“Where’s the Q?!”

My dad frequently shouts random questions from across the house, questions about where a key on the keyboard is, what a blog is, how to upload a picture, or how to turn on a camera.

The world changed after the year 2000. Technology took over everything. Suddenly writing anything down on paper was considered something from the “olden days.” Receiving a letter in the mail now feels like a surprise, but many of us receive emails every few minutes. Social networking, blogging, and texting are normal for those of us under the age of 50 or so.

Cameras, MP3 players, video game systems, and computers are items that fill most homes and aren’t considered luxury items as much as household items.

Trying to grow with the times, those who weren’t born into this tech filled world may find it a little overwhelming. What many of us may find logical, older ones may find confusing. One reason may be poor eyesight, which may make it harder to see screens or small pieces. Also, many of us went to schools that used computers to teach,  and some of us were offered courses in photography. Some of us had cell phones at young ages. I had my first cell phone when I was 14.

So when Dad shouts, “Hey, how do I take a picture with this camera?” I don’t do it for him, I show him. I’ve also learned, the more basic the technology, the more beneficial. He gets easily frustrated. Lots of pieces and choices are confusing. Fewer options are easier to remember. This can be especially important when it comes to choosing a new cell phone.

“I want one of those iPhones that everyone talks about.”

“Dad, I don’t know that you would like an iPhone.”

“I would. I want one.”

So instead of giving in and getting one, I suggested that we experiment. We tested out the phone and I let him prove to himself that it was way more complicated than he would enjoy. Most stores have a 30 day return policy, so if I knew that if we purchased the item and discovered that it was the wrong fit, we could go back and find something more suitable.

When typing, Dad found that the keys were hard to find because of the small print. Here is a website that sells keyboards with larger printed keys. The prices vary, and some come in color options. Check  them out at Disabled Online .

Visit these NYC websites to find out more about technology and senior friendly design:

cscs-ny.org - reviews on senior friendly designed cell phones

www.seniornetny.org - offers computer classes in Manhattan that are designed for people age 50 and over.

www.nypost.com - NYC’s new ‘Super Senior Centers’ reveled.

View the Story on our blog: Technology and the Elderly .

The New York City Walk for Lupus Now will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at South Street Seaport.

Lupus (Systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE) is a chronic auto-immune disease that affects skin, joints, and organs. According to recent studies, it affects people of African American and Asian decent more than those of other races, and it affects more women than men.

What Are the Symptoms of Lupus?

General symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Discomfort/unease
• Hair Loss
• Chest pain when breathing
• Mouth sores
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Skin rash
• Swollen lymph nodes

Different parts of the body can be subject to stronger attack, and symptoms can vary depending on the target of the disease, as follows:

Brain and Nervous System

• Numbness and tingling
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Vision problems

Digestive Tract

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Heart

• Abdominal heart rhythms

Lung

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood

Skin

• Patchy skin color
• Fingers changing color when cold

 How Lupus Is Diagnosed

Once a patient displays 4 out of 11 of the most common lupus symptoms, a doctor will normally run the following tests. This list is by no means all-inclusive, and you should always follow your doctors suggestions rather than relying on medical information found on the internet.

• ANA panel (antinuclear antibody)
• CBC
• Chest X-ray
• Kidney biopsy
• Urinalysis

Lupus Treatment

Lupus is currently incurable. Treatment for SLE usually involves simply treating the symptoms in the following ways:

• Corticosteroid creams can help skin disorders related to SLE.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can decrease joint pain.
• High-dose corticosteroids may be used to decrease immune system activity and slow the disease’s attack on the body.

Since the symptoms of Lupus are so varied, treatment ranges wildly, and only your doctor will know what will work best for your unique situation.

Those battling lupus should keep in mind the importance of general health. This disease weakens your body, making you susceptible to every sickness floating around. In most cases of lupus fatality, lupus is not the technical cause, but another disease such as pneumonia is to blame. By keeping yourself as healthy as possible, watching your diet, exercising to the best of your ability (always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine), keeping up to date on your immunizations, and following a doctor prescribed treatment routine, you can increase your chances of managing lupus and living a long and happy life.

