There are many issues facing today's senior citizen and here at JCAAA we try to help the senior citizens of Jefferson County as much as we can. By being an advocate for the senior citizen, we have set up many programs and services. Below are a few articles of interest that might help senior citizens with some of the issues of today. If you keep checking back, more articles will be posted as well.
General Tips for the Elderly
Walk to Better Fitness and a Healthier Lifestyle
Better Breathing For Your Lungs
Elderly Depression
Elder Abuse
Pennsylvania Senior Law Helpline
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Lifting Weights Helps Restore Aging Muscles
Care
Giver Support
Family Care Giving
Do You Wish To Live Someplace Other Than A
Nursing Home?
Senior Health Issue:
Eat Enough Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Functional Foods
Guide to Preventing Falls
Pennsylvania Seniors and Adults with Disabilities Access to Food Stamps
Beating the Blues
Keep Cold Air Outside
Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite
Winter Safety Tips
Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide
Hot Weather Safety Tips
Heat Related Illnesses
We have also listed a number of websites that we feel are helpful. Also, more sites will be added as time goes on, so please check back often.
AARP
Administration on Aging
Apprise
Faith in Action
Health and Human Services
Social Security
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
Jefferson-Clarion
County Head Start
Medicare
N4A
PA Department
of Aging
PA Department of Health
Our lives can sometimes seem very predictable. We care for our homes and families and go to work. Perhaps we call our parents each night or visit them every other Saturday. But life can change at any moment. Age-related disability such as heart attack, stroke, arthritis, and may require family members to provide on-going care to aging family members. Fitting in extended care giving can be a challenge and be quite stressful. Here are some tips from the Administration on Aging, National Family Caregiver Support Program's website:
Plan Ahead: Write doctor appointments on calendars and coordinate other trips at the same time.
Learn about available resources: Call your local aging office to see what services and help are available. They, in turn, can direct you to even more resources.
Take one day at a time: Reduce stress by prioritizing what needs to be done just for today.
Accept help from others: Allowing someone to help you or even to listen to your thoughts can ease a lot of stress and give caregivers time to refresh him/herself.
Be good to yourself: Get enough rest and make sure you schedule time to do things that revive your spirit. This helps you to be a better caregiver.
These tips and more can be found at www.aoa.gov
Becoming a family caregiver can be an emotionally draining experience. It can become even more difficult when we are faced with caring for family members while holding down a full-time job, managing our own homes, taking care of our children, and trying to take the time to care for ourselves.
It is very important to learn techniques to care for yourself while caring for others. Organization is one method that proves to be very helpful. Here are some steps to follow:
For More Information call: 800-849-8036
Do You Wish To Live Someplace Other Than A Nursing Home?
Nursing Home Transition offers individuals a choice of where they want to live and providing assistance to obtain that choice.
It begins with identifying the person and coordinating activities to enable the person to move to the community. Support from a coordinator may include assistance in obtaining housing and/or household set up. Assistance in returning to existing home, Making referrals to home and community based services such as transportation, personal care/home support services, home modifications. Referral to resources to assist with security deposits, utilities, household items, adaptive equipment expenses for an individual to establish basic living. Advocate for consumers to ensure the plans are what they want.
Area Agency on Aging will be working with CRI and LIFT to educate and encourage consumers, family members, nursing facility staff and community members to seek all available services to help individuals live independently in the community.
Nursing Home Transition is the process of assisting people from a nursing home to a home of their choice in the community.
If you or someone you know would like to know more about Nursing Home Transition, please call Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging at 814-849-3096 or 800-852-8036
Walk to Better Fitness and a Healthier Lifestyle
By Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging - Nora Dowd Eisenhower
Summer is a great time for Pennsylvanians to increase their fitness level for a better quality of life. Fitness
should involve more than just improving your appearance; it is
really about maintaining your health. Please remember to talk to
your doctor before starting any exercise Regimen.
Aerobic exercise - loosely defined as any physical activity that makes your muscles, heart and lungs work harder - is best. Walking is one of the safest, most effective and easiest forms of exercise. Experts say 30 minutes of walking 3-5 times a week can bring about significant improvements in your fitness level.
Walking can lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure while helping to maintain bone density and strengthen muscles. It also boosts your metabolism, helping your body burn more calories. Exercise releases mood-elevating endorphins.
Better Breathing for Your Lungs
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)
is an illness that results in devastating lifestyle changes. COPD is the
fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Understanding the disease and providing support are the key elements in helping you find the strength to carry on your battle with lung disease. You can make a commitment to maintain the stability of your lung disease. Your stamina and energy can be improved with proper management and treatment.
Clearfield Hospital team approach at the Better Breathing Center focuses on increasing your strength and endurance allowing you to perform daily living activities and leisure activities with less fatigue and shortness of breath. Those who may qualify for the program include those with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, lung transplant/reduction, and occupational/environmental disease. Talk with your doctor about a referral to the program.
