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How to Talk to You Employer about Your Caregiver Support Needs

Caring for your dad is becoming more difficult. You’re exhausted and struggling to keep up with your workload. Maybe it’s impacting multiple areas of your life.

Majorities of respondents in a survey of North American working family caregivers, conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network, report caregiving has put a strain on multiple aspects of their lives including:

Finances (60 percent)
Physical and mental health (74 percent and 81 percent, respectively)
Career (65 percent)
Ability to manage work/life balance (83 percent)

Not only do you like your job, you need it to pay the bills. So how do you broach the subject of family caregiving without the fear that you could be jeopardizing your job?

“Do you know I am taking care of my dad? I would love to tell you a little about him and what I am doing to care for him. I am looking for ways to ensure I am always doing the best I can at work and at home.”

“I hope you know how much I value my job. That’s why I would like to make sure that my work is covered in the event of a family emergency. I would love to learn about any services our company has that could help me. And then, it would be great to work with you to put together a plan.”

“My dad needs to spend a week in the hospital next month and I would like to be with him since I am his caregiver. I have jotted down some ideas for how I could cover my job and my work while I’m gone. Could I schedule some time to discuss this with you?”

“A flexible start time would help me so much in ensuring that my father’s needs are covered before I leave for work. I believe that would help me be more productive on the job. Can I count on the company’s understanding?”
Think about ways to make the most of the time you have with your boss.

It is important to suggest ideas that work for both your employer and you, and to provide an opportunity to test out your plan to make sure that it does, in fact, work.

 

Learn More at: DaughtersintheWorkplace.com

 

 

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American Heart Month

 

 

 

 

What is American Heart Month?

American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved.

• The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.

• The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.

• At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease.

• While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it’s important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.9 million deaths each year.

That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease, a percentage that reflects recently updated guidelines for treating high blood pressure, according to a new report. High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – can lead to heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

“We’re becoming more and more aware of the importance of high blood pressure. Levels we used to think were normal we now associate with worse outcomes, and treating them makes a big difference,” said Dr. Emelia J. Benjamin, a professor of cardiology at Boston University and chair of the group that wrote the American Heart Association’s “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2019 Update”.

The report, published Thursday in the AHA journal Circulation, has been released annually since 1958 and is based on data from the National Institutes of Health and other government sources. This year’s report said 121.5 million adults in the U.S. – 48 percent based on 2016 figures – has cardiovascular disease. Heart disease was the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. and stroke was No. 5, the same ranking as in the previous year.

For more information, visit: www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show

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Friendship Line

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDSHIP……..

“Our connections to others are what bind us to life.”
– Patrick Arbore

 

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, They created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Their trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

• Providing emotional support
• Elder abuse reporting
• Grief support through assistance and reassurance
• Active suicide intervention
• Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities.

Friendship Line 1-800-971-0016
Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares. -Institute on Aging

 

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Home Delivered Meals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When older adults cannot leave their homes and cannot personally prepare nutritious meals, home delivered meals are an available option.  Volunteers who deliver meals to homebound older persons have an important opportunity to check on the welfare of the homebound elderly and are encouraged to report any health or other problems that they may observe during their visits.

AgeSmart funds 10 nutrition providers throughout 7 counties serving over 1200 meals every day. Last year, we provided 330,000 meals 2200 unduplicated clients.

 

To be eligible for HDM, an older adult must be assessed by CCU.
Must be 60 or older / adult child with disability living with an eligible older adult
Not means-tested
No charge / suggested donation only – $ goes back into program to maintain program

 

Here is a list of providers in your community:

Bond County
Bond County Senior Center
1001 E. Harris Ave
Greenville, IL 62246

618-664-1465

Clinton Country
Clinton County Senior Service Inc.
630 Eighth Street
Carlyle, IL 62231

618-594-2321

O.W. Billhartz Civic Center
100 East Birch
New Baden, IL 62265

618-224-9913

Western Clinton Co. Senior Services
520 North Main Street
Trenton, IL 62293

618-224-9913

Madison County
Senior Services Plus
2603 North Rodgers Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