Make sure to stop by the Lupus Foundation of America’s website for daily lupus facts, suggestions on how to raise lupus awareness, and to make a donation towards life-saving lupus research.

Since 2001, the New York Jets have increased awareness of lupus and raised more than $7 million for research through the ALR Walk with Us to Cure Lupus program, proceeds from the annual New York Jets Kickoff Luncheon and other events in the tri-state area.  To find a walk near you, visit walk.lupusresearch.orgor call toll free, (866) WALK-ALR.  Together, we will find a cure!

We want to hear from you! Do you know anyone who suffers from lupus? What treatments have worked for them?

Related articles

• Getting Ready For Put On Purple Friday! (abledis.com)

View the Story on our blog: Walk for Lupus Now – New York City .

“How are you feeling today, Dad?”

The answer is always the same. His answers always vary between being in pain and being exhausted. Depression and hopelessness are feelings attached many times as well. How awful it can be to watch a person you love disintegrate into a body that is foreign and unwanted.

Having once been a runner, Dad now sits at home in pain from his new metal knee. Now he stares at the television screen instead of the scenery of the Hudson River he enjoyed running along the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. This is a story familiar to many as their years pass and their bodies age. Frustrated with what once was and what they can no longer do, many feel helpless and depressed at their loss of independence.

How can you help?

I’ve asked myself that often. I’ve asked my dad that often. As stubborn as he is, many times he either refuses help, or can’t think of anything that would help. I have discovered, however, that the trick to distracting him from this sad thinking is to get him talking and get him moving. An aging body doesn’t have to be an inactive body.
Depending on ability, of course, the range of activities can vary. I’ve found that even just a walk outside on a nice day is enough to get his spirits up. Here are a few activities that your aging or handicapped parents might enjoy:

• Cooking
• Walking
• Board Games
• Yoga (Yes, yoga! check out Senior Fitness ) For a listing of specific needs yoga classes for New York City & beyond go to www.aredlotus.org/NYC.
• Photography and Scrapbooking
• Painting

Although these activities may be very different from the things they may prefer to do, or have been accustomed to doing in the past, they may find that they are good distractions from pain and boredom. If the activities you suggest are rejected, don’t give up. Keep talking. I’ve been discouraged when ideas I’ve proposed in the past have been denied. On the other hand, once we finally find things to do together, and I get to finally see Dad smiling and happy, it’s all worth it. For more ideas on age appropriate activities, check out Elder One Stop.

View the Story on our blog: Aging and Limitations .

I turned to my mother, who stood ready at my elbow, bag in hand, and bit back an exasperated retort. She had asked the same question three times in the last twenty minutes, and we had only arrived for dinner at our neighbor’s house an hour before. We hadn’t even sat down at the table yet.

Alzheimer’s Patients and Repetition

Like many Alzheimer’s sufferers, my mother constantly repeats questions and observations, often within minutes. While, unlike many, she is never violent or aggressive, she is easily agitated, especially when she is in an unusual environment as she was that night. When she first began exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s, before she was diagnosed, I often wondered if the constant repetition were perhaps just an attempt to test my patience, or if she were trying to get back at me for some imagined slight. Now, however, I know better.

When Mom asks the same question five times an hour, it’s only because she has no memory of ever having asked the questions before. She gets nervous, and needs someone to reassure her. Tonight, she needed to know that, at some point in the future, she would be back in the safety of her room with her rocking chair and her photo album, away from these strange surroundings. I looked at her as she stood there, small and gray, swaying slightly and nervously picking fibers out of her sweater.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to go home soon Mom,” I calmly reassured her. “We’re just going to have some of the delicious meal that Mrs. Fowler made, and then we’ll go back. Now would you like the chicken, or the lasagna?”

I had hoped that Mom might be okay tonight, since she and Mrs. Fowler had been good friends for so many years, but even the presence of her friend could  not completely quell Mom’s agitation. However, for the moment, Mom chose the lasagna, and peace temporarily reigned.

