WORKERS TURNED CAREGIVERS LOSES MORE THAN WAGES

Senior Nutrition

The joy of eating well and aging well

Senior nutrition: Feeding the body, mind and soul

Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? Make it your motto. When you choose a variety of colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins you’ll feel simply marvelous inside and out.

• Live longer and stronger – Good nutrition keeps muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong for the long haul. Eating vitamin-rich food boosts immunity and fights illness-causing toxins. A proper diet reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, cancer, and anemia. Also, eating sensibly means consuming fewer calories and more nutrient dense foods, keeping weight in check.
• Sharpen the mind – Scientists know that key nutrients are essential for the brain to do its job. Research shows that people who eat a selection of brightly colored fruit, leafy veggies, certain fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids can improve focus and decrease the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Feel better – Eating well is a feast for your five senses! Wholesome meals give you more energy and help you look better, resulting in a self-esteem boost. It’s all connected—when your body feels good you feel happier inside and out.

Remember that balanced nutrition is more than calorie counting. Read on for more tips on creating a nutritious lifestyle.

Senior nutrition: What your body needs

Older adults can feel better immediately and stay healthy for the future by choosing healthy foods. A balanced diet and physical activity contribute to a higher quality of life and enhanced independence as you age.

Senior food pyramid guidelines

Fruit – Focus on whole fruits rather than juices for more fiber and vitamins and aim for around 1 ½ to 2 servings each day. Break the apple and banana rut and go for color-rich pickings like berries or melons.

Veggies – Color is your credo in this category. Choose anti-oxidant rich dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli as well as oranges and yellows, such as carrots, squash, and yams. Try for 2 to 2 ½ cups of veggies every day.

Calcium – Aging bone health depends on adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. Seniors need 1,200 mg of calcium a day through servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese. Non-dairy sources include tofu, broccoli, almonds, and kale.

Grains – Be smart with your carbs and choose whole grains over processed white flour for more nutrients and a higher fiber count. If you’re not sure, look for pasta, breads, and cereals that list “whole” in the ingredient list. Seniors need 6-7 ounces of grains each day and one ounce is about 1 slice of bread.

Protein – Seniors need about .5 grams per pound of bodyweight. Simply divide your bodyweight in half to know how many grams you need. A 130-pound woman will need around 65 grams of protein a day. A serving of tuna, for example, has about 40 grams of protein. Vary your sources with more fish beans, peas, nuts, eggs, milk, cheese, and seeds.

Important vitamin and minerals

Water – Seniors are prone to dehydration because our bodies lose some of its ability to regulate fluid levels and our sense of thirst is dulled. Post a note in your kitchen reminding you to sip water every hour and with meals to avoid urinary tract infections, constipation, and possibly confusion.

Vitamin B – After 50, your stomach produces less gastric acid making it difficult to absorb vitamin B-12—needed to help keep blood and nerves vital. Get the recommended daily intake (2.4 mcg) of B12 from fortified foods or a vitamin.

Vitamin D – We get most of vitamin D—essential to absorbing calcium—through sun exposure and a few foods (fatty fish, egg yolk, and fortified milk). With age, our skin is less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D, so consult your doctor about supplementing with fortified foods or a multivitamin.

Senior nutrition: Tips for wholesome eating

Once you’ve made friends with nutrient-dense food, your body will feel slow and sluggish if you eat less wholesome fare. Here’s how to get in the habit of eating well.

• Reduce sodium (salt) to help prevent water retention and high blood pressure. Look for the “low sodium” label and season meals with a few grains of course sea salt instead of cooking with salt.
• Enjoy good fats. Reap the rewards of olive oil, avocados, salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and other monounsaturated fats. Research shows that the fat from these delicious sources protects your body against heart disease by controlling “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and raising “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
• Fiber up. Avoid constipation, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and feel fuller longer by increasing fiber intake. Your go-to fiber-foods are raw fruits and veggies, whole-grains, and beans.
• Avoid “bad” carbs. Bad carbohydrates—also known as simple or unhealthy carbs— are foods such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Bad carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and short-lived energy. For long-lasting energy and stable insulin levels, choose “good” or complex carbs such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
• Look for hidden sugar. Added sugar can be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, instant mashed potatoes, frozen dinners, fast food, and ketchup. Check food labels for alternate terms for sugar such as corn syrup, molasses, brown rice syrup, cane juice, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, or maltose. Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned goods, and choose low-carb or sugar-free versions of products such as tortillas, bread, pasta, and ice cream.
• Cook smart. The best way to prepare veggies is by steaming or sautéing in olive oil—it preserves nutrients. Forget boiling—it drains nutrients.
• Put five colors on your plate. Take a tip from Japanese food culture and try to include five colors on your plate. Fruits and veggies rich in color correspond to rich nutrients (think: blackberries, melons, yams, spinach, tomato, zucchini).

