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  • Spring Allergies !

    In many area's the mornings are feeling less chilly and the day time temperatures are warmer. Spring flower are popping up everywhere, and the sun is shining a little warmer and brighter! Spring is finally upon us !!! This is truly a terrific time of year to get out and about, unless of course you have seasonal allergies which can be a challenge. Unfortunately due to changes in our envionment we have a lot more pollen in the air these days! As a result, according to the Centers for Disease Control approximately 26% of adults and 19% of children have seasonal allergies. In addition, according to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 80 % of those with seasonal allergies report moderate-to-severe symptoms that significantly impair their quality of life (https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198%2816%2930544-X/fulltext). Although we are fortunate to have many treatment options available, we all have to be mindful as allergies and asthma can begin and develop into a problem at any age. Many of us suffer year after year, as I do! Proper management and prevention to avoid long term and chronic respiratory challenges is therefore more important than many people realize. So, with some planning everyone can say, "Ah Spring" rather than "Ah-Choo Spring!" Enjoy the spring and summer in a safe way by following these simple tips: 1. Monitor the weather and stay inside on high pollen days. If allergic to grass and weeds avoid extensive exposure. Stay inside if the grass is being cut and arrange for assistance in the garden. 2. Keep your air conditioning on and doors and windows closed. If you do not have air conditioning seek it out during the day at the library, shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, coffee shops, etc! 3. Keep it clean! Within the home change your air filters monthly. Clean your sheets, floors, furniture, and clothing often. Vacuum regularly. Do not hang laundry outside to dry as this will collect pollen and other allergens! Shower at the end of each day to get any allergens off of your body before bed! Hand washing is also important. Wash your hands and face often, especially after being outside. 4. Protect yourself while out and about! Remember that the highest levels of allergens are in the early am. Try to plan outings after 10 am when possible to avoid peak levels! Wear a dust and pollen mask and sunglasses if high pollen levels and needing to be outdoors. Keep your skin in good condition as excessive dryness can make allergies and rashes worse and even lead to infection. 5. Consider using unless instructed otherwise by your physician - an over-the-counter (OTC) saline nasal spray in the am and pm or at least daily at bedtime as this will help to clear nasal passages of pollen and other allergens that can accumulated over the course of the day. 6. If your pet usually sleeps with you consider having them sleep in another room and avoid having them on your bed as their fur / hair will collect and spread pollen to you! 7. Ensure that your grass is cut regularly as a shorter lawn will lead to less pollen. Keep gutters and downspouts also clean and free of debris. 8. Seek guidance from a medical professional regarding over the counter antihistamines. Some people need a combination of over the counter oral meds along with a steroid or antihistamine nasal spray, or even eye drops routinely. For poorly controlled allergies immunotherapy or allergy shots may need to be considered. Some people benefit from changing their over the counter antihistamine routinely to help with increased effectiveness during the season. No matter what the case may be if you are clearing your throat routinely, having itchy eyes, nasal drainage you need to address your symptoms and make a change. Leaving allergies untreated can lead to more serious medical problems especially if you have another chronic condition such as asthma or COPD. So be mindful and proactive in getting relief for your seasonal allergies so that you can enjoy all that Spring has to offer!

