AGING MATTERS
January 2013
In This Issue
Coconut Oil and Alzheimer's
We Love Referrals!
The 3 C's
 
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Can Coconut Oil improve cognitive functions and really slow down the progression of Alzheimer's?

 
There's been a lot of news online and some studies whether the regular use of coconut oil could help people cognitively including those diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
 
The Alzheimer's Association website states, "Caprylic acid is the active ingredient of Axona, which is marketed as a "medical food." Caprylic acid is a medium-chain triglyceride (fat) produced by processing coconut oil or palm kernel oil. The body breaks down caprylic acid into substances called "ketone bodies." The theory behind Axona is that the ketone bodies derived from caprylic acid may provide an alternative energy source for brain cells that have lost their ability to use glucose (sugar) as a result of Alzheimer's. Glucose is the brain's chief energy source. Imaging studies show reduced glucose use in brain regions affected by Alzheimer's."

Check out this recent  coconut oil article Wellness Letter from the University of California Berkeley that discusses this hot topic.
 
We would be happy to meet with families and their loved ones and answer their questions about assisted living, dementia care and residential care homes.  
 
 
 
Greetings!  

 

Happy New Year!  For many of us the beginning of a new year is a time for reflection, renewal and resolution.  It's a time to seek a new path or recommit to the current course. 

 

Some of us may be starting to notice that Dad is having trouble keeping up with the maintenance on the house or Mom isn't as confident with her driving and avoids driving at night.  While it might not be necessary to take action, it is important to keep up with what is happening with your parent or another senior loved one.  This month's key feature on the "Three C's" offers food for thought about future (or current) care considerations.

 

And if you have not had the conversation about what your parent or loved one wants in terms of long-term care as they get older, resolve to start that conversation in 2013.

 

Warm regards,

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Mary signature  
Mary Buszuwski, CSA
Founder and Certified Senior Advisor
(518) 538-3831
(888) 229-1209

 

The 3 C's of In-Home Assistance and Assisted Living 

 

OK, you're back from spending time with your parents or other loved ones over the holidays.  Now you realize they're not as independent as they used to be or they need more assistance than they've had.  The decision is whether to get someone to come into their home (or more frequently) or moving to a community that provides more guidance and care like assisted living.  Let's take a look at these two options:

 

In-Home Assistance

 

CARE - Most home care is nonmedical care provided by trained caregivers.  In New York, agencies that provide "hands-off" assistance like running errands or assistance with cooking do not require a license.  Agencies providing "hands-on" assistance like bathing or dressing are required to be licensed.  Medical care at home is another level of home care and must be provided by licensed, health care providers.  Caregivers can be hired through an agency, registry or privately.   In addition, an Adult Day Care program may be used to provide socialization opportunities.

 

COSTS - According to the 2012 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Home Care Costs for non-medical care in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area run $18 - $26/hour.  The rates for medical or nurse assistance at home will be higher by 25 percent or more.  Costs for Adult Day Care run from $35 - $100/day depending on the level of care needed.

 

CONCERN - Caregivers can be hired from an agency or they can be hired as a private or independent caregiver. Be careful if you are considering hiring a private or independent caregiver since the individual becomes your employee and you become the employer with all of the responsibilities and potential liability.  On the other hand... More on the 3 C's of In-Home Assistance and Assisted Living...

(888) 229-1209