618-465-3298

Granite City Nutrition Site
2060 Delmar Avenue
Granite City, IL 62040

618-877-0513

Monroe County
Columbia Senior Center
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
411 Palmer Road
Columbia, IL 62236

618-281-7414

Waterloo Senior Multipurpose Center

207 West 4th Street

Waterloo, IL 62298

618-939-8880

Randolph County
Sparta Senior Multipurpose Center
500 West Second Street
Sparta, IL 62286

618-443-4020

Chester Senior Multipurpose Center
805 State Street
Chester, IL 62233

618-826-5108

Red Bud Senior Center
1445 West Market
Red Bud, IL 62278

618-282-6333

Steeleville Senior Center
107 West Broadway
Steeleville, IL 62288

618-965-3134

St. Clair County
Mascoutah Senior Center
227 North Market Street
Mascoutah, IL 62258

618-566-8758

Millstadt Senior Center
102 South Jefferson Street
Millstadt, IL 62260

618-476-3731

Seasoned Circle Café
1274 N. 37th Street
East St. Louis, IL 62205

618-271-2522

Washington County
Nashville Nutrition Site
454 North Hoffman
Nashville, IL 62263

618-327-4078

Okawville Nutrition Site
305 North Nashville Street
Okawville, IL 62271

618-243-6605

618-243-6533

 

If you want to learn more about the services available in your area visit our website….http://agesmart.org/services-in-your-area/.

 

 

 

 

 

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Embrace Your Aging with Aging Mastery Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americans are living longer. America’s older population will double by 2030 and 20% of the population will be 65 years and older by 2050. Education and resources that empowers people to embrace their longevity and live their lives to the fullest is more important than ever. As children, we learn how to be successful adults, but no one teaches us how to age well. As a result, most are unprepared for this new stage in life.

Enter Aging Mastery Program.

Developed by National Council on Aging, the Aging Mastery Program® is a comprehensive evidence-based program that is designed to inform, encourage, and support older adults as they take steps to improve their lives and stay engaged in their communities. The program incorporates evidence-informed materials, expert speakers, group discussion, peer support, and small rewards to give participants the skills and tools they need to achieve measurable improvements in managing their health, remaining economically secure, and increasing social connectedness.

Core curriculum of this 10-session workshop includes topics such as healthy eating and hydration, sleep, financial fitness, advance planning, medication management, and healthy relationships. The program encourages individuals to make and maintain small, impactful changes to their behaviors to live a healthier, happier, and more secure life.

Ready to embrace your own aging? Registration for our upcoming Aging Mastery Program® is now open. We hope to see you there!

Shiloh Senior Center
7 Park Dr. Shiloh, IL 62269
Tuesday, March 5 – May 7, 10:00 – 12:00
To register, call 314-862-4859, ext. 24.

To learn about other wellness programs, contact AgeSmart at 618-222-2561.

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Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

 

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions that impact older adults’ ability to live at home. Millions of adults are limited by arthritis in their ability to walk, climb stairs, bend, or kneel, or participate in regular social activities. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese practice is gaining popularity as a way to fight off the crippling pain of arthritis and increase flexibility and strength without straining joints.

Its slow, gentle, fluid movements along with deep breathing, this mind-body practice can help reduce pain and stiffness exercising most of the muscles and joints throughout the body. It can also help you relax and improve your sense of well-being, which is important in helping you deal with pain. Tai Chi is also associated with improved balance and reduced risk of falls. It is safe for people of all ages and it’s especially beneficial to older adults who can’t perform more vigorous forms of physical activity.

If you or your loved ones are struggling with joint pain and limited mobility, there’s an excellent chance that Tai Chi can help.
To find a Tai Chi class near you, contact AgeSmart at 618-222-2561.

 

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Help Change Someone’s Life

It is amazing what a handful of caring and giving individuals can do. With gifts to AgeSmart Community Resources you can assure that older adults have services they need to stay well, healthy and in the community. With your help this year Mr. D was able to come back home after a long nursing home stay.   Listen to his story……..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfyIMtG-naA&feature=youtu.be

 

 

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AgeSmart Community Resources in on the Move!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Spring of 2019 AgeSmart Community Resources, the Local Area Agency on Aging will be moving to 801 West State Street in O’Fallon, IL. In the past ten years the programs AgeSmart provides for older adults, caregivers and veterans have expanded and they have outgrew their current space. The new location will better support the services and the people served by AgeSmart.

