Matrix AdvoCare Network Blog

Depression, Dementia, Delirium: What's the Difference?

2011-06-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

In years gone by there was at times a common misunderstanding that an older person would get "senile dementia" explicitly because they were aging. Today, we understand that this is not true, that many seniors do not experience significant cognitive changes and live well into old age with little to no decline in cognitive functioning. However, when an older person begins to demonstrate signs of cognitive change, it can be challenging to determine the exact causes as many of the symptoms apply to multiple diagnoses including depression, dementia and delirium.

When an older adult begins to show changes in memory, thinking ability, mood and function it is essential to identify exactly what changes are being demonstrated, when they began, how they are affecting the person and how different they are from yesterday, last week or last year. It is vital to seek professional assistance in evaluating these changes to determine their cause, identify treatment options and then proceed to providing needed care and plan for future care.

Cognitive function involves much more than memory. It can be defined as the mental act of process of knowing (or acquiring knowledge) including aspects such as awareness, perception, judgement, recognition and reasoning. As healthy seniors age, there can be some expected changes related to aging which often connect to:

Speed with which a senior can complete a cognitive task

Ability to learn new or unfamiliar information

Degree of complexity of the task

Ability to actively problem-solve

When changes more significant than these occur in a very short period of time (over hours or days) and are accompanied by an inability to perform activities of daily living, a distinction between dementia, delirium and depression needs to be made.

For more information on this topic please view our full article at: www.matrixadvocare.com/Newsletters/V20_N1.PDF

Matrix AdvoCare Network is an experienced provider of care management, health care advocacy and home health care for seniors and people with disabilities affected by depression, dementia and delirium. Our RN Care Managers are knowledgeable about the health needs and problems of older adults and people with disabilities. By working with clients and families to identify needs, goals and objectives, Care Managers recommend health and services which meet clients' needs and help them achieve their goals. For more information on how Matrix AdvoCare Network can help you or your loved one, please call 952-525-0505 or visit our website at: http://www.matrixadvocare.com/

Tremors and Shakes: Understanding Parkinson's Disease

2010-05-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

As people age, there are a number of changes that occur or conditions that evolve that are often related to aging or are presumed to be inevitable changes caused by aging. If a person is having trouble using an arm or experience changes in the way they walk, they may attribute this to arthritis. If they are a bit more stooped over or take longer to move and do things they may feel this is related to ‘slowing’ with old age. Challenges with falls or balance may be attributed to decreased physical activity and strength. However, these occurrences may also be early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Nearly 1 million people in the US have Parkinson’s disease and approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Most people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are over 65 years of age though some people are diagnosed at younger ages, with about 5 to 10% of those with younger onset Parkinson’s diagnosed under the age of 40 according to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Parkinson’s disease was first identified in the early 1800s by Dr. James Parkinson, a British physician. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that is related to a reduction of and/or damage to dopamine producing brain cells. Dopamine is a chemical essential to a number of brain functions, including the coordinated and smooth movement of the body. When there is a significant reduction in dopamine, the muscular movement becomes uncoordinated and slowed, shaking or tremors occur, postural instability or balance is affected and the body can become rigid.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease tend to be subtle and come on gradually with a person noticing a tremor or perhaps a change in their ability to perform a task as the first signs. They may notice their movement is slower or it takes longer for them to accomplish a task. Early on, these changes are more evident on one side of the body but eventually progress to affect the whole body.

The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

Resting tremors of the hands, arms, legs, face and jaw.
Stiffness or rigidity in the body’s trunk and limbs.
Balance impairment and difficulty with coordination.

For more information on diagnosis, additional signs and symptoms and treatment options for Parkinson's disease please view our most recent Issues on Aging newsletter on our website at http://www.matrixadvocare.com/.

Fall Risk in Elders

2009-11-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Elders at High Risk for Falls

Falls are a significant and troubling concern for elders. A recent series in the Minneapolis Star Tribune poignantly describes the losses to elders and their families associated with falls, including deaths which are numbered at 1000 occurring in Minnesota nursing homes from 2002 to 2008 according to a Star Tribune analysis.