  • Medicare and Planning for Long Term Care

    We love to plan for many things across our lifetime, but long term care is generally not on that to do list or something that most individuals enjoy thinking about! Although I often recommend being present and in the moment, I also recommend taking time to do a little advanced care planning for the future. Most people at some point across their lifetime will require some type of care support and ensuring that you have a documented plan in place in alignment with your express wishes is important. It is also important to understand options for care and to be able to make some informed decisions about what you may and may not want alone with having a full understanding of what is a covered and non covered expense. There are many types of care situations as one grows older. Assisted living is one option for convalescent or custodial care support that is often needed by many individual as they age. In an assisted living environment they provide hands on assistance with a number of areas including - medication administration including insulin, laundry, housekeeping, meals, and support for transfers, bathing, dressing, and general custodial aspects of daily living. It is often a surprise for many that Medicare does not cover general assisted living costs as Medicare does not cover any long term custodial care, meaning assistance with aspects of daily living such as dressing, bathing, or toileting. Most of the care needed for individuals and provided in assisted living is across these areas and not a covered expense. Assisted living is therefore generally either covered by Long Term Care Insurance or privately paid. But there are some assisted living costs that Medicare under part A may cover for physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and even skilled nursing visits for specific episodes of care. However, one cannot receive long term skilled nursing care at an assisted living facility as this is beyond their scope of practice. Medicare Part A may cover skilled nursing care in some rehab and Skilled nursing home settings for an episode of care. In order to qualify the individual must have a hospital-related medical condition that is being treated for at least a 3-day inpatient status hospital stay or a condition that started while receiving care in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) for a hospital-related medical condition. Medicare Part A will only pay for these services for up to 100 days per benefit period. Days 1 - 20: $0 copayment unless you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, as you may be charged copayments during the first 20 days in this case. Days 21 - 100: A $200 copayment each day, After day 100: You pay all costs. A Medicare benefit period begins the day a person is admitted as an inpatient in a hospital or SNF. Observation status does not count towards this. The benefit period ends when you haven't received any inpatient hospital care (or up to 100 days of skilled care in a SNF) for 60 days in a row. Medicare Part A can help cover skilled nursing care in certain conditions for a limited time if you have Part A, have days left to use as a part of your Medicare benefit period and you have a qualifying hospital stay. Your physician and care team will also need to evaluate and make a recommendation that you need daily skilled care for the specific episode of care at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) as certified by Medicare. So what happens if you cannot afford assisted living private pay, do not have long term care insurance, or need care support outside of medicare qualifying stays? There are several paths to take in this regarding depending upon a variety of factors. Reach out today for a care management consult so that you can learn more and we can advise on potential care paths. Sources: Medicare.gov SSA.gov HHS.gov aarp.org Healthcare.gov

  • Upcoming Free Educational Program in Collaboration with the Kensington, Reston - New Year, New You!

    Discover the power of self-care for caregivers and RSVP now to this upcoming collaborative educational event, “New Year, New You: Self-Care for Caregivers”, on Jan. 18th at 6 p.m. Join CEO, Karen McPhail, BSN, MSN, RN, LALFA, CDP, CCM, CCTC, Care Manager, Care Advisor and Founder of Eldementals Care Management, as she shares invaluable tips and tricks to navigate the emotional challenges of caregiving. Learn why self-care is crucial, explore simple steps to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and discover ways to build resilience. Uncover techniques to navigate stress, anger, and anxiety, propelling yourself forward in a positive direction. Get practical guidance and real solutions! Learn more and RSVP today to attend at https://kensingtonreston.com/new-year-new-you-exploring-self-care-for-caregivers/

  • Dementia Relocation - The Details Matter!

