"Cyberchondria," says Dr. Google

A woman sits at a computer, face illuminated by the hazy glow of the computer, while panic slowly rises in her throat. The somewhat mundane symptoms seem to point to a most dramatic diagnosis. Her pointer finger scrolls furiously as she reads the analysis from her convenient, in-home doctor possessing a silent voice: Dr. Google. Now Dr. Google is a doctor of worldwide proportions, possessing an inordinate amount of resources at his disposal, and is always available with the snap (or click) of a finger. While his countenance may be somewhat lacking and knowledge questionable , the convenience seems to far outweigh any qualms.

So his word is final.

Entering a time when vast numbers of people have Internet access and search engine capabilities, the reliance on information and the latter 'Dr. Google' seems to be creating a number of Cyberchondriacs. Having access to 24/7 information is certainly helpful, but informed interpretation (aka medical doctors) over unwavering trust wins every time. With seniors being the fastest-growing group to go online, a recent study in The Journal of Health and Aging relayed that though they are less likely to research their condition online, they are the most likely to trust the information they find. Dr. Google can certainly 'spit up' a lot of information, but he should not be wholeheartedly trusted.

One of the services ACCfamily provides is a nurse to accompany your loved one to doctor's appointments.  In this way, your loved one has not only a real registered nurse to help understand what they are feeling, but a trained professional to accompany your loved one to interpret their doctor's advice, ask specific questions concerning their condition, and understand suggested cures.  ACCfamily also has companions that encourage medical inquiries to informed health professionals. While tech support and computer usage is helpful across all ages, discernment is necessary in wading through the Internet landscape. The latter task can be navigated with families or with help from ACCfamily in a reliable manner, so Dr. Google does not have the last say in diagnosis.

A Taste Down Memory Lane

Aroma. Taste. The sublime amalgamation of flavors sitting on your tongue, permeating your olfactory senses, and transporting you to a memory of decades past. A tomato sending you back to your mothers garden? A frankfurter that represents the first baseball game with your father? Or perhaps penny candy with a taste that reminds you of certain friends?

I stumbled across an article this week from CNN Health called "Taste: It's in your nose and memories" which proceeds to outline misperceptions regarding taste and then outlining lessons from science that prod people to think about eating in new ways. A thorough list follows, with bullet points including titles such as:

"You Like What Your Mother Ate."

"Your Tongue Map is Not exactly Right."

"Nostalgia While Eating Refers to Smell."

Intrigued? Wondering how ACCfamily intersects with the article content? ACCFamily provides caregivers who cook for your loved one.  Although not as good as your mom used to do it, ACCfamily caregivers make sure your loved one keeps the memories coming by cooking the meals they enjoy.  Meanwhile, I'm headed to the grocery store to take a walk down memory lane.

Paragliding your way to Fitness

Mary Hardison of Ogden Utah wiggled, or rather, leapt her way into the Guiness Book of World Records by Paragliding Tandem. At age 101. She didn't want her 75 - year old son to outdo her. This great-great grandmother with a seemingly hardy personality and persistent attitude encouraged her tandem partner to go upside down and perform tricks as the rest of her family watched below in expectation. Typical behavior for this charitable matron? Why yes, as she excitedly rode all of the adult rides at Disneyland at age 90. What about Faujah Singh, the 100 year old who entered the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and finished in grand style, securing his place in the Guiness Book of World Records?

Clearly, age does not constrain the physical capacity of the human body, as Faujah and Mary clearly demonstrate.

Granted, such accomplishments are not common across the board, but the importance of physical fitness and its numerous benefits has been proven over and over again. Yes, age effects cardio capacity, strength capabilitiy, and flexibility, but there are hobbies and exercises that allow the older generation to stay active. The key is remaining aware, 'staying on top of the issue' per se, and not pushing exercise to the wayside with excuses of time crunches.  ACCfamily can help if the person you are caring for has not been able to be as active as Mary Hardison or Faujah Singh.  If you are caring for someone who is struggling to stay independent in their own home or has lost mobility to the point that you are becoming nervous about their safety, ACCfamily can help reduce this stress by arranging a caring person to be there.  ACCfamily caregivers not only insure safety, but we even extend the independence of those in need by doing the laundry, shopping for food, and going to doctor's appointments with your loved one.  It is a great feeling to have an expert close by!  Mary had a professional paraglide pilot fly her in circles.  Your loved one may soon be flying circles around you with the help of ACCfamily!

