heart disease, about one-third of those age 51 to 61 and about half of those age 70 and older have difficulty with one or more of these activities, or what’s commonly referred to as ADLs.

We strive to help people remain in their homes by assisting them in a safe and compassionate way. If you know someone who is limited in their activity because of a cardiac event, or any illness, give us a call.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Health Benefits from Coffee

With so many things in our lives that seem to be bad for us, here’s a bit of information we came across this week that is very positive.  Like wine, chocolate and popcorn, coffee has joined the ranks of unlikely foods with health benefits!  Of course, with every endorsement there are caveats, and as with most foods, it’s moderation.  Excessive consumption can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and foster a dependence on caffeine.  However, if  you limit the cream and sugar, here are 5 benefits:
1. Memory Improvement.  Coffee can help with both long- and short-term memory. In a 2005 study presented at the Radiological Society of North America, researchers found that consuming two cups of caffeinated coffee improved short-term memory and reaction times.
2. Diabetes.  Studies suggest that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.  It’s attributed to compounds in coffee that block hIAPP, a polypeptide that can result in abnormal protein fibers, which are found in people with Type 2.
3. Decreases Cancer Risk.  Coffee consumption has been associated with decreased risk of breast, endometrial, prostate and liver cancers, and those linked with obesity, estrogen and insulin.
4. Antioxidant Properties.  Harvard researcher Edward Giovannucci, in research published in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,” noted that coffee has more antioxidants than most vegetables and fruits. In fact, a 2005 study found that coffee is the No. 1 source for antioxidants in the American diet.
5. Performance.  Coffee, and the caffeine in it, has been shown in multiple studies to increase both endurance and short-term performance.
So there you have it, 5 reasons to enjoy a good cup of coffee!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Senior Scams

 For most of us, it's difficult to understand that there are people who purposely try to take advantage of others.  Unfortunately, it happens more often than we think.  Recently, our office has been working closely with local law enforcement to help unravel a nationwide scam that is affecting citizens in our local area.  Because of the ongoing investigation, we can't reveal the details at this time.  However, it's safe to say that the perpetrators work to build trust with the individual they are targeting, and then use that trust to obtain large sums of money.  In most cases, the victim is handing over their life savings. Because of the trust relationship, the victims struggle to see what is actually happening.  By the time an outside person convinces them that they are being taken advantage of, or they realize it themselves,  it's usually too late.

 If you have elderly friends or loved ones that you worry may become a victim of fraud, or suspect that it has occurred, get involved.  Inquire, but don't be demeaning.  Remember that they may have their own suspicions, but due to the trust relationship, find it embarrassing to consider or discuss.  Be gentle, but ask questions.  And if your suspicions are found to be factual, take action.  If you have any questions, feel free to call our office.  We’ll be glad to help get you connected with people that can assist.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Attention Veterans!

For Veterans that are considering applying for, or are currently receiving the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefit, there are several changes looming on the horizon which you should be aware of.  The good news is that for 2013, it appears that maximum reimbursement rates will be increasing slightly.  While not yet approved, the payment breakdown proposals are:

• Married Veteran – $2,054.00/mth
• Single Veteran – $1,732.00/mth
• Veteran’s Surviving Spouse – $1,113.00/mth
• Veteran with Ill Spouse – $1,360.00/mth

The bad news is that a new bill has been introduced that would require implementing a 3 year look-back for all applicants.  What this means is that a Vet that applies for the Aid & Attendance benefit would have to have met the financial qualifications outlined by the benefit for 3 years before qualifying.  This is a new requirement in that up until now, the VA looked at the applicant’s current financial situation with NO look-back.  Another notable change is the cessation of accelerated processing unless a vet is over the age of 90.  The full context of the proposal can be read by clicking here.
The context of the bill seems to be targeted at abuses within the benefits system, which is admirable.  Unfortunately, as currently written, the persons that will suffer the brunt of the changes will be the veteran who is seeking assistance.  Hopefully, the bill will be fully reviewed and consideration given for those that served our nation prior to passage.  If you have any questions about this topic, give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist in any way we can.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Things to consider after a visit

There’s just no substitute for a face to face visit.  It’s not uncommon to get a wake-up call after visiting aging parents.  You typically will see something that’s just not noticeable in a phone call.  Things like weight loss or the appearance of neglect, or just looking more frail than you remember from your last visit.  What to do?

1. Everyone has probably heard this before, but it’s critical and should be repeated.  Are all legal documents in order? Durable power of attorney, healthcare documents, living wills, etc., need to be current and easily located. If possible, make copies for yourself, especially if you are named in the document.
2. Are there plans for managing at home with help if needed?  If grocery shopping, cooking, transportation,  or bathing is getting difficult, discuss how help will be arranged.  Consider different In Home Care options, and how this will be financed.
3. Being isolated at home without help and without social contacts is can lead to withdrawal and depression.  Check out alternative living situations or activity centers.  If In Home Care is retained, make sure this is on the list of things that need attention.
4. If bills are languishing, or keeping track of finances is an issue, offer to help with money management.  If possible, have your name added to bank accounts.
5. Know what to do if a health emergency arises.  Establish records of doctors information, medications, recent diagnoses, and day to day health issues.  It’s almost inevitable with aging parents that a health crisis is going to come up sooner or later.  This is a good time to discuss the topic of end of life wishes.

Holiday visits can be a busy time, and it’s easy to want to ignore obvious signs of problems.  Don’t wait for someone else to mention it.  Take a deep breath, and discuss issues up front.  If you need guidance, call us.  We help clients with these challenges daily. It helps everyone in the long run.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Have a Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

From all of the staff at Home Helpers of LKN and Central NC, we wish you a safe & joyous Thanksgiving Holiday...