Three Frequent Early Signs of Dementia in Older People

Ben had always been able to read his dad pretty well but lately he was having a hard time discerning what was going through his mind. Much of the time his father appeared to be managing his life with no particular problems but sometimes he was distant and forgetful leaving Ben to wonder what was going on. The only time his father would seem to get excited was when they were talking about past experiences and he would even get animated telling a familiar story he recollected but anytime he was asked a question about something of current interest he would seem to draw a blank. This was confirmed the day Ben took him to a sports cards shop and his dad showed a great amount of appreciation for some old football cards that were on display there. Not only could he remember the star players making great passes and scoring touchdowns but he could also recall where he was and what he was doing the year these events happened. This was in sharp contrast to his ability to participate in the conversation Ben tried to have with him about the big championship game they had both watched together the weekend before.

Ben rightly concluded that his father was developing early signs of dementia and he found in talking with his personal physician that he had missed the early warning signs until now. The earlier this process of deterioration is discovered the better it can be managed but it is certainly not a disease that can be cured. The diagnosis of dementia can only be made by a doctor after screening tests are given usually consisting of an MRI, blood tests and a memory test where the patient is asked a series of questions including one where he is given three words to remember and then asked in several minutes what they were. Many times people with dementia cannot remember a single word in just a few minutes. The most common early warning signs of dementia are:

1. An inability to find the right word in conversations, resulting in halted speech and incomplete thoughts is something we all deal with from time to time. In people with early and moderate dementia, this becomes a normal form of conservation with them making it hard to communicate well and carry on a mutually satisfying communication. This can be very frustrating to the person with the disease and the person who is trying to interpret what this person is trying to say.

2. A growing difficulty on the part of the person to understand numbers and financial concepts. This may first manifest itself by a person having extreme difficulty balancing his or her checkbook.

3. A tendency to get confused or lost in familiar places is also a key indicator of dementia. This problem unfortunately, is dangerous not only to the person with the dementia but also to others on the road if the person is still driving. It is sometimes helpful to enlist the aid of the doctor to advise his patient that it would be the best for all involved if he voluntarily decided not to drive anymore.

Fighting Ageism - The Role of the Activity Professional

While waiting in line at the post office, I stood behind a small elderly woman who was at the counter taking care of her postal needs. She had a very large purse with lots of zippers and a variety of smaller change purses. She had many questions for the postal worker and kept moving money and items in and out of her purse, zipping and unzipping her purses. She was a little hard of hearing and had to ask the postal worker to repeat her answers. The postal worker showed in her tone of voice and actions that she had no patience for this older person. At one point, she looked over the head of this elderly woman - at me and the line behind me, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

If the person in front of me had been a person of different national origin or race or practiced a specific religion or had a physical disability - would this postal worker have shown the same disrespect or impatience? Most likely not as she would fear being accused of discrimination. It is unfortunate in our society that treating the elderly differently or discriminating against them for their advanced years, is accepted practice. Discrimination against the elderly is known as ageism. The term ageism was coined by US gerontologist Robert N. Butler in 1969. At that time, it was added to the list of specific discriminations of racism and sexism. Ageism includes treating the elderly in a negative way as well as perpetuating negative stereotypes of aging. In today's advertising, the elderly are often characterized as grumpy, unkempt, dependent, self absorbed, a little daffy and eccentric. The activity professional and others who work in long term care have a more humanistic perspective regarding aging and the lifestyles of the elderly. We work tirelessly to provide individual opportunities to each person to live life to the fullest and in the manner they choose to live life, regardless of age.

To begin changing society's negative perspective toward aging and to promote positive images of aging, the activity professional can introduce the following tasks or actions:

1. Have the most amazing and dynamic activity program possible. A solid therapeutic activity program which includes group, individual and 1-1 programs is the best antidote against the negative stereotype of the elderly sitting in a rocking chair, watching life go by.

2. Develop a viable and working Resident Council. Empowering your residents to have a voice and use their voice to speak out about life in the facility and the community is essential in showing others that the elder cares about others and not just about themselves.

3. Embrace person centered care and the culture transformation movement. The philosophies and principles of these models of care emphasize new attitudes toward aging and what it means to get older. These concepts stress the individual nature of each person and living life to the fullest, as each person would like to live life.

