Graceful Aging Header For Trusted Advisers
ElderCare 4 Families
April  2013
Greetings! 

Welcome to Graceful Aging with ElderCare 4 Families, an electronic newsletter, for trusted advisors, referral sources, geriatric care professionals and families with aging loved ones. 
If you want to serve your clients or patients better, educate yourself on the latest in home care, protect those that trust you, or plan for the future, this is the newsletter for you. 
  
 
As a family-owned and operated home care company since 1981, serving Louisville & Southern 
Family Pate
Indiana, let ElderCare 4 Families be a resource for you.

Enjoy this newsletter and have a great day.
 
Sincerely,
Jeff and Rita Pate, Owners
ElderCare 4 Families
Medication Errors Cause More Deaths than Pneumonia or Diabetes in Seniors. 

Medication plays a huge role in the care and safety of seniors. Did you know that adverse drug events including side effects from medications or medications errors cause more deaths than diabetes or pneumonia in seniors? As we age, we will most likely be diagnosed with one or more chronic illness that will require  medication. Educating ourselves and our loved ones on

medication safety will ultimately lead to longer and healthier lives.

 

Studies show that between 40-75% of the older population don't take their medications at the right time or in the right amount. There are a few reasons for medication errors, including taking more than 5 medications, multiple physicians, poor discharge instructions, confusion between brand and generic drug names, transcription errors, and cognitive or visual problems. Additionally, many seniors simply forget or choose to discontinue medications. A few strategies to assist with medications, compliance and overall safety while promoting health, happiness and overall safety include:         

 Read More

Finding the Fountain of Youth in Activities Throughout Louisville

Is there a fountain of youth? Many Americans seem to have found some very simple solutions to aging safely and joyfully. Part of the joy of life is living every moment to the fullest in the place where you choose to call home. Home may be the house with the favorite chair, the tree where a daughter took her first step or the table that held the 50th anniversary cake. Staying engaged in life is extremely important to aging joyfully regardless of where you call home.


So how do you find this fountain of youth? The first key to enjoying life is staying active. Staying active ranges from traveling the world or taking exercise classes to staying connected with family and friends. Regardless of what active looks likes for you or your loved one, engage life and live each day to the fullest. If transportation or other issues are holding you back, investigate solutions. 

 

Below is a list of activities in the Louisville area to keep you or your loved one involved and engaged in life. 

Places to Visit:

Outdoors - Berhenheim Forest, one of Louisville's parks, Falls of the Ohio, the Zoo, Walk the waterfront, Drive to the Lexington Horse Park , Go on the Belle of Louisville, Walk the new walking bridge over the Ohio River Read more Louisville Activities

Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating With Seniors With Dementia
Did you know dementia is now the second leading cause of death after heart failure in the United States? According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in three seniors die with dementia. Those statistics are pretty scary. It is certain that without a cure most of us are going to have a family member, friend or ourselves that are dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. We must learn new techniques and strategies to care for those loved ones.

 

What does communication mean to you? It could be talking, listening, or expressing feelings, needs, wants or wishes. To the next person, it may be facial expressions, body language, eye contact, or touch. What about tones, volumes, pitches, speed, signals or behaviors? Think about how much control and information can be communicated in so many ways by adults. Read More
Physician Home Visits 
 
ElderCare 4 Families works with many clients receiving physician care at home. Remember the days of the doctor making home visits? Due to transportation and mobility issues, physicians and nurse practitioners are once again visiting, examining and treating seniors at their homes instead of the physician office. These physician home services provide: 
  • Examinations
  • Medication prescriptions and refills
  • X-Rays, labs and other tests
  • Referrals for Physical Therapists, Speech, Occupational Therapist, Nurses & more
  • Home equipment Orders
  • Home Caregiver Referrals
If you need more information or if there is anything ElderCare 4 Families can ever help you with, please feel free to call us at any time at 502-244-8446Visit our website for more information
In This Issue
Medication Errors & Safety Tips
Finding the Fountain of Youth in Activities
Communicating with Seniors with Dementia
March Nutrition Month
Important Resources 


Associations
napgcm
GLI BBB
KHHANAWBO

Interesting Fact
Did you know that aspirin may lower the risk of melanoma in women? Read more
Laugh Corner


Contact Information
ElderCare 4 Families
(502) 244-8446
(812) 670-3500
Important Dates

4/1 - April Fool's Day

4/15 - Tax Day

4/16-National Stress Awareness  

4/22 - Earth Day

Occupational Therapy Month

Parkinson Awareness Month

Testicular Cancer Month 

Administrative Asst Month

 

 Restaurant Savings Tips 
for Seniors

Ask for the following discounts:

Applebee's: 15% off w/ Golden Apple Card (60+) 
Arby's: 10% off (55+) 
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+) 
Bennigan's: discount varies by location  
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies  
Boston Market: 10% off (65+) 
Burger King: 10% off (60+) 
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off, free small drink or coffee (55+) 
Chili's: 10% off (55+) 
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+) 
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+) 
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee  
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+) 
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior meal  
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+) 
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+) 
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday  
IHOP: 10% off (55+) 
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off  
KFC: free small drink with any meal  
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+) 
Long John Silver's: various discounts 
McDonald's: discounts on coffee  
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations  
Shoney's: 10% off 
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+) 
Steak 'n Shake: 10%  every Mon & Tues  
Subway: 10% off (60+) 
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+) 
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+) 
TCBY: 10% off (55+) 
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+) 
Village Inn: 10% off (60+) 
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+) 
Wendy's: 10% off (55+) 
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

 

 

 

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April Spotlight

April is Medication Safety Awareness. ElderCare 4 Families' programs are geared to improve medication compliance, safety and overall health. 

Our Programs include:
  • Maintaining a home calendar including appointments, refills....
  • Attending MD appointments with our clients as needed to improve overall health 
  • Monitoring medication compliance for forgetful seniors
  • Assisting with medications
  • Finding medication planners, pharmacies to fill planners or other resources to promote independence
  • Ensuring refills get order and picked up at the pharmacy
  • Coordinating resources by our Senior Advocate with regularly scheduled visits
  • Communicating with physicians, home health & families 

Let ElderCare 4 Families help your patients or clients stay at home with personalized assistance that focuses on health, safety and happiness.