Elderly people particularly vulnerable to the dangers of heatwaves, Independa medical director warns

Press release Source: Independa Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 9: 00 am EDT

SAN DIEGO, the 3 August 2011/PRNewswire / - as the cities of the United States from the record-breaking heat wave this summer, is essential for those who care for the elderly to proactively protect their health, said Dr. Richard Della Penna, medical director of Independa ?, Inc. and an expert in attention. He adds that emerging technology makes it easier to take precautions and learn of potential problems.

"The elderly have increased risk for the population in general during extremely hot weather because our bodies do not respond to changes in temperature in the same way as we get older", says Della Penna. "More than cause discomfort, sustained heat and humidity are dangerous for the elderly".

By what age are you susceptible?

Factors, elders do not always feel so warm as young people in higher temperatures and do not necessarily feel thirst. Medical conditions can further decrease the ability of elderly people to deal with heat-related stress, and medications can interfere with the ability of cooling of their bodies, adds Della Penna.

Habits and lifestyles also play a role. Because they chill easily, older adults tend to dress warmly. They may not have air conditioning or fans, and even if they do, the people on fixed incomes often hesitate to use these electrical devices. In urban areas, older persons close often their Windows and doors for fear of crime.

"Isolation certainly is a risk factor for the elderly," said Della Penna. "Many of those who die during heat waves are the elderly who live alone and have no one to check on them."

During the hot spell that hit Chicago in July 1995, the death of 522 371 reported participants 65 years of age. This summer, the national weather service attributed as 64 deaths from the heat wave at the end of July as the Middle West, East and Southern States experienced temperatures in the 90s and 100s.

How can carers help

Della Penna requests for carers to act now, using technology of virtual communication and follow-up if they do not live near or far are on vacation.

"New technology enables remote caregiver proactive and be notified of possible danger signs," he said.

Della Penna recommends the following measures for carers:

Monitor weather reports and reach the recipients of care when the weather forecast calls for a heat wave, which can help them plan. Currently customers Independa can organize alerts linked to the outside temperature, for example, if the temperature reaches 90 degrees and can monitor local weather from the recipients attention from its desktop software.Encourage older to wear light clothing, loose.Assist older people to drink water or juice during the day. Reminder from Teleassistance for Independa platform can be programmed to send reminders to drink liquids at regular intervals of the recipients.To encourage recipients of care to use the air conditioning or fans in their homes, or to move environments more frescoes in homes of friends, cooling centres or other public places. If necessary, emergency transport.They suggest to minimize activities that generate heat in the home, including cooking with the stove or oven.You should avoid strenuous exercise.Talk to your doctor the recipient's attention about medications and ask about possible changes in the short term, for example, to protect against dehydration.

"Taking advantage of benefits of the technology and the medical staff care receivers", says Della Penna. "To provide advice for the elderly and helping them to plan for high temperatures, caregivers can leverage them take care to protect themselves." Caregivers can also use the technology to "see" their loved the or the patients houses and intervene if something doesn't seem quite right. "

Della Penna is guiding efforts to Independa to help the family and professional caregivers prolonging the independence of the elderly to promote their health, safety and social commitment of remotely. Previously served as the national lead clinical care and Medical Director of the aging Kaiser permanent network and is a member of the Council of Association of national Alzheimer of Geriatrics and Gerontology Committee of Veterans Administration.

About Independa, Inc.

Independa, Inc. provides an integrated platform to help the family and professional caregivers, patients and their loved ones to continue living at home, more comfortable and more secure. Independa specializes in the delivery of technology products and services for the growing population of nearly 50 million U.S. adults support to relatives of age advanced. It also supports home-based care and other professionals to offer remote assistance. "Independa provides an integrated, cost-effective and real-time response to the key question," How is my beloved"?" With Independa, caregivers can delay or eliminate the costly and feared movement to an assisted living facility.

Team of disciplined leadership of cross Independa and expert Advisory Board understand the market, technology and the needs of older persons and their caregivers. Private held and headquartered in San Diego, Independa, has closed its second round seeds and in discussions active with the next stage investors and strategic partners.

Web: http://www.independa.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/independa4u

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Entering homes for the elderly in record numbers of minorities

 

PROVIDENCE, RI, A new study by Brown University suggests a racial disparity in greater attention in the United States options. In the last decade, minorities have poured into nursing homes at a time when whites have left in greater numbers.

