Golden Alert: Seniors Living Alone -It maybe Hazardous to Their Health

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Research has shown that an alarming number of seniors are remaining in their homes when they are in need of more assistance and high level of care. In so many of these cases they are remaining in their homes alone.

Most of us wish to remain in our homes as long as possible but when do the benefits of staying your home no longer out weight the dangers? 

Our Social Worker, Alisha Duvall MSW/MFT, found that after consulting the Administration on Aging that nearly 44% of seniors 65 and older living alone need assistance with the activities of daily living.  Some would say that there is an easy solution to preventing these dangers - move them into a nursing home. Our Social Worker disagrees. Most seniors can excel and thrive in a lower level of care. In Kenctuckiana there are over four levels of care before you need nursing home long term care and those options should be explored. 

Call Alisha at (502)242-7691

There are many dangers of living alone. In an article in the Smithsonian,  Joseph Stromberg declared Warning: Living alone may be hazardous to your health. He went on to say that it is not simply the dangers of depression and anxiety that develop with prolonged social isolation but it actually increases a seniors change of death.  

 Joseph Stromberg  went on to say, "the group, led by Andrew Steptoe, examined data on the 6,500 older adults (aged 52 and up) who took part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in 2004, and monitored which participants survived up until last March. The researchers specifically looked at the association between mortality (overall risk of death) and a pair of conditions: social isolation (as indicated by a lack of contact with others) and loneliness (as reflected by participants’ answers on a survey).

In total, 14.1 percent of the people who’d participated in the survey had died in the 8 years after the study was administered, but those who were classified as socially isolated had died at considerably higher rates. Of the most socially isolated respondents, 21.9 percent did not survive to March 2012, as compared with 12.3 percent of the least isolated. Even after the participants’ baseline health and demographic factors were taken into account, being socially isolated still correlated to an increase in their mortality.

Interestingly, though, defining oneself as lonely—via the answers about one’s emotions and psychological state on the survey—did not have the same effect. Those who were lonely did have overall higher mortality, but this was because on average, they were older and had poorer baseline health conditions at the start. When the researchers controlled for baseline health and age, the mortality gap between the lonely and the non-lonely largely vanished.

This indicates that the real danger of living alone is not feeling lonely per se, but having reduced contact with others. One possibility is that an older person who seldom sees friends and family is less likely to get the help they need in managing various ailments, and is probably also less likely to be encouraged to go see a doctor when new health problems pop up. The researchers speculate that living alone might even cause people to have poorer health habits, such as smoking, eating an unhealthy diet and getting less physical activity."

As previous researchers have found those with a health condition such as cardiovascular disease are more likely to die than of their counterparts who are not living alone.  Just like a pack of wolves are more likely to survive than the lone wolf so are Seniors. Simply being around others helps us ensure that we take better care of ourselves. Call our social worker today to ask about your loved ones risk and the options and resources available to get them the extra care and support they need. 


Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/warning-living-alone-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health-8795790/#H3P42Lqzy4gAEIwS.99
 

4 Ways to Prevent Pneumonia

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Getting shot is not typically thought of for it’s health benefits except when you are referring to immunizations.

Get Shot: Immunize Yourself

Seniors and those at higher risk are advised by centers such as the Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. This one-time vaccine can reduce severity and even prevent pneumonia.

Although Senior have been referred to as “Classics” their symptoms are anything but.

Atypical: Not your Classic Symptoms

Diagnosis of pneumonia within the senior population can be difficult because they do not typically suffer the classic symptoms. Family members should keep an eye out for symptoms like confusion, dizziness, delirium or other non-respiratory symptoms like weakness.

Have you ever heard the saying: Cleanliness is next to Godliness?

The practice of good hygiene habits can be one of the most effective ways to prevent Pneumonia. It can even work to prevent other illnesses such as colds, influenza or other respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia. The team at the Mayo Clinic recommend hand washing regularly to help prevent the spread of these illnesses.

As a backup when you do not have  access to a sink hand sanitizer is a good alternative in a pinch. 

Did you know that healthcare professionals say - Eating reduces your risk of Pneumonia? 

