Many Seniors with Hypertension

50% of senior citizens may have hypertension
Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the force generated as the heart pumps blood in the blood vessels.

The two values measured by the sphygmomanometer or blood pressure apparatus are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures which represent heart’s contraction and relaxation, respectively.

Hypertension is defined as a condition where sustained systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 millimeter mercury (mmHg) and/or the diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90 millimeter mercury (mmHg) by the Joint National Committee on Detection and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Based on the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology in 2008, hypertension was found to be common among the elderly, affecting about 5 in every 10.

Most elderly with elevated high blood pressure have the so called “isolated” hypertension, a common form of hypertension among elderly.

Isolated hypertension is defined as systolic BP above 140 mmHg and diastolic BP below 90 mmHg, where there is a significant increase of collagen deposition and cross-linking, degeneration of elastin fibers, atherosclerotic changes, and age-related endothelial dysfunction, according to the Merck Manual of Geriatrics in 2005.

Isolated hypertension was evident among those 60 years and older in the recent FNRI-DOST survey, wherein the systolic BP increased rapidly while there was a declined in the diastolic BP towards that age group.

The FNRI-DOST survey further revealed that elderly people were 12 times more at-risk of developing hypertension compared to younger individuals based on the study led by Duante in 2001.

Comparing the prevalence of hypertension from 2003 to 2008, there was an increase in the proportion of elderly 60- 69 years identified with hypertension from 45.8 percent in 2003 to 48.9 percent in 2008. The prevalence of hypertension among the 70 years and over elderly adults decreased from 56.0 percent in 2003 to 53.5 percent in 2008.

Meanwhile, the 2003 NNS considered previous medical diagnosis of hypertension by a doctor or a nurse or whether the subjects were taking anti-hypertensive medications or not during the time of survey. This is because subjects may have normal BP measurements when they are taking anti-hypertensive drugs.

The results showed that hypertension was prevalent among elderly women 60 years and older than elderly male counterparts, affecting about 57 percent and 50 percent respectively.

The report implies that elderly people need proper care and attention in as much as prevention is important to curtail the development of chronic degenerative diseases later in life.*

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Free Alzheimer's Guide from Johns Hopkins

Yours FREE: The Johns Hopkins
Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease


It happens to us all. You're in the middle of a conversation about a book when you realize that you can't remember the title or the author's name. You start to introduce a friend to an acquaintance and suddenly can't remember either name. You find yourself standing in front of the refrigerator wondering exactly why you opened the door.

We KNOW what you're thinking:

Is it Alzheimer's disease?

Or another form of dementia?


In your FREE copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease you'll discover the difference between normal memory lapses that increase with age and serious dementia.

If you're concerned about memory loss and what you can do to preserve your memory well into your senior years, you need reliable, accurate information. Where better to turn for the most cutting-edge research on memory loss than Johns Hopkins, ranked #1 of America's Best Hospitals?

Simply type in your email address below and in minutes you'll be able to download your FREE copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease is designed with YOU in mind to give you a basic overview of Alzheimer's Disease.

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Alzheimer's disease is certainly a worrying condition for most of us as we age, especially since our average life span is now potentially much higher than ever before. The good news is that new information about Alzheimer's and memory loss is emerging all the time.

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Your free copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease comes from the editors of The Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin, so you can be sure you're getting the best, most accurate and reliable information, so you can make the most informed choices possible about your health care.

In all of the Johns Hopkins publications, our leading specialists summarize what you need to know about the results of the most important research studies and their outcomes.

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The Memory Health Alerts—delivered via email at least once a month—are packed with the latest news on Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss, including tips on how to preserve your memory for as long as possible.

Learn how to regain control of your life and manage your self-care better if you've been facing the challenges of memory loss for some time but have not yet sought treatment because you think nothing can be done.

There's so much new in the world of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia that, almost every day, you hear of some new drug, promising treatment, or alternative remedy to try.

All of the Johns Hopkins publications help you sort out helpful information from hype, fact from fiction: the monthly newsletter Health After 50, the quarterly Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin, and the annual Johns Hopkins White Paper: Memory.

