Containers are an easier way to garden
Fire safety tips for senior adults
Ideas for keeping busy and active in retirement
There are many opportunities for Heights seniors to keep active. Volunteering is an option that can benefit both your neighbors and your community. Learn about local opportunities by contacting the Heights Emergency Food Center at 216-381-0707, Meals on Wheels at 216-291-2737, the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging Senior Companion Program at 216-391-9500, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at 800-942-2677, HandsOn Northeast Ohio at 216-432-9390 and many local churches and synagogues.Seniors Helping Seniors, an in-home care company, hires seniors to work with others seniors who are in need of help. The caregivers are paid for their services, and assist with a variety of tasks to help keep their peers living independently in their homes. No previous experience is necessary, and caregivers in the Heights area are needed. Call 440-759-0319 for information.
Taking a class is another way to stay active. The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center (SAC) offers a variety of classes in many different subjects. There are also several clubs and interest groups you can join. Call the SAC at 216-691-7377 for more information.
Computer classes are a good way to learn how to stay connected with family members. You can also learn how to use the Internet to do your banking or read a book. Tech Deity, a husband-and-wife computer education team, will come to your home to give you one-on-one training. Owner Mely Sato said, “We help seniors embrace technology and the many benefits it offers them.” Call Tech Deity at 440-454-6042.
Other interesting classes and programs may be found by contacting the Case Western Reserve University Lifelong Learning Program at 216-368-2090, the University Heights Library Senior Spot Program at 216-321-4700, and the University Heights Senior Citizen Happenings.
The AARP offers a Driver Safety Program that teaches seniors how to adjust their driving for age-related vision and hearing changes, how medications may affect driving, and how to be more careful on the road. The class may also entitle you to an insurance discount. Contact the AARP at 888-227-7669.
Special-interest clubs are a good way to get out of the house and meet other like-minded people. Contact the Shaker Lakes Nature Center at 216-321-5935, the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association at 440-572-0464, or the Cleveland Hiking Club at cleveland.hiker@gmail.com. You might also find or start a local book club, bridge or knitting club, or a support group.
Another opportunity to socialize with others is through the many hot-meal programs in the area. You can enjoy a nutritious lunch and meet new people. Call the SAC for more information.
You can also keep busy by starting a new hobby, or perhaps a project for your descendants. Put together an album of your photographs, labeled with names and dates, research your family genology, or preserve your memoir or family history in writing or on video.
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Staying safe in cold weather
Hypothermia and frostbite can occur from overexposure, both indoors and out. To prevent this, the National Institute on Aging recommends dressing warmly. Indoors, wear thermal underwear, socks, slippers and a nightcap, and use plenty of blankets when sleeping. Outdoors, wear loose, layered clothing: a hat, scarf, gloves, thick socks, warm boots and a waterproof coat. Keep your face and neck covered.
Many people turn down their thermostats in the winter to save money. The institute recommends setting thermostat no lower than 68 degrees, to prevent hypothermia. You can save money on heating by closing off unused rooms (shut the heating vents and close the doors), keeping blinds and curtains closed, caulking window and door gaps, and installing storm windows and insulating film.
Dominion East Ohio’s Winter Crisis Program (800-282-0880) provides help for low-income seniors who are having trouble paying their heating bills and are threatened with disconnection.
House fires are also a concern in winter months. Carefully follow the safety manual for any portable heater. Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over, and never leave it unattended. Make sure your fireplace has a screen to catch sparks, and have the flue checked annually. Use power strips instead of extension cords and turn them off when not in use. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and type ABC fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
Outside, keep your sidewalk and driveway clear of snow and ice. Ask your doctor if you are physically able to shovel. If not, ask for help. Wear boots with good treads, walk slowly and watch where you walk. Try not to carry anything in your arms.
Driving in snow and ice can be dangerous. Transportation services provide a safer alternative. The Cleveland Heights Office on Aging operates a van service that transports seniors to the doctor, pharmacy and grocer, and to the Senior Activity Center. Call 216-691-7194 for more information. University Heights offers a limited number of subsidized rides for seniors and disabled residents through Senior Transportation Connection (STC). There is an application process and priority is given to medical appointments. Call 800-983-4782 or visit www.ridestc.org for more information.
Physical activity is important year-round. The Cleveland Heights Community Center allows resident seniors to use its walking track free of charge Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 1-2 p.m. It’s a great way to get out of the house, avoid isolation and stay healthy.