Four Helpful Techniques

Two years ago, I might have given in to the temptation to snap out a reply, but I’ve learned that getting angry or frustrated at Mom’s constant repetition never accomplishes anything. Instead, I’ve learned to do my best to respond peacefully. I have also found the following four techniques invaluable in minimizing potentially frustrating behavior:

• Redirect. When an Alzheimer’s patient asks a question for the first time, respond by answering the question fully and by reassuring him or her that all is well.
• Physically move either problem items or the senior. If an Alzheimer’s patient is frustrated by an object, see if you can remove that object from the room. If you can’t remove the object, try moving the senior to another room.
• Offer simple choices. Many Alzheimer’s patience resist activities such as bathing or eating. In the face of such resistance, offer a simple choice, such as, “Would you like to eat now, or in an hour?” or, “Would you like peas, or carrots?”
• Apologize and take the blame. Apologizing and taking the blame yourself may require you to swallow your pride, but the results are usually worth the effort. The attention is then no longer on the senior, and he or she may also calm down when it’s apparent that blame is focused elsewhere.

Over the years, I have found that the above methods are most effective when I use three different techniques to address a specific behavior. While caring for an Alzheimer’s patient may never be easy, there are ways to make the process easier!

For more helpful hints for coping with agitation in Alzheimer’s  sufferers visit the Alzheimer’s Association New York City Chapter’s website at www.alznyc.org.

Help is also available for Manhattan caregivers at www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com.

View the Story on our blog: Coping with Agitated Alzheimer’s Sufferers .

When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,
She was there.

Related articles

• Five Ways to Say Thanks During Nurses Week (jbournesblog.wordpress.com)
• Five Questions and Answers About Nurses Day (greetingcarduniverse.com)

View the Story on our blog: For Every Reason… Thank a Nurse. .

Perhaps you’ve come across a story that’s circulating around the internet about a NYC Taxi driver.  Maybe you even know these people.  I read this story today.  It really touched my heart and I think it will touch yours as well.

A Lesson in Patience

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked..

‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice.

I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90′s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940′s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said.

I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’

‘Oh, you’re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, ‘Could you drive through downtown?’

‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly..

‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. ‘I don’t have any family left,’ she continued in a soft voice..’The doctor says I don’t have very long.’

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. ‘What route would you like me to take?’ I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired. Let’s go now’.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

‘How much do I owe you?’ She asked, reaching into her purse.

‘Nothing,’ I said

‘You have to make a living,’ she answered.

‘There are other passengers,’ I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. 

We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

- Unknown Author

Has a stranger in Manhattan made an impression on your life by a simple act of kindness on their part? If so, we’d love to hear your story!

View the Story on our blog: From NYC – A Lesson In Patience .

We’ve finally made it to May, a time of warmer weather, flowers, and my personal favorite – the opening of Manhattan’s community farmer’s markets! But did you know that May is officially “Older Americans Month?”  The U.S.  Administration on Aging has developed a fabulous website at www.olderamericansmonth.aoa.gov, where you can find an activity tool kit and ideas for helping your community celebrate.

The purpose of Older Americans Month is to give communities the opportunity to show appreciation to its older citizens.  The theme for this year’s Older Americans Month is “Never Too Old To Play”.  How fun!

Communities are given ideas on hosting a ‘Day of Play’.  Among them are:

• Community potluck meal:  This is a great idea because “sharing a meal leads to sharing stories and experiences.”  You can even use the event to create a community cookbook.
• Photo scavenger hunt:  Teams of mixed ages are encouraged.  A great idea to get out and enjoy the weather, see the sights, and have a great time in the community.
• Time capsule:  Have people from different age groups bring an item that represents this time period to them.  A wonderful opportunity for storytelling.  Vote on a time to open the time capsule.
• Talent show:  Locate a venue with a stage, and invite prominent community members to be judges.  Extroverts will have a great time performing, while those with less flamboyance will enjoy sitting back and watching the show.    Local business can be invited to donate gift certificates to the winner.
• Inter-generational Wii bowling tournament:  Register players ahead of time, provide refreshments and an eight-foot diameter playing area.  If you’ve ever played Wii bowling, you know how much fun this will be.

A month-long celebration of our older friends in Manhattan!  Older Americans Month fosters appreciation, connection, community and fun.  What a great idea!

View the Story on our blog: We’re Celebrating Manhattan’s Older Citizens and You Can Too! .

