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Month: January 2018

My Real Advance Directive

Posted on by Campbell Maloney

Healthcare advance directives are legal forms where you can share your future healthcare and end-of-life care wishes with medical professionals and family members or friends. These forms may include living wills and/or powers-of-attorney. Just recently, the New York Times reported that some doctors are even suggesting older adults plan a second advance directive specifically in the event of dementia. 

Here at Iona, we firmly believe in the importance of preparing an advance directive and designating a healthcare decision-maker should you no longer be able to make decisions on your own. In response to these important conversations and articles, Director of Development & Communications Susan Messina offers her own take on her end-of-life wishes.

We hope that her ideas will inspire you to start your own conversation with loved ones.

I don’t want to make life difficult for my family members if I face disability, dementia, and end of life. Therefore, after much observation of others’ situations and thought about my own wishes, I provide these five pieces of guidance:

1. If it is only possible to keep me at home with help from professional caregivers like home health aides or certified nursing assistants, I hereby grant my family members my blessing to hire those people. Regardless of whether I say, “I don’t want strangers in my house” or “I only trust you.” My family caregiver(s) get to be the ones to decide when they need help with giving me care, not me.

2. Please check out any adult day health programs I might join. I’m a super social person and so being part of a new community will probably be good for me, even if I am skeptical at the time. Get a guest pass for me and let me give it a whirl!

3. If my safety or the health/well-being of my family is in jeopardy because caring for me has become too demanding, I want to be moved to an appropriate long-term care setting.

4. I want my family and doctor(s) to talk to me about palliative care and also hospice. I would rather have those options on the table earlier rather than later. And if I bring them up, please do not shush me with, “It’s too soon to give up “or “I don’t want to talk about that.”

5. If I have severe dementia, I hereby grant my wife the freedom to pursue another romantic relationship. She will not be “cheating”; she will be meeting human needs for companionship and intimacy. I just ask that she (or even they) continue to take care of and/or visit me!

And, because I know it can be hard to know how to connect with someone who is cognitively impaired, I have five ideas to make visits with me easier:

1. Bring Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies! By then I promise I will not care about my triglyceride levels! Oh, and make it the classic dark chocolate Milano—not the double chocolate or milk chocolate or mint or orange.

2. I have a few boxes of childhood memorabilia. If you want to make me happy, go through the items with me and let me tell you again and again the stories connected with each.

3. Music that will cheer me up is soul, Motown, and Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” Do not play jazz in my presence. It will make me jittery and angry.

4. I love to read. It’s possible I will still enjoy listening to books or being read aloud to, so please try. I might resonate the most with childhood favorites. Try Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Harry Potter, the All-of-a-Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor, The Saturdays and sequels by Elizabeth Enright, or any Cherry Ames’ nurse mystery story.

5. I will probably always like Christmas decorations, cookies, music, and lights. So, feel free to celebrate that holiday even if I have no idea what month it actually is!

By Susan A. Messina

Susan is Iona’s Director of Development and Communications. She holds three master’s degrees, including two from Bryn Mawr’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

Five Surprising Health Benefits of Volunteering

Posted on by Campbell Maloney

When many people think of volunteering, they mostly focus only on the benefits to others. What many people do not consider is the benefit to themselves.

Here are some of the many ways that volunteering can have a positive impact on your health and well being.

1. Volunteers have lower mortality rates.

According to a study by the Corporation for National & Community Service, “Those who gave social support to others had lower rates of mortality than those who did not, even when controlling for socioeconomic status, education, marital status, age, gender, and ethnicity.”  Who needs a better reason to volunteer than living longer?

2. Volunteers not only live longer, they are happier.

Not only does volunteering do good, it feels good. When people volunteer, they feel a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, thus leading to a healthier life. A study by the University of Exeter Medical School found volunteering can lead to lower rates of depression and increased feelings of fulfillment and happiness.  According to Professor of Neuroscience David J. Linden, of Johns Hopkins University, “Your brain’s pleasure circuits are activated by acts of charity.” There you have it. The brain is actually wired to derive pleasure from charity!

3. Volunteers build social connections.

As we age, an important factor in maintaining well being is strong social connections. One of the best ways to build these new connections is through volunteering!

As a volunteer, you are likely to meet a variety of new people from diverse backgrounds, thus helping to build your social network. Making these new connections might even give you an opportunity to share or learn new skills. A report by the University of Minnesota showed that volunteering can lead to an increase in “social capital.”  Social capital helps people feel happier and have a greater sense of empathy, and builds trust among individuals. Additionally, social capital can act as a social safety net in times of individual need.

4. Volunteers keep their brains healthy and active.

A 2009 study by John Hopkins University showed that volunteering can delay or even reverse decline in brain function among older adults.  Researchers found that older volunteers saw increases in brain and cognitive function as a result of volunteering. The stimulation of meeting and working with new people helps to keep the brain sharp. As life expectancy increases and we continue to live longer, it will become increasingly important to keep our minds stimulated. Volunteering can be a great way to get the brain going!

5. Volunteers reduce their levels of stress.

We all know life can be stressful. One way to reduce our stress-load is by donating time. Distracting our minds from the day-to-day concerns of our own lives can reduce our cares and help us worry less. Even more, volunteering can give us a greater sense of gratitude for the positive aspects of our own lives.

The next time you think about volunteering, be sure to consider not only the benefits to others, but also the benefits to your own health and well being. Volunteering your time and skills is a great way to give back to the community, while also caring for yourself.

Want to make connections, give back to your community, and impact the lives of older adults? Iona has a number of volunteer opportunities for you. To learn more, visit our volunteer page here. 