Older adults can be at risk for dehydration in winter because the air is drier, and aging diminishes one’s sense of thirst. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for fluid intake.
The likelihood of catching a cold or flu is greater during the winter. Keep healthy by washing your hands often. Flu shots are often provided at no cost to Medicare subscribers; check with your doctor or pharmacy.
Seasonal depression is common at this time of year. It can be caused by decreased sunlight, increased isolation and holiday melancholy. The Cleveland Heights Office on Aging employs two social workers who provide help and resources to seniors facing these issues. Contact them at 216-691-7377.
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Staying safe at home: tips to reduce the risk of falls
In general, move furniture to create clear walking paths; remove clutter from stairs and landings; repair broken, uneven steps, and loose handrails; keep exterior stairs and walkways clear; keep rock salt by each door to remove winter ice; install a shelf and hooks inside the door for keys, coats, handbags, and other items.
In the living room, make sure you can get into and out of your lounge chair with ease and replace glass table tops with wood so they are easier to see and less fragile.
Move the kitchen items you use most often to lower shelves in the cabinets to reduce the need for a stool; replace heavy dishes and pots with lighter ones; use a stool with a high, sturdy handrail (never step on a chair or cupboard shelf); create a sitting area for food preparation.
Place nonslip mats or self-sticking strips in the tub or shower floor; keep soap, shampoo and towel in easy reach from the tub or shower stall; install sturdy grab bars (never use towel racks for support; and remove bath rugs.
In the bedroom, keep your cane or walker next to the bed at night, with flat slip-on shoes (avoid slippers); keep a telephone, lamp, flashlight and eyeglasses within easy reach of the bed; make sure the bed is a comfortable height for getting in and out; keep a portable toilet or urinal near the bed if you have difficulty getting to the bathroom; and sit down when dressing.
Tape down all electrical cords; apply nonslip mats or double-stick tape to backs of throw rugs; repair carpet and flooring that is loose, torn or curling at the edges; clean spills and drips immediately; and put nightlights in the bedroom, hallway and bathroom (also stairs and kitchen, if needed).
A few last words for safe and healthy living: wear flat, sturdy, nonslip shoes both indoors and outdoors; exercise regularly to improve strength, balance and coordination; ask your doctor for alternatives to medications that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other unpleasant side-effects; have regular eye exams; keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone; get a medical alert device; and, if you live alone, have someone check on you daily.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SENIOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran due to an injury sustained or disease acquired while on active duty, or aggravated by military service. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the condition, and whether the veteran is married or has dependents.
Pension benefits are available to veterans age 65 and older who served during a period of war and who have little or no income. Veterans under age 65 who are disabled, in a nursing home or receive disability payments are also eligible. Survivors' Pension is a benefit paid to a surviving spouse or child of a deceased wartime veteran, who meets certain income requirements.
Aid and Attendance, and Housebound compensation plans are also available. Aid and Attendance benefits are offered to veterans who require the aid of another person to perform daily tasks, are bedridden, in a nursing home, or suffering severe vision loss. Housebound benefits are offered to veterans who have two or more severe disabilities or are confined to their home because of their disability.
Burial benefits available to veterans from the VA include a gravesite in any national cemetery, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a headstone or marker and a burial flag. Spouses and dependents may also be buried with the veteran, and may share the veteran’s headstone. Gravesite and spouse and dependent gravesite benefits are not available at private cemeteries.
A veteran is defined by the government as anyone who has served active duty in the military for any purpose other than training. Combat involvement is not necessary. However, veterans who were dishonorably discharged are not eligible for these benefits.
Several Cleveland organizations offer free assistance to veterans who wish to apply for VA benefits. The Cuyahoga County Veteran’s Service Commission (VSC) acts as a liaison between the VA and the veteran. The VSC also provides additional funds for veterans experiencing hardship. “We have temporary emergency financial assistance available for those who are experiencing an unexpected emergency,” said Rober Schloendorn, VSC executive director.
Respect the Vet specializes in helping veterans apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit. “Up to $2,017 in tax-free benefits are available to veterans, and there is no look-back period for eligibility like there is with Medicaid,” said volunteer Harve Senter.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) also provides application assistance for VA benefits and assists veterans in appealing applications that have been denied.
For more information contact the VA at 800-827-1000, VSC at 216-698-2600, Respect the Vet at 440-285-9588 and MOPH at 216-522-7237.
