Looking for the SLUMS exam in Spanish? Hispanic and Latino Americans are the second-largest ethnic group in the United States. As that population ages, the incidences of Alzheimer’s Disease among the population will increase as well. The SLUMS exam is available to assist in diagnosing the disease within Spanish-speaking populations. We have received a copy of the SLUMS exam in Spanish directly from the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Saint Luis University. If you are unfamiliar with the SLUMS test, or you want to download it in English, go to…
Category: Professional Resources
Catering Choices For Healthier, Happier Mealtimes
As the percentage of obese adults aged 65 and over reached 27.6% in 2017, it’s clear that American seniors are as affected by obesity as their children and grandchildren. While it’s possible to plan healthy meals, reduce portion sizes and so on at home, it can be much more difficult to watch your weight when you regularly eat out. Whether you’re purely interested in weight loss or are trying to manage a health condition such as “sundowning”, seeking out healthy catering options can make for happier mealtimes and better long term health.Plan…
Career Paths to Jobs in Aging Services Beyond Nursing
When people aspire to work with seniors, they often default to thinking job options are largely limited to nursing care. While I’m sure the vast majority of jobs in this wide and growing sector are centered around nursing-type services, there is a whole world of other options to getting work in aging services. For my part, the path was never even intentional. I’d graduated from college with a BA in English. From that, desperate to find a “real” job, I applied for work as a social worker at a nursing…
Older Americans Act Signed Into Law (Again)
President Obama recently reauthorized the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016. The act re-signs into law and updates the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA). The new OAA is valid for three years. The goal of the act is to help seniors live as independently as possible in their communities. The OAA funds essential services for older adults, including: Senior Centers Transportation Caregiver Support Meals Health Promotion Enrollment in Benefits Falls Prevention Disease Prevention The OAA also highlights economic welfare, elder justice and legal services, and modernizing senior centers.…
Do You Need An Elder Care Mediator?
Families don’t always agree on care giving issues for older adults. A trained, impartial, and compassionate adviser may be just what a family needs – before arguments start. Enter elder care mediators, professionals experienced in conflict resolution. Often they’re attorneys, social workers, psychologists, or counselors. Mediators talk family members through difficult situations and misunderstandings, and help brainstorm solutions. As a neutral third party, mediators can advocate for both elderly adults and caregivers when the tough decisions come around. The mediator does not provide advice or “take sides” but facilitates dialogue,…
New Alzheimer’s Data: 2016 Alzheimer’s Facts And Figures Released
The Alzheimer’s Association recently released updated Facts and Figures, with emphasis on the disease’s effect on families and caregivers. The 2016 edition includes a special report of the financial impact of Alzheimer’s on families. Other highlights from the report include: Prevalence More and more Americans – 5.4 million in 2016 – are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, that number may rise to 13.8 million. Mortality Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. 700,000 deaths from Alzheimer’s are projected in 2016. Fatalities from the disease…
Medicare and Social Security: Resources To Know
Medicare offers a new interactive map showing geographic disparities in chronic disease among Medicare recipients. This map examines racial and ethnic disparities, as well as geographic, across the United States. Take a closer look for data on many specific topics, including: The prevalence of 18 chronic conditions Medicare spending Hospital utilization, preventable hospitalizations and readmissions Mortality rates Offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health, the map is designed to help target populations for interventions. Users can sort by state or county of residence, age,…
Aging Well In The 21st Century
How can we make the future better for aging adults? The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recently released a report (which you can read in full here) on how to improve life for older Americans long-term. Their recommendations intend to “reduce the burden of illness, enhance quality of life, and maintain health among older adults.” With a population of 72 million Americans over 65 expected by 2030, the NIA’s strategies are both timely and promising. The NIA plans to: Better Understand the Aging Process Investigate the biology of aging as…
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events for Professionals
ASA’s Annual Aging in America Conference What: The American Society on Aging (ASA) hosts an annual conference to share knowledge on topics aging professionals face today. Learn about aging and community, the economics of aging, the next 50 years of Medicare and Medicaid, culturally competent services, and much more. Who: Professionals working within the aging community, including ASA members, nonmembers, seniors, and students. When: March 20-24 Where: Marriott Wardman Park and Omni Shoreham Hotels, Washington, D.C. Register here. Health Management Associates Webinar What: This webinar will focus on targeting readmissions.…
New Veterans Affairs Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program
Caregivers for veterans have a new way to connect with one another. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) now offers a Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program. Since caregiving can be isolating, and since veterans have unique needs, this program provides specialized support and guidance. The program is open to caregivers for veterans of all eras. Caregivers can participate as mentors or mentees. Mentors volunteer with their local VA medical center Voluntary Services department and receive training before they’re paired with another caregiver. Once mentors and mentees are matched, they communicate…
‘Tis the Season for House Fires: How to Protect Seniors
Do the seniors you work with know what to do in the case of a fire? They should, especially given the fact that older adults, age 65 and beyond, are twice as likely to suffer an injury or death as the rest of the population. The risk continues to increase with age, as well as with cold weather when many fires are started from cooking and heating. Fire spreads quickly and give residents little time to react if a plan is not already in place. In two minutes, a fire…
New Reports from the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers Summarized
Long-term care for the elderly is a crucial issue. Each year, new data sheds light on the state of care in the United States. The National Study of Long-Term Care Providers reports on trends in residential care communities and adult day care centers. The study examines resident demographics, medical conditions, funding sources, and other variables. Read 2014’s highlights below, and check out the full reports for more detailed information. Variation in Operating Characteristics of Residential Care Communities, by Size of Community More than 6 in 10 residential care communities had…