Seniors can help prevent pneumonia by making sure they are eating healthy. Proper nutrition leads to overall good health because it can keep the immune system strong and able to fight off infection that may come their way. Double check that your one is following  the current nutritional guidelines. It also doesn’t hurt to ensure they are getting plenty of rest and exercise.

Needing assistance?

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We are excited to share our newest spotlight in the today's transitions magazine. 

Finding out a family member is no longer able to safely remain in their home so often takes families by surprise. Countless of families just like you find themselves not sure where to turn for help.

Utilizing a reputable senior placement agency can make the search for the right Senior Living option a smooth process. An experienced advisor can guide families through the web of decisions that it takes to make a transition a success. Successful transitions can be challenging for families who try to navigate the waters of healthcare alone. There is a peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the professional support that aids in making decisions that can save time and money for your loved one.

Make sure the advisor you choose is knowledgeable about the resources and communities in Kentuckiana area. Be cautious of shopping on the internet for senior housing assistance. Numerous local families have voiced concerns about how their personal information they entered on a website may have been released to others or even worse sold to other companies. When entering you or your loved ones personal information on a website; read the fine print on the Privacy Policy. Often you can find language that allows the website to sell or disclose your personal and contact information with third parties.

Rick M, a local hospital Case Manager, tells of why he refers the families that he assist to Alisha Duvall, MSW/MFT, of Alee Solutions. “She acts with professionalism, compassion, and an empathy that cannot be imitated. Her path led her to start her own business Alee Solutions, which specializes in finding placement for seniors.  She has went above and beyond what she promises her clients. Alisha does this because she genuinely cares for people.  I assure you that it is not for the money, she doesn't know if she is going to be paid when taking on new clients.  She does everything she can for them and sees them through to the end. Alisha has more integrity and love for people that I can only hope to one day achieve."  Rick M. went on to say how important it is to have a local resource like Alee Solutions because with the number of senior living options available to us here in Kentuckiana it is   likely the facility that best would fit your loved ones needs might not pop up in your online search or when asking friends about where their loved ones have gone. That is why companies like this exist and why you should call a Social Worker first.  Most of these services are at no cost to the families.

 

Beware of the Sneaky Senior Living Shoppers

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Beware

if you see these ladies.

These ladies have allegedly been to at least two Assisted Living / Senior Living Facilities recently and claimed they were searching for Senior Care for a loved one. As it turns out they have used the kind and caring hearts of those in our community to prey on. They have been said to have stolen items when the staff have turned their backs during a visit or tour. 

They even took cards out of someones purse and spent $1,500.00 on gift cards right up the street after they left leaving the victium little time to notice anything had gone missing before they pounced. Call the police if you see them.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Senior in your life

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Holiday last minute gift tips for the Older person in your life this year

 

A few things to get you started:

  • Aftershave
  • Air freshener plug-ins
  • Body spray
  • Button Pins
  • Calculator
  • Can coolers
  • Candy
  • Car fresheners
  • Change purse
  • Decals
  • Dice
  • Disposable camera
  • Essential oils
  • Extra memory cards
  • Fun Playing cards
  • Gloves
  • Hand exercisers
  • Handwarmers
  • Ink pens
  • Jewelry
  • Keychains
  • Lip balm
  • Lotion
  • Lures
  • Magnets
  • Magnifying glass
  • Make-up
  • Manicure tools
  • Nail polish sets
  • Pen knife
  • Perfume
  • Personalized checkbook cover
  • Personalized coasters
  • Poker chips
  • Scarves
  • Sharpie markers
  • Shoelaces
  • Small flashlight
  • Snacks
  • Socks
  • Stress balls
  • Sunglasses
  • Toothbrush
  • Wallet
  • Watches
  • Winter hats
  • Zippo Lighters

Filling a Senior's stocking this year with more than cheer!

