Silver Alert Bill to Help Find Lost Dementia Victims Reintroduced in U.S. Senate
House passed Silver Alert last month, many state and local governments setting up programs
March 17, 2009 – Legislation was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate last week to create a nationwide network for locating missing senior citizens and other adults. The Silver Alert Act, first introduced last Congress, would create a program modeled after the Amber Alert and provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies.
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the National Silver Alert Act (H.R. 632), a version of the bill sponsored by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX).
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), Ranking Member, again joined forces to reintroduce a bill in the Senate.
“Setting up a Silver Alert system for seniors who go missing due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will promote the safety of our nation’s seniors, while bringing peace of mind to many concerned families,” said Senator Kohl. “With half a million new cases of Alzheimer’s every year, the need for a system of this kind will only grow.”
“With the growing number of aging Americans, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, thousands of adults go missing every year,” said Senator Martinez, the top Republican on the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging.
“Providing families and law enforcement agencies with the combined resources they need to locate loved ones is essential. This type of proven nationwide network will assist states and territories with developing their own location system and integrate local Silver Alert plans currently in place with the national network.”
The bill encourages states to develop Silver Alert plans and provides funding to enhance and integrate Silver Alert plans that are currently in place in various states by directing the Department of Justice to establish a national communications network to assist efforts to locate missing senior citizens.
It also reauthorizes Kristen’s Act, which helps to maintain a national, interconnected resource center and clearinghouse for missing adults.
The National Association of State Units on Aging surveyed states last spring to determine actions being taken in the states to establish Sliver Alert programs, which are primarily aimed at protecting adults with cognitive impairment.
“Silver Alert programs are modeled after the Amber Alert programs now present in all 50 states according to the report by NASUA.
“The Amber Alert programs can quickly distribute information about missing persons to law enforcement, radio, and television stations. It is designed to alert the public and law enforcement agencies so that citizens can be on the look out for missing adults.
“While the Amber Alert programs are targeted at getting information quickly disseminated about children, Silver Alert programs are targeted for adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Of the states that responded to the NASUA survey, seven states had Silver Alert Programs and at least two states reported that they had legislation pending.
Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia have Silver Alert Programs in place, the survey found. Ohio had legislation that had been signed by the governor but was not yet effective.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
10 Uplifting Movies for Seniors
My personal Favorite is It's A Wonderful life.
The Gold Rush (1924)
Stars: Charlie Chaplin
Director: Charlie Chaplin
In classic Charlie Chaplin style, the tramp heads to Alaska as a lone prospector in search of his fortune, finding love and falling into the wrong crown along the way. Bittersweet, very funny, and ultra-touching, it’s one of the original and best feel-good films.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed
Director: Frank Capra
A suicidal man (Jimmy Stewart) has a chance encounter with a guardian angel. He’s given the opportunity to see his family, friends, and hometown as it would be without him. This sentimental tale is the epitome of what an uplifting movie should be- set during the Holidays, it’ll make you grateful to be alive.
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Stars: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Daggy Fran wants to be a ballroom star, and has plenty of time to dream about it as she mops up the floors of the dance studio. Then she meets rebellious Scott, who is looking for a partner to work on his controversial dance moves. Baz Luhrmann's Aussie comedy shows us that anything is possible.
Singin' In the Rain (1952)
Stars: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds
Director: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
A famous silent screen couple never expected their film to turn into a talkie, let alone a musical, and it’s apparent that the female lead can’t sing herself out of a paper bag. A chorus girl (Debbie Reynolds) is recruited to dub the songs secretly. This sprightly MGM musical will get you up and dancing. A true classic!
Grease (1978)
Stars: Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta
Director: Randal Kleiser
A goody-two-shoes girl falls for a bad boy in this musical about identity, transformation, and growing up. The music is unforgettable and the costumes are as fun as you get. You’ll be singing the songs for days after, and perhaps buy yourself a poodle skirt.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Stars: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant
Director: Howard Hawks
In this screwball comedy, Katherine Hepburn is a crazy It-Girl set on snagging the geeky paleontologist (Cary Grant), and all the while taking care of her pet cheetah Baby. Hot chemistry, unforgettable slapstick comedy, and speedy banter will give you a shot of energy.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison
Director: George Cukor
Eliza Doolitle is a foul-mouthed Cockney street-seller. She’s picked up by Professor Henry Higgins, a snooty phonetics professor, as part of a bet and experiment in voice work. Can he turn her into a high-society lady? Romantic, life-affirming and with a winning performance from Hepburn, this is pure delight.
