Target numbers to know

• Fasting < 70-126mg/dl
• 2 hours after the meal < 140-180 mg/dl
• A1C < 6.5-7

Our goal is to keep above target numbers in the range to prevent diabetes and to avoid eyes, kidney, and feet problems related to diabetes.

 10 Tips to Prevent and Control Diabetes

1. Be Consistent with Portion size at meals.
2. Stick with 1-2 servings of carbohydrates (grains, dairy, beans, and fruits) at every meal. Don’t combine all of these foods at one meal.
3. Include serving of lean meat, soy, nuts and seeds at most meals and snacks.
4. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of serious physical activity for 5-6 days a week.
5. Check your blood sugar weekly to maintain your A1C.
6. Check your weight daily or at least weekly to control weight gain.
7. Drink minimum 8 cups x 8 oz of water. Have your water with you wherever you go.
8. Get 25-30 grams of fibers from whole grain, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
9. Eat every 4 hours.
10. Have Realistic expectations with yourself to manage and prevent diabetes for lifelong.

FREE Speech & Exercise Therapy Locations in Dallas & Surrounding Cities 

 BAYLOR INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION – 909 N. Washington (ph: 214-820-8854)]

Water Therapy – Wednesday…11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

DALLAS YOGA CENTER – 4525 Lemmon Ave., 3rd Floor

Yoga for Parkinson’s – Friday…11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

LAKESIDE BAPTIST CHURCH – 9150 Garland Rd.

Speech Therapy – Wednesday…10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Group Exercise – Wednesday…9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Partners-in-Care Group – 2nd Wed….10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

PRESTON HOLLOW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – 6315 Walnut Hill Lane

Speech Therapy – Tuesday…11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Group Exercise
Tuesday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Partners-in-Care Group – Tuesday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

SKILLMAN CHURCH OF CHRIST – 3120 Skillman St., FLC Building (Class in the gym)      

Group Exercise - Monday…9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

ST. LUKE COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – 5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway

Group Exercise – Monday…10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
OTHER CITIES

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CARROLLTON

ST. ANDREWS CHRISTIAN CHURCH – 3945 N. Josey Lane

Group Exercise – Wednesday…9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Speech Therapy – Wednesday…10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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DUNCANVILLE

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – 1302 S. Clark Rd.

Group Exercise – Monday…6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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GARLAND

SOUTH GARLAND BAPTIST CHURCH – 1330 E. Centerville Rd.

Speech Therapy – Thursday…9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Group Exercise
Monday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Discussion Group – Monday…9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Partners-in-Care Group – Thursday…10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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IRVING

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – 211 W. Third St.

Group Exercise – Tuesday…9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

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PLANO

CUSTER ROAD METHODIST CHURCH – 6601 Custer Road

Speech Therapy – Thursday…11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Group Exercise
Monday…9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Thursday…9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Partners-In-Care Group – Monday…9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

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RICHARDSON

ARAPAHO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – 1400 W. Arapaho at Coit

Group Exercise
Monday…10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday…10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday…10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Partners-In-Care Group – 1st Wednesday of each month…10:00 a.m. to 11:00a.m.

Information updated and maintained by:

Accessible Home Health Care (Home Care for Dallas Seniors) – 214.987.2100

www.accessibledallas.com

 Tags: Parkinsons care in dallas, Home care for parkinsons patients, Free Parkinsons therapy in Dallas, Parkinsons Therapy, Dallas Parkinsons, www.accessibledallas.com, www.homecarefordallasseniors.com

According to a study conducted by researchers at Penn State, Georgetown, and the Lewin Group, about 70 percent of 65-year-olds will need long-term care at some point. Of that group, about 30 percent will need it for more than five years. The good news is that there are many ways to pay for it.

Here are several options that you can explore.

1. Private Pay

2. Long Term Care Insurance

3. Reverse Mortgage

4. State Funded Medicaid Programs (Home & Community Based Waiver Programs)

5. Veterans Aid (VA Pensions including VA Aid & Attendance)

6. Charity Care

The most common misconception is that Medicare & Health Insurance will pay for Long Term Care.  Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65and older, certain people with disabilities, and ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease). It pays for much of your health care, but not all of it. There are some costs you will have to pay yourself.