At first glance, the analysis suggests that black, Hispanic and Asian elders are gaining greater access to care for the elderly. But the growing proportion of minorities in nursing homes comes in part because they don't have the same access to more desirable forms of care as wealthier whites, said the study's main author Zhanlian Feng, Assistant Professor of health of the community at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

"Apparently, we are closing the gap in terms of access of minorities to beds for the elderly, but I do not think that it is something to celebrate," Feng, said. "They are really the last resort". "Most elderly people prefer to stay in their homes, or some place like home, but not an asylum for the elderly unless they have to."

New analysis shows between 1999 and 2008 population of elderly people in the country was contracted by 6.1 percent to slightly more than 1.2 million people. In this period decline in the number of whites in nursing homes by 10.2 per cent at the national level, while the number of blacks increased to 10.8 per cent, the number of Hispanics increased by 54.9% and the number of Asians increased by 54.1%. The study also examined changes in population of elderly people in the top 10 metropolitan areas of each minority.

Previous research has shown that in areas predominantly minority nursing homes tend to be of lower quality and are more likely to close, while assisted living facilities are more likely to be built in areas where residents are high-income. The result, which is reflected in the figures in the new book from Health Affairs, is a gap that plays not only economic and geographically, but also racial, said Feng.

"We know that these alternatives are not equally available, accessible or affordable to everyone, certainly not to many minority elders", said.

As politicians seek to "rebalance" attention to other forms of care homes for the elderly, for example with changes in the financing of Medicaid to support household and community, services should represent these disparities, said Feng. As it is, the targets are clearly more likely to use more convenient alternatives; more concerted efforts are necessary to promote the use of elderly minority of them too, he said.

"Rebalancing is a recognition of the preferences of the majority of people in long-term care," said Feng. "This effort to be successful you have to bear in mind that is so".

To determine the figures, Feng and his co-authors used the minimum data set laid down by the Federal Government, which keeps track of the users of the elderly population and assess their care needs routinely, receiving important Medicare and Medicaid funding. There is no similar for other types of more attention data, which is predominantly paid with private insurance dollars.

One way that Feng and his coauthors have quantified the disparity in the elderly is the grouping of metropolitan areas in quartiles based on the proportion of whites, blacks, Hispanics or Asians who were 65 years or more in each area. The researchers found that the representation of blacks, Hispanics and Asians in nursing homes increased as its share of elderly in the population increased. That correlation is not maintained for whites, which do not seem to be forced to choose nursing homes as they age.

In New York, a metropolitan area 10 higher for Blacks, Hispanics and Asians, the residents of the home of elderly people in these groups increased 22 per cent and 84 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. Los Angeles / Long Beach, the increases were 1 per cent for Blacks, 41 percent of Hispanics and 56 percent among Asians.

Different rates in different cities, the challenge faced by the authorities is not only national, but also local, the researchers said.

"Efforts to reduce disparities should target communities and facilities with a high concentration of minority residents," they wrote in health issues.

This article was originally published in the print edition of July 25, 2011 in the Louisiana weekly newspaper

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Elderly relatives need fans

AUSTIN (KXAN) - some of the most vulnerable people in our community has a particularly difficult time in this heat, especially senior citizens.

Elderly relatives is sapping the fans to distribute. The Agency is only 17 fans out of service.

That is why are asking people to leave the fans this weekend at the local fire station.

Many households still do not have central air conditioning and firefighters worried about people who live in them.

"We are interested enough because it exacerbates the problem, especially with older persons who may have some type of health problem." With great heat and drought in the things of this nature, it affects their health and, therefore, concludes in more medical calls, "said Austin Mike Lemerise. fire department lieutenant"

Elderly relatives says they have seen a surge in people that need the fans in recent weeks, so they need more.

Year last elderly family gave the fans of 5,500 at the end of September, this year has already distributed 5,200 and we are not yet at the end of July.

KXAN has partnered with the Agency to help encourage people to leave fans in any local fire station in Austin, Georgetown, San Marcos.

The Agency said if they can get the fans this weekend - are needy elders. They could also use additional fans where they have to walk in them.

Firefighters say that fans will make a big difference in the level of comfort of the people, and possibly your health.

"When he first moved to Texas he had no central heat of central air and tell you it was great to have this movement of air through fan." Available for cross ventilation in the House. Bring the temperature down a bit - it makes a little more comfortable, "said Lieutenant Lemerise."

The fan ends on July 31.? Other than the donation of the fans, elderly family accepts cash, checks and credit donations also.? Click here for a list of delivery locations.