The Odd Couple (1968)
Stars: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
Director: Gene Saks
The classic comedy duo at their best! The guys move in together and discover that they don’t make so wonderful a pair after all. One’s an obsessive cleaner and the other’s a slob. Felix and Oscar's exploits and arguments are so hysterically funny they will have you falling out of your seat with laughter.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Stars: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon
Director: Billy Wilder
When the Mob comes looking for a couple of musicians, they beat it for the French Riviera, disguised as broads and join an all-female band. They find trouble when they both fall head over heals for irresistible ukulele-player Sugar (Marilyn Monroe). Marilyn and the boys are unforgettable.
Billy Elliot (2000)
Stars: Jamie Bell, Julie Walters
Director: Stephen Daldry
Little Billy has big dreams of dancing Ballet. Unfortunately his dad says dancing is for sissies. Billy and his no-nonsense ballet teacher won’t let that stop him. Life-affirming, delightful, and poignant, Stephen Daldry’s movie is sure to be a feel-good classic for years to come.
The Gold Rush (1924)
Stars: Charlie Chaplin
Director: Charlie Chaplin
In classic Charlie Chaplin style, the tramp heads to Alaska as a lone prospector in search of his fortune, finding love and falling into the wrong crown along the way. Bittersweet, very funny, and ultra-touching, it’s one of the original and best feel-good films.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed
Director: Frank Capra
A suicidal man (Jimmy Stewart) has a chance encounter with a guardian angel. He’s given the opportunity to see his family, friends, and hometown as it would be without him. This sentimental tale is the epitome of what an uplifting movie should be- set during the Holidays, it’ll make you grateful to be alive.
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Stars: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Daggy Fran wants to be a ballroom star, and has plenty of time to dream about it as she mops up the floors of the dance studio. Then she meets rebellious Scott, who is looking for a partner to work on his controversial dance moves. Baz Luhrmann's Aussie comedy shows us that anything is possible.
Singin' In the Rain (1952)
Stars: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds
Director: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
A famous silent screen couple never expected their film to turn into a talkie, let alone a musical, and it’s apparent that the female lead can’t sing herself out of a paper bag. A chorus girl (Debbie Reynolds) is recruited to dub the songs secretly. This sprightly MGM musical will get you up and dancing. A true classic!
Grease (1978)
Stars: Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta
Director: Randal Kleiser
A goody-two-shoes girl falls for a bad boy in this musical about identity, transformation, and growing up. The music is unforgettable and the costumes are as fun as you get. You’ll be singing the songs for days after, and perhaps buy yourself a poodle skirt.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Stars: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant
Director: Howard Hawks
In this screwball comedy, Katherine Hepburn is a crazy It-Girl set on snagging the geeky paleontologist (Cary Grant), and all the while taking care of her pet cheetah Baby. Hot chemistry, unforgettable slapstick comedy, and speedy banter will give you a shot of energy.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison
Director: George Cukor
Eliza Doolitle is a foul-mouthed Cockney street-seller. She’s picked up by Professor Henry Higgins, a snooty phonetics professor, as part of a bet and experiment in voice work. Can he turn her into a high-society lady? Romantic, life-affirming and with a winning performance from Hepburn, this is pure delight.
The Odd Couple (1968)
Stars: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
Director: Gene Saks
The classic comedy duo at their best! The guys move in together and discover that they don’t make so wonderful a pair after all. One’s an obsessive cleaner and the other’s a slob. Felix and Oscar's exploits and arguments are so hysterically funny they will have you falling out of your seat with laughter.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Stars: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon
Director: Billy Wilder
When the Mob comes looking for a couple of musicians, they beat it for the French Riviera, disguised as broads and join an all-female band. They find trouble when they both fall head over heals for irresistible ukulele-player Sugar (Marilyn Monroe). Marilyn and the boys are unforgettable.
Billy Elliot (2000)
Stars: Jamie Bell, Julie Walters
Director: Stephen Daldry
Little Billy has big dreams of dancing Ballet. Unfortunately his dad says dancing is for sissies. Billy and his no-nonsense ballet teacher won’t let that stop him. Life-affirming, delightful, and poignant, Stephen Daldry’s movie is sure to be a feel-good classic for years to come.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Elder Care and Guilt Issues
After reading this article it brought some much of what I hear every day in my line of work. I am not sure if anyone saw the ABC show Family Issues. It was a very powerful show about a newly married couple that had the husband's mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's move in with them. Such a sad story. As this article mentions there is so much information and support for what we call the "adult child". If any one needs any questions answered or some support numbers please feel free to contact me.
