Assisting Angels
CARING ConnectionsNovember 2010

In This Issue

Aging in Place 2.0 (AiP2.0)

Simple Testing by Family Correlates to Alzheimer's Biomarker Findings

Macular Degeneration and Cataracts: New Research Aims at Prevention and Slowing Effects 


Boise Senior Center Activities

The Law of Attraction - An Inspirational Video
Inspirational Video
If you know someone who is going through rough times, share this video with them. It is sure to brighten their day. Click here
Economic and Social Costs of Dementia



If dementia care were a country, it would be the world's 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world's largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion).....

Read more here.
Compare Hospitals By Patient Review



See patients' assessments of hospital care online at the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.
Brenda's Recipe Corner

 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

  •  1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 head of cabbage
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3  cans tomato sauce (8 oz. size) or one quart homemade tomato sauce
  •  1 1/2 cup water (or more if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 

Directions

  1. Score the core of the cabbage with a knife, then place in microwave for 2 - 3 minutes. Remove as many leaves as will slip off easily, then place back in the microwave and repeat the procedure until you have enough leaves to stuff (approximately 8 - 10 leaves).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, egg, salt, garlic powder and pepper, along with � cup of tomato sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the cabbage leaves. Roll neatly and place seam side down In a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat, and pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about an hour, basting with the liquid often.
  4. Serve and enjoy!




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Greetings!

As the holiday season approaches and good memories of years past swirl in our thoughts, although we can't actually turn back the clock, we can certainly put our best foot forward to proceed towards the future with grace. Discovering illnesses sooner for early treatments, improving delivery of healthcare and supporting efforts to age in place all can contribute towards a brighter future for an aging America. We trust you will find the following articles in this month's newsletter informative and beneficial.

Thank you,
The Team at Assisting Angels Home Care

oneAging in Place 2.0 (AiP2.0)

The MetLife Institute offers a report detailing what is needed in order to improve today's current uncoordinated approach to Aging in Place. The author suggests a focus on the following three goals:
  • Independence - happier, more satisfied older citizens living in homes of their choice with control, dignity, and respect.
  • More economical use of available resources.
  • The creation of a coordinated, comprehensive, and collaborative relationship between businesses and service providers to support Aging in Place.
Access the full report in a PDF format.

For more information on the Mature Market Institute, click here.

twoSimple Testing by Family Correlates to Alzheimer's Biomarker Findings

According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a two-minute Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) questionnaire can pretty accurately predict Alzheimer's. The test relies on a friend or family member who knows the person well, to evaluate whether cognitive changes have caused the individual to have difficulties in performing everyday activities. Changes are noted/rated in the following areas.
  • Problems with judgment, such as bad financial decisions;
  • Reduced interest in hobbies and other activities;
  • Repeating of questions, stories or statements;
  • Trouble learning how to use a tool or appliance, such as a television remote control or a microwave;
  • Forgetting the month or year;
  • Difficulty handling complicated financial affairs, such as balancing a checkbook;
  • Difficulty remembering appointments; and
  • Consistent problems with thinking and memory.
The results of the AD8 tests correspond with biomarker results more consistently than even traditional cognitive tests, according to the researchers at the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, including first author James Galvin, MD, now at New York University.

Read a journal abstract of the research and findings here.

Access a test for reprint with copyrighted conditions noted.

threeMacular Degeneration and Cataracts: New Research Aims at Prevention and Slowing Effects

The goal of the first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was to learn about macular degeneration and cataracts, two leading causes of vision loss in older adults. A new study is now underway. "The Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins & Zinc on Age-related Macular Degeneration and Cataract" found that "high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 percent. These same nutrients also reduce the risk of vision loss caused by advanced AMD by about 19 percent. They have no significant effect on the development or progression of cataract."

Access the results of the clinical trial in a PDF here.

Read more here.

For more information about AREDS, macular degeneration, cataract, and other eye diseases, visit the National Eye Institute website.

fourSenior Solutions

Boise Senior Center

Annual Holiday Bazaar

  • Saturday, November 13th 
  • 9am - 3pm

    690 Robbins Road

    Boise. Idaho


    Join us for our annual Holiday Bazaar.  Stop in for our $3.50 sausage and egg breakfast sandwich and our hamburger or hot dog lunch.  Breakfast served from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.  Lunch served from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.  Over 50 booths of fine crafted items, baked goods, and much more. In addition to the crafts, there will be entertainment from Hawthorne Elementary School.  For more information, please call Angie at 345-9921 or email [email protected].  We are located just behind the Elks Rehab near Fort Boise. There are still tables and booths available.


    Join us for our Third Tuesday Dance, November 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We will have a live band "The Comstock Load" with music from the blues to country.  Admission is $4.00 and there will be light refreshments served. 


    Hearing Clinic is BACK!  The Boise Senior Activities Center will be having a hearing clinic November from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Bring in your hearing aides to have them cleaned, checked and possibly the battery changed.  This service is provided, free of charge by the Elks Hearing and Balance center.

    Refresh your driving skills. Attend an AARP Driver Refresher Course. The Boise Senior Activities Center will have its next Driver Safety Course November 22 & 23, 2010, at 12:30 p.m.  Class size is limited, so sign up early.  To sign up please call 345-9921.  

    Grandma's Kitchen needs you If you would like to donate a baked item for our bake sale November 13, please sign up at the front desk or drop your donation off to Angie or Rod at the center before the 12th.  If you do not bake, you may donate a store-bought baked good.  For information, call the front desk at 345-9921.


     



    Brenda Critell, President / CEO
    Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)�, A native of Boise, Idaho and a 4th generation Idahoan.





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    Skip Critell, Executive Vice President
    Provides outreach and education to the community regarding our services. He presents educational seminars; conducts free memory screening for Dementia/Alzheimer's and related diseases, and in-home assessments.

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    Diana Drake, Outreach Coordinator
    Provides home assessments and information to guarantee quality care for our clients and provides outreach and education to the community regarding our services.

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    Joy Kelly, Client Care Coordinator
    Provides quality client care and supervision of direct care services for the Treasure Valley.