Children's Books and Alzheimers

"Mommy, why didn't Grandpa remember my doll? Amelia? He called her Beatrice!" "Well, honey, Grandpa just . . . forgets things sometimes. That's all."

The child absentmindedly strokes her doll's hair, pondering the strange utterances that spun from her Grandfather's lips. She is trying to piece together the pieces of a strange puzzle, while the Mother's mind is like a jackrabbit, bouncing around from issues like compassion, loss, the attempt to protect childlike innocence, honesty.

It's difficult to live, let alone explain some of the medical issues that arise from old age. Alzheimers, dementia, and other diseases are hard to imagine for adults, let alone children. While many families try to sweep encounters and strange behavior under the rug, others want to engage their children in a safe but forthcoming manner. Thankfully, in recent months a number of children's books have swept the market on the subject of Children and Alzheimers. Not all are thorough or compelling, but there are a few of pedagogic value with engaging storylines. These also open the door for future media on the subject with the eventual goal of combining comprehensiveness and literary merit.

A Figurative Round of Applause for the Selfless

You know the high you get from attending a baseball game or conference, standing as one with thousands of others cheering a common cause? Then, after the day of intense excitement, animated discussions are had regarding the powerful speakers; the well-trained and talented pitcher; or the amazing food. The stars of the event are the ones in your exact line of sight, broadcast over large screens and resounding in your ears. The rare occasion is when a person remarks, "Wow, that event was great - the dishwashers really went out of their way to clean the dishes and keep them sparkling."

"Oh yes," the other replies enthusiastically. "The maintenance men fixed the bathroom faucet in complete optimism, as the line out of the bathroom became mutinous and raucous. I admire their calm dedication!"

Wrong.

A typical conversation would follow the lines of, "Dude, can you believe the handsome CEO spoke about gaming in the workplace? Ahhh, such power coming from a place of humility. That guy is top notch."

"Did you see that pitch at the bottom of the 7th? We'll see replays of that in the coming weeks."

We're easily captivated beings that concentrate on the image at hand, literally right in front of our eyes. We compliment events and people that are announced in grand fashion, and then give a mandatory light applause to the general statement of 'the people behind the scenes who helped make the event possible." The truth is, though, that the light smattering of applause is for the  real heros who make hypothesis' become realities. The unseen, the uncherished, hard-working individuals who strive and commit hours of unglamorous work. The real heroes. The epitome of selflessness behind the scenes.

The nurses behind the doctors. The caregivers behind closed doors. The event organizers behind the keynote speaker.

There are selfless heroes everywhere. Now let's give them a round of applause.

The Faces Behind Statistics: The Reason for ACCFamily's existence

With the Baby Boomer generation's age on the rise and closer scrutiny of nursing facilities and assisted living rampant on the news, it seems everywhere you turn there are discussions spawning over the topic of elder care, homes, caregivers, and alternative options. Care-giving, in particular, is a task that many families 'accidentally' fall into. One day a daughter is flowing in her daily routine; the next she is providing care for an aging relative. Family caregivers, in particular, while being admired either for financial frugality or patient love, walk a tired and forlorn path littered with many stresses. The National Family Caregivers Association recently released statistics regarding family caregivers, including misperceptions of gender numbers, statistics of depression, and total money 'saved' by family care-giving. Many of the numbers are quite staggering and  present many 'hidden' issues of family care-giving. For example, over 61% of family caregivers suffer from depression some or most of which results from not receiving aid from other family members. One study calculated that American businesses lose between $11 - $29 billion each year due to employees' need to care for loved ones.

ACCFamily came into existence in order to walk alongside family caregivers and let them retain their respective title of son, daughter, cousin, husband, wife. ACCFamily makes having a caregiver help you at home a legitimate option. Partnering with your family is a passion that drives the mission of ACCFamily and what we will continue to strive for. Allowing us to take some of the load you bear is not a cold choice to be made, but rather a decision that lessens many of the statistics above, while opening up a door to new relationships. ACCFamily is eager to share your burden.

Bring on the Treadmills.

At Googleplex, the (you guessed it) Google Headquarters in California, one can find a healthy cafeteria, massage therapists for de-stressing, and games when you need a break. Chesapeake Energy offers employees a 72,000 square foot gym while Cicso brings in car care companies twice a week to take care of oil changes. Gyms? Coffee shops? Foosball tables? Sounds more like a carnival than a workplace if you ask me! No, this article isn’t pushing in your face the perks you don’t have at your current job nor bragging about other companies out there. Obviously, said companies have numerous resources at their disposal. Merely stated,  a change is occurring across the nation tying healthcare with the environment in which a person spends the majority of their day.

