Sleep Problems Up Risk of Alzheimer’s Says Study

From the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA):

Older adults with abnormal sleep patterns, whether it’s too much sleep, too little sleep, or restless sleep, have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to three new studies.

The first study, which utilized participants in the larger U.S. Nurses’ Health Study, administered cognitive tests to women over the age of 70 every two years over a six year period. Participants were also asked about their average daily sleep duration. Researchers found that women who averaged seven hours of sleep daily saw higher cognitive scores over the years compared to women who reported 5 hours or less or those who reported 9 hours or more. Participants who averaged too much or too little sleep aged, on average, two years faster than those who slept seven hours a night.

A separate study monitored 1,430 women over age 75 while they slept and measured these individuals cognitive impairment over time. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found that participants with sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, were nearly twice as likely to develop cognitive impairment. The study also found that those who woke up in the middle of the night most often were at triple the risk for entering a nursing home compared to those who experienced the fewest interruptions.

A third study followed 4,900 French seniors who were 65 or older. This study found that certain sleep problems, such as problems falling asleep and early morning awakenings, were not associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, but those who felt excessively tired during the day were more likely to experience cognitive impairments.

Although researchers are not sure if inadequate sleep is a cause or a result of cognitive impairment, the studies, taken together, make a strong case for sleep’s involvement in Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline.

Learn more about these studies.

Learn more about the Assisted Living Federation of America.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Unfortunately, we live in a world where those who are vulnerable are at risk for being taken advantage of – young and old.

It’s not right, so today we, along with thousands of providers, doctors, home health agencies, and advocacy groups around the world are saying enough is enough.

Elder Abuse isn’t always an easy thing to see.

What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse refers to the intentional or neglectful acts of a caregiver, family member, friend, or other individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a senior citizen. The various forms of elder abuse include: physical abuse, neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse and threats, financial abuse and exploitation, sexual abuse, and abandonment. In some states, self-neglect is also considered elder abuse. The most common form of abuse is financial exploitation, with physical abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse following.

• Physical Abuse: Any threat to or action that physically injures an older adult.
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Verbal attacks, threats, isolation, or belittling acts that cause or could cause mental anguish, pain, or distress to a senior. Studies have shown verbal abuse is extremely damaging, taking an even greater toll on the mental health of women 50-79 than physical abuse.
• Sexual Abuse: Sexual contact that is forced, tricked, threatened, or otherwise coerced upon a vulnerable elder. Sexual contact with an elder who is unable to grant consent (for example an individual with advanced Alzheimer’s) is also considered sexual abuse.
• Exploitation: The illegal use of an older adult’s funds or property for the benefits of someone besides the older adult. This includes theft, fraud, and use of influence over the senior to gain control over an older person’s money or property.
• Neglect: A caregiver’s failure or refusal to provide for a vulnerable elders safety, physical, or emotional needs.
• Abandonment: Desertion of a frail or vulnerable elder by anyone who previously assumed a duty of care.
• Self-Neglect: An inability to perform tasks relating to self care, which leads to, or may lead to, harm or endangerment.

How big is the problem?
It is uncertain how often elder abuse occurs because relatively few instances, only one in six, are reported. If you exclude cases of self-neglect, the problem of underreporting becomes even more apparent, as research indicates that only one in fourteen cases of elder abuse (not including self-neglect cases) are reported to the authorities.

It is estimated that more than one in ten elders may experience some form of abuse. The large discrepancy in the cases of elder abuse that occur and those that are actually reported means that most victims are not getting the help they need.

How serious is the problem?
The personal losses related to elder abuse can be devastating and include the loss of  independence, home, life savings, health, dignity, security, and death. Studies show that even victims of mild elder abuse suffer devastating consequences. Victims of mild elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation are at a 300% increased risk of dying in the 3 years after mistreatment compared to their non-abused contemporaries.

What are the warning signs of abuse?
Abuse is not always evident. Any change in personality or behavior should be noted and investigated further. The following are indicators (provided by the Administration on Aging) that an elder may have been abused:

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
• Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
• Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
• Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs.

So what can you do?

Report any cases or suspected cases of abuse to adult protective services or
law enforcement. You can find your state agency on ALFA’s website at alfa.org/states.

• Look for potential warning signs. Make a point of talking to the older adults in your life and make note of any shifts in personality or behavior that may signal abuse.
• Volunteer. There are many local opportunities to become involved in programs that provide assistance and support for seniors.
• Participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Help to raise awareness by talking about the issue.

For more information on Edler Abuse Awareness Day, please visit http://www.alfa.org/alfa/Elder_Abuse.asp

 

Resident at Excelsior Place Announced as Finalist in ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase

Liz Buxton, a resident of Excelsior Place Assisted Living, has been declared a finalist in the Assisted Living Federation of America’s (ALFA) premier art competition for senior living residents, the ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase.  Liz’s artwork, titled “Birch Trees”, was chosen out of a pool of over 200 submissions from residents of assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities because of her artistic talent and embodiment of this year’s theme, carpe diem, meaning to seize the day.