By D. Gibson
Our society is in denial when it comes to aging. We spend millions trying to avoid looking like we have grown older. Sooner or later, however, we have to deal with aging, particularly when it effects our parents. This raises the issue of elder care and guilt.
Most people view life as a simple time line. You are born, your parents raise you, you become an adult and then you raise your own family. Most people do not factor in the subject of caring for their parents. When it becomes a necessity, it can be a huge wake up call from both a financial, emotional and practical point of view.
Many adults find themselves faced with making decisions on behalf of their parents. This often starts with small issues and then eventually blossoms into a wider range of subjects. This role reversal can result in the dredging up of old, painful issues as well as simply being a burden on the person making the decision.
As you become more involved in your parent's life, you will natural emotional reactions. These can range from the simple frustration of having to deal with them to guilt for thinking that way to anger to, well, the full gambit of feelings. How you deal with these issues is critical to getting through the process.
Dealing with parental issues is very mentally taxing. Now is not the time to play the tough guy role. Do what you must, but make sure you take care of yourself as well. Take time out each week for you. If things are rough, join a support group. It can make an absolute world of difference to be able to vent to someone who knows what you are going though. This is particularly true if you have a family member suffering from a form of dementia like Alzheimer's Disease.
Guilt is probably the biggest issue that people have trouble with. You have to nip this one in the bud. Growing old is a natural part of life. It happens to everyone. This also means the onset of ailments for many seniors. Again, this is a natural part of the cycle of life. While it may not be easy to go through, it is not your fault. You must live your life as well.
Elder care is become a huge issue as our population ages. Your parents are going to get older. They are going to need help. Don't think for a minute that you will not have to deal with these issues. You will. The key is to understand what is going on, prepare for it and keep as even a keel as you can. Remember to make time for yourself and consider joining a support group so you can vent a bit.
By D. Gibson
Our society is in denial when it comes to aging. We spend millions trying to avoid looking like we have grown older. Sooner or later, however, we have to deal with aging, particularly when it effects our parents. This raises the issue of elder care and guilt.
Most people view life as a simple time line. You are born, your parents raise you, you become an adult and then you raise your own family. Most people do not factor in the subject of caring for their parents. When it becomes a necessity, it can be a huge wake up call from both a financial, emotional and practical point of view.
Many adults find themselves faced with making decisions on behalf of their parents. This often starts with small issues and then eventually blossoms into a wider range of subjects. This role reversal can result in the dredging up of old, painful issues as well as simply being a burden on the person making the decision.
As you become more involved in your parent's life, you will natural emotional reactions. These can range from the simple frustration of having to deal with them to guilt for thinking that way to anger to, well, the full gambit of feelings. How you deal with these issues is critical to getting through the process.
Dealing with parental issues is very mentally taxing. Now is not the time to play the tough guy role. Do what you must, but make sure you take care of yourself as well. Take time out each week for you. If things are rough, join a support group. It can make an absolute world of difference to be able to vent to someone who knows what you are going though. This is particularly true if you have a family member suffering from a form of dementia like Alzheimer's Disease.
Guilt is probably the biggest issue that people have trouble with. You have to nip this one in the bud. Growing old is a natural part of life. It happens to everyone. This also means the onset of ailments for many seniors. Again, this is a natural part of the cycle of life. While it may not be easy to go through, it is not your fault. You must live your life as well.
Elder care is become a huge issue as our population ages. Your parents are going to get older. They are going to need help. Don't think for a minute that you will not have to deal with these issues. You will. The key is to understand what is going on, prepare for it and keep as even a keel as you can. Remember to make time for yourself and consider joining a support group so you can vent a bit.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Resident Volunteers May Live Longer
Yet another best practice for enhancing your residents’ quality of life: Help get them involved in volunteer work. Not only will it make them feel valued and productive; it may help them live longer.
According to a study by the American Geriatric Society, older adults who volunteer had less than half the risk of dying compared to their non-volunteering peers. The study included 6,360 retired people over 65; the average participant was 78. Researchers note that findings are preliminary and that research is ongoing.
“People who are socially engaged will have a better quality of life and better survival,” Dr. Gary Kennedy, a geriatric psychiatrist, told Business Week magazine. “This study is a good way of using science to reinforce what’s good common sense. Volunteering is a good thing to do, and lo and behold, it’s good for you, too.”