Many factors put elders at risk for falls including: balance issues, medications and their side effects, environmental hazards, moves to new environments like hospitals and nursing homes, weakness, vision impairment, and chronic conditions like osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia to name but a few.

The geriatric care manager can serve as an advocate to those living in senior residences including senior housing, assisted living buildings and skilled nursing facilities when there is concern about safety and the risk of falls that is not being adequately addressed. The care manager can work with the care providers at the elder’s location to reduce the risk of falls through a thorough assessment of the client’s needs and development of a plan of care that assures adequate assistance, supervision and prevention measures.

By conducting a health history and review of systems, the care manager can identify health concerns which contribute to an increased risk of falling. It is particularly important to determine whether an individual is experiencing fall-provoking side effects from medications, such as dizziness or blood pressure fluctuations. If an individual is using a cane or walker, assuring these items are appropriate to the elder’s needs and are of the proper size is essential. Conducting a Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status exam will also help identify those at greater risk due to their ability to remember safety instructions, to call for help consistently, to understand why they need assistance and so forth.

The geriatric care manager has an important role in identifying risk factors specific to each client, developing strategies to eliminate or decrease these risks, and gaining the client’s and their care providers’ cooperation in implementing these strategies.

If you know an elder at risk for falls please contact us to discuss a free informational visit or to schedule a comprehensive assessment. Matrix AdvoCare Network at 952-525-0505 or view our website at www.matrixadvocare.com

Breast Cancer in the Elderly

2009-10-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October marks the 25th anniversary for National Breast Cancer Awareness, Education and Empowerment

Almost everyone knows someone who is or has been affected by breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer in women in the United States and an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. Also according to ACS, breast cancer incidence in women in the United States is 1 in 8 (about 12%). This means that women born today have a 1 in 8 chance of developing Breast Cancer at some point in their lives. Breast cancer risk increases with: aging, certain family histories, particular reproductive histories, some race/ethnic backgrounds and other factors.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Breast Cancer is defined as ‘Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.’

Breast Cancer in the Elderly

As the population of the United States ages, the prevalence of breast cancer in women over the age of 65 has increased as well, accounting for approximately 50% of all new breast cancers. According to Jeanne Mandelblatt, M.D., of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the number of older women with breast cancer is forecast to double by 2030 as the baby boomers age. Yet despite their increasingly large numbers, older women who develop breast cancer often fail to receive the same care as offered to younger women.1

It is not uncommon for doctors or the patients themselves to be reluctant to consider appropriate cancer treatment for women age 65 and older, which includes surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. The reasons could be due to the higher incidence of other illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis that may or may not be life-threatening. Another reason may be due to earlier studies in breast cancer among older adults which lead to some doctors and patients thinking that breast cancer in the elderly is somehow less dangerous than it is in younger women, though that is not necessarily true. Also, the elderly patient is considered by some to be in the group characterized by limited life expectancy, decreasing quality of life, cognitive impairment, functional problems and diminished social value. However, the average life expectancy of a 70-year-old woman is 15 years.

We know that mammograms are recommended yearly for all women beginning at age 40, but at which age are they no longer needed or recommended? The guidelines for this keep changing and differ among organizations. A recent study that tried to assess the usefulness of mammography among 80 and 90 year-olds found that very few women in this age group, 22 percent, underwent regular screenings for breast cancer, but that those who did were more likely to find the cancer early enough to avoid a mastectomy and survive at least five years. 2

Ultimately, it is important to determine the best treatment options individually for each patient considering one’s own health, illnesses, beliefs and desires and allowing that person to make the decision about what type of treatment to seek. The key to determining the best treatment approach is communication and collaboration between patients, health advocates/care consultants, geriatricians/primary care providers and oncologists.

Matrix AdvoCare Network RN Care Consultants work with elderly and disabled individuals and design care programs to maximize each client's well-being, independence and dignity. We strive to provide holistic, patient-centered services to ensure that all issues regarding healthy aging are addressed. Call Matrix if you or someone you know needs help navigating the health care system at 952-525-0505 or visit our website at http://www.matrixadvocare.com/ to learn more.