    Relocation for most people is stressful and not trivial as it is a major life event and change. For individuals with cognitive impairment and dementia it is an even more significant life event as their environment and routine all provide them with comfort, cueing, safety, and security. It is therefore important to do ample planning when relocating an individual with any type of dementia. There are many areas that need to be considered along the way as the details do matter! A detailed and individualized transition plan will minimize relocation trauma and help to foster timely and effective adjustment for all! Some things to consider along the way when relocating a loved one: Take your time in choosing a care community - do not rush a decision. Finding the right fit, location, and care situation long term is critical. Get guidance from a care manager to best understand all your relocation options, key considerations, supportive service providers, and potential covered services to maximize quality, efficiency, and effectiveness while minimizing costs. Remember that you want to minimize multiple relocations and make this their only and if possible last move. Accordingly, current needs and advanced planning future needs, depending upon co existing conditions, financials, and dementia type need to all be planned for and discussed. Try to set up their new home in a similar manner to what they have become accustomed to prior to relocation. This will help to cue them to their routine, minimize anxiety, and provide them with security and comfort. Choose a favorite and familiar comforter, pillow, wall hangings that will bring them joy and help them to settle into their new space tapping into preserved memories and positive emotions. Take a less is more approach to decorating and create balance as clutter can lead to anxiety, confusion, and present as a hazard. Aim to create a safe, comfortable, and familiar space for your loved one. Consider colors along the way! Although yellow is often considered a cheerful color, research has shown that many people become agitated more often in yellow rooms so if an individual is more prone to aggression or agitation, it may be helpful to minimize their exposure to yellow in decor choices. Blue and green are often calming colors for those with dementia. Green is easy on the eyes and is thought to improve vision. Green is known to be the last color that most individuals with dementia lose the ability to visualize. Green is therefore a great color for entry doors top bathrooms and toilet seats to create contrast. Blue is also a helpful color for those with dementia and is universally know as a tranquil and calming color. It is thought by many that is a color that connects with core and preserved memories such as the sky or water, thus often having positive emotional response and calming effects. Some colors can be also be used as a tool, especially prior to relocation. For example, dark blue is often shown to decrease appetite in individuals with dementia. For individuals with fronto temporal dementia, who often sugar and carb crave and at times over eat, having a dark blue plate can be used as a tool to decrease appetite. Black is often viewed as a void to those with dementia. So, having a black doormat can help to deter individuals from crossing and entering into unsafe spaces. Black can also present in a scary way to individuals with dementia so this color should be avoided when decorating. Light shades and using contrast can be also very effective tools to help individuals with dementia visualize hand rails, corners of furniture when having spatial relations challenges, and in general furnishings. Have a detailed transition plan and timeline in place especially for relocation day drawing on positive preserved emotions, memories and preferences for dining and activities critical as all of this will minimize anxiety, stress and support timely adjustment. Planning is key! More is more in this regard! Pick a time of the day that is best for your loved one for the relocation to take place. Generally, it is advised to avoid relocation in the early morning or late afternoon as these are usually not the best times for individuals with cognitive impairment. If a care community will not work with you on this then consider this to be a red flag for moving forward. Reevaluate the relocation and staff experience level. Tap into their senses based on preferences by having music , television and even favorite scents and foods in their new space as ways to calm, connect, and cue. Add key components to the relocation plan! Try to ensure that the Care community has plenty of information so that they can support as close to the same schedule and routine for your family member as possible. It is also important for the community to take a trauma informed care approach as they need to understand where your loved one has been and what they have experienced in order to understand where they are today and where they will be in the future. This is critical for tapping into preserved memories and effectively using therapeutic redirection and dementia communication. Try to shelter your loved one from the packing and actual moving aspects as much as possible as some of this and leaving their home can be stressful and lead to anxiety. For those with significant short term memory impairment reminding about the move and talking about it often can be stressful. Talk with a care management expert to understand more about best approaches and preparation. Because relocation is a stressor for an individual with dementia be sure about the care community when relocating and again plan for this to be their only move if possible. it is not a good idea to relocate an individual multiple times as it can have negative cognitive and health consequences. Doing advanced care planing with a care manager is important to find the best long term fit based on current and future care needs, expressed wishes, preferences for care, cultural components, and affordability. Proactive and detailed planning with knowledgeable experts will lead to success for all as the details do matter! Finally, no matter how hard you plan be prepared for some complaints and some adjustment on the part of your loved one. Give this time and realize that you’ve made the best choices possible for them and they will in fact adjust. Care managers can often help in limiting transition trauma through proactive planning and detailed transition timelines. Reach out if you need assistance. The rode is best travelled with others!