4. Keep your residents engaged in life in the community through trips and outings. If you facility has a van or bus, make active use of that van. Make sure the van has the name of the facility painted brightly on the side so everyone sees you out and about. If your community/town has an annual parade, with floats and decorated trucks, think about entering your facility van. Think of the positive impact you will have with a group of smiling elders waving from a facility bus in the local Columbus Day or Independence Day Parade.

5. Develop an active and contributing community role for your residents. Fundraising for local charities, participating in Senior Citizen day at the mall, adopting the local animal shelter and visiting local schools are community oriented tasks which demonstrate the elder is an active and viable member of the community.

6. Take advantage of community awareness days of any kind. National Senior Fitness Day, National Nursing Home Week, National Nurses Day, and National Good Neighbor Day to name a few, would be opportunities for your residents to sponsor a community event and invite community members into their home. This would show the community how life goes on within and outside the walls of your facility.

7. Initiate facility chapters of organizations for your residents to join, while inviting local community members to be a part of your chapter. The Red Hat Society, The Gray Panthers, the VFW, the local Garden Club and other groups can be initiated and conducted at your facility. Integrating your elders with members of the community breaks down the age barriers.

8. Re-define aging for yourself. No matter your personal chronological age, your outlook has an impact on others. Purge yourself of any negative ageist attitudes which may be lurking in the back of your mind. Be true to the rights of all individuals, regardless of age.

9. Assume the role of a positive aging advocate. Whenever you encounter a negative attitude or action, don't be afraid to speak out in a positive and constructive way.

Are you wondering what happened when I approached the counter at the Post Office, after the elderly woman finished her business? The postal worker saw the anger in my eyes and mistakenly thought I was equally annoyed with the older woman. She suggested the woman should stay at home and get someone else to do her errands for her. I told the postal worker I couldn't disagree with her more and we should all be so lucky as that woman - to be out and about doing errands at her age. The postal worker retorted with a bit of a snort and stated she'd rather be dead than a nuisance to others. My parting comment to the postal worker was "be careful what you wish for". As I left, I heard a few chuckles and at least one "bravo" from the line of people behind me.

Age is opportunity no less,
than youth itself, though in another dress.
And as the evening twilight fades away,
The sky is filled by the stars invisible by the day. -
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Oregon Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims are made when a person suffers injury from another person, object, or company. The injury can be physical, emotional or financial. The only thing is that, it has to be proved. Personal injuries may include: slip and fall injuries, nursing home abuse, car accidents, defective product injury, exposure to toxic materials, medical malpractices, wrongful death (due to negligence), drug injury, dog bite or job injuries.

Personal injury claims can be from the person/persons who have actually caused the injury or from the insurance company. A personal injury claim must address two main issues: liability (the person charged is truly and legally responsible for the damage) and damages (the damages claimed truly reflect the exact extent of the injury or loss suffered). As per Torts Law, the case can be based on any of the three grounds: negligence, strict liability and intentional wrong. In case of injury resulting in death, the family members of the deceased can claim damages.

Persons who file an Oregon personal injury claim are eligible to receive compensation for their pain and suffering, loss of income, permanent disability (if any), emotional distress, and any other injuries that have been proved to be a result of the personal injury.

For filing a claim, it is important to prove that: 1) the person/persons/company is legally responsible for the injury and 2) the damages claimed really reflect the real extent of the injury or loss. These two elements, known as liability and damage, are very important for personal injury claims.

Personal injury claims are subject to statues of limitations, which mean that the claim must be made within a particular time period from the time of the injury. Statues of limitations differ from state to state. Oregon has its own statues of limitation for personal injury cases.

While making personal injury claims, it is better to consult a good attorney who has expertise and experience in dealing with such cases. Information about these lawyers is available in Oregon yellow pages or on the Internet. Friends, colleagues and family members are also a good source of identifying a good Oregano personal injury lawyer.