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Care of the elderly, a challenge for families

The phone call came when Robin D'Angelo was at work. His father had fallen and was headed to the hospital in an ambulance once again. "I had to leave everything and they rush to the scene." D'Angelo felt his lifting of temperament. Had recently argued with siblings who live hundreds of miles apart on whether to spend money to hire a full time health care provider. "I feel like it's all on me." "I think that the money would be spent well.

Brothers, caring for an aging parent can full of decisions and disputes. As parents grow dependent on their adult children, arguments can explode above whose work schedule is more flexible, if MOM or dad must move to a nursing home or that has control over the financial decisions. The desire to cling to old family roles or continue a bitter rivalry may surface at the precise moment when brothers need more cohesion.

"Even if brothers did not have before, is possible liaison on the care of a father," says Rona Bartelstone, senior Vice President of management's attention to the SeniorBridge, a provider of greater care in the home. "Focus on the common goal." "It's all about his father."

Primary care promises to be a growing concern for adult children. Some 43 million Americans care for someone 50 or more, according to the National Alliance of care. In comparison with five years ago, one smaller percentage, 41 per cent to 46 per cent, it is going to hire professional help. And more: 70 per cent to 59 per cent, are arriving to help unpaid, as relatives and friends. Giving care is projected to cost those who care for their parents an estimated $ 3 trillion in wages, pensions, pension funds and benefits, according to the MetLife mature market Institute.

Avoid struggles related to primary care requires the ability to disagree without trial, others show mutual respect and communicate early and often. Experts say that it is possible to work together but not everyone can participate in the same way and it is possible to reach a consensus on the most dysfunctional family. Bartelstone warns: "there is a magic formula because each family is unique".

‧ Call a family meeting.

Experts say call a family meeting becomes critical as parents be fragile or suffer from health problems. Often, it means start fresh, let go of a claim of the past and give a second chance to a brother.

"Around the world to speak and be respectful in the same way that the business environment," says Joy Loverde, author of The Complete Eldercare Planner: where home, questions to ask, how to find help.? "Leave all the emotional problems of the room and focus on what MOM would want".

Specialist of greater attention d'Alene Feinstein, director of admissions for the Palace Group, suggests the family to make a list of the pressing concerns - eating habits, drugs, hygiene and health problems. "Everyone talks about the list, gives priority to what is most important, options and take advantage of available resources".

To be harmony, everyone will have to agree that a difference of opinion is to accept and find a way to compromise.

"It is not always a democracy," Feinstein said. "A brother not involved in the daily care and just waltzes in has the right to an opinion, but not a vote".

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Arriving at what is best for elderly parents

In 2007, John and Ginger price knew it was time to move the mother of John, Mayna, an installation of life assisted in South Carolina to a nursing home near his home in Seven Hills, Ohio. Sister of John, who lived in South Carolina could no longer assume the responsibilities of increasing care.

But Mayna had nothing of the sort.

"Did not want to move," says Ginger, 65. "In any case, I wanted to move to South Carolina."

As tensions escalated, the prices realized in may need outside help. John Bertschler, a mediator for adults older and co-owner of solutions of the conflict of loin is called. The family met with Bertschler in their Cleveland Office to discuss possible solutions to the situation of stagnation.

Just 90 minutes after the meeting, Mayna decided he was ready to take the step to Ohio.

"Dr. Bertschler was able to address the issue in a way that helped him to understand that the change would be good for her," says Ginger. Mayna died in 2008, a year after moving to the nursing home.

As society ages, it is more common for adult children to assist his elderly parents. But making sure that everyone, including the father, are agreed on a plan of care often can be a challenge. A new type of intermediary, known as a mediator for older adults, can guide impacientando brothers and aged parents to solutions before conflict tear a family apart.

A decision usually called a mediator for disputes on at least one of three issues, says Carolyn Rosenblatt, mediator in San Rafael, California.

"Activation points tend to be how it will spend money, which will be in charge of the old and if the person you want to make the care is competent to do so," he said.

A common scenario, according to Patti Bertschler, co-owner with her husband of solutions of the conflict of lomo, is when "a brother out of the city was blow to the city, upset with the level of care provided by primary health care provider, with little appreciation of exhausting how can take care of MOM or dad," she said. Or it could be my father near death, and children are not in agreement on whether he should be alive by artificial means.

Mediators will guide the conversation to gain entry. And while mediators can share ideas that have worked for other families, if there is a stalemate, says Patti Bertschler, "the parties themselves take the decision".