  • Holiday Considerations When You Have a Loved One With Dementia

    The holiday season is often a busy time filled with festive events, parties, decorating, gift giving, and more. It can also be a hectic and stressful time when you have a family member with cognitive impairment and dementia. Below are some simple tips to make things easier for those staying close to home and also traveling. A stable environment and routine is often important for those with cognitive impairment and dementia. As a result it may not be best or even possible to travel to family or friends as was done in the past. We encourage families to embrace the positives and opportunities in this regard by being open to change and forming some new family traditions accordingly. As with proper planning you can still experience all the joy of the season close to home and in alignment with the individuals daily routine and schedule. Embrace new opportunities close to home. For example, scenic drives to take in the holiday decor or lighting, simple day trips, holiday parades or craft fairs, a relaxed holiday tea, or even viewing some of the past holiday movies that may tap into preserved memories and provide for reminiscence and discussion can be fun and festive! Some of the museums and historic properties offer special programs onsite and even from home virtually which can also be tried. When accessing onsite events and programs let the vendor know in advance any special considerations or limitations and try to reserve programs on less busy days and times if possible. It may be helpful to request seating in a less busy area of a restaurant, and to even request a less is more approach to table settings. Having the menu or options in advance, so that simple choices can be presented or decisions can be made prior to going to a restaurant or event may also be helpful to limit frustration and confusion. If you cannot go out many things can be done at home to celebrate by tapping into preserved memories and emotions. For example, try to provide foods, decor items, and even scents that brought the individual pleasure in the past. Preparing some simple holiday foods or doing holiday crafts for gift giving to engage them and provide purpose can also be fun. Looking through scrapbooks of past holidays, holiday books and stories, and holiday music can often bring joy to those with cognitive impairment. Remember to include cultural components and religious preferences in planning. Check into local programs and specific groups or events being held through online or planned in person attendance. Remember to educate family members and friends on the loved ones needs and preferences as these may have changed based on disease progression. Provide them with the best times for visiting and outings based on the individuals routine and schedule. Keeping these aspects consistent for the individual is best. Avoid outings later in the day and multiple outings or onsite events in one day as this can lead to cognitive taxing, anxiety, and challenges Ask family members to share in new traditions through onsite visits or video calls if needed. Keep all aspects on the individual’s terms. Helping the individual to find purpose on their terms is also important by involving them in aspects of the holiday through decorating, meal prep, etc - again all on their terms. A less is more approach to decorating may need to be taken to avoid overstimulation and provide for safety. Decorating and making changes to their environment gradually is best so that you can gauge their response. Remember that their environment, routine, and structure provides them with security, safety, and even mild changes can spark anxiety and even behavioral challenges for some. It is usually helpful to avoid blinking or pulsing lights, items that move, and always be mindful of cords and wrapping paper post gift giving as these can pose as tripping hazards. Clutter also can lead to anxiety and should be avoided. If you are traveling during the holidays ample planning will be essential. Change is often hard for those with cognitive impairment and dementia, so many variables need to be considered prior to committing to travel - especially over the holidays. Individuals with cognitive impairment often have some challenges when their environment is changed, which can spark a temporary decrease or change in their cognition, and at times, even some behavioral challenges while away. Planning a trip is not something that should be taken in a trivial manner for those with dementia or cognitive impairment. Consider whether they will truly benefit from the trip, how they do with change even within the home, etc. Are they bothered by a subtle change to the routine, are they resistant to care at times, do they sundown, or have they had any routine behavioral challenges? Again, some of these aspects may worsen or pose a health risk if they are taken away from the comforts of home. Please consider using the information below in organizing your thoughts before attempting to book travel with a loved one with dementia: Do they do well with change and day trips? Any challenges? Are these easily navigated or realistic to navigate past? Do they have complex or chronic care conditions that also need to be considered, and could make travel detrimental or challenging? Did they enjoy going on holidays and traveling previously? Was travel a part of their usual routine in the past and would it be part of their preserved longer term memory? Will you be traveling to a familiar location that may be part of preserved longer term memories and provide comfort? Do they adjust well to new surroundings? Or do they become frustrated, confused, or anxious with the changes to their routine, environment, location, food, etc? Traveling can be unpredictable - how would this impact them and how would you manage this? How do you think they would respond to a flight delay, changes in temperature, food options, or even time zone changes? How will you and they handle security checks if air travel being used? How would you and they manage the need to remove personal items, shoes, clothing? If they have mobility issues, incontinence, frequent medications or vital sign and blood sugar management how will this be navigated during travel and at your travel destination? Remember to dress in layers and in a carry on pack medications (ensure to pack extra in case of delays), a change of clothing, incontinence products, along with a drink and favorite snack. Ship any items and gifts in advance to your destination if possible to limit the amount of baggage and make things easier to navigate during travel! Have a light weight wheelchair and pressure reducing chair pad if wheelchair use is needed. The pad can also be helpful for use on the flight for comfort. Bring a light weight bag with some activities and comfort items. If staying in a hotel, or with family, ensure that they understand any items that will be needed to make for a successful stay. Having trip insurance is also important for medical and trip cancellations if needed. If traveling for the holiday is essential or will bring joy to the individual it can be done successfully with some planning and guidance. Reach out to a care manager to discuss and help with coordination of care and other aspects. With ample planning the holiday season can be joyful for all! If you need guidance on any area, please feel free to reach out to one of our Care Management staff as we are here and happy to help! Happy Holidays!

  • Planning Essentials for Safe, Healthy, and Successful Holiday Travel!

