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Aunt Ann's Home Care Newsletter
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Greetings!
June is such a beautiful month full of roses and weddings and sun drenched afternoons. Reminiscing of favorite past Junes with a favorite senior in your life is a great way to spend some time this month. Older people often lose family, spouses, friends and careers that have defined them. Reminiscing about who they were helps to create a clearer picture of who they are today. John Kunz, founder of the International Institute of Reminiscence and Life Review, notes that, "Each time an individual tells part of his/her life story, those who listen are like a mirror, reflecting and affirming their lives." In this month's newsletter, we have again sought out the most interesting eldercare related articles and information to inspire your thoughts. We hope you will find the following articles informative and beneficial.
Thank you,
Vicki Paul
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 For the First Time in Almost 3 Decades: New Alzheimer's Diagnosis Criteria
New guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease were recently published by several expert workgroups under the direction of the National Institutes on Aging and the National Institutes on Health. The research done by these groups provides a new definition for Alzheimer's and may even move researchers closer to being able to detect the disease at earlier stages. It also breaks the disease down into three progressive phases with Alzheimer's indicators that begin years earlier than those in previous research. This article from the Alzheimer's Reading Room provides an overview of the published research and a breakdown of some of the key points of the new diagnosis criteria. |
"Sleeping In" Bad for the Brain?
We all know how important a good night's sleep is, but what you may not realize is that according to research, getting less than six or more than eight hours of sleep a night is associated with a decline in brain function. Participants in a British sleep study were thoroughly tested and questioned about their sleep patterns, and over the course of several years, those who reported that their sleep patterns increased to eight or more hours or decreased to six or less scored lower on a number of cognitive tests. The conclusion is that sleep, like diet and exercise, is all about balance.
For more information on sleep research and cognitive functions, read this article from Caring.com.
To view an abstract of the study or purchase the entire report, click here.
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Government Report Shows Elder Abuse on the Rise
According to recent surveys, approximately one in seven seniors in the U.S. has been physically, emotionally, or financially abused. This terrible issue was brought into the spotlight recently when elder Hollywood star, Mickey Rooney, came forth to tell Congress about the abuse he experienced at the hands of a family member. Mr. Rooney told the Senate Special Committee on Aging, "Even with [my] success, my money was stolen from me by someone close. I felt trapped, scared, used and frustrated. Above all, I felt helpless." Unfortunately, financial elder abuse like Mr. Rooney experienced is far too common, with nearly $2.6 billion in elders' savings and investments being mishandled or stolen in 2010. While Rooney's public revelation brought elder abuse into the light, there may still be a long road ahead in obtaining significant legislation. State agencies are overwhelmed with the growing number of cases as more people live to more advanced ages. But Rooney's case may have helped other victims, those who are usually too proud or humiliated to come forth, to speak out and get help if they find themselves in a similar situation. To read more about Mickey Rooney's testimony and the government's response, click here. Read the full report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
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 The Generational Gap Watch this poignant award winning video on how misunderstandings between generations can lay the foundation for stereotypes and how with ageism, there are two sides to every story. |
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 Top Father's Day Tech Gifts for Seniors As technology becomes increasingly intuitive, seniors are really starting to embrace some of these user-friendly gadgets. Father's Day is coming up soon, so check out this list of gift ideas for Dad from Eldergadget. |
Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
 Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash salt
- Praline Topping, recipe follows
- Maple syrup
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
Praline Topping: - 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.
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