According to a study by the American Geriatric Society, older adults who volunteer had less than half the risk of dying compared to their non-volunteering peers. The study included 6,360 retired people over 65; the average participant was 78. Researchers note that findings are preliminary and that research is ongoing.
“People who are socially engaged will have a better quality of life and better survival,” Dr. Gary Kennedy, a geriatric psychiatrist, told Business Week magazine. “This study is a good way of using science to reinforce what’s good common sense. Volunteering is a good thing to do, and lo and behold, it’s good for you, too.”
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tips for Seniors Traveling
By R. Priolo
Traveling is a luxury many seniors enjoy. The planning, preparation, adventure, and return, is all part of the delight that the phrase “travel for seniors” implies. One of the most common methods of travel is by air. Air travel today has changed dramatically in the past 60 years. What was once a privilege for the few has now become standard fare.
For many passengers, a cramped seating arrangement is a problem. Particularly for seniors traveling, they face issues with swelling of the legs and muscle and joint pain. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Seniors planning on traveling can take additional herbal supplements and do regular stretches to promote circulation and general health.
One of the other dilemmas faced by senior travelers is airline food. Back “in the day” food was served as part of the flight—whether you liked it or not. Now, meals are minimal and must be purchased. So, traveling seniors with special diet restrictions or allergies must now make additional preparation for how to plan a trip well.
Drinks are still readily available when traveling by air. However, some seniors when traveling may forget the need to drink plenty of water. Although sodas, coffee, tea, and juice are acceptable, they should never be a substitute for good ol’ fashion H2O when traveling.
Medications are often a problem for traveling seniors. You want to enjoy your trip as much as possible and don’t want the hassle of supplements and pills. Yet your health is also necessary for enjoying your travel. Seniors may need to consult a physician before taking extended flights to ensure all medical needs are handled. It may be important for you to continue taking medication on a regular schedule.
Seniors traveling by air have the assistance of flight attendants. These individuals are usually very competent, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They can assist in addressing specific concerns of traveling seniors; they can also provide helpful suggestions. After all, they’ve probably helped thousands of passengers before you!
Finally, seniors—just like any passenger—need to bring something to do on board. The movies are not always appealing to passengers. Traveling seniors may rather enjoy a good book and a pair of headphones.
So, if you—or a senior you know—is looking to do some travel by air, consider some of these travel tips. For traveling seniors, an airplane ride can still hold a thrill.
Traveling is a luxury many seniors enjoy. The planning, preparation, adventure, and return, is all part of the delight that the phrase “travel for seniors” implies. One of the most common methods of travel is by air. Air travel today has changed dramatically in the past 60 years. What was once a privilege for the few has now become standard fare.
For many passengers, a cramped seating arrangement is a problem. Particularly for seniors traveling, they face issues with swelling of the legs and muscle and joint pain. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Seniors planning on traveling can take additional herbal supplements and do regular stretches to promote circulation and general health.
One of the other dilemmas faced by senior travelers is airline food. Back “in the day” food was served as part of the flight—whether you liked it or not. Now, meals are minimal and must be purchased. So, traveling seniors with special diet restrictions or allergies must now make additional preparation for how to plan a trip well.
Drinks are still readily available when traveling by air. However, some seniors when traveling may forget the need to drink plenty of water. Although sodas, coffee, tea, and juice are acceptable, they should never be a substitute for good ol’ fashion H2O when traveling.
Medications are often a problem for traveling seniors. You want to enjoy your trip as much as possible and don’t want the hassle of supplements and pills. Yet your health is also necessary for enjoying your travel. Seniors may need to consult a physician before taking extended flights to ensure all medical needs are handled. It may be important for you to continue taking medication on a regular schedule.
Seniors traveling by air have the assistance of flight attendants. These individuals are usually very competent, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They can assist in addressing specific concerns of traveling seniors; they can also provide helpful suggestions. After all, they’ve probably helped thousands of passengers before you!
Finally, seniors—just like any passenger—need to bring something to do on board. The movies are not always appealing to passengers. Traveling seniors may rather enjoy a good book and a pair of headphones.
So, if you—or a senior you know—is looking to do some travel by air, consider some of these travel tips. For traveling seniors, an airplane ride can still hold a thrill.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tips on Caring for Aging Parents
By Lin Steven
Do not feel alone if you are caring for your aging parents because you are one of 50 million Americans in the same boat. Whether they are staying with you or in another location, if you have the responsibility for their care, prepare yourself for a time consuming and emotional experience.