A new report by Aon Hewitt recommends eight human behaviors that must be contained to bend the cost curve of projected health expenditures. Such behaviors include poor diet, physical inactivity, poor stress management, among others. The behaviors contribute to fifteen chronic conditions including diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity, and cancer. To top it off, a report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have projected that by 2030, half of U.S. adults will be obese. An article from CNN articulated the summary quite nicely: “Healthcare costs to bulge along with US waistlines.”

Apparently, the carnival mentioned above has some legitimacy – incentives, gyms, and other programs are being implemented to cut healthcare costs, with the unsaid purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle. Now obviously, an employer cannot influence every module of an employee’s life, but small steps in health and wellness, along with stress management, just might save some bucks.

So, get your boss to bring on the treadmills and massage therapists.

Hector: A Robot Who Helps the Elderly

What is the first image that pops into mind when contemplating robots? The docile and lovable Wall-E? The raging Terminator machine beneath the Arnold Schwartzenegger exterior? Or perhaps the un-patented but crowd-winning robot dance move? As seen above, there are numerous scenarios regarding robots that range from benevolent to, well, malevolent. One can argue the day long about the possibilities of robotic intersection with human life, while the fact remains, technological advances are being made daily regarding artificial intelligence and technology. The question still hovering in the air, however, is the depth of intersection with daily human life and the possible aid it can bring.

A recent article showcased a Dutch-designed robot named Hector, who despite movable eyes that were deemed 'creepy,' served as a helpful companion to elderly suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment. Preliminary tests are still being run, but Hector's primary job is to remind the recipient of medication schedules, proposing a walk, or keeping track of schedules. Check out the links below to see Hector in action.

Click Here for video

Click Here for full article

Caregiver Profile: Strong Emotions or Emotional Strength?

If you utilized the Meyers Briggs personality test, the type “ESFJ” would be labeled the ‘Cargiver,’ as their externally focused attributes couple with a pointed empathetic dependability. Not one for personality quizzes? Then perhaps you would resort to the stereotype of female, strong emotions, and fierce resilience.

PsychTests.com, a pioneer in online psychological assessments has released its newest research on the type of traits that encompass a capable and compassionate caregiver. One of the bullets on the list was listed as “Emotional Strength.” At first glance, the phrase may seem mundane: of course a cargiver working day in and day out with another human being needs to posses strong emotions (empathy, determination, etc.). But upon closer scrutiny, the phrase settles in: Emotional Strength. The ability to streamline strong emotions into liveable tasks; the ability to persevere when the emotions are low; the ability to run a tiresome race with endurance. Emotional Strength can be more accurately read as emotional endurance.

Nursing in general requires an abundant amount of physical, mental, and emotional endurance. Caregivers, particularly those who are willing to stick around, tend to possess a unique personality profile - and for good reason. This is not a field for the faint of heart.

“The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.” -Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

http://www.onrec.com/news/news-archive/who-are-you-hiring-as-a-caregiver-psychtestscom-reveals-why-personality-is-crucial

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

You know those songs that in grand color immediately transport you back to a specific setting or emotional compass? The songs in which words automatically flow without even thinking about the lyrics? Did you ever think that such songs could be used in therapy or even as modes to overcome physical difficulties?

A recent movie entitled "The Music Never Stopped" explores some of the connections between music, memory, family, and ultimately the mystery of the brain. An estranged son undergoes a surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, and although it's successful, the part of the brain responsible for creating memories has been damaged. The parents realize that music from their son's teenage years is the key to walking forward, even if they are not particular fans.

The movie came on a recent wave of awareness regarding music therapy and the almost miraculous events it incurs. Whether Daniel Levitin's science based book, "This is Your Brain on Music," or Oliver Sachs compilation of personal essays in "Musicophilia" start the conversation, the reality is music is integrally tied to memory.   In the book, Music, the Brain, and Ecstasy, Robert Jourdain reveals that the neural pathway from the ears does not go directly into the central cortex for processing but sends its signals in tentacles throughout the brain, going not only to the verbal centers, but also the parts of the brain that control movement and memories.  Not a believer? Visit a nursing home and count the number of people who can sing songs from their teenage years, meanwhile not knowing the names of their own children. Or the Alzheimer's patient, unable to communicate who, at dinner, suddenly stood and sang the last part of an aria from an opera that she had known in her youth.  Take the example of a music therapist who was leading a sing-along session in an Alzheimer's unit. A resident there with moderate Alzheimer's including aphasia (loss of speech) was a willing dance volunteer as Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played in the background. Then, he proceeded to say the last few words of the song, "Why, Oh Why, Can't I?" (Click Here for Full Article)

