Caring With Grace

You May Need A Care Manager If…

caringwithgrace — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:49:56 +0000

Your loved one is missing medication doses or has difficulty staying organized.
The number of doctors, visits to their offices or hospitalizations is becoming overwhelming to the older person or you.
You are concerned about self-care and and/or nutrition.
You have observed memory problems or uncharacteristic behaviors.
Conflicts within your family have developed regarding how best to care for your loved one’s needs.
The primary caregiver (you, the spouse or another) are experiencing increasing stress.
You suspect the present living arrangements are not safe or best for the older person.

Eating Well as You Age

caringwithgrace — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:16:26 +0000

No matter what stage of life you’re at, eating a well balanced diet takes some planning, commitment and attention to what you’re fueling your body with. The thing is proper nutrition is especially critical at the beginning and end of our lives–and just like babies look to their mother’s to provide them with what they need to thrive, elderly people are often dependent on caregivers (either professionals or family members) to help make sure they’re eating well. Proper nutrition for as you age helps to safeguard against some of the common symptoms and conditions that come with aging, from depression to bone density loss.

There are a variety of unique challenges that elderly patients face when it comes to getting a balanced diet. First off, as people age our appetites often diminish and tastes that were once vivid began to fade. This means that older people experience less hunger and find less foods appealing. “As people age, they experience a decreased ability to smell and to taste. According to Susan Schiffman, PhD, of Duke University Medical Center, people begin to experience diminished sensations of taste and smell around the age of 60, and this trend worsens and becomes more pronounced by the time people reach their 70s. Certain medical conditions, medications, and a lack of certain nutrients can all contribute to decreased senses of smell and taste.” Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/nutrition/when-food-doesnt-taste-good#ixzz0oz9R3V5r

The physical shifts in our interaction with foods isn’t the only challenge seniors face when it comes to eating a well balanced diet. Consider also some of the obstacles common to all of us trying to eat well that are magnified for seniors: from the challenges of navigating ever-changing and more complicated food labels and grocery stores, to preparing food, to staying within a budget. Here’s a great article about navigating some of the common challenges: http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/Information/item/Overcoming+Obstacles+of+Eating+as+a+Sen?archiveChannel=Home/Article&clicked=true

Are you caring for an aging family member? I’d love to hear what your unique challenges are when it comes to diet. Please comment below.

What is Geriatric Care Management?

caringwithgrace — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:41:08 +0000

Geriatric Care Management professionals provide guidance, advocacy and resources for aging patients and their families. Caring With Grace conducts a complete assessment of each individual’s needs and develops a personalized care plan. At Caring With Grace, our certified Professional Geriatric Care Managers and care givers assist and enable older adults to enjoy their best quality of life and maintain as much independence as possible while monitoring individual’s medical needs and addressing safety and security concerns. Caring with Grace works primarily in the Dallas, Texas area, but we are connected to a national network of PGCM who are consistently exchanging resources, ideas and support. Our work with your aging loved ones begins with a personalized assessment and care plan. Please contact Angela Thomas (angela@caringwithgrace.com) for more details.