Her hands used to be so strong.

They could soothe any hurt, smooth any wrinkle; throw babies in the air and keep rhythm to every song, but time passes, and you watch as sadly, they get weaker.  Her beautiful hands, once so reliable, fumble.

Are you watching her get frustrated with simple tasks? When you stop to visit Dad every day, is he struggling with routines? You know that living aids are available – bathtub handles, portable urinals, and the like – but perhaps you weren’t aware of some products, little things that can make life easier, less frustrating, and  more livable.

We aren’t reccommending any of these, or suggesting one brand above another. We’re just hoping that in looking these items over, you may find that certain something that will ease pain, simplify routine, or give a sense of security that you thought was long gone.

Recliner Lever Extender

Even a young person in sound health can have a difficult time adjusting a recliner to and from a lying position. This “handy” mechanism attaches firmly to the tip of the recliner lever. With better leverage and a more reachable angle, this extender may help your loved one rediscover his or her favorite chair. Find an example of this handle here or here.

Elastic Shoelaces

If lacing up footwear causes pain for those in your care, you can make tying shoes a thing of the past. These elastic shoelaces, available in a variety of lengths and colors, once tied, do not have to be tied again. Just slip the shoes on and off. It’s that easy. Find them in many places, or click the links here or here.

Personal Pager

Now you don’t have to stress if you must be in the home, but out of earshot or sight. As long as you stay within 100 feet, you will be reachable via this personal pager. Similar to a nurse call button, this pager will let you know with a beep if you are needed. Models vary in features and price, but basic models can be found here or here.

Doorway Hinge Extender

If you’re often bumping into your doorway with a walker or a wheelchair, this simple yet brilliant remedy may be for your household. An angled hinge extender installs quickly and allows the door to open flush with the doorway, giving you an extra two inches in width – which can make all the difference in the world on a daily basis. You can try your local hardware store, or check on options online here or here.

We hope this has given you a few ideas to make life more livable for you or an aging loved one living in Manhattan. Next time we’ll talk about a few items that can be useful in the restroom and in personal grooming.

View the Story on our blog: Making Life a Little More Livable for Manhattan Seniors .

Spring is here, which means vacations, traveling and fun! Grandparents in Manhattan are looking forward to seeing their grandchildren. What  could ruin this good time? Not feeling well once you land at your destination.  Flying is exciting, but it also poses some potential health risks. Here are a few tips to stay healthy while flying.

Flying Tip # 1: Move Around As Much As Possible

This is a rather unfortunate tip for your fellow passenger if you happen to have a window seat. However, you want to make sure you are not sitting still for too long because this can cause deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots, in your legs. This can be a potentially life-threatening condition, especially 30,000 feet in the air. To avoid this, and when it is safe to do so, get up and move around the cabin. Even from your seat, be sure to stretch your arms and legs. This will encourage blood flow and prevent the formation of clots. You can try wearing compression stockings to aid in this, as well.

Flying Tip # 2: Hydration

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. This will help with a number of different problems, including dry nose and mouth and deep vein thrombosis. Water works well; however, you also do not want to dilute the nutrients in your system. Try something that replenishes your electrolytes, such as Gatorade. Avoid the alcohol. It is not as helpful as you imagine. If you’re prone to sinus problems, you can try using a saline nasal spray before and after your flight.

Flying Tip # 3: Sanitize

Anti-bacterial sanitizer is our friend on a plane. If our immune systems are already compromised due to age or illness, we need to be careful. To help minimize your risk of contracting a virus, use sanitizing wipes on the arms of your seat, as well as the tray. Try to bring your own small pillow, if at all possible. Do not wash your hands in the bathroom, use sanitizer. Countless studies have shown that the water coming out of the faucet on a plane is filled with bacteria. You don’t have to bathe in Purell, just be reasonable and cautious.

Flying Tip # 4: Sleep

Personally, I think this is much easier said than done. I am very anxious when I fly, so sleeping can be difficult. If this happens to you, try these tricks:

• Listen to relaxing music
• Read a book
• Use an eye mask and ear plugs
• Talk to your doctor about a natural sleep aid, such as melatonin. (As with any over-the-counter medications, you want to make sure there will be no interactions with any of your other medications.)