To read more on this fascinating subject, check out the following articles on Music Therapy:

http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-music-art-therapy.asp#music

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AlzheimersCommunity/alzheimers-disease-music-brings-patients-back-life/story?id=16117602

More Rules, Less Fun

Any child would wholeheartedly echo the sentiments of the statement above.

“Rules? Who needs rules?” they would mutter mischievously, grinning.

But heavens, let’s not let the kids have all the credit. Adults of any age could say the same thing: once a rule is established, there is an irresistible urge to bend it, all in good fashioned fun. Workplace pranks, puns, a twisting of words, all are good for a hearty laugh, yet generally are not seen as relating to company growth, physical health, or promoting change.

Yet is there a connection between humor, stress, work-place change agents, and physical health? Could FUN and HUMOR influence such relevant cultural keywords like ‘productivity’ and ‘wellness?’  

Gina Barreca recounts the work of Mary Kay Morrison, who has done research on the uses of humor in educational, business, and therapeutic settings. Some of her tenets include the relation between work productivity and humor, in addition to key studies that tie comedy to a decrease in symptoms of chemotherapy patients. Intrigued?

Well, then let the jokes begin.

Read the full article at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/201207/mary-kay-morrisons-words-live-more-rules-less-fun

The Journey into Home Care

Nearly everyone I meet has a story to tell.  Yesterday three different individuals relayed to me they were dealing with an aging relative.  This will become more and more pervasive as our nation ages.  Starting on January 1st of this year, ten thousand people will turn 65 EVERY DAY for the next 20 years!  By 2050, 20% of the United States population will be over 65 years of age.  Do you need a point of reference to get your arms around this?  Look at Florida today.  Twenty percent of the population of Florida is over 65 today.  Our whole nation will look like Florida by 2050. Disarm Guilt: What do you do if you are being pushed down this path right now?  Many are plagued with inappropriate guilt as they deal with their parents in the home care journey.  We deal with more guilt than most Catholic confessionals at times it seems within our home care agency!  You will need to resist guilt right now.  If there are things you must make right between you and your parent, the time will come to do this later.  Many are haunted by the three words "Woulda, shoulda, coulda".  Would I have been a better daughter?  Should I have done more?  Could I have seen all this coming??...ad infindum, ad nausium.  Resist all these thoughts for now.  Get some rest and make sure you have some relational free time.  This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Care for Yourself: When we receive instructions on aircraft before take-off, we are told every time to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before assisting others.  The reason is that if oxygen leaves the plane, you only have a few seconds before you lose your ability to be coherent.  As you lose oxygen, your hands lose dexterity and your fingers are like bricks.  If you wait to get oxygen to your own body, you quickly become useless not only to help others, but to save yourself.  The same is true in home care.  As soon as you begin to go down the difficult path of home care for an aging relative, you need to care for yourself first.  Otherwise, the demands will cause you to lose coherence.  How many have been dealing with a parent with dementia and started to feel like you were losing your own sanity?  It happens all the time.  I experienced this myself.  I was with a client to do an initial assessment regarding the needs of a mother with dementia.  I was talking with the daughter while her very confused mother sat with us.  After two hours, I felt near mental exhaustion.  The mother was completely confused which was difficult in itself.  The daughter had been alone with her, dealing with this by herself for so long that she was having difficulty making sense herself.  I literally had two cognitively challenged individuals to work with.  Getting help to them was tough.  You must care for yourself first in home care.  Otherwise you will be like my client mentioned above: you will both start losing your mind.  Care for yourself!

Get Outside Help:  If you are beginning the journey into home care, contact outside help. Many agencies will be listening ears, even if you don't use their services.  You can contact a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) who can come and help you navigate the resources available.  You may call our offices (1-877-549-7894) to talk.  Having someone else to digest information is very important.  Even if they tell you what you already know, at least you will know you are on the right track.

There are more tips and assistance available.  You may contact me at any time via our website at www.accfamily.com.  We are eager to walk with you down this path.

-Jim Lindsay