Unspoken Pain of Nursing Home Living

Moving to a nursing home is a major change especially when medical monitoring takes away independence, even if it is for the person's own well being. Dealing with serious health changes is more difficult when it feels like an exile from an individual's former way of life. While residents are taken care of medically, their mental health is usually ignored. As a mental health consultant in a nursing home, I listened to many voices who would not dare speak of their emotional pain to others. Here are some of their comments.

o People question my sincerity regarding my pain. They don't seem to understand that I am having trouble explaining it clearly to them.

o We are labeled with a disease.

o I feel stupid (about my failing health). Who can you blame but yourself when things don't go as planned?

o It's tough being in a wheel chair. I hope people understand that I can't keep up. I am embarrassed.

o It bothers me to not be able to write. I can't even sign my name. I have to be more resourceful. I used to be organized by writing everything down. Now I have to keep it all in my head.

o My kids don't get it. They get impatient. They forget I am here and don't even talk to me. They talk around me.

o When I try to express my feelings others respond with silly comments. While they are trying to empathize, I wish they wouldn't say these things. I think I should just watch what I say.

o I would like to be active with whatever abilities I have left. I really want to give.

o Getting people to hear you is the hardest thing to do. It's hard to speak up when you're feeling infringed upon.

o I am more than my adaptive equipment.

o People worry I am watching too much television but it is the only thing I have.

o The kids take over. You are the child again.

o Just because you are older doesn't mean you lose your identity.

o They filled out all the papers regarding my living situation. No one asked me how I felt about it.

o Where are my belongings? My house was sold behind my back.

o Others buy clothes for me. I don't even like the styles they choose. I used to have my own credit card. Now I am asking my children for money for hair appointments and simple spending.

o There's tension with my family around the holidays.

Nursing home residents speak of a loss of control when their lives seem to change drastically. These may be the final years of their lives, but they can certainly be spent with meaning. Residents want to be helpful to society still. They have great stories to tell of past achievements. The way they used to identify themselves is not how they are identified now. They are elderly, diseased, and needy and who they have been for the past several decades is now forgotten and irrelevant.

Families can help residents still feel relevant. Your loved one is a stranger to the nursing home staff until they become better acquainted with their new guests. As a family member, you can help this process become more successful.

Over 55 Retirement Communities - Built With Baby Boomers In Mind

The time has come for many people who fall into the baby boomer generation to retire. Some already have, and some are doing so right now and some will be that age in just a couple of years. And that means a lot of people are ready to move into some sort of retirement living arrangement.

For some, who need a bit of extra care and help in their day, the best choice will be an assisted living facility, for others, a nursing home, but a great many people will be looking into the option of buying into one of the many over 55 retirement communities which are springing up all over the place.

It could be that the developers just finally wised up and figured that people wanted to spend their days with other folks who thought like them. And that is why so many retirement communities were built. It could also be that there are simply so many baby boomers who want the opportunity to live in a place where they can play golf or tennis all day and still be around people who speak the same language. The language of the 60's.

Not the 60 year olds, the language of the 1960's. Full of bright eyed optimism and hope for a better world. Full of the dream of equality and power to the people. Pretty good idea, for then and for anytime.

And now these folks want to retire and move into a community of their peers. Sounds like a pretty good idea. Over 55 retirement communities have a particular restriction as to who can live there and who can't. One of the restrictions is that normally at least one of the people buying a home there must be at least 55 years old. Some communities require that both people be at least that age, but not too many.

Usually, it is enough that the husband or the wife or one of the partners be the minimum age. And that is not a bad thing at all. Besides the social aspect of residing among your peers, you can often get property loans at a greatly reduced rate because the developers have made particular arrangements with the government to provide loans at a reduced interest rate. That is a very cool idea and one which many people have taken advantage of.

There are so many choices of retirement facilities nowadays and the over 55 retirement communities are one of the best ideas. If what you are looking for in retirement living is to be surrounded by a group of like-minded people who you can relate to, then this might be the best opportunity for your retirement living.

Nursing Homes That Care About Your Loved Ones

If you ever visited nursing homes as a child or teenager, perhaps what stayed with you the most was the smell. It is unfortunate that some care centers were unable to control that. Thankfully, care facilities today are much improved. They are often beautiful facilities where hurting people are cared for and loved. If your loved ones ever need full-time care, that is the type of home to consider.