Pennsylvania
Senior Law Helpline
There is a free, confidential telephone legal service that provides legal information, advice and referrals to seniors, 60 years and older, throughout the state. The Helpline is open Monday-Friday, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
The Helpline assists with a wide range of legal questions and issues, including:
One out of every 5 residents of Pennsylvania is age 60 or older, making this the state with the third highest percentage of people over 60 in the United States. The Helpline represents a much-needed resource for Pennsylvania's seniors, many of whom are highly vulnerable and/or geographically isolated.
The Helpline is launching a new phase, with the goal of expanding its services as well as its reach. In the coming months the Helpline will: increase hours to six hours a day, expand services to include such products as a website, e-newsletter and educational materials, and reach out to language and cultural minorities to increase their access to needed legal services. We provide interpretation service for 150 languages through Language Line. Call 1-877-727-7529 or contact the website at www.seniorlawcenter.org.
Eat Enough
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
If a chewing problem is the reason you eat few fruits and
vegetables, try softer choices like ripe bananas, baked winter
squash, sliced peaches and steamed vegetables.
When choosing canned or frozen vegetables and fruits, look for ones
without a lot of sauces or salt. Choose canned fruits and vegetables
that are either low sodium or in their own juices or water.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Eat Enough Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
What was the last fresh fruit or vegetable you ate? If you cannot remember, maybe you are not getting enough.
Fruits and vegetables have many important vitamins that are
different from other foods you eat, such as vitamins A and C and
Folic Acid. Fresh fruits and vegetables have the added benefit of
fiber that can help you guard against constipation.
You
need at least 8 (8-ounce) glasses of beverages per day. Try to get
at least 3 to 4 of these from water and the rest can come from other
beverages. Try to limit beverages that are high in caffeine.
Drinking liquids at mealtimes can make chewing and swallowing
easier. Also, getting enough fluid helps reduce your chances of
constipation.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has a handbook available on their website. "Healthy Steps for Older Adults; a Guide to Preventing Falls" is part of the Healthy Steps program that is used to teach fall prevention classes at Senior Centers. The December 12,
2006 news release from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging states
"although designed to be used as part of a training curriculum", the
booklet can be downloaded from the Department of Aging's web sit at:
www.aging.state.pa.us/aging/lib/aging/HealthySteps.pdf
Pennsylvania
Streamlines Access to Food Stamps for Seniors and Adults with
Disabilities
Pennsylvania senior citizens and adults with disabilities may now apply for food stamps and supplemental security income (SSI) simultaneously. Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman said.
Launched this month, Pennsylvania's Combined Application Project (PA CAP) has already enabled approximately 34,000 seniors and adults with disabilities to be enrolled automatically for benefits. The project is a joint effort involving the Department of Public Welfare, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service division.
With this new benefit program we are continuing our commitment to breaking down the barriers to self-sufficiency and helping people afford items that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Through a special five-year demonstration project, SSI recipients who live alone or who purchase and prepare meals separately from other household members will be eligible for the new program. Eligible Pennsylvanians will receive a green ACCESS card in the mail, which may be used at supermarkets and other retail food stores. Benefits will be administered based on the individual's shelter costs and types of income.
Individuals receiving SSI income only and whose shelter costs are below $196.00 per month will receive #31.00 in benefits monthly. Those who shelter costs are above $196.00 per month will receive $103.00 per month. Those receiving SSI and another source of income whose shelter costs are below $196.00 per month will receive $22.00 per month while those whose shelter costs are above $196.00 per month will receive $94.00 monthly.
The department of Public Welfare administers the food stamps program through county assistance offices. Food stamp benefits are available to individuals and families who are receiving cash assistance and to residents who have sufficient income to meet most of their basic living costs but need help to supplement their food and/or medical expenses.
For further information please call the Department of Public Welfare at 1-800-242-8214 or JCAAA at 1-800-852-8036.
Prevent
Hypothermia and
Frostbite
TAKE STEPS TO HELP AVOID
HYPOTHERMIA and FROSTBITE
The arrival of cold weather means you must take certain precautions
to keep yourself safe and healthy. Two of the most serious cold
weather health problems are hypothermia and frostbite - both of
which are potentially dangerous.
Hypothermia: When exposed to
cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can
generate it. Warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion,
memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness and a body temperature below
95 degrees. Seek medical care
immediately: Hypothermia is an
emergency.
While waiting for medical help to arrive you should: 1). Find a warm room or shelter. 2). Remove any wet clothing. 3). Drink warm beverages that do not contain alcohol. 4). Use dry clothes, blankets, towels or your own body heat for warmth. 5). Remain still and in a horizontal position
Frostbite can occur
when parts of your body literally freeze. Most often it affects the
nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers ot toes. It is often accompanied
by hypothermia. Warning signs include white or grayish-yellow skin,
numbness and skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. If you detect
symptoms of frostbite on yourself or someone else seek medical
attention immediately.
