Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Donna

If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter yet – please do. This month we are covering  some of the Alzheimer’s disease research that has been published recently. While there  is a plethora of research projects being done nationally and internationally we are covering only a few that we thought might be interesting to our readership. One of the most recent findings is that of  Dr. Singh Kahlsa’s (President and Medical Director, Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation in Tucson, AZ.) collaborative research with pecans and turmeric. Preliminary research has found that a handful of pecans a day along with Turmeric (the spice) have positive results in helping with cognitive impairment.

Let us know your thoughts and insights regarding this and other research you might have found. We report on only those research projects that are documented with reliable medical resources.

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Informing Your Children of Your Finances

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Donna

A recent article “How Our Aging Brain Affects Our Financial Decisions” by Deborah O’Malley, M.Sc. and Melvin Pasternak, Ph.D. brings home the importance of why aging parents should keep their children informed of their finances in the event they should need assistance due to failing health. Children need information on how  their parent’s income and expenses  has been allocated in the event of a crisis. In addition, the children should have up-to-date contact information of the financial advisors, lawyers and accountants of their parents.

Sharing information may seem obvious, however, a 2010 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBR) found that only 47% of adults had in-depth financial conversations with their parents about their income and expenses. And only 42% know their parent’ income information.

Having a conversation with your parents about their later life wishes is important. To find out more about having a conversation with your parent contact us via email donnap@newhorizonsinhomecare.com for a handout.

Posted in Aging Issues | Leave a comment

Incredible Staff

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Donna

New Horizons has such outstanding staff. Look at this yummy, wonderful cake that a spouse of one of our client’s  brought to thank them for the great job they do. I understand it was made from scratch and was “top notch”. The team here is one that goes the extra mile and is passionate about what they do. Thank you all.

A Gift of Love

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The Hidden Hungry

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Donna

I have recently been reading more and more about how the senior citizens in US and Canada are becoming dependent on food banks and meal delivery services to meet their nutritional needs. According to the University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research, the number of U.S. seniors facing hunger risk rose from about 700,000 to 3 million between 2001 to 2007. The numbers today in the U.S. are at 5 million.

Many seniors are sacrificing their medicine to buy food. A great number of seniors live below the poverty level and have little support from others that might be able to help with their expenses. They may not be aware of some of the services that are available for them. I recently came across the program in Portland, OR – Elders In Action – The Hidden Hunger Project that is very impressive -  http://www.boomnw.com/news/print_story.php?story_id=131240984323816000.

Communities are working on these issues and I encourage people to find out about your own community. You may have an older neighbor who is struggling to make ends meet and is not eating well. Knowing where they can obtain help will enable you to work with them to overcome this rising problem. To find out about these programs contact your local Area Agency on Aging for the information. Be informed so that you  can help those in need.

 

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In Honor of Caregivers

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Donna

Caregivers are those individuals who give of themselves selflessly to provide quality in the life of another. The interesting fact is that the relationship between a caregiver and the one they care for is often a win/win situation. Each gives back to the relationship in varying degrees, thereby gaining a new understanding of life through the eyes of another. So often in the world today we interact with a technological instrument that has no human responsiveness. With caregivers they carry on the humanity of our culture in connecting with the true beauty in life – that of another human being.

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Costs for Long-Term Care Identified In New Study

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Donna

New research has just been conducted by Northwestern Mutual to show the various types of long-term care and their resulting costs geographically throughout the US. This is of particular interest for the retiring baby boomer population.  As  people age they often encounter conditions that require some daily assistance . Understanding the types of long-term care and their resulting costs can help with planning for later life. Planning for this  potential outcome is critical as Medicare does not pay for long-term care.

According to this research is important in the  understanding of accessibility and affordability of different types of care  services by geographic location. The findings help consumers make informed  decisions about their long-term care options and costs, which may allow them to  stay in their homes or within their local communities in the event of functional  limitation or cognitive impairment.

With New Horizons In-Home Care we can serve individuals in their homes with medical as well as non-medical assistance. A person can often identify specific needs and access that assistance without having to move from their home. The amount of assistance can be as little as one(1) hour a day depending on the need. Care managers are able to help identify those needs and develop a plan for someone which is cost effective and provide needed help.

For further information on the study you can find it at - http://www.northwesternmutual.com/learning-center/studies-and-reports/cost-of-long-term-care-study.aspx

 

Read more: Cost of Long Term Care Study, November 2011 – Northwestern Mutual

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Revisioning Retirement Seminar Series

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Donna

New Horizons In-Home Care  and LTC Associates will begin our 2012 Seminar Series on Wednesday, February 15th. from 5-6 pm in our Eugene office at 1345 Olive St.

 The February topic will be:

Will Medicare Pay For My Long-Term Care?   

Speaker: Kim Kelly, LTC Associates

Join us in learning more about how an individual can pay for long-term care from an expert in the field.

According to the AGEWAVE research center “The unpredictable cost of illness and healthcare is by far boomers’ biggest fear. They are three times more worried about a major illness (48%), their ability to pay for healthcare (53%), or winding up in a nursing home (48%), than about dying (17%).

Refreshments will be served. For Questions and RSVP call – 541-687-8851

 

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Vesta Play presented by Hospice of Sacred Heart

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Donna

We are proud to be a sponsor for the upcoming play, Vesta, presented by Hospice of Sacred Heart. The play is being presented on February, 4,10,11,17, and 18 at 8:00 pm. With a Sunday matinee on February 19th at 2 pm. Location: Upstart Crow Studios, 855 W. 1st in Eugene. Contact 541-242-8755 to order tickets. Tickets are $15 each.

“Vesta is a witty and fiercly independent woman who confronts the challenges of living with illness her way. This play provides humor and sensitivity for a very difficult time in all of our lives.”

The play was written by a Spokane resident, Byron Harnetiaux. This play will bring to light for anyone attending, the importance of understanding the last part of the life cycle that many of us will go through and share with others.

Come join us.

Additional information can be viewed on this link http://www.peacehealth.org/sacred-heart-university-district/Pages/Performances-of-%e2%80%9cVesta%e2%80%9d-will-spotlight-end-of-life-issues.aspx

 

 

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Bring your pet to work day!

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Donna

We have a lot of fun at our Eugene office! On Fridays, we bring our pets to work! We’ve got everything from Great Danes to kittens! Even a couple turtles!

Here’s a picture of Betty’s puppy, Gaya the Great Dane!

Betty's dog Gaya, and a day at the office!

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