Senior Nutrition: Changing dietary needs

Every season of life brings changes and adjustments to the body. Understanding what is happening will help you take control of your nutrition requirements.

Physical changes

• Metabolism. Every year over the age of forty, our metabolism slows. This means that even if you continue to eat the same amount as when you were younger, you're likely to gain weight because you're burning fewer calories. In addition, you may be less physically active. Consult your doctor to decide if you should cut back on calories.

• Weakened senses. Your taste and smell senses diminish with age. Seniors tend to lose sensitivity to salty and bitter tastes first, so you may be inclined to salt your food more heavily than before—even though seniors need less salt than younger people. Use herbs and healthy oils—like olive oil—to season food instead of salt. Similarly, seniors tend to retain the ability to distinguish sweet tastes the longest, leading some to overindulge in sugary foods and snacks. Instead of adding sugar, try increasing sweetness to meals by using naturally sweet food such as fruit, peppers, or yams.

• Medicines and Illnesses. Prescription medications and illnesses can often negatively influence appetite and may also affect taste, again leading seniors to add too much salt or sugar to their food. Ask your doctor about overcoming side effects of medications or specific physical conditions.

• Digestion. Due to a slowing digestive system, you generate less saliva and stomach acid as you get older, making it more difficult for your body to process certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, B6 and folic acid, which are necessary to maintain mental alertness, a keen memory and good circulation. Up your fiber intake and talk to your doctor about possible supplements.

Lifestyle changes

• Loneliness and depression. Loneliness and depression affect your diet. For some, feeling down leads to not eating and in others it may trigger overeating. Be aware if emotional problems are affecting your diet, and take action by consulting your doctor or therapist.
• Death or divorce. Newly single seniors may not know how to cook or may not feel like cooking for one. People on limited budgets might have trouble affording a balanced, healthy diet. See the resources below for suggestions on cooking for one and easy, healthy menu selections.

Senior nutrition: Tips for creating a well-balanced diet

Thinking of trading a tired eating regime for a nutrient-dense menu? Good for you! It’s easy and delicious.

Avoid skipping meals – This causes your metabolism to slow down, which leads to feeling sluggish and poorer choices later in the day.

Breakfast – Select high fiber breads and cereals, colorful fruit, and protein to fill you with energy for the day. Try yogurt with muesli and berries, a veggie-packed omelet, peanut-butter on whole grain toast with a citrus salad, or old-fashioned oatmeal made with dried cherries, walnuts, and honey.

Lunch – Keep your body fueled for the afternoon with a variety of whole-grain breads, lean protein, and fiber. Try a veggie quesadilla on a whole-wheat tortilla, veggie stew with whole-wheat noodles, or a quinoa salad with roasted peppers and mozzarella cheese.

Dinner – End the day on a wholesome note. Try warm salads of roasted veggies and a side of crusty brown bread and cheese, grilled salmon with spicy salsa, or whole-wheat pasta with asparagus and shrimp. Opt for sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes and grilled meat instead of fried.

Snacks - It’s okay, even recommended, to snack. But make sure you make it count by choosing high-fiber snacks to healthfully tide you over to your next meal. Choose almonds and raisins instead of chips, and fruit instead of sweets. Other smart snacks include yogurt, cottage cheese, apples and peanut butter, and veggies and hummus.

Senior nutrition: Overcoming obstacles to healthy eating

Let’s face it. There’s a reason why so many seniors have trouble eating nutritiously every day. It’s not always easy! The following tips will help you “speak the language” of good nutrition and help you feel in control.

Say “no” to eating alone

Eating with company can be as important as vitamins. Think about it: a social atmosphere stimulates your mind and helps you enjoy meals. When you enjoy mealtimes, you’re more likely to eat better. If you live alone, eating with company will take some strategizing, but the effort will pay off.