If you do have relatives who need to move into a home, it is likely a very difficult time for you. You might feel like you are betraying them, especially if they are against the move. It is important to do what is best for them. What is often best for families who are having difficulty with the process is to be with nurses that know how to help your loved one's medical needs and everyday needs.

As you look at various nursing homes, it is important for you to go in as a visitor and look at the conditions. It should not have a strong odor, the area should look sanitary, and the residents should seem happy and comfortable. Of course, there are always exceptions as some of the residence will be sicker than others. You may want to go back on a few different days to see if anything changes.

Once you visit unannounced, you may want to make an appointment to meet with the administrator to have a tour. At that time, you could also ask if you could join the residents for a meal. By doing this, you will be able to see what the food is like. Something that you will not be able to experience by visiting is everyday life for your loved one. The only way to know anything about this before choosing a home is to read reviews that have been written about certain nursing homes.

Before sending your family member to a home, you should ask if you can stay the night. This might be completely out of the question, but it does not hurt to ask. You would, of course, have to stay in your assigned room, but you could at least experience a little of what night time would be like in a particular home.

Once you feel comfortable with a home, you can have your loved one admitted. It will probably only work to send them to a home if they are compliant. You cannot really force them to go anywhere unless you have Power of Attorney. It is best if they go to a home willingly anyway.

Nursing homes should make their residents feel comfortable. You should visit every day, especially at first to make sure that everything is going well. You are your loved one's advocate when they are in a home. It is important to make sure they are getting the care and comfort that is needed.

How to Get a Job in Banking

Show Me The Money

Professionals who succeed in the banking industry have their priorities straight. Put simply, they enjoy working with people and making money. However, it takes hard work to earn a six digit salary, as banks want to make sure that the right people are working for them. If you are responsible, willing to work long hours and good with numbers, keep on reading and learn how to get a bank job.

1st Objective: Write a solid resume

Whether or not you graduated college is not as important as passing a rigorous background check, having a good credit score and writing a factual resume. Some college or a job in sales will be a plus on your resume, yet these experiences are not required. Clearly describe your professional experiences and education on your resume, while promoting you analytical and communication skills.

2nd Objective: Get a foot in the door

Research the different banks in your area and call them. Talk to human resources or management and establish rapport by letting them know (if it's true) that your career goals and background are compatible with the bank's objectives. Remember to ask for the contact's name, email or physical address. Send your resume along with a cover letter that details your education and experience.

3rd Objective: Get a teller job

Not only will you learn how banks operate but also gain valuable experience dealing with clients. Furthermore banks train tellers to promote and sell their products or services. It's also a great way to begin your career network. Having worked as a teller looks great on your resume because it states you are a responsible and trustworthy professional. It might also motivate you to get a degree in finance or economics, which will make it easier to get a job in other areas, like brokerage.

4th Objective: Exceed bank's expectations

The next step is working as a customer representative. To get this job, develop good relations with clients and promote the products and services the bank offers. The more money you make for the bank, the better chances you have of being promoted. Additionally, deal with difficult clients instead of getting a manager to help. This will set you apart form the rest of your peers, whom you must learn to work with as a team.

5th Objective: Get into management

After you have proved your people skills by continually resolving client's issues, aim to become an assistant branch manager. You must assume higher levels of responsibility and assure the branch manager you can take care of everything whenever she/he is not around. This means understanding everything about retail banking, which includes savings and checking accounts, mortgages, personal loans, debit cards, credit cards, and other services.

6th Objective: Be the Boss

It can take several years to get to this stage; however the long hours spent satisfying client's needs and ensuring the bank runs smoothly are well compensated. A bank manager supervises the staff that works in a specific branch as well as monitors the hiring and training of new employees. She or he is also responsible for maintaining and increasing the money deposited at the branch. The manager might work with other banking departments, such as marketing, to promote the bank's products and services. Branch managers must also resolve complaints that have not been addressed by the staff.

It's all about promotion

Other opportunities in banking depend on job performance and education. Salaries for professionals who work in investment banking can reach six figures; however candidates must pass Series Exams besides having a college degree. Although money never sleeps, don't let greed blind you. Promote your abilities by working hard and keeping clients happy.