A High-Tech Solution to Alzheimer's Wandering -- and a Warning

Three scary things to know about someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia wandering out the door:

1. You can't know when it will happen for the first time -- but almost two-thirds of people with dementia wander off at some point.
2. Once it happens, it's almost certain to happen again.
3. Up to half of wanderers missing for 24 hours are not found alive.

That's why the launch of a new service to track and locate people with dementia who have wandered off was big news. And good news -- except for the cautionary notes I'll get to in a moment.

Lojack SafetyNet starts with a radio-tracking device inside a wristband or ankle band ("beacon"). Local law enforcement agencies have a receiver, which can pick up the signal, even in dense woods or buildings. The "safety net" also includes a database of key information about the missing person and 24/7 emergency caregiver email/phone support.

If you've heard of Project Lifesaver, the program used by police and sheriff departments in 45 states (but not all communities), you know this system. Lojack has bought one of two companies that supplied equipment to 10-year-old Project Lifesaver International. (The other is CareTrak.) They're funding an expansion of the equipment and training needed to run the program in more communities. Lojack is noteworthy because they're so big and effective at finding what's lost; they already work with 1,900 police departments to recover stolen vehicles, their original expertise, and in 30 countries.

To find it, start with your local law-enforcement office. In some communities Project Lifesaver is free; more typically, it costs $99 to enroll and $30 per month thereafter.

Aside from the cost -- and each caregiver has to weigh the cost of peace of mind for himself or herself -- I do see two downsides to these systems. Luckily, you can do something about each.

First, the pesky one: How do you get the person to go along with wearing a band on their wrist or ankle?

• Try explaining it as a medical ID bracelet.
• Start with the ankle, where it's less likely to be seen (and more quickly forgotten)
• Make sure it's a comfortable fit, not too tight to chafe.
• If the bracelet is a bust, some companies (not usually affiliated with local police) use GPS tracking hidden inside watches. The Alzheimer's Association's Medic Alert + Safe Return program offers a jewelry-style pendant. (It's for ID purposes only; there's no tracking involved as Safe Return is a community search network.)

And now the critical one: Do they give a false sense of security?

The dark side of security devices is that they can raise the user's sense of safety – to the point where they let down their guard. (That's why children's safety experts aren't so hot about water wings. Kids who can't swim still need supervision in the water.) Enrolling in a rescue system still means you need to safeguard against wandering in the first place.

• Keep an eye on a person who's a wandering risk 24/7. Hire neighborhood teens or a professional elder companions, or look into local respite programs, if you need extra coverage.
• Learn simple things you can do at home to prevent wandering.
• Don't think it can't happen to you.

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Signs That You're No Longer a Kid (or Even Close)

Signs That You're No Longer a Kid (or Even Close)

 

1. You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
2. Your back goes out more than you do.
3. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
4. Youre proud of your lawn mower.
5. Your best friend is dating someone half his/her age... and isn't breaking any laws.
6. You sing along with the elevator music.
7. Youd rather go to work than stay home sick.
8. You constantly talk about the price of gasoline.
9. You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
10. You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. People call at 9 pm. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
13. You send money to PBS.
14. You know what the word equity means.
15. You can't remember the last time you laid on the floor to watch television.
16. Your ears are hairier than your head.
17. You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
18. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.

-- Anonymous

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Will You Be Able to Sell Your Home?

There's been a lot of press lately on the so-called "shadow inventory" of foreclosed homes being held by banks, who are waiting for a better housing market to release them. Some economists fear that when these finally go up for sale, the added supply will depress home prices, which have already taken big hits over the last few years.

Should we also worry about a "shadow supply" of housing being held by middle-aged boomers and older seniors?

After all, unless there's a medical issue or financial emergency involved, most boomers and seniors don't have to move. Many bought decades ago when prices were much lower, and have low-or-no mortgages, so they've built up substantial equity. Rather than risk that nest egg, is it likely that these would-be sellers—who represent a huge segment of homeowners-- will wait until the market

improves before listing their homes? And if they do, will this added supply depress home prices?

Fortunately Christopher Herbert, director of research at The Joint Center of Harvard University, thinks that's unlikely, largely because the current housing market is so tempting for buyers. "While they may not be able to get as much for their homes as they may have thought possible a few years ago, they also have the opportunity to buy homes at low prices."
 .
Nevertheless, if you're in one of these age groups and you do decide to sell your home now, remember that when you move down to a cheaper house, you lose some of your purchasing power, even if the percentage lost on both houses is the same. That is, if you knock off 10% from a home selling for $900,000, you're giving up $90,000. If you then buy a home that's discounted 10% from $400,000, you only gain $40,000. So there may be a benefit in waiting to sell, assuming you expect the housing market to start to recover in a year or two (many economists do).

Otherwise, you may want to look into other options for tapping into your home's equity, such as a reverse equity mortgage, a cash-out refinance or a charitable home remainder annuity. But be forewarned: among other potential drawbacks, these all will affect what you are able to leave your heirs.