    Fall is in full swing and the holiday season is almost upon us!!! As the holiday season fast approaches, follow these simple steps to make the most of your adventures! Planning Essentials For Successful Holiday Travel: Ensure you have your passport and other travel documents safe in your carry on luggage. We also recommend making a copy before you travel in case anything is lost or goes missing! Consider purchasing trip insurance as a part of any travel package. Make sure that air fair is refundable and understand the purchase terms. If traveling abroad, strongly consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can be expensive, but is often times worthwhile! Plans include medical expense coverage, emergency travel services and more. Explore plans fully before moving forward with one! Check in with family, friends, house sitters, and pet sitters before leaving and update them on any last minute changes to your itinerary. Have camera's on the exterior entrances or within the home that electronically activate you to changes. By having this ona. simple cell phone it will provide you with peace of mind. It is also a great way to check on pets who have a pet sitter at home! Make a checklist of items to remember for the day you leave! Everything gets busier on departure day! This will help you to feel at ease and know that everything has been handled! A vacation packing list can also be helpful! See your primary care physician at least a month before traveling to ensure that you have time for any recommended immunizations, treatments or medications. You also want to ensure that you are in good health and ready for travel without any risks. If additional planning is needed to accommodate any medical needs while away, you will also want ample time to coordinate! Have your medications filled and packed prior to leaving. Having a simple pill case is an easy and cost effective way to stay organized and on track while away! Pack 3 extra days of medication in case your travel plans are delayed. Never put your medications into checked baggage; always keep medications in a carry on. Keep with you a typed list of your medications, health history, allergies, and emergency contact person(s). Always, place your medications locked in your room safe once you reach your destination. Be aware of local pharmacies and access to emergency medical services available in the area in which you are traveling. Have a detailed written itinerary that you share in advance with family and friends! For emergencies they will be able to contact you easily and this will serve as a great guide in general for your trip! Have a cell phone and charger packed packed in your carry on. Bring a portable charger just in case of an emergency. If traveling oversees look into and have an international calling plan in place. Dress for the unexpected! Even if you are expecting a short and easy day of travel, dress for the worst case scenario! Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk well in or have on your feet if you are traveling via wheelchair. Ensure that you wear flat shoes with arch support. Lace up shoes are often times best since you can adjust them for swelling, etc. if needed. If possible, do not wear heels because they can lead to tripping, injury, or straining. Dress in comfortable layers to ensure that you can adjust your temperature comfortably when needed. Wear your medic alert bracelet or necklace if you have one. If you have chronic medical issues that require immediate attention, consider purchasing one prior to traveling: http://www.medicalert.org/?gclid=CNT43KOl_NMCFdJMDQodppoATw . Carry only necessary items, check other items to keep it easy and to avoid injury! Ship any holiday gifts or bulky items to your location prior to departure. Ensure that you have transportation or a car service in place for to and from the airport and while in-between travel locations! As always, keep your bags on your person at all times. Never ask someone you do not know to watch your bags, even for a short period of time! Remember to have your medications (ensure that they are filled before leaving), medical history, and emergency contact list packed in a carry-on bag. Never pack your medications in a checked bag! Having toiletries and one day of clothing that is not heavy or bulky packed in your carry-on is also a great idea in case luggage issues occur. Your ID should be zipped into a front pocket of your carry-on that is easy to access when needed. For trips longer than an hour, have a small snack and a water bottle in your carry-on in case of emergency. Only carry necessary items in your carry-on and keep other items in your checked baggage! Ensure that you have a light-weight suitcase that is easy to pull to avoid injury. Do your safety homework prior to leaving. Be mindful of safety considerations for the area in which you will be staying and traveling to. This is very important and should not be taken lightly. Check out the U.S. State Department website which offers specific safety information for various countries. Avoid being a target for theft! Never put out the clean my room sign if one is offered! This indicates to all that you are out and that your room is vacant! For safety, try to request a room near an elevator, lobby, or on the main floor. Avoid staying by exterior stairs. Try to make safe and healthy dining choices even while away. Remember that if you are mindful of necessary restrictions and dietary basics you can have a better trip! Everything in moderation! If you need assistance in planning or travel specifics reach out to an aging life care professional for guidance! #safetravel #Eldementals #eldementalsblog #travel

  • Could It Be Delirium - Commonly Mismanaged!

