MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'elders'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:31:39 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105606&cid=t_164048_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsurgeon-general-dr-jocelyn-elders-supports-legalization-recreational-marijuana%2F Former Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders has thrown her support behind the legalization of recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21 years. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105606 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:20:26 +0100 4105606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086217&cid=t_164048_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsurgeon-general-dr-jocelyn-elders-supports-legalization-recreational-marijuana%2F Former Surgeon General Dr. Jocelyn Elders has thrown her support behind the legalization of recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21 years. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086217 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:20:26 +0100 4086217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629575&cid=t_164048_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F04%2Fthe-elders%2F I’m supposed to be busily studying tonight for my epidemiology exam  on Monday morning so I’ll keep this brief, but I just wanted to share a website about a group I wasn’t previously aware of – The Elders. Now this has nothing to do with the Kansan Irish-American folk-rock band by that name (though do check them out – I have one of their CDs – it’s not bad), and it’s not a website for our leadership team at Warnbro. I can’t summarise it any better than their website so I’ll quote verbatim : “The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote t... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629575 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:22:12 +0100 3629575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107803&cid=t_164048_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FwsZnpy_Ei-w%2F Become Fit with Wii We’ve begun to get fit with the Wii Fitness program my daughter received for Christmas.  She was recovering from a long illness whereby she spent much time in bed and thus experienced physical fitness loss.  Someone suggested to her husband that a Wii Fitness program might be helpful since this wasn’t the kind of weather (2 to 3 feet of snow on the ground) for outside exercise in New Hampshire. Then once we joined the Wii fitness revolution, I’ve begun reading and hearing about it everywhere.  So many people are enjoying it because you don’t have to go outside the home.  It’s ideal for caregivers who often find it difficult to go out for a walk, much less a session at the gym. Also, the Wii, whether for fitness, coordination, physical... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107803 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:00:38 +0100 2107803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918084&cid=t_164048_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FJPn7AYfgAnc%2F Closet Disease Keeping one’s illness, when it involved mental or emotional conditions, “in the closet” was common when I was growing up.  You only whispered about someone’s mental disorders.  Families tried to keep that person at home, while not literally “in a closet,” figuratively so. You tried not to talk about Aunt Mollie who laughed at inappropriate times, wore her clothes backward, took walks in the middle of the night, or held conversations with people of the past.  Perhaps she even had to spend some time in a mental institution and have “shock” treatment, the common way of dealing with mental and emotional conditions then. Is Alzheimer’s in “the closet?” Although we’re able to talk more openly about dementia... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918084 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:37:20 +0100 1918084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512376&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fcaregivers-and-seniors-dilemma-medicine.html Caregivers and care-receivers can face a multiple choice in the current economy - medicine, gas, or food? Solving the problem can be like trying to find one's way through a maze and running into a wall at every turn. Forget about trying to hang on to luxuries. Many are trying to decide whether they can afford their prescription, a trip across town to a medical provider, or enough food for a nutritious diet. Below are some places to look for help on the internet.1. FOOD RESOURCES: At the website for FRAC, the Food Research and Action Center, "Fighting Hunger In America" there are resources to help. A portion of the website is dedicated to the elderly, and has information about programs you can turn to for assistance. Seniors Centers across the United States often have a commodities program ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512376 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:48:00 +0100 1512376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385475&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fhow-to-say-it-with-seniors-closing.html At Aging Parents Insights , author, speaker and educator David Solie recently discussed "what to do about aging parents who have little or no savings but refused to discuss any aspect of their 'money issue'." He explains that to elders the lack of money means a lack of control, and offers strategies for adult children who are dealing with this type of situation.In another article on his website titled "Reframing and Signaling: Communicating Tough Choices to Aging Parents" David Solie gives concrete, detailed suggestions for this. I especially like the part where he says to "The goal is to signal that you get it." In communication skills classes I took in college we were taught how important it is to the speaker for the listener to acknowledge that you grasp the situation. If the speaker do... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385475 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:25:00 +0100 1385475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1360724&cid=t_164048_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F267167874%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  One of my fears, as my mom became less capable of making decisions and more susceptible to suggestions of strangers, was the possibility of her getting caught in contractor or other type of fraud.  For some reason, at a certain age or stage of Alzheimer’s, parents often resent taking suggestions from their children, especially advice concerning financial and health matters. My husband Jim, who was a contractor, began making needed repairs to Mother’s house and put new shingles on the roof.  She didn’t understand why she needed a new roof even though the old was leaking into the attic space.  We lived 275 miles away and couldn’t be with her all the time.  After the roof was repaired, she told us a man stopped by and said those weren’t... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1360724 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:00:06 +0100 1360724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1332797&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fexpired-identification-card-leads-to.html An elderly mother had been suddenly hospitalized, and her adult daughter who lived far away had arrived. But, in addition to the current crises, it turned out that the mother's California Identification Card (used by seniors who no longer have a drivers license) had expired six months ago. The daughter needed to obtain Power of Attorney quickly in the emergency, but ran into difficulties since the mother no longer had a California Identification card. Secure Horizons, the Medicare Supplemental, had not been paid by the mother for several months and was lapsing. But, they would not take a payment over the phone due to HIPPA.This was the sad story of misfortune I heard today from the adult daughter. She finally had two of her mother's neighbors sign as witnesses for her at a notary's. She wa... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1332797 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:02:00 +0100 1332797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1208233&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fsenior-meal-delivery-programs-provide.html Carol Bradley Bursack, author of the nationally known book Minding Our Elders, writes on Feb. 4, 2008 at OurAlzheimers.com about "Caregiver Isolation: Don't Do It - Reach Our to Your Community!" The article describes a recent news item about a caregiver and her mother. The daughter died from a brain aneurism and the mother, who had Alzheimer's, evidently fell down the stairs, broke a hip, and lay there to die. They were not found for several days because they were so isolated. Many times adult children or relatives have mentioned to me that they signed up for Meals on Wheels or a Senior Nutrition Program that delivers meals so that someone would knock on the door once a day and check to see if everyone is OK.Especially for a senior who lives alone, this can be an important safety measure. ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1208233 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:31:00 +0100 1208233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1147254&cid=t_164048_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F01%2F13%2Fold-in-massachusetts-say-goodbye-to-your-freedom%2F In a horrible abuse of the law, lawyers, doctors, judges and social workers in Massachusetts regularly commit senior citizens who have no family or friends to nursing homes. Judges rubber-stamp the process in 2 minute hearings, often without asking the senior a single question before taking away their freedom. Think I’m exaggerating? I wish. Today’s Boston Globe has the Page 1 story, Courts strip elders of their independence, with an accompanying photo of a woman who has to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet. You know, the same type they put on criminals who are under house arrest or probation. The reasons for the involuntary guardianship of seniors in Massachusetts usually comes down to a question of mental competence. Doctors sign off on the person’s mental state, oft... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1147254 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:09:36 +0100 1147254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1049097&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fseniors-life-storytelling-chance-to.html Seniors' life story telling gives later generations insight into what it was like ,on a day to day basis, to live through different eras and cultural changes. Understanding the different conditions of daily life that existed during a senior's childhood, 60 or 70 years ago, helps explain things that might be puzzling to someone today. For example, if you wonder why grandmother never throws anything away, it could be a habit from growing up during the Great Depression.I know someone like this and here is his story. He is in his mid-70's now, and describes living in a tent in the California Central Valley as a child during the 1930's Great Depression. The family had come to California from the Oklahoma dustbowl. His mother had died of pneumonia and his father worked in the fields.He remembers... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1049097 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:58:00 +0100 1049097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1033141&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fhospital-impact-re-25-of-people-misread.html Dr. Marc C. Rothman writes at the Hospital Impact blog in a post titled "Healthcare Complexity: The Elephant in the Room" that an article in the Archive of Internal Medicine had details about a study of healthcare literacy. Over a period of 6 years, the authors of the article included 3500 people over the age of 65 in the study. The results were "A quarter of the folks had inadequate healthcare literacy, meaning they misread prescription bottles and appointment slips."As one can guess this group had a higher chance of dying in the next six years. The difference between the chances of dying were 40% for the group with healthcare literacy difficulty (reading prescriptions and appointments), and ony 18% for those with good healthcare literacy.Dr. Rothman reports in the blog that the differenc... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1033141 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:55:00 +0100 1033141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1001829&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fnational-alzheimers-disease-awareness.html This month is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America has some special events planned. On November 8, 2007 there will be The National Commemorative Candle Lighting, for lighting a "Candle of Care." The following week, on November 13, 2007 is National Memory Screening Day.At the website for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America you can find information about joining the Dementia Care Professionals of America, educational tools, and a wealth of information.The Alzheimer's Foundation of American Quilt to Remember is a project that includes quilt panels made by contributors. Each panel tells a special story about someone whose life was touched in some way by Alzheimer's.At The National Alzheimer's Association you can find steps to take to increase Alzheim... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1001829 Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:40:00 +0100 1001829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=988560&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fsenior-citizens-education-trend.html Dr. Dan Canney's Cuesta College Adult Emeritus Class for seniors over age 50 provides a mentally challenging workout studying Greek history and "The Odyssey" by the ancient writer Homer.This particular class is an example of a growing trend today in which seniors are staying active, involved, and mentally sharp by returning to college or by taking community education classes. The class is pictured above, with Dr. Canney in the middle and some of the students gathered together on each side. (Photo by Kristi Gott) Cuesta Community College, San Luis Obispo, California, has a roster of classes for seniors over the age of 50 listed at their website. The ages of the students cover a wide range from their 50's to the students in their 80's.This Fall the class has spent three hours each Monday af... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=988560 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:14:00 +0100 988560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=964790&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Folive-riley-worlds-oldest-blogger-turns.html Happy 108th Birthday to Olive Riley of Australia! Today is the 108th birthday of Olive Riley, who writes the blog Life of Riley, and who is the world's oldest blogger. Bloggers all over the world have joined together in a group to write special lposts on their blogs to wish her a Happy Birthday. ABC TV featured Olive in a newscast and the video of it is on the website today.Olive lives on the Central Coast, NSW, of Australia. The actual birthday celebration was scheduled a few days early, on Oct. 17. Olive's friend, Mike, assists her by posting the information on her blog. For her birthday Mike had a group 8 year olds, because they were exactly 100 years younger than Olive, come to sing Olive's favorite songs. Photos and videos on the site today show the children crowded around Olive, as s... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=964790 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:31:00 +0100 964790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=954497&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fwhy-do-some-brains-compensate-as-they.html Physical exercise and a lifestyle with "brain exercise" have been shown in studies to make a difference in avoiding memory decline as people age. There is an article titled "Doctors Discuss Theories on Aging Brains" by Lauren Neergaard in U.S. News and World Report, dated Oct. 15. It says "some senior's brains forge new pathways" as they age. This means that as aging causes memory decline, some people's brains compensate. When old pathways disintegrate. the brain creates new pathways in some people.The article describes how in a healthy brain the "branch like tentacles" that extend from brain cells are like a thick bush. In a less healthy brain the branches are like twigs on a sparser bush. Fewer "twigs" means it is more difficult to connect and send messages.Learning causes more of the te... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=954497 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:41:00 +0100 954497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948673&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Felders-craft-projects-and-bazaars.html Do you know seniors or elders who are alone too much and have too much time on their hands? Many seniors and elders are using their creativity, making hand-made items, sharing time with a club where they have friends, and putting it all together for a craft bazaar. I just made a flyer to advertise a Country Crafts and Bake Sale at the Central Coast Senior's Center. It's easy to see how the chance to make friends and share a fun activity has made a difference there for so many people. Fabric arts, needle arts, woodcarving crafts, Christmas decorations, all types of creative heirloom quality items, and old fashioned home-made baked goods will make this a fun day. People who did not participate in making crafts are still going to come over to see the crafts, talk and meet new friends, or just... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948673 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:03:00 +0100 948673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=883021&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2F5-things-you-didnt-know-about-jigsaw.html I had a great time doing a puzzle of a black cat with a senior over the age of 95, who had her own black cat sitting on her lap. We used one of the puzzles with large pieces and easy vision pictures. Our snacks and beverages helped to make it a "puzzle party". Because arthritis in the hands is so common, as well as poor vision, the puzzles with large pieces and easy pictures to see are helpful for elderly seniors.The puzzle had 100 pieces, which makes it quick and fun. Below is a list of five things caregivers might not know about doing jigsaw puzzles with seniors. With snacks and beverages a caregiver can start a "puzzle party" to add a highlight to the day for someone.1. Choose a puzzle with extra large pieces that are easy for people with arthritis to handle.2. A puzzle with a picture s... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=883021 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:20:00 +0100 883021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=868392&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2F1950s-reminiscing-for-caregivers-and.html Reminiscing about historical trivia and events is fun and if you want to start a conversation with an elderly senior you can always ask about the 1950's. Hoola Hoops, the Willys Woody Car, the first Kentucky Fried Chicken, Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn in The African Queen, poodles on everything, the beginnings of rock and roll, and the new thing called television were part of the 50's. You'll find this at thepeoplehistory.com.Agatha Christi's play "The Mousetrap" became the longest running play in history. Movies included "Singin in the Rain" and John Wayne in "The Quiet Man." The first Holiday Inn opened in Tennessee.In 1952 in the United States the average cost of a new home was $9, 050, average yearly wages were $3,850, the cost of a gallon of gas was 20 cents, and the average cos... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=868392 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:54:00 +0100 868392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=807676&cid=t_164048_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fminding-our-elders-blog-wins-best-of.html http://www.mindingourelders.com/ was chosen by healthcentral.com for the "Best of 2007".Carol Bradley Bursack, who has 20 years of experience as a caregiver, is the author and she says her mission is "to shine a light on the isolation often felt by caregivers and seniors".She is also a newspaper columnist and she wrote the book "Minding Our Elders". Carol has appeared on television, has been interviewed many times on the radio, and has a long list of credentials as an expert caregiver.Her website has resources and links, stories, videos, book excerpts, and just about everything a caregiver might want to find. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807676 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:35:00 +0100 807676