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Holiday gift tips for the Older person in your life this year

 

A few things to get you started:

  • Aftershave

  • Air freshener plug-ins

  • Body spray

  • Button Pins

  • Calculator

  • Can coolers

  • Candy

  • Car fresheners

  • Change purse

  • Decals

  • Dice

  • Disposable camera

  • Essential oils

  • Extra memory cards

  • Fun Playing cards

  • Gloves

  • Hand exercisers

  • Handwarmers

  • Ink pens

  • Jewelry

  • Keychains

  • Lip balm

  • Lotion

  • Lures

  • Magnets

  • Magnifying glass

 

  • Make-up

  • Manicure tools

  • Nail polish sets

  • Pen knife

  • Perfume

  • Personalized checkbook cover

  • Personalized coasters

  • Poker chips

  • Scarves

  • Sharpie markers

  • Shoelaces

  • Small flashlight

  • Snacks

  • Socks

  • Stress balls

  • Sunglasses

  • Toothbrush

  • Wallet

  • Watches

  • Winter hats

  • Zippo Lighters

truly a woman who did not wait to make a difference

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She does a great job in helping others, particularly seniors have a better safer and quality life.

I have worked alongside Alisha for years.  In all of my career I have never worked with someone that is as passionate, as caring, and as dedicated to helping others.  She bore a heavy burden while with Hosparus as she assisted those in the end of life.  She acted with professionalism, compassion, and an empathy that can not be imitated.

Her path led her to start her own business Alee Solutions, that specializes in finding placement for seniors.  She has went above and beyond what she promises her clients.  Alisha does this because she genuinely cares for people.  I assure you that it is not for the money, she doesn't know if she is going to be paid when taking on new clients.  She does every thing she can for them and sees them through to the end.

Alisha has more integrity and love for people that I can only hope to one day achieve.

Alisha Duvall with Alee Solutions as a woman who did not wait to make a difference.  Alisha started her own business at the age of 30. She formed her business Alee Solutions when she realized that there is a better option for transitioning thru life stages than what our healthcare system offers.  She has created a business that is much needed in today’s life and times and has stayed true to herself and her values and continues to achieve her goals. Alisha has a BA in Psychology; Masters in Social Work and Post Master in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has high integrity and works tirelessly in the community. She is on the Stroke Board, fundraiser for stroke, Senior Care Experts and Alzheimer’s as well as being on the board for Floyd County Special Student Summer Program.  Alisha Duvall is truly a woman who did not wait to make a difference in her life and the lives of our senior population.

Outstanding member of Board of Directors for the Kentuckiana Stroke Association, she has creatively found new fundraising opportunities for the association to carry out its mission. She dedicates herself to their events and insures their success. Her work for causes within the community is exemplary.

Deciding if you Must Toss Memories in the Trash? - Professional Organizer gives her advice

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Downsizing and organizing a loved-one’s estate can be a struggle. Having to make decisions about their personal property, what to save, what to toss, what to give away can be exhausting. This “emotional workday” leaves many of the families I have worked with feeling emotionally and physically drained.

Taken from her website.

Read more about what professional organizer and senior move specialist, Vickie Dellaquila, recommends to do in her book  Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash.

Profound Review -- Share if you feel the same way

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"Her path led her to start her own business Alee Solutions, that specializes in finding placement for seniors.  She has went above and beyond what she promises her clients.  Alisha does this because she genuinely cares for people.  I assure you that it is not for the money, she doesn't know if she is going to be paid when taking on new clients.  She does every thing she can for them and sees them through to the end.

Alisha has more integrity and love for people that I can only hope to one day achieve." - Rick M.

 
 

using her talents and gifts to help those in need of support

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What are people saying about Alee Solutions and our Social Worker Alisha Duvall ?

Alisha is a true professional and dedicated to her profession.  She is a well connected in the Louisville area and is doing well with her new business.  - Katie W. Louisville KY

She does a great job in helping others, particularly seniors have a better safer and quality life. - Louisville KY.

Alisha Duvall is a Social Worker whose work goal is to help people through difficult times. She has done this through working with individuals and families, with Hospice end-of-life care, and through her business Alee Solutions. She assists those with chronic health concerns and their families find care solutions which match the physical, financial, emotional and spiritual needs of both loved one and family. She has volunteered to lead a discussion group for loved ones with Alzheimer's/dementia which meets concurrently with our Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group. This allows the loved ones to discuss their challenges, reminisce, and do small projects, while at the same time allowing the caregiver the freedom to attend the caregiver meeting, knowing that their loved one is close by and being pampered and encouraged at the same time. Alisha is a young woman who is using her talents and gifts to help those in need of support. - Sara G. Southeast Christian Church Alzheimer's Support Group Leader . Louisville, KY