Tips for the Son or Daughter
Caring for your aging parents can be a very draining and exhausting ordeal. A support system between your brothers and/or sisters and friends will help lighten the load. Caring for aging parents is impossible to do on your own, especially if you work full time. You must come to the realization that at some point in time, one or both of your parents might have their normal thoughts, behavior, and attitudes changed radically by disease.
If this happens, caring for your parent can be like dealing with a complete stranger. For your own emotional and physical health, you will need an occasional break. Having your own parent not recognize you or think you are somebody else can come as a big shock to your system.
Tax Implications
Consulting with an accountant and/or attorney, if you are caring for aging parents, is time, energy, and money well spent. By making sure a will is drawn up and estate laws examined in detail, you will be free to give loving care for your aging parents. Depending on your circumstances, you may find that you can claim your parent as a tax deduction.
Taking Away the Car
This usually happens before the house is taken away. There are many things that have a negative effect on an older driver. Diminishing eyesight, physical handicaps, and mental disease can all make it very dangerous for these people to drive, both for their own safety and the safety of others. Very seldom does the parent voluntarily give up their car keys. Often times it is best just to make the car disappear over night.
Taking Away the House
Get ready for the battle of your lifetime when you determine, for their own safety, that your parents must be moved to a care facility. A home can be a very dangerous place for an older person who forgets things easily or has physical limitations. Falling down the stairs or leaving the stove burner on can have devastating effects.
You Are Not a Parent
While you are a care giver for your aging parents, you can never be a parent to your parent. The most that you can do is respond with love to their needs as they responded to your needs when you were young. Always remember that caring for your aging parents requires patience, patience, and more patience.
Do not feel alone if you are caring for your aging parents because you are one of 50 million Americans in the same boat. Whether they are staying with you or in another location, if you have the responsibility for their care, prepare yourself for a time consuming and emotional experience.
Tips for the Son or Daughter
Caring for your aging parents can be a very draining and exhausting ordeal. A support system between your brothers and/or sisters and friends will help lighten the load. Caring for aging parents is impossible to do on your own, especially if you work full time. You must come to the realization that at some point in time, one or both of your parents might have their normal thoughts, behavior, and attitudes changed radically by disease.
If this happens, caring for your parent can be like dealing with a complete stranger. For your own emotional and physical health, you will need an occasional break. Having your own parent not recognize you or think you are somebody else can come as a big shock to your system.
Tax Implications
Consulting with an accountant and/or attorney, if you are caring for aging parents, is time, energy, and money well spent. By making sure a will is drawn up and estate laws examined in detail, you will be free to give loving care for your aging parents. Depending on your circumstances, you may find that you can claim your parent as a tax deduction.
Taking Away the Car
This usually happens before the house is taken away. There are many things that have a negative effect on an older driver. Diminishing eyesight, physical handicaps, and mental disease can all make it very dangerous for these people to drive, both for their own safety and the safety of others. Very seldom does the parent voluntarily give up their car keys. Often times it is best just to make the car disappear over night.
Taking Away the House
Get ready for the battle of your lifetime when you determine, for their own safety, that your parents must be moved to a care facility. A home can be a very dangerous place for an older person who forgets things easily or has physical limitations. Falling down the stairs or leaving the stove burner on can have devastating effects.
You Are Not a Parent
While you are a care giver for your aging parents, you can never be a parent to your parent. The most that you can do is respond with love to their needs as they responded to your needs when you were young. Always remember that caring for your aging parents requires patience, patience, and more patience.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT
Starting Mother's Day, May 10, 9 PM -- THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT -- on HBO
A 4-PART DOCUMENTARY, CHANGING THE WAY AMERICA THINKS ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
You are cordially invited to a special 40-minute screening of Caregivers.
Immediately following the video an expert panel from Lakewood Hospital
and the Alzheimer’s Association will answer your questions about
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Date: Tuesday, May 12
Location: Lakewood Hospital Wasmer Auditorium
14519 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
RSVP: Call 216.227.2570 or register online at lakewoodhospital.
A 4-PART DOCUMENTARY, CHANGING THE WAY AMERICA THINKS ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
You are cordially invited to a special 40-minute screening of Caregivers.
Immediately following the video an expert panel from Lakewood Hospital
and the Alzheimer’s Association will answer your questions about
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Date: Tuesday, May 12
Location: Lakewood Hospital Wasmer Auditorium
14519 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
RSVP: Call 216.227.2570 or register online at lakewoodhospital.
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