I feel sad and concerned when I walk into a home of a client and see piles of unopened boxes from the QVC network. When I walk into the bedroom, in addition to seeing more boxes, dirty diapers on the floor, and an unmade bed with soiled sheets, it is definitely a sign of self-neglect, one of the red flags of elder abuse. It can be a sign of social isolation and undiagnosed depression.  Sadly, this is all too common with our elderly friends and relations who live alone. Often this is overlooked or ignored by friends, neighbors, and even relations who may or may not live nearby. It is common for the elderly who live alone to start impulsively ordering items that they don’t need or don’t want. Purchasing suggests a relationship, albeit in the most distant way. Marketers report that elders sometimes order and then decline to receive the package or forget they made a purchase.

Cost is a major factor in deciding how and where to provide care.  One of the most frequently asked questions I hear is about what to do with mom or dad. Often individuals and family systems are conflicted. I recall standing in court while the judge asked questions of two different families that would not agree on how to care for their elderly mother. As the professional, I was able to provide proper care for her and resolve the conflict by focusing on the care needs of my elderly client. In another situation, I solved the problem of the care needs of an elderly couple by creating a customized plan which involved multiple services and allowed them to remain at home. Moving into a skilled nursing facility can offer several advantages for individuals who require specialized care and assistance with daily living activities. Here are some tips to help you decide what is better for your situation.

Technology assists elders with their daily lives, from voice-activated phones and pill dispensers to virtual reality and companion pets. However, we understand that with any new technology, there may be concerns about privacy, access, and affordability. That's why we're here to help. As experts in senior living technology, we can guide you through selecting and implementing devices that meet your unique needs and budget. Whether you want to improve medication management, stay connected with family and friends, or prevent falls and monitor movement patterns, we can offer solutions and support. Additionally, we'll explore the impact of technology on quality of life and healthcare factors in our next article. Because medication management and keeping track of appointments are important, several manufacturers have created devices that allow for voice-control contact with family and others. There are voice-activated phones and other such devices, including pill dispensers. Some voice-activated phones have large buttons. One of the challenges with new technology is that it is new to elders, who may need to be more familiar with using electronic devices. The setup for some devices requires recording the elder's voice. Elders may need to be trained to just say to a phone to call a person by name. For some seniors, adaptive technology requires monitoring the elder's comfort and their learning new habits. Devices such as Alexa and Google Home can be helpful, but developing new habits requires concerted effort, which can be a problem if someone lives alone. Time must be scheduled. Are you interested in learning how technology is positively impacting the lives of helpers to teach new ways of doing things? Video conferencing can help several family members visit their loved ones. Technology is also used for online education, games, and entertainment. Keeping elders engaged mitigates the debilitating effects of dementia. Virtual reality is making significant strides in this area. The Echo Show or Messenger Portal devices can contact family and doctors with a voice command. The Apple iPhone detects falls. Because of such devices, seniors can feel comfortable leaving their homes. Other electronic devices are companion pets like dogs and cats that treat social isolation and loneliness. Some devices monitor usual and unusual movement patterns and can alert caretakers, police, and medical support.