By Aaron Franke

Aaron Franke is a current graduate student at American University’s School of International Service where he is studying Global Governance, Politics, and Security. A recently returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in China, Aaron enjoys traveling, reading, and trying new foods.

Six Valentine’s Day ideas for celebrating with someone with dementia

Posted on by Campbell Maloney

For many of us, Valentine’s Day marks a special time dedicated to recognizing and appreciating our significant others.

However, if your spouse or partner has Alzheimer’s or other kind of dementia, the holiday might also bring about painful reminders of the aspects of your relationship that have changed.

While it can be difficult or even painful to celebrate Valentine’s Day when your partner is unable or unwilling to actively participate, for couples who regularly honored the day, it might be even more painful to pretend it doesn’t exist.

Despite  complications that come with the progression of dementia, there are still ways you can stay connected with your loved one, and appreciate your love for them, both past and present.

Show your love, past and present, with these 6 ideas to make your day special:

  1. If you’re married, go through photos or video from the day together
  2. Bake and decorate heart shaped treats
  3. Watch a romantic comedy, or other favorite film, together
  4. Reminisce on the day you met or how you fell in love
  5. Brighten up a space with a fresh flower arrangement
  6. Enjoy a special meal together from your favorite restaurant (and, remember, you can always order it to-go if you’re concerned about eating out)

Ultimately, acknowledging your partnership is the best you can possibly do for a partner with dementia — and for yourself. Remind them that they are loved, that they love you, and that you continue to share a connection.

New Year’s Resolutions for People Caring for Someone with Dementia

Posted on by Campbell Maloney

Happy New Year to family caregivers!

At the start of a new year, you may find yourself reflecting on many things: the passing of time, friends and family, making new goals for day-to-day living, and larger New Year’s resolutions.

One thing to consider as the new year begins is the idea of simply enjoying the moment or being in the moment. This approach is often very helpful for individuals caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

What “being in the moment” means is to go with what is happening at that moment, or being mindfully aware of what is happening right here and now. While it might sound simple, this practice is not easy to do. For family caregivers especially, your thoughts are likely going in many other directions. You need to get to work, make dinner, do the laundry, return phone calls, or run other errands.

However, practicing mindfulness may help you reduce stress and even connect with your loved one.

The idea of mindfulness is rooted in Buddhism. It is based on the idea of shifting our thoughts away from these usual preoccupations and worries, and move toward an appreciation of the moment. For example, you might try to step back and enjoy the moment, or enjoy what is at hand, such as a tasty cookie, a cold glass of juice, or a beautiful view out the window. Sharing these thoughts and moments with the person you are caring for also helps to maintain connections.

Additionally, practicing mindfulness can also help you better listen, understand, and give proper attention to what your loved one may be communicating in the immediate present. Making time to understand and meet the immediate needs of the person you are caring for can help to decrease stress and anxiety.

One excellent resource for caregiving is the Alzheimer’s Reading Room. This blog was started by Bob DeMarco, a caregiver for his mother. He and others write about all kinds of topics related to caregiving, including mindfulness.

Hopefully, the concept of being in the moment will be helpful to you in this new year. Caregiving is one of the most difficult and yet rewarding roles. We should all try to step back, enjoy the small pleasant moments in our days, and share them with our loved ones.

And, remember to be kind to yourself. As mentioned above, being a caregiver is very demanding, so be sure to give yourself a break and enjoy a few pleasant moments in each day.

Have other ideas or advice for practicing mindfulness when caring for a family member? Let us know in the comments!

This article was adapted from a Wellness & Arts Center Newsletter by nurse Ellen Feeney. 

Winter cold and heating assistance resources

Posted on by Campbell Maloney

Forecasts are calling for potential snowfall and very cold temperatures in the greater Washington area. Here are some resources to stay safe and warm.

1. Warming Centers/Shelters

When temperatures become dangerously cold, some jurisdictions offer day and/or night warming centers or shelters.

• Washington, DC’s Warming Centers and shelters
•  Montgomery County, MD’s emergency shelters 
• Prince George’s County, MD’s day-time warming centers and night-time shelters
•  Alexandria, VA’s emergency winter shelter
• Arlington County, VA’s emergency winter shelter
• Fairfax County, VA’s  lists of local shelters

2. Federally-Funded Heating Assistance

The federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income individuals and families with heating and other utility bills. Although federally funded, the program is administered by the states, each of which set their own income guidelines.

• Learn about LIHEAP from this federal fact sheet 
• (DC) LIHEAP in DC 
• (MD) LIHEAP in MD is called “MEAP.”
• (VA) LIHEAP in VA is called “Energy Assistance.”

3. Local Heat/Utility Assistance

Some local governments, nonprofits, and utility companies offer short-term heating/utility bill assistance, including those listed.

DC Metro (DC, MD, & VA)
• Washington Area Fuel Fund

DC
• Greater Washington Urban League’s PEPCO Energy Assistance program.

MD, Montgomery County
• South County
Bethesda Help
• Mid-County
Mid-County United Ministries 
• North County
Upper Montgomery Assistance Network 

MD, Prince George’s County
• Mission of Love Charities

VA, State-wide
• Dominion Energy’s Energy Share Program 

VA, Alexandria
• Good Shepherd Housing 

VA, Arlington County
• Arlington County’s Crisis/Emergency Assistance Program 

Additionally, keep in mind that when temperatures drop, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to weather, including increased falls on ice and risk of hypothermia. For additional winter safety tips for older adults (including how to detect hypothermia, frost bite, and carbon monoxide poisoning), take a look at this Healthinaging.org tip sheet.

Stay warm!

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