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May, 2015 - Issue #127
Hearing Loss Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease
According to study findings published in The American Journal of Kidney Diseases and highlighted by the National Kidney Foundation and the Better Hearing Institute, older adults with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher prevalence of hearing loss than those of the same age without CKD. Researchers assessed more than 2,900 individuals age 50 and older. Of those participants who had CDK, more than 54 percent reported some level of hearing loss, versus 28 percent of the rest of the group; and nearly 30 percent showed severe hearing loss versus 10 percent of the non-CKD participants.
According to study author David C. Harris, similarities between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidney may explain the link between CKD and hearing loss. Toxins that accumulate due to kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear. For those diagnosed with CDK, hearing tests by a hearing care professional should be a routine part of medical care. At Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology, they believe it is important for all individuals over the age of 55 to have their hearing checked annually as part of an overall wellness program. Free screenings are available. 877-4555
Helping Seniors Leave a Living Legacy
The Living Legacy Project has the objective to save the living history of the 20th century while it is still with us. Our elders possess this knowledge reflected in their first-hand life experience, much of which has been captured in photos. Over the last decade Project members have been toiling with the technology and processes needed to collect this history from as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Last year the Project developed a smart-phone app that allows anyone to scan photos and record the oral reminiscences of the photo's owner. The result is a series of talking photos in a slide show depicting the defining moments of the subject senior's life.
A local Visiting Angels Home Care company owned by Geneva Knoles has taken up the cause and is preparing to deliver this meaningful service to the seniors in her care and to the community at large.
The program has the benefit of helping the seniors recognize the accomplishments of their lives, regain a sense of purpose and allow them to pass on their life lessons and values to their future generations. The process also has the benefit of connecting the dispersed family members closer together through the shared stories. Here are a couple of links that will give you a great idea of the technology and the urgency of this project: www.legacystories.org/about/living-legacy and www.legacystories.org/about/legacy-talks. Best of all, this program is delivered free of charge to the seniors and their families.
Visiting Angels 263-2273
Help Dealing with Alzheimer's & Dementia
by Charlene Perrone
Every day my team and I at Home Instead Senior Care confront the emotions and suffering caused by Alzheimer's and dementia. As home-care providers, our CAREGivers are there to offer hands-on personal assistance with all the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and toileting. In addition, our plan of care for every client includes both mental and physical stimulation in the form of customized activities and exercises meant to keep clients, even those with cognitive impairment, as engaged and motivated as possible.
However, even with help, family caregivers often feel alone and stressed - guilty that they're not doing more or confused about the options available to care for loved ones, from home care to housing to financial aid. That's why Home Instead Senior Care has developed the website Caregiverstress.com.
Click on Caregiver Resources and you'll find answers to so many questions, not only about caring for your loved ones, but caring for yourself, as well. There are articles and videos to help you through the daily challenges, plus webinars and expert blogs that are interactive and allow you to share with others your thoughts and fears. Don't let the stress hurt your health and your life; you are not alone!
Charlene Perrone, CSA, is co-owner of the Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley office of Home Instead Senior Care. 254-8701
According to study findings published in The American Journal of Kidney Diseases and highlighted by the National Kidney Foundation and the Better Hearing Institute, older adults with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher prevalence of hearing loss than those of the same age without CKD. Researchers assessed more than 2,900 individuals age 50 and older. Of those participants who had CDK, more than 54 percent reported some level of hearing loss, versus 28 percent of the rest of the group; and nearly 30 percent showed severe hearing loss versus 10 percent of the non-CKD participants.
According to study author David C. Harris, similarities between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidney may explain the link between CKD and hearing loss. Toxins that accumulate due to kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear. For those diagnosed with CDK, hearing tests by a hearing care professional should be a routine part of medical care. At Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology, they believe it is important for all individuals over the age of 55 to have their hearing checked annually as part of an overall wellness program. Free screenings are available. 877-4555
Helping Seniors Leave a Living Legacy
The Living Legacy Project has the objective to save the living history of the 20th century while it is still with us. Our elders possess this knowledge reflected in their first-hand life experience, much of which has been captured in photos. Over the last decade Project members have been toiling with the technology and processes needed to collect this history from as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Last year the Project developed a smart-phone app that allows anyone to scan photos and record the oral reminiscences of the photo's owner. The result is a series of talking photos in a slide show depicting the defining moments of the subject senior's life.
A local Visiting Angels Home Care company owned by Geneva Knoles has taken up the cause and is preparing to deliver this meaningful service to the seniors in her care and to the community at large.
The program has the benefit of helping the seniors recognize the accomplishments of their lives, regain a sense of purpose and allow them to pass on their life lessons and values to their future generations. The process also has the benefit of connecting the dispersed family members closer together through the shared stories. Here are a couple of links that will give you a great idea of the technology and the urgency of this project: www.legacystories.org/about/living-legacy and www.legacystories.org/about/legacy-talks. Best of all, this program is delivered free of charge to the seniors and their families.
Visiting Angels 263-2273
Help Dealing with Alzheimer's & Dementia
by Charlene Perrone
Every day my team and I at Home Instead Senior Care confront the emotions and suffering caused by Alzheimer's and dementia. As home-care providers, our CAREGivers are there to offer hands-on personal assistance with all the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and toileting. In addition, our plan of care for every client includes both mental and physical stimulation in the form of customized activities and exercises meant to keep clients, even those with cognitive impairment, as engaged and motivated as possible.
However, even with help, family caregivers often feel alone and stressed - guilty that they're not doing more or confused about the options available to care for loved ones, from home care to housing to financial aid. That's why Home Instead Senior Care has developed the website Caregiverstress.com.
Click on Caregiver Resources and you'll find answers to so many questions, not only about caring for your loved ones, but caring for yourself, as well. There are articles and videos to help you through the daily challenges, plus webinars and expert blogs that are interactive and allow you to share with others your thoughts and fears. Don't let the stress hurt your health and your life; you are not alone!
Charlene Perrone, CSA, is co-owner of the Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley office of Home Instead Senior Care. 254-8701
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