While waiting for medical help you should: 1). Find a warm room. 2). Gently remove any rings and restrictive clothing, such as gloves. 3). Warm the affected area with body head from your hands, lap or armpits.
Do not rub frostbitten area or apply direct heat. 4). Immerse the frostbitten area in warm water -
not hot water. Dry carefully, and apply a dressing of dry gauze bandage.
5). Raise and support the frostbitten area to reduce swelling.
6). Avoid walking on frostbitten toes feet unless absolutely
necessary.
Protect Yourself: You can reduce your risk of hypothermia and frostbite if you: 1). Limit your exposure to cold temperatures. 2). Always wear a hat outdoors - it helps maintain body heat. 3). Wear multiple layers of clothing. 4). Avoid drinking alcohol - it affects circulation and your ability to accurately judge how cold you really are.
FOR THE ELDERLY: As, we get older, we're more sensitive to the cold Find a "buddy" to check on you daily, in person or
by telephone Stay active. Sitting in one place can make you
colder.
WHEN INSIDE: Use proper precautions when using alternate heating,
such as a fireplace, wood stove, or electric heater, including
proper ventilation and keeping flammables far away. Eat. This helps your body produce its own heat. Avoid alcohol, which can make your body lose heat Close off unused rooms to conserve heat Wear lose-fitting, light weight, warm clothing.
Remove layers to avoid perspiring.
WHEN OUTSIDE:
Winter Safety Tips
Keep Cold Air Outside
Check windows, doors, walls and crawl spaces for cracks or holes that can be sealed or insulated. Also check pipes electrical outlets and kitchen or clothes dryer vents for crevices that can lead to head los. Seal with weather stripping or caulking.
Keep Chimneys closed when not in use.
Every time an exterior door opens, a large amount of heated air escapes. Limit house entrances and exits to one or two doors that are furthest away from the thermostat. Make sure that doors are shut completely, but do not lock yourself out.
Keep drapes and blinds closed at night. Drapes add a small layer of insulation to your windows. Open drapes during the day to let in the sun, but close at night.
Closets and cupboards on outside walls can leak cold air so keep them shut when not in use.
Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and potentially dangerous gas that is produced when fuel is burned without enough air for complete combustion. If inhaled in large quantities for a prolonged period of time, it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage and death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, overall paleness, and cherry-red lips/ears. If you ever experience these symptoms, immediately open the windows and doors to ventilate your home, call 911 or the local fire department, and get outside into fresh air.
Here are some simple ways you can protect you and your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hire a qualified contractor to ensure that your gas equipment is operating safely and efficiently and that your home is properly ventilated
Have your chimneys and flues cleaned
Ensure burner flames are blue, not orange
Never use a gas range for space heating
Never us a charcoal grill indoors
Use a carbon monoxide detector
National Fuel - www.nationalfuelgas.com
Beating the Blues
The last three months of the year can mean different things to different people. Some associate the crisp temperatures and less daylight hours with the excitement of the upcoming holiday season. For others, fall and wintertime is a terrible dark, cold period that seems to drag on forever. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from "the blues" that only occurs during this time of year. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Symptoms of SAD include: decreased motivation, difficulty waking in the morning, feeling down, withdrawing from family and friends and simply just feeling blah or "blue". Sometimes, there are other factors that lead to the "blues" like facing the holiday season after the loss of a loved one, financial troubles with the increased cost of utilities and feeling stressed about all that needs to be done over the next few months.
The National Mental Health Association has some tips for "Beating the Blues". Don't be so hard on yourself for feeling down - take action and get help. Don't live in the past - focus on the future. Enjoy holiday activities that don't cost anything like walking in the leaves or snow and spending quality time with the ones you love and care about. Finally, exercise wherever and whenever you can. You don't need a YMCA membership. Walk at the mall or do some stretching and toning at home.
If you or someone you know is suffering from the "blues", anxiety, grief and loss or is just stressed out, call The Punxsutawney Area Hospital Counseling Center at 938-1830. they offer free, confidential assessment and referral services all year round.
Hot Weather Safety Tips
People of all ages are sensitive to extreme hot weather. As you age your body is less able to respond to the extremes in temperatures. In addition, medications may affect how your body responds to heat. Be aware of extreme heat conditions predicted by your local weather forecasts. On hot days, you should:
Drink plenty of water;
Avoid long periods in direct sun or in unventilated rooms;
Keep air conditioning or fans running;
Avoid vigorous activity when it is hot and humid;
Reschedule activities for cooler times of the day;
Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing;
Wear a hat or other head covering when out in the sun;
Wear appropriate sunscreen protection;
Take frequent baths or showers and remain in a cool place.
Heat Related Illnesses
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, skin may be cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse, normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.
*** Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. Discontinue, if nausea occurs. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.
Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)
Extremely high body temperature
(106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim
will likely not sweat.
*** Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Dial 9 1 1 and get victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath to reduce body temperature. Remove clothing. Use fans/air conditioners.
DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.