Age-related memory loss can be a challenge, but educating yourself with The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease will provide you with practical advice and peace of mind. As you age, you need to stay informed about the latest breakthroughs in preventing memory loss in order to make the best choices for your treatment.

The most important thing is acting upon the best knowledge and information regarding what is safe and sensible for both short- and long-term relief of your memory loss.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease is authored by leading doctors and scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine, so you know this is information you can trust, news you can use in your quest to maintain your sharp memory and cognitive function.

Few institutions have done more to research and combat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia depression than the doctors and scientists at Johns Hopkins. Years of research have revealed new theories as to the causes of Alzheimer's disease, leading to the development of new medications and new treatments to help preserve cognitive function for as long as possible despite our age.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease is Johns Hopkins' way of reaching as many people as we can with the kind of cutting-edge information you need to make the right choices about how to preserve your memory well into your later years. Or what to do if you suspect a loved one might be suffering from memory loss, or perhaps even dementia.

Take control of your health—NOW!

Because you're reading this, it's probably safe to assume that you or someone you care about isn't feeling or acting quite the same. Perhaps they're more forgetful than usual. Millions of Americans have the same health concerns, especially since we're living longer than ever before.

You, however, stand out from the vast majority because you're actively seeking answers and making a serious effort to learn as much as you can about Alzheimer's Disease in order to try to prevent any mental decline or try to be an effective caregiver for a loved one.

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For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Guardianship in Arizona: Look Closely

Guardianship in Arizona: Elder care or elder abuse?

PHOENIX - Many people move to Arizona for the weather and recreation because it's considered a haven for retirees who want to live out their golden years. But something else is happening here - something haunting.

For Clair's mom, Gloria Horrigan, it was a nightmare.

Clair said her mother was taken to a nursing home against her will and not allowed visitors, not even family.

“It's sickening...It really truly is sickening,” said Clair.

It was a struggle for Robert Brown to bring his wife, Rosemary, home.

She was also taken and within a matter of weeks, the family wasn't allowed to see her either.

What happened in both cases started in a Maricopa County Courtroom - right in front of a judge.

Both Rosemary and Gloria had health issues that made it hard on their families.

Families can't force a loved one to get help, but a guardian can.

That's why their cases ended up in probate court, which hears issues on care for vulnerable adults.

The court approved a guardian in both cases. And both times, the guardian was Sun Valley Group of Tempe.

Their website states they offer "support for client's physical, social, emotional and mental health."

As part of their service, Sun Valley Group also took care of Gloria's personal finances.

But Clair said her mom did not get proper medical treatment and her bills weren't paid. Gloria's house went into foreclosure.

“I’m physically sick from seeing what they've done to my mother. My family, my children, everyone has been affected by this,” said Clair.

Rosemary had a similar story. She was depressed and refused medical care.

Her husband Robert needed help, so he said he agreed to let Sun Valley Group take Rosemary when they promised to make sure she got treatment.

But Robert said under the company's care, she never did, so now family friend and doctor, Marge Butler, is Rosemary's guardian.

“The bills were now coming at a ferried pace,” said Marge.

In total, Marge said the family spent over a $100,000. That was for just four months of Sun Valley Group's care.

It ended when the nursing home thought Rosemary was dying. They finally allowed the family to see her.

As for Gloria, Clair said the company seemed much more interested in her mom's money than her health.

Gloria's final bill was just under $500,000 and included charges for an employee to open her mail at $75 an hour.

“They are supposed to be her guardian and are supposed to be like her parents and look out for her best interests,” said Clair.

After repeatedly being turned down for an on camera interview, The ABC15 Investigators went to Sun Valley Group's office.

They asked us to leave.
We then caught up with the owner of Sun Valley, Peter Frenette, at a county courthouse.

He was leaving a probate hearing involving fees from a different case. Even after several questions, Frenette would not comment.

The ABC15 Investigators have found more issues plaguing Sun Valley Group.