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Maintaining optimism as we age
Aging brings with it some good changes—developing values, building friendships, establishing careers and raising families. Aging can also bring difficult changes—forgetfulness, decrease in strength and energy, illness and injury, and the deaths of loved ones.
It is common for these changes to cause feelings of frustration, anger, sadness and helplessness. Following is a list of tools that people of any age can use to stay peaceful and happy amid whatever loss they may be facing:
- Laughter: Laughter distracts us from sad thoughts and redirects us to clearer thinking. Watch a funny movie or a comedy show; get together with people who make you laugh; join a laughter club.
- Gratitude: Focusing on the good things in our lives lessens the grip of bad things. Every evening write down five things that you're thankful for that happened that day.
- Positive Thinking: We bring into our lives what we think about most. Visualize and talk about the things you want, rather than complaining about what you don’t have.
- Positive Language: Negative words make us feel bad, while positive words inspire us. Replace the words horrible, bad, terrible, and problem with the word challenge or challenging. Eliminate the word hate.
- Present Moment: Try not to lament about what you’ve lost, or worry about what may happen later. Do your best with what you have now.
- Morning Reflection: Every morning, pray or meditate and ask for help to get through your day. This will help you gain focus and strength to face your challenges.
- Sleep: Proper rest helps us feel stronger and think more clearly. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get 7–9 hours of sleep per day. If you have trouble sleeping through the night, take naps to make up the time.
- Healthy Eating: The USDA My Plate program is an easy way to track how many calories you need and which foods to eat.
- Exercise: Regular exercise improves health, mood, energy and sleep. Find an easy program that is suitable for your level of ability, such as yoga, tai chi or water aerobics.
- Get Outside: Connecting with nature is calming and uplifting. Go for a walk or sit on the front porch.
- Take a Class: Learning something new is a great way to re-energize your enthusiasm. Sign up for a class at the senior center or YMCA.
- Help Others: Volunteering, teaching a class, or forming a support group are ways to help others in need, and help you appreciate your abilities.
If you’re still feeling down, you may be suffering from depression. This is common among older adults, and nothing to feel ashamed about. Ask a mental health professional for help.
Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” While we can’t always change a situation, we can always change how we think and act in that situation.
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Exercise programs for older adults with arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic, often painful disease that affects the joints of the body. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, but according to the Arthritis Foundation (AF) the two most common among older adults are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
OA is a characterized by a breakdown of cartilage that protects the bones. The bones then begin to rub against each other, causing stiffness and pain. RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective membrane that lines the joints. Fluid then builds up in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. OA affects one or more joints in the body, while RA affects the entire body, as well as the internal organs.
The AF states that arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. Sixty-five percent of Americans with arthritis are over the age of 65. Of those, 60 percent are women. There are nearly 1.5 million people living with arthritis in Northeast Ohio.
“People with arthritis often feel there is nothing they can do to relieve their pain, but there is actually a lot they can do,” said Kelly Donahue, program and public awareness manager for the Northeast Ohio branch of the AF. Said Donahue, “Research has proven that the best thing people with arthritis can do to control their pain and prevent further deterioration of the joints is to exercise.”
The AF recommends gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises. They have developed three exercise programs especially for people with arthritis, offered at 225 locations in Northeast Ohio. They include a land-based exercise program, an aquatic program and tai chi classes. All of these programs strengthen the muscles around the joints, which helps to protect the joints, making them healthier and reducing the pain.
The AF exercise and aquatic programs are offered at Judson Park in Cleveland, and the tai chi program will be offered at Church of the Redeemer in Cleveland Heights starting in September. More locations are listed on the AF website at www.arthritis.org/media/chapters/orv/neoh/Program%20Calendar412.pdf. One should consult with a doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
Fortunately, there are several steps one to take to prevent arthritis. Avoiding joint injury and over-use, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly help lower one’s risk of developing OA. While the causes of RA are unknown, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising have been identified as factors that can lower the risk for the disease.
For more information, contact the AF at 216-831-7000, Judson Park at 216-791-2393 and Church of the Redeemer at 216-932-2065.
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Reporting elder abuse – protecting our vulnerable neighbors
According to the Department of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS), the provider of Adult Protective Services (APS) for Cuyahoga county, there were 3,426 cases of alleged elder abuse reported last year. However the problem may be even larger than that. The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) estimates that 84% of incidents are not reported to authorities.