Utilizing these tips will help keep your trip safe and healthy.

Related information for Manhattan Seniors:

• Manhattan Transportation to NYC Airports (flyerguide.com)
• Getting To and From NYC Airports (travel.nytimes.com)
• Airline Travel Tips for Seniors (livestrong.com)
• Happy and Healthy Traveling (msnbc.com)
• How to Fly with Elderly Passengers (ehow.com)

Happy Travels!

View the Story on our blog: Healthy Flying Tips For Manhattan Grandparents .

Get out and see it! A panorama of Lower Manhattan as viewed from the Staten Island Ferry.

One of the largest cities in the world, New York City is the most populous in the United States.  Its impact on media, art, entertainment, fashion, finance, technology and education is far-reaching. Amongst it’s five boroughs lies the largest and most thickly populated, Manhattan. As of 2009, there were more than 1.6 million inhabitants in all of 23 square miles. In the heart of one of the largest metropolitan areas of the world, it’s no wonder why there are so many things to do!

If you or your parents are a resident of a senior care facility or a retired senior invested in NYC real estate, but you still enjoy a change of scenery from time to time, consider some close-to-home site seeing ideas!

Battery Park

Battery Park is a tremendous public park found at the southern end of Manhattan Island, facing the Harbor. It’s named for artillery batteries that were situated in the city’s infancy for protection. The “battery” was the center of celebration at the end of the American Revolutionary War, where the last of the British Troops set sail.

Bowling Green

Sitting next to the original Dutch fort of New Amsterdam is Bowling Green Park, a small public park, established in 1733. It’s the oldest public park in NYC. Providing evidence to its age sits an 18^th century, original fence. Similarly, it holds the infamous 4000-pound statute of King George  III.  When the declaration of Independence was built, the statute was then toppled. In the late 1980’s, the sculpture Charging Bull was created, and still remains a landmark for the financial district.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the oldest suspension built bridges in the US, the Brooklyn Bridge (1883) connects Manhattan and Brooklyn by straddling the East River. After reopening in 1903, it was still the longest suspension bridge in the world.

City Hall

As the chief administrative building of New York, City Hall (1700) is the oldest building in the US that still yields governmental events. It was host to a number of famous presidents, including Abraham Lincoln (1861), whose coffin was later rested inside the famous building.

Columbus Circle

Located at eighth, Broadway Central Park South and Central Park West is Columbus Circle. Clearly named for Christopher Columbus, the circle holds a monument sculpted by Gaetano Russo, depicting Columbus and all three of his ships.

Ellis Island

Ellis Island was a past gateway for a large number of immigrants in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Federal Hall National Memorial

Now operated as a museum, Federal Hall was first built as NYC’s city hall. It eventually came to serve as the first capitol building of the USA under its constitution. More importantly, it’s where the United States Bill of Rights was set up.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Helping maintain our nations payment systems is the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It’s the single largest regional Federal Reserve Bank, and is among 12 total in the United States.

Fraunces Tavern

Part of the American Whiskey Trail, Fraunces Tavern is one of Manhattan’s longest remaining structures. The restaurant (1671) hosted meetings of the sons of liberty prior to the American Revolution.

Governor Island

Part of the borough of Manhattan, Governors Island was first settled in 1613 by Latin-American Jan Rodrigues who was involved with Indian trade negotiations. It was later used as a military base and served as a great help to George Washington’s retreat across the East River. What came to be known as The U.S. First Army headquarters slowly evolved into the US Coast Guard base.

Ground Zero

Also known as the World Trade Center Site, Ground Zero (approx 16 acres) is a memorial for the September 11^th, 2011 hijacking attacks.

For those of us who aren’t capable of straying too far from our residency, hopefully this acts as a quick guide to the attractions of Manhattan. For seniors interested in reading more, stay tuned for part II.

Related articles

• Art Related Senior Activities in Manhattan(manhattan.myhomecareblog.com)

  ---

• Aging, Gracefully or Otherwise in Manhattan(manhattan.myhomecareblog.com)

  ---

View the Story on our blog: A Senior’s Essential Guide to Manhattan .