There are other kinds of health insurance that may help pay the costs that Medicare does not. Medicare Supplements (Medi-gap Policies) and Long-Term Care Insurance will pick up some of the costs that Medicare will not pay for.Medicare was implemented in 1965. How many times has Medicare been over-hauled since 1965?NEVER. It was not designed to pay for care related to diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, or MS.

The average life expectancy was much lower in 1965 because medical technology was not as advanced. Medicare was designed for SHORT-TERM acute care, and short-term rehabilitative stays in a rehab or long-term care facility. Although Medicare Part D was added in 2004/2005 to help with the costs of prescription drugs, Medicare still does not pay for long-term care. (www.medicare.gov)

 By Accessible Home Health Care of East Dallas

Tel: 214.987.2100

These Clinical Trials have been featured in recent newspaper or magazine articles, or on the radio or TV:

• Gammaglobulin Alzheimer’s Partnership (GAP) Study – The Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study has begun recruiting participants for a passive immunization trial of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIv) for reducing brain amyloid. IGIv is a well-known treatment with an established safety record, approved for use for other indications for more than 25 years. Forty sites are expected to participate through a partnership with Baxter Pharmaceuticals, recruiting 360 individuals between the ages of 50 to 89 with probable AD. Most sites will use home-health nurses to administer the IGIv bi-weekly for 72 weeks. Sign up for the IGIV Email Alert to receive updates on this study and the addition of new sites.

 

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• RI (RAGE Inhibitor) Study — The Alzhiemer’s Disease Cooperative Study and Pfizer are now recruiting participants for a trial of a new drug developed as an inhibitor of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endpoints (RAGE) protein. The study will recruit nearly 400 volunteers at 40 U.S. Research sites. Click here for more information on the trial.

 

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• Home-Based Assessment for Alzheimer Disease Prevention (HBA) is now recruiting participants.

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• Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Study seeks families with 2 or more siblings with AD.

AD Genetics Study Brochure (PDF, 196K) 

 

Source: NIH Website

For home care services for your loved one in Dallas, TX contact – Accessible Home Health Care at 214.987.2100

www.accessibleeastdallas.com

By The Associated Press

MASON CITY—Providing care for loved ones especially during the holidays whether it is full-time or occasionally, can expend a caregiver’s energy and well-being.

It is estimated that more than 60 percent of the adult population will serve as a caregiver during their lifetime. The overwhelming majority of caregivers are concerned spouses and adult children, who often must juggle the demands of home, work and caring for others.

“Caregivers make valuable contributions in caring for their loved ones every day throughout Iowa and the entire country,” says Lahoma Counts, executive director of Elderbridge Agency on Aging. According to a 2008 report by AARP, family caregivers represent $375 billion annually in economic value in the United States.

“Caregiving involves sacrifice and a significant investment of a person’s time and energy,” said Counts. “Because of the long-term and constant nature of care, family caregivers must take steps to care for themselves in addition to the devoted care they give to others, particularly during the busy holiday season.”

Because extended caregiving can cause emotional burn-out, Elderbridge provides caregiver assistance and support with federal funding through the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

Some dedicated family caregivers devote 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for and improve the lives of those who are frail, chronically ill or disabled. Others give care on an intermittent, part-time basis. Family caregivers assist their loved ones and others with daily living activities such as bathing, banking, shopping, food preparation and health care to help meet their social, emotional, financial, homemaking and health needs.

Iowa Family Caregiver Program Executive Director Mark Hanson said, “One of the most important attributes of being an advocate for your loved one during the holiday season is the willingness to seek assistance from others while protecting not only the health and safety of your loved ones but of yourself as well.”

Caregivers should consider practicing the following tips:

Understand the caregiver’s energy level and the loved one’s limitations.

Identify significant others who can share responsibilities.

Slowing down to spend time one-on-one or in a small group with a loved one can prove particularly rewarding.

Travel, especially around the holidays, can be a lot harder for the loved one and for the caregiver. Remember to include important documents and any medication the person may need.

Try to stick to the normal routine. Even minor changes in routine can be stressful to everyone involved.