More mediators can help family members to negotiate a process of solving problems, says Debbie Reinberg, partner of Elderesolutions in Denver. For example, once the family decides to mom will move, he says, "one major mediator will help the family determine what kind of place should move to, it will do research in these areas and how such information shall be transmitted so that it can take decisions".

How to find a family referee

You must investigate to find a good mediator for older adults. There is no national accreditation body, but you will find lists of mediators in places as mediators of elders (eldercaremediators.com), the care of planning National Council (longtermcarelink.net) and mediate.com.

Once you have a list of mediators in your area, ask about their credentials and their work with older adults.

"" "It would provide one or two description of what the dispute is a sentence above," says Carolyn Rosenblatt, one mediator in San Rafael, California "If the mediator says"Yes, handle cases like that regularly", which should give you confidence."

Mediators are usually charged per hour; hourly costs range from $100 to more than $300, depending on their location.

While minor disagreements can be wrapped in less than two hours, you can drag some cases complicated weeks. Ideally, all the parties involved accept met personally at the Office of the Ombudsman. Large groups may appoint two or three members of the family to represent the group.

Distributed by Tribune Media Services

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New disparity in homes for the elderly: leave whites, minorities enter

In the last decade, minorities have poured into nursing homes at a time when whites have left in greater numbers, according to a new study from Brown University which suggests a racial disparity in greater attention in the United States options.

At first glance, the analysis, published by July 7 in the journal Health Affairs, suggests that black, Hispanic and Asian elders are gaining greater access to care for the elderly. But the growing proportion of minorities in nursing homes comes in part because they don't have the same access to more desirable forms of care as wealthier whites, said the study's main author Zhanlian Feng, Assistant Professor of health of the community at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

"Apparently, we are closing the gap in terms of access of minorities to beds for the elderly, but I do not think that it is something to celebrate," Feng, said. "They are really the last resort". "Most elderly people prefer to stay in their homes, or some place like home, but not an asylum for the elderly unless they have to."

New analysis shows between 1999 and 2008 population of elderly people in the country was contracted by 6.1 percent to slightly more than 1.2 million people. In this period decline in the number of whites in nursing homes by 10.2 per cent at the national level, while the number of blacks increased to 10.8 per cent, the number of Hispanics increased by 54.9% and the number of Asians increased by 54.1%. The study also examined changes in population of elderly people in the top 10 metropolitan areas of each minority.

Previous research has shown that in areas predominantly minority nursing homes tend to be of lower quality and are more likely to close, while assisted living facilities are more likely to be built in areas where residents are high-income. The result, which is reflected in the figures in the new book from Health Affairs, is a gap that plays not only economic and geographically, but also racial, said Feng.

"We know that these alternatives are not equally available, accessible or affordable to everyone, certainly not to many minority elders", said.

As politicians seek to "rebalance" attention to other forms of care homes for the elderly, for example with changes in the financing of Medicaid to support household and community, services should represent these disparities, said Feng. As it is, the targets are clearly more likely to use more convenient alternatives; more concerted efforts are necessary to promote the use of elderly minority of them too, he said.

"Rebalancing is a recognition of the preferences of the majority of people in long-term care," said Feng. "This effort to be successful you have to bear in mind that is so".

To determine the figures, Feng and his co-authors used the minimum data set laid down by the Federal Government, which keeps track of the users of the elderly population and assess their care needs routinely, receiving important Medicare and Medicaid funding. There is no similar for other types of more attention data, which is predominantly paid with private insurance dollars.

Metropolitan shifts

A form of Feng and his coauthors have quantified the disparity in the elderly is the grouping of metropolitan areas in quartiles based on the proportion of whites, blacks, Hispanics or Asians who were 65 years or more in each area. The researchers found that the representation of blacks, Hispanics and Asians in nursing homes increased as its share of elderly in the population increased. That correlation is not maintained for whites, which do not seem to be forced to choose nursing homes as they age.

In New York, a metropolitan area 10 higher for Blacks, Hispanics and Asians, the residents of the home of elderly people in these groups increased 22 per cent and 84 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. Los Angeles / Long Beach, the increases were 1 per cent for Blacks, 41 percent of Hispanics and 56 percent among Asians.

Different rates in different cities, the challenge faced by the authorities is not only national, but also local, the researchers said.

"Efforts to reduce disparities should target communities and facilities with a high concentration of minority residents," they wrote in health issues.

Provided by the Brown University (News: web)

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