Loneliness in older adults can be devastating however is treatable. I have seen people suffering from depression and isolation turn around and thrive through social engagement and purpose. Many people are unaware of their lack of purpose and available solutions. Social isolation and loneliness significantly impact the health of anyone, especially older adults. Here are some ways it can affect them:  Mental Health : Social isolation and loneliness can contribute to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline among elders. Lack of social interaction and meaningful connections can often lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Physical Health : Elders who are socially isolated or lonely are at higher risk for various physical health problems. They may have compromised immune systems, higher blood pressure, increased inflammation, and poor sleep quality. Loneliness can contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and even mortality. Quality of Life : Social isolation and loneliness can significantly diminish elders' overall quality of life. They may experience a lack of companionship, emotional support, and intellectual stimulation. It can lead to feelings of boredom, emptiness, and a reduced sense of purpose. Cognitive Function : Studies suggest that social engagement and interaction are vital in maintaining cognitive function in older adults. Lack of social stimulation and loneliness can contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer's. Increased Healthcare Utilization : Elders who are socially isolated or lonely may rely more on healthcare services. The lack of social support networks can increase visits to healthcare providers, emergency departments, and hospital admissions. Addressing social isolation and loneliness among elders is crucial. Encouraging social connections, facilitating community engagement, providing opportunities for social activities, and promoting intergenerational interactions can help mitigate these harmful effects. Effective strategies to address social isolation and loneliness among elders: Community Engagement : Encourage elders to participate in community activities, such as senior centers, clubs, or hobby groups. These provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement with similar interests. Volunteer Opportunities : Volunteering allows elders to contribute to their community while connecting with others. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, fostering social connections and combating loneliness. (Find Local helper org) Intergenerational Programs : Promote interactions between elders and younger generations. This can be done through intergenerational programs that involve schools, daycare centers, or community organizations. Activities like reading programs, mentoring, or shared hobbies can bridge the generation gap and create meaningful connections. Technology and Digital Literacy : Encourage elders to embrace technology and learn basic digital skills. This can help them stay connected with family and friends through social media, video calls, or online communities. Virtual platforms can provide opportunities for social interaction even when physical proximity is impossible. Transportation Assistance : Lack of transportation can contribute to social isolation. Provide transportation options or support for elders who may have difficulty getting around. Adequate transportation can enable seniors to attend social events, visit friends and family, and engage in community activities. Supportive Networks : Establish support networks within communities for elders, such as buddy systems or befriending programs. Volunteers or trained individuals can regularly check in on isolated elders, offer companionship, and provide assistance when needed. Home Visiting Programs : Implement home visiting programs where volunteers or professionals visit isolated elders in their homes. These visits can include social interaction, conversation, and assistance with daily tasks, reducing feelings of loneliness. Mental Health Services : Offer access to mental health services for elders experiencing loneliness and depression. Counseling, therapy, or support groups can provide a safe space for expressing emotions, developing coping strategies, and fostering social connections. Family and Social Support : Encourage family members and friends to maintain regular contact with elders. Regular visits, phone calls, or video chats can provide companionship and emotional support. It is essential to address each situation based on an individual basis. Combining the strategies above can address social isolation and loneliness among elders, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life. Caring Neighbors, Meals on Wheels, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and other similar groups can make a positive difference in spotting these situations and helping relieve debilitating conditions. To receive your free Personal Priority Planner , go to https://lucasadvisor.com/

Elder abuse is any intentional, negligent act that causes harm or distress. Some forms of abuse are the following:  Physical abuse is restraining, hitting, slapping, pushing, or any form of physical harm. Psychological abuse is marked by social isolation, verbal abuse, shaming, intimidation, and humiliation, aggressive and controlling behavior by the caregiver. Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact and is usually under-reported because of victims' feelings of shame. Neglect and self-neglect , often overlooked, involve a lack of basic hygiene, food, or medical care, clean, appropriate clothing, and being bedbound. A mentally demented person may be left unsupervised. Abandonment without care is common but largely invisible. Neglect includes a lack of medical aids, such as broken or missing eyeglasses, walkers, hearing aids, and medications. Financial abuse is the failure to provide for elders’ needs by caregivers and when the elder “voluntarily” gives inappropriate financial reimbursement for needed care and companionship. Abuse includes unauthorized use of the elder’s money or valuable assets by caregivers, family members, or strangers. It may consist of fraud, outright theft, scams, and exploitation. Financial abuse is the easiest to prove. Necessary amenities are not provided. Others may be living on the elders’ financial assets. Manipulation is involved in signing legal documents such as property transfers. Financial Gain – Theft of an older person’s money or other assets. Sometimes it can be a form of emotional punishment, domination, and control. If a caretaker is not properly vetted , it may cause problems such as theft or abuse. I’m always concerned about a change in behavior because it may indicate or be a symptom of abuse. This has been my experience. A behavior change may also be a sign of an undiagnosed medical condition. It is vital to have a medical examination as soon as the behavior is observed. Be aware that abuse is not always apparent and may even go unnoticed. Protect your loved ones.