Frenette's wife, Heather, is co-owner, but she is being investigated by the Arizona nursing board.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Organized Crime Unit is also investigating Sun Valley Group.

By state law, both investigations are secret.

We also discovered three multi-million dollar lawsuits filed this year against the company for fraud and racketeering.

Grant Goodman is the attorney for three former Sun Valley Group clients.

“It's more of a criminal enterprise,” said Goodman, “They need to be prosecuted.”

He claimed to find a pattern with these cases.

“They effectively medicate them to such an extent that they really are non-functional,” said Goodman, “And they do that while they're liquidating their assets.”

The three lawsuits also blame probate court.

“The mob isn't this efficient, nor does the mob have the luxury of having a court rubberstamp these proceedings,” said Goodman.

Goodman is not the only one who thinks that way.

Last month, the Arizona Supreme Court issued an Administrative Order to investigate probate court. One of the issues is regulating fees.

Now, Rosemary is back with her family and doing well. She is getting the treatment that she needs.

“We just plan to enjoy life,” said Robert.

Sun Valley Group filed motions to dismiss with the three lawsuits shown in this investigation.

Neither Gloria nor Rosemary has filed a lawsuit.

If you would like any further information on guardianship, visit one or more of these websites:

National Guardianship Association offers a Model Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and answers to basic questions 877-326-5992.

Center for Guardianship Certification has a directory of certified guardians who have taken a test, agreed to abide by ethical standards, and not been disqualified for prior conduct.

For in-depth reports on guardianship, visit AARP’s Public Policy Institute, or the American Bar Association’s Commission on the Law and Aging

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Identify & Treat Burns!

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT BURN INJURIES

Burns can be painful - and serious. It's all a matter of degree. To know how to treat a burn, and when to call a doctor, first learn to distinguish the different types of burns.

First degree burns: Only the outer layer of skin is damaged. The skin is red, with some swelling and pain. This is the least serious type of burn and can be treated with first aid.

Second degree burns: The first layer of skin has been burned through, and the layer underneath is red and splotchy. Blisters may develop, along with swelling.

Third degree burns: The most serious type of burn, affecting all layers of skin and possibly causing permanent damage to tissues and even bones. Skin may appear either charred and black, or white and dry. For third degree burns, immediate medical attention is needed. Don't remove burned clothing or soak in water, but cover the area with a cool, wet sterile cloth or bandage. If possible, raise the burned area of the body above the level of the heart.

With first degree burns, or second-degree burns that don't cover more than 3 inches of skin, hold the burned area under cool - but not cold - running water for about 15 minutes. Don't put ice on the burn. Wrap the wound in a loose dressing of sterile gauze, keeping air and pressure off the burn. Don't break any blisters that form. The patient can take over the counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for pain.

Keep an eye out for increased redness, swelling, or oozing, and call a doctor if any of these signs of infection develop.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Saying NO to Parents Isn't Easy

Carol Abaya a chronicler of the sandwich generation writes the following:

Question: I am an only child, and we have two teenagers. I am having a hard time doing everything for my immediate family and now my elderly parents, who moved close to us last year. My husband says I should stop doing everything for everyone. How can I ignore my kids or parents?

Question: My parents (late 70s) have become very demanding. My mother had a minor stroke last summer, and my father has stopped driving. They expect me to drop what I have to do when they want something.

Even minor and nonsensical demands have led to bitterness on both sides. They refuse to let anyone else (besides myself) do anything for them.

Answer: No one should consider herself superwomen and a parent should not expect a daughter (or son) to be super people. It's just not realistic or fair to anyone.
I always wonder why sandwich generationers feel only they can do everything themselves for a parent. For some reason they feel guilty about saying "No" or more importantly hiring help for their parent(s) who need the help.

We hire baby sitters for our children, who may be more fragile than older adults. We car pool to lesson our chauffeuring time and have exchange play days, for time for self. We often hire someone else to clean the house or cut the grass.
The same principle (get help) is applicable to elder care.