• Make a date to share lunch or dinners with grand children, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors on a rotating basis.
• Join in by taking a class, volunteering, or going on an outing, all of which can lead to new friendships and dining buddies.
• Adult day care centers provide both companionship and nutritious meals for seniors who are isolated and lonely, or unable to prepare their own meals.
• Senior meal programs are a great way to meet others. Contact your local Senior Center, YMCA, congregation or high school and ask about senior meal programs.

Loss of appetite

First, check with your doctor to see if your loss of appetite could be due to medication you're taking, and whether the dosage can be adjusted or changed. Then let the experimenting begin. Try natural flavor enhancers such as olive oil, vinegar, garlic, onions, ginger, and spices.

Difficulty chewing

Make chewing easier by drinking smoothies made with fresh fruit, yogurt, and protein powder. Eat steamed veggies and soft food such as couscous, rice, and yogurt. Consult your dentist to make sure your dentures are properly fitted.

Dry mouth

Drink 8 -10 glasses of water each day. Period. Take a drink of water after each bite of food, add sauces and salsas to foods to moisten, avoid commercial mouthwash, and ask your doctor about artificial saliva products.

I don’t like healthy food

If you were raised eating lots of meat and white bread, a new way of eating might sound off-putting. Don’t beat yourself up. Eating healthfully is a new adventure. Start with small steps:

• First and foremost, commit to keeping an open mind.
• Try including a healthy fruit or veggie at every meal.
• Focus on how you feel after eating well – this will help foster new habits and tastes.

Stuck in a rut

Rekindle inspiration by perusing produce at a farmers market, reading a cooking magazine, buying a new-to-you spice, or chatting with friends about what they eat. By making variety a priority, you’ll soon look forward to getting creative with healthy meals.

If you can’t shop or cook for yourself…

There are a number of possibilities, depending on your living situation, finances and needs:

• Take advantage of home delivery. Many grocery stores have Internet or phone delivery services.
• Swap services. Ask a friend, neighborhood teen or college student if they would be willing to shop for you.
• Share your home. If you live alone in a large home, consider having a housemate / companion who would be willing to do the grocery shopping and cooking.
• Hire a homemaker. Try to find someone who can do the shopping and meal preparation for you..

Senior nutrition: Tips for staying on track

Healthy eaters have their personal rules for keeping with the program. Here are some to keep in mind.

• Ask for help for your health’s sake. Know when you need a hand to make shopping, cooking, and meal planning assistance.
• Variety, variety, variety! Try eating and cooking something new as soon as boredom strikes.
• Make every meal “do-able.” Healthy eating needn’t be a big production. Keep it simple and you’ll stick with it. Stocking the pantry and fridge with wholesome choices will make “do-able” even easier.
• Set the mealtime mood. Set the table, light candles, play music, or eat outside or by a window when possible. Tidying yourself and your space will help you enjoy the moment.
• Break habits. If you eat watching TV, try eating while reading. If you eat at the counter, curl up to a movie and a slice of veggie pizza

Eating well is important at any age. But health issues and physical limitations sometimes make it difficult for seniors, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, to get the nutrients they need for a balanced diet. Poor nutrition and malnutrition occur in 15 to 50 percent of the elderly population. But the symptoms of malnutrition (weight loss, disorientation, lightheadedness, lethargy and loss of appetite) can easily be mistaken for illness or disease. If you are a full- or part-time caretaker for an elderly parent or grandparent, there are plenty of steps you can take to help your loved ones maintaIN good nutrition as you age.

Whether it’s because of physical limitations or financial hardship, many seniors don’t eat as well as they should. Arthritis can make cooking difficult, while certain medications can reduce appetite, making meals unappealing. A 1990 survey by Ross Laboratories found that 30 percent of seniors skip at least one meal a day, while another study found that 16 percent of seniors consume fewer than 1000 calories a day, which is insufficient to maintain adequate nutrition. There are many reasons why a senior may skip a meal, from forgetfulness to financial burden, depression    and loneliness to frailty.

Possible Causes of Poor Nutrition
The best ways to find out why your loved one isn't eating well are to pay attention, look for clues and ask questions. Encourage him to talk openly and honestly, and reassure him that he is not a burden to you or anyone else. Some of the most common reasons for poor nutrition in the elderly include:

• Decrease in sensitivity. The aging process itself is a barrier to good nutrition since it is common to for appetites to diminish as a person ages. A decline in the senses of smell and taste also affect a person’s ability to taste and enjoy food. If a meal isn’t appetizing, a senior is less likely to eat as much as he should.