With the move AgeSmart will be adding an Education Center which will host a multitude of informative and interactive programs for the community. Some of these activities are health and wellness programs such as A Matter of Balance, a fall prevention program and Tai Chi others include New to Medicare seminars, Fraud Prevention, Aging Well and more. Activities will be listed on AgeSmart’s website www.AgeSmart.org.

The current home to AgeSmart is on the market. Check it out at: https://barbermurphy.com/properties/744-2365-Country-Rd-Shiloh-Illinois-62221-St-Clair-County/

Visit AgeSmart in the Spring of 2019!

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What You Should Know About Older Drivers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Older adults are statistically the safest drivers on the road.* Older drivers are more likely to use their seat belts and less likely to drive impaired. The number of accidents that involve older drivers decreases as age increases. Older drivers tend to drive when conditions are best and avoid busy rush hours and night driving. Sharing the roads with older drivers poses negligible risk to other drivers.**

Drivers over 70 do have a higher risk of accidents compared to other age groups and have more collisions than middle age drivers but not as many as young drivers. Limiting driving as a person ages depends on each individual. Age is not the whole picture. Age does affect motor skills and alertness but is different for everyone. It is unfair to say that all aging adults are affected to the same extent as others.

Eighteen states require older drivers to renew their licenses more frequently. In Illinois drivers over 75 are required to take a road test. California is unique and requires older adults to renew in person with an exam and written test every 5 years and Doctors must report when they feel a patient is exhibiting features that might inhibit their driving.

The ability to drive is related to health rather than age. Older drivers can do some things related to health to make them safer drivers.

• See the eye doctor every 1-2 years after 65
• Have your hearing tested every 3 years after age 50.
• If someone has dementia it is important to keep communication about driving open. People with dementia will eventually become unsafe but the question is: at what point? In the early stages of dementia many people are able to manage activities like driving.
• Read the warning labels on medications.
• Stay physically active.

Here are some tips from an 87-year-old driver who is a volunteer at AgeSmart.

When on longer trips:
• Plan your route in advance,
• Stop frequently, walk around,
• Enroute ask Siri for directions, Siri’s oral instructions such as “in half mile get in right lane to exit and McDonalds is on your right” etc.

Driving is an individual decision, based on many factors. Like anything related to aging, plan ahead, do your research and communicate with family.

For most people driving means independence. It is a way to get to appointments, go shopping and stay connected to the community. With the loss of this ability people become isolated and lonely and dependent on others. If you or someone you know is thinking of putting away the keys call your Area Agency on Aging or in the Metro East Illinois AgeSmart Community Resources to find out what options for transportation are available in your community. Call 618-222-2561 or visit www.AgeSmart.org.

Other resources:

Memorial Hospital Driver Rehabilitation Program – www.independentdriver.com
618-257-5250
AARP Driver Safety – www.aarpdriversafety.org
AgeSmart Community Resources – www.AgeSmart.org 618-222-2561
Alzheimer’s Association – https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri
800-272-3900

Source: *National Institute on Aging, **Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

 

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Healthy Eating Tips During the Holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthy Eating Tips During the Holidays

  • Eat breakfast or snacks earlier in the day and avoid the idea of saving carbs for the big feast.  If you skip meals, it will be harder to manage your blood sugar
  • Limit the number of servings of starchy foods on your plate
  • Choose fruits and vegetables served raw, grilled, or steamed.  Avoid veggies served in cream, gravies, and butter
  • Choose smaller portions of your favorite foods, eat slowly, and savor every bite
  • Take a walk after the meal–avoid sitting or lying down
  • Food safety should be part of any celebration involving food.  A good rule of thumb; Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.  Food left at room temperature for over two hours should be discarded
  • Drink plenty of water before and after a meal to help with digestion and overeating
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