Loneliness contributes to alcohol and drug abuse. I’ve observed clients whose behaviors have been detrimental and even dangerous to their health due to polypharmacy treatments for depression. Sometimes debilitating depression is more than dangerous for their health. Their health can be compromised due to depression and medication abuse, which is sometimes accidental. Depression from loneliness can impair judgment. Medications should be regularly reviewed with a professional.

I'm excited to share insights from recent surveys and reports that shed light on the evolving landscape of aging and healthcare. A particularly noteworthy article by U.S. News & World Report, titled "Aging-in-place Survey Finds Positive Views, Overwhelming Support for Tech," has brought to the forefront a significant trend. Surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024 reveal that an astounding 93% of respondents view aging in place as an 'important goal.' This widespread sentiment underscores a collective desire for independence and comfort as we age. However, achieving this goal comes with its challenges. The healthcare industry is currently grappling with a severe shortfall of healthcare and homecare workers, a crisis further exacerbated by the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has strained our healthcare systems and accelerated burnout among nurses and aides, leading to a wave of retirements. Given what they've been through, we must acknowledge the immense dedication of these frontline heroes and extend our unwavering support to them. A 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted how the pandemic intensified workforce challenges in the healthcare sector. The increased burnout, emotional distress, and high turnover rates among healthcare workers have become critical issues (Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Data Tour," 2022). These challenges are further illuminated by a 2020 survey from Mental Health America, which found that 93% of healthcare workers were experiencing stress, 86% reported anxiety, and 76% reported burnout (Source: Mental Health America, "The Mental Health of Healthcare Workers in COVID-19," 2020). Moreover, a 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among healthcare workers during the pandemic, with frontline workers being particularly affected (Source: Lai et al., "Factors Associated with Mental Health Outcomes Among Health Care Workers Exposed to Coronavirus Disease 2019," JAMA Network Open, 2021). The National Nurses United (NNU) also reported in 2021 that nurses faced increased workloads, staffing shortages, and a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), all contributing to high levels of burnout and mental health issues (Source: National Nurses United, "Workplace Violence and COVID-19 Burnout Among Nurses," 2021). Furthermore, another 2021 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that 61% of healthcare workers reported emotional exhaustion, 38% reported depersonalization, and 24% reported a low sense of personal accomplishment during the pandemic (Source: Prasad et al., "Prevalence and Correlates of Stress and Burnout Among U.S. Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Study," Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2021). These statistics paint a stark picture of the mental and emotional toll the pandemic has taken on those who have been tirelessly caring for others. In response to these challenges, there has been a growing reliance on technology to support aging in place and assist healthcare workers. The most helpful technologies include: Medical or health-related mobile apps. Service-related apps like food and grocery delivery. Wearable medical or health trackers. Assistive smart-home technologies such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa devices. Additionally, hearing-assistance devices and medical alert systems like LifeAlert are gaining popularity. One intriguing device is ElliQ, an empathetic robot designed to assist older people. While we all know that machines do not have feelings, ElliQ is designed to mimic empathy and provide companionship, proving to be a helpful ally for many. If you're curious, watch this video to see ElliQ in action: ElliQ: ElliQ - The Empathetic Companion . Some of these results are in real-world situations. In 2022, New York's State Office for the Agings announced that it had satrted a program to deploy smart-home technology to combat feelings of senior isolation. One year later, an assessment of that program found that it helped lead to a 95% reduction in feelings of loneliness for program participants, along with high levels of user engagement. Robotics and technology help with short-staffing in home healthcare. While we're not there yet, the role of technology in healthcare is evolving. In the face of a staffing shortage, many elderly and infirm individuals living alone can now receive additional monitoring and support. For instance, a device can detect a lack of movement and alert others in the event of a fall at home. It is heartening to see technology's positive impact. Let's continue to embrace the innovations that make aging in place a more attainable goal for everyone. -Luke Daniels CLICK HERE to receive your complimentary Personal Proactive Planner: https://bit.ly/Personal_Proactive_Planner

Planning allows individuals, families, organizations, and societies to set goals, establish priorities, and allocate resources effectively. Let’s explore some reasons why planning is essential.

Play isn't just for children! Engaging in play has positive effects on our bodies.