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The Angels that Come when Most Needed

Guest article by Judy Fox

I have grown to be a caregiver during the last four-plus years. It began while I was visiting my mom for ten days. She was getting weaker and weaker. I took her to the hospital. She had a restricted aortic valve. Before this, she was living on her own– shopping, cooking, driving, and playing bridge–at the age of ninety-three. That changed very quickly and I was plunged, as I never had been before, into the world of hospitals, doctors, nurses, medications and endless research on treatments.

Most of us cannot prepare for events that happen seemingly out of the blue. We know that as our loved ones age (and so do we) that health generally deteriorates at some point. Still, we never know when something is going to happen or what it will be. That is just the nature of life.

Since then at every traumatic moment, from pacemaker to massive stroke to aortic valve replacement via catheter, there have been the difficult experiences with members of the caring professions. Yet, what I most remember are those doctors, nurses, nurse’s aides, and therapists who extended their humanity and care when my mother most needed it. I can’t remember their names, but I do remember how they behaved, and how grateful I felt.

What I valued most was how, through their tone of voice, touch, and sincere engagement, they were able to make simple human contact that meant so much. They treated my mom with respect and empathy while being acutely aware of her, her needs, and by drawing on their knowledge to help.

In every one of my mom’s predicaments, we’ve been fortunate to have at least one person who fit this category and some who really stood out in an exceptional way. I think of them as angels. They come in any shape, color, ethnic background, or gender. They are identified instantly by their simple regard for other human beings and for their care for what they are doing.

One young man was working in the emergency room when my mom was admitted. Just the way he spoke to my mother, told her about his life, and took blood from her arm, left an impression upon her. She kept talking about him. He not only spoke to her as one human being to another, but he also was good at what he did. When you are older with skin thin and veins slippery, it can be quite hard to take blood. It requires skill, patience, and a delicate hand. For a sick person who is often frightened and not at her best, having such a caring person has an effect

Then there was the Haitian nurse in the critical care unit…again, she was immediately recognized by her warmth, humor, and persistent hands-on care. She formed a relationship with my mom right away. It was as if she engulfed my mother with warmth and a sense she was totally there for her. I could finally breathe easier.

There was also the head of the rehabilitation hospital, an Irish doctor and osteopath, who had immediate rapport with my mom. He spoke to her, not through the lens of seeing her as a 97-year old post-stroke woman who probably had dementia (which she doesn’t), but with openness and respect. He spent time with her–spoke directly to her in a way that was totally natural. He also told me he had particular empathy for stroke victims.

I could go on and on about the angels who came when most needed. In many ways they are how you would expect a caregiver to be. As a sick person, one is so vulnerable, scared, and out of control. That hand of comfort, expertise, and ease is so appreciated. These angels are often forgotten by the patients as they can come and go in and out of their lives quickly. Nonetheless, by giving in such a natural unpretentious way, they exemplify the best in human beings. They raise our spirits in times of dire need; they really care and that makes all the difference!

Judy Fox is an artist. For the past year and a half, she has been living with her 97-year old mother after she had a stroke. She started a blog site with a good friend called “When the Table Turns” where she writes heartfelt philosophical essays on the care and love for her elderly mom. It’s an ongoing journey that has opened her heart and to which she is very grateful.

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Questions to Ask About Medications

Here is a list of questions for caregivers to ask whenever a doctor prescribes a new medication for their elderly loved one:

• Why is this medicine prescribed?
• How does the medicine work in the body?
• What are the common side effects? What should I pay attention to?
• Will this medicine interact with other medications—prescription and non-prescription—that my loved one is taking now?
• When will the medicine begin to work?
• What should I do if my loved one misses a dose?
• Should he/she take it with meals?
• Does he/she need to drink a whole glass of water with it?
• Are there foods, drugs, or activities he/she should avoid while taking this medicine?
• Are there any foods or beverages to avoid?
• Is it safe to drink alcohol while on this medicine?
• How long will he/she have to take the medicine? Will we need a refill? How do I arrange that?
• Do you have written information about the medicine that I can take home with me?

Questions to Ask your Doctor About Medications

If the doctor prescribes a drug(s) for your parent's condition, there are some questions you should ask. First, make sure you know the name of the drug and understand why it has been prescribed for your parent. Ask the doctor to write down how often and for how long your parent should take it.

Make notes about any other special instructions. There may be foods or drinks to avoid while your parent is taking the medicine. Or you may have to take the medicine with food or a whole glass of water. If your parent is taking other medications, make sure your doctor knows, so he or she can prevent harmful drug interactions.

Sometimes medicines affect older people differently than younger people. Let the doctor know if the medicine doesn't seem to be working or if it is causing problems. It is best that your parent not to stop taking the medicine on his or her own. If they want to stop taking the medicine, check with your doctor first.

Questions to ask about medications:

• What are the common side effects? What should I pay attention to?
• When will the medicine begin to work?
• What should I do if my parent misses a dose?
• Should he/she take it at meals or between meals?
• Does Mom/Dad need to drink a whole glass of water with it?
• Are there foods, drugs, or activities Mom/Dad should avoid while taking this medicine?
• Will he/she need a refill? How do I arrange that?
• Can Mom/Dad become addicted to this drug?

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