    I will never forget the day my mother fell, fractured her hip, and was admitted to the hospital for an emergency hip replacement. The entire situation was so traumatic and frightening for her and for our family! After she came out of surgery, thankfully without complications, she was very disoriented. At first we all assumed that it was due to the anesthesia, but realized later that it was in fact delirium. Being a nurse, I knew immediately how to handle this situation and that it would pass over time with the right care and interventions. Things would be unpleasant and difficult for perhaps a little while, but would slowly improve. The nursing staff caring for my mom sadly had a different opinion. I was so disappointed and irritated that some of her primary caregivers were unable to distinguish between delirium and dementia, as they kept asking me how long my mother had dementia. How did we manage her at home? Had we stared talking about placement? Placement? Placement for what, temporary confusion? They acted as if my mother was an object and not a person. I told them - " I will place a book on a table or a plant on a shelf, but I will not simply place my mother!" When gained composure and got my "Karen" emotions under control, I explained that she did not have cognitive issues. They looked at me sadly implying that I was another one of those unrealistic family members. In their eyes, I just did not get it. Sadly, they were the ones who did not.... It saddens me that people are so fast to assume that every person with confusion over the age of 65 is demented. This is pure and simple ageism due to ignorance and needs to stop. There are so many other factors to consider when someone has a change in cognition. Never assume! Could they have a urinary tract infection, blood sugar problem, could they be septic, could they be having TIA's or small strokes? Why jump immediately to the dementia conclusion? I will never understand this. Fortunately, not everyone is this way! I was persistent in advocating for my mother and did have some positive interactions and some excellent health care providers who understood and supported my mom throughout this process. Below I will clarify further the differences between Delirium and Dementia, to hopefully prevent some of these issues and potential anxiety for others. Just this week I had a patient almost declined entry into assisted living as the clinical staff simply did not understand this. If you need an advocate please reach out as we WILL help you! So more on Delirium... Dementia is something that happens generally over time, with a continuing progressive cognitive decline. On the other hand, Delirium is something that has an immediate or rapid onset of cognitive changes which can cause behavioral challenges, agitation, marked confusion, and or hallucinations. It is like hitting a light switch! Usually it is sparked by a traumatic or stressful event or circumstance, such as a hospitalization. The symptoms can come and go and are individual for each person. The most prominent symptom seen is confusion or a of lack the ability to focus. Simple processing of thoughts and completion of tasks become impossible. People also can have significant agitation, and confusion which can make some healthcare providers think that they in fact may have a type of dementia. It is important to watch for the signs of delirium in older adults when hospitalized and take timely interventions to prevent or minimize. Delirium will generally pass over time, but the duration of symptoms is different for each person. The best way to manage delirium is to remove or resolve the causative factor - usually creating a safe, stable, calm, and restful environment for the patient is beneficial. Keep the lighting low, limiting noise and visitors generally helps. Have family members provide support to help reinforce safety and to reorient the individual slowly and as tolerated. Go at their pace. And finally, try to limit or avoid pain medications and sedatives. In the hospital patients will often be given drugs such as Haldol for confusion which can make delirium even worse for some sadly. Haloperidol should only be considered for delirium when non-drug methods are not effective, and there are no other conditions present preventing use. Newer neuroleptics such as Olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine appear to be adequate alternatives to haloperidol in patients who are susceptible to extrapyramidal symptoms which needs to be considered.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5840908/). It is important to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of delirium as it is common in older adults. Remember if you have questions regarding a cognitive change in a family member you can receive guidance from an RN Care Manager as we are here to help! I hope that the above helps you or your family! Karen

  • Upcoming Programs

    Eldementals has an ongoing mission to support clinical and community education programs! Please see our upcoming educational programs below: Our CEO, COO Karen, McPhail is excited to be teaching a series of Care Management classes in September and October in conjunction with the Road Scholar program.  Giving back and also furthering knowledge relating to this ever evolving field is an important part of our organizational goals! On October 4th at 6 PM, The Kensington Reston is proud to partner with Karen McPhail, RN, BSN, MSN, CCM, CDP, CCTC, Founder, CEO & COO of Eldementals Care Management for an educational evening about Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - When are Changes More Than Normal Cognitive Aging? At some point in life, you or someone you love will likely forget a name, an anniversary or where you put your keys. But it can be unsettling if memory lapses become frequent, begin to interfere with daily life or compromise safety. Register today to learn more - https://kensingtonreston.com/events/mild-cognitive-impairment-when-forgetfulness-goes-beyond-normal-aging/ Finally on October 18th from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, Ms. McPhail will be a part of a expert clinical panel at George Mason University in conjunction with a Gen Silent Screening through their College of Public Health. If your organization would like to learn more about a clinical topic please reach out as we are here to help our community!