• Side effects of medication. Certain medications (whether over-the-counter or prescription) can reduce appetite, cause nausea, or make food taste differently. If a senior doesn't feel hungry due to medication side effects, she is less likely to eat even though her body does need food and calories.

• Poor dental health. Seniors are more likely to suffer from dental problems. Ill-fitting dentures, jaw pain, mouth sores and missing teethcan make chewing painful. All of these factors make it increasingly difficult for the elderly to eat healthy foods.

• Financial burden. Many seniors are on fixed or limited incomes. If he is worried about money, a senior may cut back on grocery expenses or buy cheaper and less-nutritious foods to stretch his budget. Lacking money to pay for adequate foods can result in a host of nutrition problems.

• Lack of transportation. Shopping today is also more difficult with many food stores located in large shopping malls and on crowded streets. In order to go grocery shopping, a senior must drive to the store, navigate through heavy traffic and park far away from the door. Add snow and ice to the mix and you have a very treacherous situation for the elderly.

• Physical difficulty. Seniors can become frail as they age, especially when dealing with debilitating conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, vertigo (dizziness) and disability. Physical pain and poor strength can make even simple tasks (opening a can, peeling fruit, and standing long enough to cook a meal) too challenging.

• Forgetfulness. Dementia Alzheimers, and poor memory can hurt a senior's ability to eat a variety of foods on a regular schedule and remember what to buy at the store. One may keep eating the same foods over and over without realizing it, or skip meals entirely because she doesn't know the last time that she ate.

• Depression. As people age, life can become more difficult. Their loved ones may be gone (or far away), their body may be failing them, even if their mind is sharp, and loneliness can take its toll. Feeling blue or depressed can decrease one's appetite, or make him feel apathetic about caring for his health. Depression is a manageable disease when treated correctly, but left untreated it can lead to many other nutrition and health problems.

If you are concerned about the diet of an elderly person in your life, here are some practical tips to ensure he or she is getting proper nutrition:

Offer nutritionally-dense foods. Since many seniors aren’t eating as much as they should, the food they do eat must be as nutritious as possible. Encourage whole, unprocessed foods that are high in calories and nutrients for their size. Some examples include: healthy fats (nut butters, nuts, seeds and olive oil), whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats and whole grain cereals), fresh fruits and vegetables (canned and frozen are also good choices), and protein-rich beans, legumes and meat and dairy products. This will help ensure that they are getting all the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain proper health.

Enhance aromas and flavors. Appealing foods may help stimulate appetite, especially in someone whose senses of taste and smell aren't what they used to be. Seniors can intensify flavors with herbs, marinades, dressings and sauces. Switching between a variety of foods during one meal can also keep the meal interesting. Try combining textures, such as yogurt with granola, to make foods seem more appetizing.

Make eating a social event. Many seniors who live alone or suffer from depression may stop cooking meals, lose their appetites, and depend on convenience foods. If you are worried that your parent or grandparent isn’t eating properly, make meals a family occasion. Bring a hot meal over to her home or invite her to your house on a regular basis. She may become more interested in food when other people are around.

Encourage healthy snacking. Many seniors don’t like to eat large meals or don't feel hungry enough to eat three full meals a day. One solution is to encourage or plan for several mini-meals throughout the day. If this is the case, make sure each mini-meal is nutritionally-dense with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Whole grains and fortified cereals are a good source of folate, zinc, calcium, Vitamin E and Vitamin B12, which are often lacking in a senior’s diet. Cut back on prepared meats, which are high in sodium and saturated fat.

Take care of dental problems. Maintaining proper oral health can enhance nutrition and appetite. Make sure dentures fit properly and problems like cavities and jaw pain are being properly managed. Insurance plans, including Medicare, cover certain dental procedures.

Consider government assistance. Home-delivered meals, adult daycare, nutrition education, door-to-door transportation, and financial assistance programs are available to people over the age of 60 who need help.

Take them to the store. If lack of transportation is an issue, take your loved on to the grocery yourself. You can also hire a helper or neighbor to do this if you aren't available. Another option is to order his groceries for him, either from local grocers that make home deliveries (for an additional fee) or from an online grocery website. Many seniors might not be savvy enough to order food from the internet, but you could schedule a regular order for them so that groceries will be delivered right to their doorsteps.