Involve your loved one in the holiday activities, but not so much to overwhelm them. Keep the guest list to a minimum and do familiar things your loved one will enjoy.

Have a potluck meal. Family and friends will probably be excited to contribute to the holiday meal, and it can reduce the caregiver’s stress.

Let gifts contribute to caregiving. If someone asks what kind of gift to bring, suggest something practical, such as frozen foods, gift certificates, or even “I owe you’s” for running errands or shopping.

Eat the right food for the right reasons. Keep a balanced diet during the holidays to improve energy and state of mind.

Most of all, look for humor and take a quiet moment to be thankful. Think about the blessings in life; find the place that brings great joy, and stay for a moment.

Caregiving can create stress and prevent caregivers from enjoying the holiday season. Hanson stated, “It is important to keep holiday traditions alive. Try to find a tradition you enjoy that will be memorable to you this holiday season.”

Accessible Home Health Care – Call 214.987.2100 (Dallas)

Source: http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2009/11/26/news/latest/doc4b0ed39988650096513294.txt#vmix_media_id=7555811

We provide Medical/Non-Medical Home Health Care to all age groups From Newborns to Seniors. For any in-home care needs for you or a loved one in Dallas, TX…please call us at 214.987.2100 or visit us on the web at www.accessibleastdallas.com

Feeding grooming and toileting an ill or incapacitated adult, often for years on end, is one of life’s most challenging and difficult tasks. It is well known that caregivers are at a special risk for exhaustion, stress and burnout. What I call “seven secrets” can help caregivers take better care of themselves and their loved ones.

1) Give yourself a break! Even the most dedicated worker needs an occasional vacation, and this is especially true of caregivers. Caregivers require a one-hour break from caregiving tasks each day. They also require a minimum of 4 hours of uninterrupted time to do as they wish each week.”Respite” may be obtained by having family members, neighbors or friends fill in for a short time, or through in-home sitter services provided by community agencies. Respite is also available on a day-long basis at adult day care centers. Overnight/holiday respite is offered by some nursing homes, hospitals or retirement centers.

2) Take a crash course in the disease. When it comes to caregiving knowledge is power. Learning all there is to know helps with long-term coping. Caregivers should discuss with a health-care professional the stages of a particular disease, the symptoms and behaviors associated with each stage, treatment options available and projections of disease progression. It is also helpful to contact a health-related agency, such as APDA, for printed information, as well as referrals to support groups and community agencies.

3) Seek family assistance. Because of the overwhelming physical and emotional burdens associated with long term illness, it is essential that caregivers request assistance with caregiving tasks. A family conference should be held to discuss each family member’s contribution to care, be it hands-on assistance, errands, financial support, or investigating and implementing services. Because discussions of “who is going to do what” can often lead to family conflicts (or, reactivate long-simmering ones), it is often helpful to have an independent third party present to mediate the discussion. A member of the clergy, a social worker or other professional can help maintain harmony while solutions are found.

4) Develop a “physician partnership.” In cases of long term debilitating illness, for which no cure is available, both the caregiver and patient should consult with a physician at least every six months. The patient’s general health may be monitored, and routine health conditions treated. The physician should also be the source of “care to the caregiver,” being on the alert for stress-related illnesses, and advising on how to best manage difficult patient care problems. The physician can also help caregivers with the world’s most difficult decision: knowing when the time has come to place a loved one in a nursing home. Because of the devastating emotional toll exacted by caregiving, it may also be helpful for caregivers to seek out other kinds of professional advice. For instance, discussing issues such as guilt, anger or despair with a trusted psychologist, mental health counselor or spiritual leader can offer much in the way of hope and healing.

5) Implement financial and legal planning. Long term caregiving can be financially as well as emotionally devastating. IJpon receiving a diagnosis, measures should be immediately undertaken to preserve assets, honor end-of-life wishes, and institute legal safeguards. Three legal documents are essential: a (durable) power of attorney, a living will, and a health care surrogate document A power of attorney grants the power to someone else to take care of the patient’s finances and property; a “living will” documents wishes about life-prolonging medical procedures and a health surrogate document designates someone to make health care decisions for an incapacitated person.