  • New Alzheimer’s Treatment: Areas to Consider

    The FDA recently approved Leqembi, a new IV drug treatment for Alzheimers. This treatment potentially slows cognitive decline in individuals with mild, early symptoms. Many are reaching out asking is this ok for my family member? So what are the important areas to note and consider regarding this new treatment? Leqembi is not a cure, but a treatment. Leqembi slowed cognitive progression and decline in a clinical trial. The treatment is only for those with mild, early symptoms and iIndicated for individuals with early Alzheimer's with confirmation of elevated beta-amyloid. The therapy has not been tested on people with more advanced stages of Alzheimer's or those without clinical symptoms. The treatment is administered every two weeks through an IV, taking around one hour per infusion. Typically, infusions will be done in conjunction with an infusion therapy center and not at home. . The treatment is expensive and does have some serious risks of brain swelling and bleeding That needs to be weighed and considered. The list price of this treatment is $26,500 per year. Medicare will broadly cover Leqembi for patients enrolled in the program for older Americans, though several conditions may apply. To be eligible for coverage, patients must be enrolled in Medicare, diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease, and have a doctor who is participating in a data-collection system the federal government has established to monitor the treatment’s benefits and risks- CMS-run registry. There is no evidence this or any treatment can restore or reverse lost memories or cognitive function due to Alzheimer's disease. It may take time for physician offices and infusion centers to ramp up this treatment, so be patient when reaching out. Feel free to reach out if you have questions regarding this, need assistance, finding a participating physician, or would like more information. We are here to help and to guide the way! Sources: Leqembi.com, CNBC,, Food and Drug Administration, Alzheimer’s Association, NPR, CMS, Biogen, Drugs.com, Reuters.

  • Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Versus Normal Aspects of Aging?

    Many older adults begin to worry if they forget something or have difficulty in finding the right word once in awhile. As we age however it is normal for many individuals to notice some changes in memory, attention, focus, and even mild word finding. These changes are normal aspects of aging and certainly do not indicated that someone has dementia. However cognitive changes can cause anxiety, worry, and fear for many. This stress due to uncertainty can have negative effects on one's physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive health. Seeking clarity through an expert in aging and cognition is always best as this provides peace of mind and clarity! It is very normal to once in awhile temporarily forget someones name, misplace an item, have to make a to do list, or even forget for a moment where you are going or what you were getting. Dementia is not always simply forgetting your keys - it is forgetting what your keys are for. So what changes do warrant further medical evaluation? Showing a consistent and worsening pattern of forgetfulness and memory loss, especially short term memory. Challenges in carry out familiar daily tasks - such as meal prep, calculating a tip, writing a check, or becoming confused over the correct change when shopping. Problems with communication, mixing up words, problems following a conversation, and frequent word finding challenges. Significant changes in judgement, reasoning, personality, or mood. Challenges with planning, organizing, problem solving, reasoning, computations, reading, and in routine task completion. Coordination, depth perception, and motor function challenges. Confusion over time, place, situation, , hallucinations, agitation, paranoia, or disorientation. If you or a loved one are having routine challenges in remembering, learning new things, completing routine tasks, concentrating, or making decisions that affect aspects of daily living contact one of our team members to schedule a cognitive evaluation with recommendations. We can help to provide clarity and a path forward. Reach out today if you need guidance on next steps as we are here to support and guide the way...

  • Navigating Past Trauma for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