Give reminders. If poor memory is interfering with good nutrition, schedule meals at the same time each day and give visual and verbal reminders about when it's time to eat.

Maintain food storage. Keep extra food on-hand in case of an emergency. Elderly people who live alone should keep some canned and non-perishable foods in the cupboard in case weather or health problems make it difficult to go shopping.

Use supplements carefully. While it’s tempting to take vitamin supplements to make up for nutritional shortfalls, be careful about toxicity. The elderly do not process Vitamin A as quickly as younger people do, making them susceptible to Vitamin A toxicity, for example. Certain vitamins can also interact with medications, so make sure you or your loved ones discuss the idea of supplements with their health care provider.

EXERCISING AND THE ELDERELY

Fitness Advice for Seniors and Older Adults

Between the constantly changing advice on exercising -- one minute yoga, the next minute  yoga may be an overwhelming workout option -- Zen-Core-Shred-What? -- choosing a fitness routine can be confusing. On top of that, you and your 20-year-old body have parted ways, and now you have to figure out how your post-50 body will react to physical activity.

But you shouldn't be intimidated, boomers, because you know what? Health and fitness professionals want you; in fact, you are at the very top of their priority lists. At least that's what the American College of Sports Medicine ("ACSM") "Health & Fitness Journal" found when it ranked fitness for older people.

"It's changing the fitness landscape," said Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM -- a regents professor of exercise science at Georgia State University and lead author of ACSM's study.

Nestled within the top ten fitness trends since the survey first began six years ago, fitness programs for older adults have been an ongoing focus for the health and fitness community. People at the age of retirement are more likely to have discretionary money in this economy, so they're the ones who may be able to afford personal trainers or fitness instruction, said Thompson.

But just because the health industry is pining over you and you have enough green to pay for a fitness program, doesn't mean you actually know how to start working out. Before lacing up those sneakers, follow the below tips to launch a successful fitness routine

People tend to be hard on themselves about getting out of shape, and they work up this burst of energy in getting started and that often carries over to doing too much too soon," said Richard T. Cotton, National Director of Certification for ACSM and an ACSM certified clinical exercise specialist. You should "do less than you think you're able, and that can be way less," he said.

According to Cotton, people should focus on consistency rather than immediately racking up exercise minutes.

I AM FED UP AND I WANT TO SCREAM

I have a lot on my mind tonight. I AM wondering where all the kind and caring souls are at. I bet you can't tell me. I have been looking all over the internet for a hard core caregiver support group. One that is not supported by big pharmacy or one gyrations talks about the same subjects that the other ones talk about.

I WANT to see at least one or two let it all hang out. I WANT to see one talk about the ugly side, the reality, the way things really are. I WANT to discuss things like caregiver stress and the effect that has on the residents. I WANT to talk about when a CAREGIVER's voice goes unheard and the outcome that brings about. I WANT to discuss the topic of getting old and death and dying. And much more.

I have been posting on Facebook. I have been doing talkshows. I have posting here on posterous. And it is getting me nowhere. What am I going to have to do to get attention?

Questions To Ask Before Becoming Your Parents’ Caregiver

Questions To Ask Before Becoming Your Parents’ Caregiver:

• What are the personal sacrifices I will have to make in order to properly look after my parent?
• What are the sacrifices my spouse and children will have to make in order for me to look after my parent?
• Will there be financial burden?
• Will my employer notice and object to my devoting time each day to my parent’s welfare?
• Will too much time away from work cost me my job?
• How much do I know about care giving?
• Do I have the time to do this properly?
• Will I be able to do enough, or will I always feel professional caregivers would have done a better job?
• Will I be offended or become resentful if my care giving efforts are taken for granted?
• Is there any way in which my being my parent’s caregiver could damage my relationship with that person?
• Will my spouse and/or children object to my devoting time each day to my parent’s welfare?
• Will my parent accept me as their homemaker/caregiver? Is this what they want?
• Can I integrate some professional care along with my own services to allow myself a break now and again?

The World Weighing On My Soul

I have a lot on my mind tonight. I am thinking about all those who have gone before me. I am thinking about all the ones who have no one to be with them. I read a lot of different posts on Facebook everyday about sickness and death and I think to myself can we somehow come together to make change. And I say inside my head "Yes we can if we choose to."