6) Join a support group. Support groups are a good example of “people helping people.” These self-help meetings are amazingly beneficial and are usually free. Support groups are sponsored by hospitals, nursing homes, social service agencies, associations and other organizations. Some groups address specific problems such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or stroke; others are open to caregivers who provide care to any chronically ill or incapaoitated person. These groups allow attendees to provide moral support to one another, as well as to share ideas about patient care and information about the best and most affordable services. Some groups feature lectures by professionals, films and videos and printed handout materials. Others focus more on emotional support and the sharing of experiences and feelings.

7) Access community resources. Our world is literally exploding with products and services designed to assist families’ care for their loved ones. Many of these services are free – such as those provided to persons aged 60+ through the Federal Older Americans Acts (OAA). Some of the most popular OAA services include nutritious home-delivered meals, transportation, adult day care or in-home services including homemaker and personal care services, and free legal advice. These services are coordinated by the “Area Agencies on Aging” in every community across America.

Remember, a burned-out caregiver cannot provide quality care. The “Seven Secrets of Caregiving” can provide the key to coping longer and coping better – and, in many cases, can help families keep ill or incapacitated loved ones at home and out of a nursing home.

 Accessible Home Health Care – Call 214.987.2100 (Dallas)

 By: D. Helen Susik, M.A.

Source: APDA

Accessible Home Health Care is the worlds leading provider of Medical and Non-Medical Home Health Care Services. We provide Medical/Non-Medical Home Health Care to all age groups From Newborns to Seniors. AccessEdge© provides the foundation To Guarantee Compassionate Care From The Heart to our patients. Our team will develop your Plan of Care jointly with your health care team. We are an approved network provider for most Insurance Carriers and have flexible payment options.

Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many are seriously injured or disabled. Statistics reveal that every year, in the United States, nearly 33% or 1 in 3 seniors experience a fall. And another 33% of these will suffer from a serious injury (hip, arm, or leg fracture).
Every year nearly 2 million emergency room visits are caused by falls and nearly 20,000 seniors die from a fall.

Scary!!!

According to the The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention the costs associated with falls is even more staggering. The study calculated that in 2000, the total direct cost of all fall injuries for people 65 and older exceeded $19 billion! This number is set to increase to $54.9 billion by 2020!!!

SIX QUICK TIPS TO AVOID FALLS
1. Exercise regularly; exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.
2. Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines–both prescription and over-the counter–to reduce side effects and interactions.
3. Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
4. Improve home safety by improving the lighting in their home, install grab bars, remove clutter or just reducing hazards in their home that can lead to falls.
5. Plan outings in advance – allow plenty of time, never rush.

visit us on the web at www.accessibleeastdallas.com

Most of us are aware of AD or Alzheimers disease, its effect on patients diagnosed with this disease and also its impact on family members of an AD patient. For those that dont know, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Estimates show that 6-8 percent of people over age 65 are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, totaling approximately 5.3 million people in the United States alone. Every 70 seconds, an American is developing Alzheimer’s disease, and it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. The direct and indirect health care costs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the U.S. are estimated to be about $150 billion.

In 2005, the total cost worldwide of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, was estimated at $315.4 billion. The burden to caregivers and health care costs can increase dramatically in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, when patients cannot maintain independent function and are frequently bedridden.

As an individual whose family member has been diagnosed with this disease, i have personally witnessed the deterioration in cognitive abilities, memory loss, aggression, mood swings etc. Initially when we first started noticing changes in her behaviour, we thought it was because of her old age and did not think it was a matter of concern. In a short time, her behavior changed for the worse and conditions started deteriorating fast. Inspite of multiple doctor visits, she was not diagnosed. We were told that these are condition very common to old age. We believed the doctor.

Now, when i think back, had she been diagnosed earlier, we could have been more prudent, thoughtful & provided her with the right level of care. Morever, we could have educated ourselves & been better equipped.

On the flip side, on another blog, i read the story of a man named Jimmy Novells, who was told he had Parkinsons & then told he had Alzheimers. He was treated for both. It later turned out that he had neither.

As a conclusion, diagnosis and misdiagnosis, i think are very critical especially for a disease of this nature.