Liz’s only experience with painting had been paint by numbers. Something about art always fascinated her. She was always drawn to art work. Not having the imagination of an artist, she had the desire. Liz would sign up for art classes where she lived and then her husband would get relocated before she could actually take the class.  Then she moved to Excelsior Place Assisted Living where watercolor painting classes are taught. Liz has been able to participate in something she has always wanted to do and loves it!! When we asked Liz what she thought about the theme, carpe diem-”seize the day” she said, “A pleasant day to me has always been nice weather outside. Living in Northern Minnesota you are able to experience a variety in scenery.  I have always been interested in painting but never thought I was good enough. I just never seemed to give it a chance.”

Liz’s artwork will be displayed at COMMUNITY 2012, the ALFA Conference and Expo, where it will be viewed by thousands of senior living professionals from across the country.  Liz’s piece can also be seen on ALFA’s Facebook page at www.alfa.org/facebookartfinalists.  Because of Liz’s achievement, she will receive $100 and a set of note cards with her painting printed on the front to share with family and friends.

If Liz’s artwork is declared the ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase Grand Prize Winner by a panel of distinguished art experts, she will win special recognition for her artwork from ALFA at COMMUNITY 2012 as well as a painting party for her community to celebrate her accomplishments and underscore the role community plays in senior living residents’ lives.

”Each day senior living communities all across the country provide supportive environments for residents to continue to enjoy hobbies they’ve pursued all their lives or engage in new ones,” said Richard P. Grimes, President and CEO of ALFA.  “The ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase recognizes meaningful and beautiful works of art produced by residents residing in senior living communities.   Robust community programs, such as art initiatives, encourage residents to remain engaged in their individual interests while they age with a supportive community around them.”

“We are proud of Liz and all of our artists at Excelsior Place!  Many years ago, we made a conscious effort to not just have games and entertainment in our community life programs.  Our residents still want to learn, they still want to grow as individuals.  Our art program has really been an awesome way for people to unlock talent they never knew they had.” states Roman Bloemke, Director of Operations for Welcome Home Management which operates Excelsior Place.

About The Assisted Living Federation of America

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-managed senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve.  For 20 years, ALFA has worked to educate policymakers and consumers by advocating for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for seniors.  ALFA’s member-driven programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of senior living.  Visit ALFA’s Web site at www.alfa.org.

National Alzheimer’s Plan Now Includes Assisted Living

Post from the Assisted Living Federation of America:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Serves (HHS) has released its first draft plan outlining its intended actions against Alzheimer’s disease. Due to ALFA’s advocacy efforts in response to the initial framework, the draft plan includes references toassisted living communities.

The plan, ordered by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), aims to develop effective treatment and prevention strategies by 2025, optimize care quality and efficiency, expand supports for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their family, enhance public awareness and engagement, and track progress and drive improvement. The plan calls for an immediate increase in funding and an optimized system of allocating existing resources to support the multi-faceted approach. The plan emphasizes that a large-scale, coordinated effort across both the public and private sectors is needed to achieve its ambitious goal.

The draft plan includes some notable changes from the initial framework, including the mention of assisted living. Thanks in part to ALFA’s advocacy efforts, the draft plan includes assisted living in its strategy to assess and address the housing needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The plan promises to undertake an analysis of current data to better understand the number of assisted living residents with Alzheimer’s disease and the services assisted living communities provide these residents.

The plan will be submitted to the Advisory Council to Address Alzheimer’ Disease for input and open to public comment. ALFA will continue to work with the advisory council and HHS to ensure that assisted living communities play a valuable role in the final plan. Read the complete plan, Draft National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, to see HHS’ complete proposed strategy.

Comment Period Opens for U.S. Alzheimer’s Plan

From the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA) via ALFA.  Welcome Home is a member of WALA.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released an initial framework for a national plan addressing Alzheimer’s disease. The framework tackles the problem from different angles and is open for comment through February 8, 2012.

The draft framework was created based on input from the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services, which is comprised of over 20 representatives from federal agencies and organizations outside the Federal Government. The framework seeks to address five goals:

• Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer’s Disease by 2025.
• Optimize Care Quality and Efficiency.
• Expand Patient and Family Support.
• Enhance Public Awareness and Engagement.
• Track Progress and Drive Improvement.

The plan takes a multi-faceted approach to each goal. For example, in order to enhance care quality and efficiency, the agency outlines a plan to build a larger workforce of long term care providers and others who care for those with Alzheimer’s as well as implement policies that allow for easy transitions between hospitals and long term care settings. The plan asserts a commitment to advancing research but also to maintaining dignity, safety, and other rights for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Many other departments, agencies, and organizations will be collaborating with HHS in the coming years to implement the plan, when finalized.

Read the full document: “Draft Framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease” and submit your comments about the plan to HHS at NAPA@hhs.gov.

Legends at Heritage Place adds “Legends Academy”

October is here and The Legends at Heritage Place is excited about one of their upcoming events for the month.  Called “Legends Academy”, their new educational program is focused on providing useful information to family and friends who know someone with memory loss.