    Past trauma is a significant challenge for many older adults, but is especially problematic for LGBTQ+ older adults since it directly impacts, limits, and intersects their experiences as an aging individual. LGBTQ+ older adults in many cases have been forced to live through a history of discrimination, ill treatment, and persecution. Coming of age at a time marked by great prejudice, legally and medically sanctioned discrimination, and violence against them has left a lasting imprint on many. Being born at a time when consensual same-sex activity was illegal in all 50 states has created long term stress, fear, and apprehension - as it was only in 1973 when being gay was finally made legal. Past medical labeling of having a mental disorder, sadly at times validated prejudice, insecurities, and inappropriate, and ill treatment. Even today many states have no laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and this lack of legal protections and experiences of discrimination retraumatizes individuals and leads to a longstanding distrust of mainstream institutions. As a result, LGBTQ+ older individuals who develop cognitive impairment and dementia sadly face an even more challenging set of circumstances. In order to best support LGBTQ+ individuals in the community one needs to have a better understanding of their past and present in order to break dysfunctional cycles and begin setting a positive foundation for change. Although LGBTQ+ older adults have clearly seen monumental change across their lifetimes and are often strong, determined, and resilient, many still struggle with complex feelings due to current and past experiences. Many are without children of their own, have been dismissed by and are estranged from their legal or biological families and only have chosen families for support. Chosen family members are often contemporaries who are also aging and can no longer provide support, which at times leads to fear and uncertainty. Due to past trauma and even recent experiences, LGBTQ+ older adults remain resistant even when needing to accessing outside help and often avoid preventative and essential care and entitlement programs while often having fewer financial resources and less or nonexistent support networks. The result of these dysfunctional patterns leads to significant holistic health disparities, challenges, isolation, and ineffective coping mechanisms. In addition, LGBTQ+-identifying caregivers have to navigate past similar challenges. Adult children who are LGBTQ+ are often relied upon and used by siblings as primary caregivers for parents. This may create trauma if being forced to care for a parent who does not fully accept their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, thus adding further to the psychological burden of being a caregiver. As dementia progresses for an LGBTQ+ individual, many changes may occur in terms of their cognition and behavior. Their sexual expression may change and they may even begin to relive traumatic experiences from the past. Recognizing and connecting with individuals where they are cognitively and helping to positively redirect and navigate past challenging emotions when they emerge is critical. Individuals may need to live in a care community over time due to dementia, which can create anxiety and tax one’s cognition. Creating safe spaces through cultural competency training, and environments that recognize and affirm everyone’s right to sexual expression, where all individuals feel welcome through decor, inclusive language, programming, and celebrations for all can help ease transitions and support long term comfort. Flyers celebrating Pride Month and programs and celebrations for all people along with gender affirming language and an overall inclusive community culture sets the stage for comfort and inclusion. Many LGBTQ+ individuals will not fully utilize care community resources and will take more time to adjust; therefore, more frequent check-ins over time and support to foster change and inclusion is vital. Community care support networks can also take many forms and community members are key in creating positive moments and impacting change for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers. It is important that LGBTQ+ older adults feel understood, supported, and safe reaching out and connecting with others. This often takes time, so letting them drive the process by being an active listener and seeking to understand will assist individuals in establishing trust and help to minimize and avoid any potential triggers from the past emerging. Once trust is formed, it is important to check in often, slowly assist them in expanding their definition of family and growing their support team. Offer to help them in finding an inclusive care provider, support group, or socialization programs to expand their network. Offer to attend an appointment or program if they are scared or resistant to go alone. Help them to slowly branch out safely and on their terms. Let them know that you care through inclusive language and actions. Help them to realize through action that you understand and that they can trust and rely upon you. When we take proactive steps to seek understanding, foster connection, and build trust slowly, we can make a huge impact on others and can create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals with dementia and their caregivers can feel safe and supported. For more information on supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults see the National Center for LGBT Aging https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org, Sage Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders https://www.sageusa.org and Sage Care https://sageusa.care

  • Poor Air Quality - Health Considerations

    Many are aware of the recent air quality challenges that are being experienced across the country due to wildfire smoke moving south from Canada. New York and other cities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Ohio valley will continue to have many days of smoke filled skies. During times such as these it is important to truly understanding what poor air quality means as this can effect your overall health and well being. Air quality levels can change on a daily basis, especially when natural disasters are noted. It is important to stay informed - air quality alerts should not be disregarded, as significant changes can cause health challenges, especially in high risk and more sensitive groups, such as infants, children and older adults. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA) uses the Air Quality Index daily to rate levels of unhealthy air. The EPA levels range from green indicating that the air quality is at a good level, to maroon, when air quality is considered poor presenting a health risk and hazardous to public health. An AQI greater than 100 indicates poor air quality. Precautions should be taken under these unhealthy circumstances. Consider the following: - Stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities, especially if you are in a high risk age group, or have chronic heart or respiratory conditions. - Keep windows and doors closed. - Use an air purifier and / air conditioner with high efficiency filter. - Consider wearing a mask while outdoors, especially if you have a chronic condition. - Encourage children to stay indoors to play as they breathe at a higher respiratory rate, and their lungs are still developing. - Encourage older adults, especially those with chronic conditions to stay indoors and avoid outdoor and strenuous activities. - Check your local news paper weather page, or watch your local online or television reports to stay in the know. It is important to consider some minor lifestyle changes on poor air quality days. Please reach out to our team if you need additional guidance. .

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