• Elder Care Providers Are A Critical Resource In Our Community

    Posted on November 26, 2012

    For those who are managing the care of their relatives who can no longer adequately care for themselves and who are not yet ready or able to transition into an assisted living, long term care setting, we’d like to end November with a little more about National Caregiver’s Month. There are approximately 65 million family elder care providers (caregivers) and because they give so much of their time and money to care for elder relatives in need, the National Family Caregivers Association began promoting the celebration of family caregivers in 1994. The association’s chief executive calls these devoted senior caregivers “a national treasure”…according to a recent article in The Columbian, caregivers frequently risk their jobs by taking time off to care for their relative, they use their limited resources, and often neglect their own health and well being. They are a silent population who needs to know they are not alone in their struggles. One in five family caregivers moved […]

    Continue reading

  • Elder Care In Vancouver, WA Highlighted During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

    Posted on November 21, 2012

    November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness/Family Caregiver Month. Here at A Caring Heart, we honor those who have been affected by this disease in some way. Having helped many families and caregivers find the type of residential elder care necessary to meet the needs of their loved one, we know how devastating this disease can be. There are local resources here in the Vancouver and Clark County Washington area for caregivers and families in need of support. Often elder care is managed by the family. It is important to remember that these care givers need a break sometimes. While it is important to research information before taking action, the internet is a great resource these days. One site, www.alz.org, reminds us that “there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula when it comes to Alzheimer’s care.” Indeed, needs do change at the various stages of this disease and “each family’s situation is unique.” Whatever your situation, or if you are planning ahead, remember […]

    Continue reading

  • Persons Living In Assisted Living May Have Misdiagnosis

    Posted on November 11, 2012

    It’s been estimated that 9 percent of persons living in assisted living facilities may have an often misdiagnosed condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus. The unfortunate thing is this condition is treatable. We wonder how many persons in assisted living in Vancouver Washington have this treatable condition. Because the symptoms are similar, the misdiagnoses include Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and even “just getting old.” What is normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH? NPH is a condition which occurs when the fluid surrounding the brain no longer reabsorbs correctly. This failure to reabsorb slowly leads to problems with memory, disturbed gait, and even bladder control. The person with NPH can experience problems with speech, walking, a loss of train of thought, disorganization, blanking on names or what to do in routine activities of daily living. The diagnosis can be identified through comparison of MRI’s of the brain. The Hydrocephalus Association estimates that at least 350,000 Americans, and 5 percent of people with dementia, have […]

    Continue reading

  • More Good News On Senior Services In Vancouver, WA

    Posted on November 6, 2012

    The Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities has been in the news again.  The agency recently won the Washington State Council on Aging 2012 Excellence in Action Award.  The award was earned in part for the agency’s role in countywide planning for the increase in the 65 and older population. When it comes to senior services and resources, including a wide variety of assisted living options, the Vancouver and Clark County area is fortunate.  And other states have taken notice:  Clark County’s preparations and planning for future needs has been a role model. Being dedicated to helping clients make good choices when it comes to senior housing options in the Vancouver and Clark County area like assisted living, adult family homes, retirement communities, nursing homes, or memory care, Alzheimer care, or Parkinson’s care units, we are thrilled with the progress this agency has made within the five southwest Washington counties it now serves.

    Continue reading