I wish that more than just a few would stand with me and say enough is enough. I mean come on what are we gaining by constantly complaining about things we cannot change. If you are sick then you already knows what lies ahead whether good or bad. It is what you do with your life that makes the difference. I mean you can sit around on Facebook and other platforms whining it you can make a difference. Now of course I know there are going to be times when things are so bad that you just need to vent and that is okay.

I posted a note on Facebook yesterday and the responses I am getting back is that people wish that there was more support both physical and emotional. I mean there are people suffering worse than you and they need your help. I have found that helping someone who is worse off than you takes your mind off of your situation.

Me and Deb Fisher would like to build our support network across the net for both the sick, indigent, and elderly, and also the family, caregivers, and others who care for them. But we cannot do completely on our own. Although we are moving forward with sheer will and determination to succeed at making a difference.

UCOA Internet Public Radio - United Caregivers of America (http://www.unitedcaregiversofamerica.org) was created for just this purpose. To bring a voice to not only the people without a voice but a voice to the mission of change. The Body Matrix with Deb Fisher (http://www.bodymatrixdebfisher.posterous.com) is where you can find articles and videos and Deb Fisher all over the web. Deb has RA and she wants to bring about awareness to the need for a cure to all autoimmune diseases, and to bring support to the Ones suffering with them and the ones caring for them. I am at Senior Watch with Heather Pound. My vision in life is eldercare and the caregivers who care for them. My show is at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/seniorwatch2011.>

So overall we cover all aspects of the field. We talk about caregivers sick, indigent, and elderly. We are to uplift, support, and even be a digital shoulder to lean on. We have created this network to be the voice for those without one. So I ask you this who will be there for us. We cannot do this for free. Please hit the paypal button at http://www.unitedcaregiversofamerica.org and help us grow this network. We will be posting our mission letter with other goals and ultimate objectives over the next couple of days. Thank you for your support. Heather Pound and Deb Fisher.

Change for Tomorrow Today

My name is Heather Pound. I am the senior executive director and producer of Senior Watch with Heather Pound. I am making this post to make a statement. I have been watching the Facebook trends over the past few months and I have noticed one very sad thing and that is no one truly gives a hoot about anyone or anything.

By this I mean that myself and Debra Fisher, The Body Matrix with Deb Fisher, have been posting and communicating with a lot of people on Facebook. And in return for our efforts we are simply being liked (the like button) and told thank you for a sweet video.

When are we all going to wake up. I mean come on is this what the world has come to. I see a lot of you on both our fb pages that say you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. And even complaining about the doctors and nurses because they don't understand.

Well I am here to tell you today that if you would WAKE UP and REALIZE that there is someone in your midst who gives a crap. And you would take the time to listen to them and respond back. Maybe just maybe changes would start to happen for all of us.

The network is called UCOA Internet Public Radio - United Caregivers of America @ http://www.unitedcaregiversofamerica.org. The Body Matrix with Deb Fisher @ http://www.bodymatrixdebfisher.posterous.com and go to the post The Body Matrix with Deb Fisher Around the World to see where she is at on the web. And of course you can find me @ http://www.seniorwatch2011.posterous.com.

I look forward to hearing from all of you whether you are the one with the disease, the caregiver, the family member, neighbor, friend, or concerned citizen. Please don't let these voices go unheard any longer.

Thank You -- Heather Pound

NETWORKED BLOGS - SENIOR WATCH 2011

How to Handle an Elderly Parent's Bad Behavior: #5 - Paranoia and Hallucinations

Bad Behavior #5: Paranoia and Hallucinations

Paranoia and hallucinations in the elderly can take many forms, from accusing family members of stealing, seeing people who aren't there or believing someone is trying to murder them.

What to do:
Sometimes hallucinations and delusions in elders are a sign of a physical illness. Keep track of what the elder is experiencing and discuss it with the doctor. It could also be a side-effect of a medication your elderly parent is taking. See your doctor, describe the symptoms and ask if your parent's medication needs to be changed.

Oftentimes, paranoia and hallucinations are associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. When this is the case, caregiving experts seem to agree: when faced with paranoia or hallucinations, the best thing to do is just relax and go with the flow. More often than not, trying to "talk them out" of a delusion won't work. Validation is a good coping technique, because what the elder is seeing, hearing or experiencing is very real to them. Convincing them otherwise is fruitless.