“This has been a goal for our campus to offer the families and loved ones of our campus residents, Information regarding Alzheimers, memory loss, resources for finding out what to do, and where to turn, as well as community shared support.”   states Lina Conradson, Memory Care Coordinator at The Legends at Heritage Place.

Beginning Thursday, October 27th, and one evening a month, Lina and Emma Peterson the Community Life Coordinator, will be having an evening of learning, sharing, and support for famililies and loved ones who have members with Memory loss.

“We want to take our learned experiences of working with residents with memory loss and their families and use it to improve their understanding and communication with their loved ones.” Emma says, “Through my geriatric work experience as well as being a family member having grandparents with memory loss, I have seen the need for getting family education and support as they progress through their journey.his is my way of paying it forward and teaching others what I wish I could have been taught.”

New Information will be provided each month by resources from the Alzheimer’s Association, the St. Cloud State Gerontology program, Assisted Living Federation of America, and Aging Services of Minnesota. They look forward to providing a enjoyable time of learning and fun.

For more information, contact Lina at 320-281-3343.  Details about upcoming events will be posted on their Facebook page.

ALFA Voices Concerns with Proposed CMS Rule

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), has written a letter expressing its concerns with regulation proposed last April by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  If the rule remains unchanged, ALFA fears that many currently eligible senior living residents will be denied assistance through the Home and Community Based Waiver Program.

The proposed rule would restrict what constitutes a community based option by centering the definition on specific physical requirements. For example, a community that does not provide a lease or does not include a kitchen in every apartment would no longer be considered a community based option. These restrictions would eliminate most residents of assisted living communities from participating in the Home and Community Based Waiver Program. “We strongly object to rules that define a home and community–based setting based on the size of the apartment or the number of people who may live in an assisted living community,” reads the letter penned by ALFA President & CEO Rick Grimes, “Further, individuals must have the choice to live where they want to live. The core values of respect, dignity, privacy, independence, autonomy and choice are the foundation for person–centered planning.”

Tons of stuff going on!

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who came out to see me speak with a good friend of mine at the Assisted Living Federation of America conference and expo last week in Orlando.  I was incredibly nervous, but I calmed once I saw a few familiar faces out there.  A quick thanks to my friend Traci for inviting me along to speak at such an awesome event!

Also, thank you to everyone who tuned in for our most recent Welcome Home LIVE web-broadcast!  It was great to see so many people engaged in great discussion.

I just wanted to take a quick minute and update all

Fighting Ageism in America

ALFA Short Film Competition winner - "Mind the Gap"

We recently returned from the Assisted Living Federation of America conference and there was a common theme we would like to share.

In today’s society, there seems to be a lot of “ageism” out there.  Ageism is defined as discrimination against people on the grounds of age; specifically, discrimination against the elderly.  This year, ALFA held a film competition that could help fight ageism in America.  If you click here, you can watch the short film that won the competition.

Then just yesterday, I came across this awesome story on MSNBC.com of a gentleman, who dreamed at a younger age, of crossing the Atlantic ocean in a raft.  At 85 years old, he set out with three of his friends to build the raft and set sail on the 2,800 mile journey.

Senior Living Professionals Gather at ALFA’s Conference & Expo

Welcome Home joined with 2,000 conference attendees this week to celebrate senior living’s efforts to fight ageism in America. Following a motivational speech by leadership guru, Steve Farber, attendees visited with exhibitors. All attendees later enjoyed the ALFA Hero Awards Lunch, concurrent sessions and an all attendee reception hosted by Mark Ohlendorf, new ALFA chairman.

The conference began with a presentation of the Best of the Best Awards, honoring programs, services, and products that advance operational excellence and serve as the gold standard in senior living. Steve Farber followed with an inspiring general session on leadership. He encouraged leaders to push themselves out of their comfort zone. “If the only reason you can think of not to do something is that you’re scared to,” said Farber “then that is a good reason to do it.”

The excitement continued with the ALFA Hero Awards Ceremony, which honored five extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond their job requirements and make a difference in the lives of seniors every day. The ceremony was emotional for many of the attendees, as they were reminded of the great work people across the country do every day. The day also included two blocks of concurrent sessions in the afternoon, and a Chairman’s Networking Reception in the evening open to all attendees.

*View the ALFA Hero Award Videos at http://www.alfa.org/alfa/2011_Hero_Award_Recipients.asp?SnID=1247596608 and Award Luncheon pictures.

*You may also view all ALFA 2011 Conference & Expo photos online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/assisted_living/collections/72157626440504898/.

Today, attendees heard from MSNBC’s Morning Joe anchors Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski as they discussed the politics of aging in America and best selling author Jeff Jarvis explains how to better relate to your customers via the internet and social media.

Our own Roman Bloemke presented to a full house with two distinguished speakers. Traci Bild of Bild and Company and Jayne Sallerson of Emeritus Senior Living.

We are here for one more day, but we have to take a moment to thank the ALFA staff for everything they’ve done to put on a conference that is dedicated to Assisted Living professionals. This has been another outstanding conference so along with the other 2,000 attendees, we thank you for your hard work!

To learn more about the efforts of ALFA, visit them online at ALFA.org.
To learn more about Welcome Home visit us on the web at wtohdevelopment.com.