On the other side of the coin, my "wondering" also applies to the elders. Why do they have such a hard time accepting help from others in general or in hiring someone to do the things they can no longer do for themselves? Why do they often put themselves — or a daughter caregiver — at risk, just to prove they still control everything?

Whatever the age or situation, rejecting help or demanding just one person do it all doesn't make sense to me. In both of these situations, expectations are unrealistic, and everyone needs to adjust. No one can — or should — be an island. Help IS out there. Seek and use it.

FROM TIRED CAREGIVERS: I often hear sandwich generationers say that their parents feel they (elder) can demand "service" and attention because the parent did so much for the sandwich generationer, when he or she was a child. The elder further says if you (sandwich generationer) do not "jump" that you're not a "good" daughter or son. This "good" "bad" attitude comes to play when a sandwich generationer says NO to an elder's request.

But the myth of being "good" if you "jump," or "bad" if you say NO, is just that — a myth. Sandwich generationers should not feel guilty if they say NO. I don't know about you, but my parents didn't do everything for me. They did help me become an independent woman. So, sandwich generationer objectives should be to keep a parent as independent as possible as long as possible.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Caregivers Experience High Stress Levels

Caregiving stress-filled and isolating
Thursday, April 22, 2010 ~ University Park, Pa.

Family members who provide care to relatives with dementia, but do not have formal training, frequently experience overwhelming stress that sometimes leads to breakdowns or depression, according to Penn State and Benjamin Rose Institute researchers. Interventions to alleviate this stress are not always effective, leaving caregivers isolated to deal with their stresses.

Steven Zarit, professor and head, human development and family studies, and his colleagues studied the 15 most common stressors for caregivers -- including financial strain, patient behaviors, frequency of help from family and friends, and caregiving time demands. The findings, published in a recent issue of "Aging & Mental Health," showed that the 67 people in the study experienced radically different types and amounts of stress.

"Behavior issues are a common stressor, but caregivers don't always report that their family member has behavior issues," said Zarit. "Some people feel more strain from the sense that they've lost a relationship with their family member, or because of conflict with siblings or other relatives. It's different for everyone."

About 4 million people in the country care for a family member with dementia, Zarit says. Most often care continues for five to seven years, but some caregivers take on this role for 15 to 20 years.

The most common approach for helping caregivers is teaching them specific coping skills for stressors, but many existing interventions target only one set of stressors. For example, an intervention might focus on behaviors of dementia by explaining why certain behaviors occur and how caregivers can change those behaviors. This intervention is expected to improve stress levels after the dementia patient changes behaviors.

However, it will only help caregivers who are troubled by behaviors of dementia. As Zarit's study indicated, people experience a wide variety of stressors. A person coping with behavior problems may also have other difficulties not targeted by this single-stressor intervention. Some caregivers will not need to cope with behavior problems at all.

Intervention programs are expensive and many organizations are not able to offer comprehensive programs or can reach only a small subset of stressed caregivers.

"The majority of caregivers are living at home, with little or no help," said Zarit. "The family has to pay the physical, emotional, and financial cost of the caring, which can be staggering. When the caregiver gets overwhelmed, it raises the probability of a breakdown in the care situation." In a few cases, there are reports of neglect or abuse.

Most interventions operate as a preventive measure -- they reach people before the stress becomes overwhelming.

"Because stress profiles vary so widely, we just don't know how much of a given stressor will hit a threshold and when we should make an intervention," Zarit said.

According to Zarit, a promising approach is to use an adaptive intervention, one that can be customized to address the varying risk factors of each individual. Some of these interventions exist in the real world and are successful. However, most of these interventions are published and never become used widely, said Zarit.

Even if current interventions are not always effective, options exist to alleviate stress and maintain well-being in a caregiving relationship. Zarit's past research has found that family meetings—which enlist the support of extended family -- can improve well-being for both individuals in the relationship.

Another avenue that Zarit is now researching is adult day care services. He has seen positive feedback and recommends day care to those who can afford it, even if for only a couple of days every week. Adult day care not only gives the caregiver a break, but it provides structured activities for the person with dementia.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524