There are several forms of elder abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect and self-neglect. Self-neglect accounted for the majority of the cases reported to APS last year, followed by caretaker neglect. Self-neglect is not voluntary. It occurs when the senior has an impairment that prevents them from being able to adequately take care of themselves.
Many people are afraid to report suspected elder abuse because they don’t want to “meddle”, or are afraid that they may suffer consequences if their suspicions are wrong. However the Ohio Revised Code, which governs the actions of the APS, allows abuse reports to be given anonymously and also protects reporters from punishment.
APS protects those seniors who are living independently. Those living in group facilities are protected by the Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO). Like the APS, reports to the LTCO can be made anonymously.
There are a few ways that we can help protect the elderly in our community. Linda Noelker, Phd, Senior Vice President of the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging (BRI), recommends that neighbors be vigilant for unusual activity. “Be in communication with your elder neighbors,” she recommends, “Get to know what’s normal for them.”
NCPEA President Georgia Anetzberger suggests that neighbors be alert for the following warning signs: suspicious bruises, unkempt appearance, neglect of house or yard, change in finances and unfamiliar visitors.
The Cleveland Heights Office on Aging (OA) offers several safeguards to protect our elders. Employees of their Meals on Wheels and transportation services check in on the seniors daily, they can recommend reputable home care agencies, and they can also help seniors obtain an emergency alert system.
The Cleveland Heights Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) has a new Senior Repair Specialist who helps seniors find reputable contractors and get fair estimates, and ensure that the repair work is done correctly.
According to APS, financial exploitation of elders is on the rise. On July 25, the BRI is hosting a forum on financial protection for older adults to address this issue. Please contact them for more information.
If you suspect elder abuse, please report it. Call the APS 24 hour hotline at 216-420-6700, or the LTCO at 800-365-3112.
You may also reach NCPEA at 646-462-3603, BRI at 216-791-8000, OA at 216-691-7377, and HRRC at 216-381-6100 ext 22.
Person-centered care- a holistic approach to retirement living
Judson Park resident Martin Simon, a long-time accomplished cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra, performed a recital with Cleveland Institute of Music student Caitlin Lynch. Lynch lives at Judson Manor through a special intergenerational housing collaboration between Judson and CIM. She and another student provide cultural programming for the residents in exchange for room and board. Photo courtesy of Courtney Judson.
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Person-centered care is a method of retirement home management that nurtures the physical, mental and emotional needs of the residents. It focuses on enhancing the quality of life, and empowering residents by involving them in almost every aspect of decision making about their care.
According to The Ohio Person-Centered Care Coalition in Columbus, “Person-centered care is a relationship-based approach to care that honors and respects the voice of elders and those working closest with them. It involves a continuing process of listening and changing things in an effort to individualize care.”
The purpose of person-centered care is to make life for the residents less institutional and more home-like. This applies not only to the personal care of the residents, but also to the meal service methods and atmosphere, the number and type of recreational activities, and even the design of the buildings themselves.
The Person-Centered Way: Revolutionizing the Quality of Life in Long-Term Care, a book by Ohio gerontologist Dr. James H. Collins, gives examples of approaches to person-centered care. These include allowing residents to wake up at whatever time is most comfortable for them; to eat when they are hungry, rather than at prescribed mealtimes; and to eat what they want to eat, rather than having to choose from a set menu. Collins describes person-centered care as offering “privacy, dignity, autonomy, and self-worth” to the residents.
Successful person-centered care involves a team-based approach to every aspect of care, where the residents are an integral part of the team. Judson Smart Living, with locations at University Circle and Chagrin Falls, has been practicing this approach since 1999.
Lin Bartel, director of Judson member programming, said, “We base our entire approach on developing meaningful relationships between the residents and the staff, who work together to improve the quality of life for residents as well as employees.”
Judson programming empowers residents to live as fully and autonomously as possible, in whatever ways are most meaningful to them. Residents decide what activities they would like to participate in, and some have even started new programs using their own personal skills and talents. Judson also offers intergenerational programming, uniting residents with students at local schools to share learning experiences.
Judson offers their programs not only to their residents, but to the entire Cleveland community. Their Wellness Center memberships are available to the public, and they have opened satellite centers in Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights. Robert Lucarelli, director of communications, said, “We offer a platform for all older adults to remain meaningful members of society, and we give them tools to nurture that.”
The Ohio Person-Centered Care Coalition may be reached at 614-466-5002 and Judson Smart Living may be reached at 216-721-1234. Dr. Collins’ book may be ordered through www.collinslearning.com.
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