1. 9 October 2006. 2 October 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com
2. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 15 (May 20), 2008: pp. 2482-2488© 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - GROWS OLD WITH ELDERS

2009-07-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Recent studies reveal the growing trend of increasing Domestic Violence among elders. As people continue to age so too does the challenge of domestic violence that is often thought to be a problem that only occurs during early and mid-life relationships. Many who work in caring for and serving senior citizens are aware of the risks of abuse by an elders' children, neighbors or caregivers but as seniors age and live longer and longer, abuse by spouses and partners is a growing trend. This abuse may be perpetrated in long-time relationships that have endured years of abuse or in new relationships when the abuse takes advantage of one of the partners, typically the most vulnerable - elderly women.

As in domestic violence of younger people, alcohol or drugs may be a factor. At times it is related to caregiver stress and frustration. In some situations it is a response to the many changes and losses associated with growing older: multiple losses, change of long-time life role, decreasing mobility as well as changes in health and cognitive function. Other times the violence is simply an ongoing expression of anger, power and control.

How to Identify Potential Domestic Violence in Elders:

Physical symptoms including injury, bruises and pain
Unexplained injuries that may grow in frequency and/or severity
Isolation and withdrawal of the victim
Inability of one partner to be in public or with others independently, without accompaniment or supervision of the abuser

How Matrix Can Help

Provide a comprehensive assessment including a vulnerability assessment
Identify vulnerability risk factors
Have regular contact as an advocate for the senior
Identify symptoms of elder domestic abuse
Identify and attain resources and services for the abuser and the victim
Aid in getting the victim into a safe situation with care and support

For more information please call Matrix AdvoCare Network at 952-525-0505.

July 17, 2009

Avoiding Tragedy

2009-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Recent news from New York and Michigan describes the horror of elderly persons freezing to death in their own homes. The cause… lack of advocacy and essential services, an inability to care for themselves and obtain needed care assistance. How can such tragic circumstances happen in 21st century America? The elderly are particularly high risk because of the vulnerabilities that accompany aging: decreased mobility, social isolation, inability to realize they need assistance and seek needed services, increased risk of hypothermia, and limited financial resources just to name a few.

The mission of Matrix AdvoCare Network/Matrix Team Home Care is to provide care consulting, home health care, and health advocacy services to disabled persons and older adults. The services provided will be of the highest professional quality and designed to promote mental and physical well-being, personal dignity, autonomy and independence. Matrix AdvoCare and Matrix Team Home Care are vital resources to minimize the type of tragedy described above and provide essential advocacy and home care services to keep elders safe and healthy. Matrix Team Home Care’s recent Minnesota Department of Health survey had no deficiencies and reinforces our mission to provide the highest possible quality of care. The survey results are available for review at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/profinfo/cms/hcacla/hcaclasurveyresults.html

To assure the vulnerable elder in your life is safe and well cared for, call and speak to a Matrix representative at 952-525-0505 for a free informational visit to learn about the benefits of advocacy for elders and high quality home care.

January 29, 2009

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD!

2009-07-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Do you know a senior who is fiercely independent?

Are they aware of any challenges or concerns that others have noted in them?

Are they sure they can manage alone and refuse any assistance?

Geriatric Care Consultants are specialized RNs who can work with a senior to determine if all of their health, safety and care needs are being met. The Care Consultant can identify needs, connect the senior with resources and assist the senior to develop a plan that maximizes safety and independence.

Assuring preventive measures are in place minimizes the risk of health complications, falls, exploitation and other situations that the senior may not be expecting. In turn the senior has an active role in making decisions about their needs and care and they improve their ability to function independently. An ounce of prevention also allows the senior to remain in their home pursuing activities and interests they enjoy.

To assure the overly independent senior is functioning as well as possible, call and speak to someone at Matrix AdvoCare Network today at 952-525-0505 for a free informational visit to learn about the benefits of providing ‘an ounce of prevention.’

January 27, 2009

The Value of Objective Referral Sources

2009-07-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Matrix AdvoCare Network and Matrix Team Home Care never accepts compensation or incentive payments for any care recommendations provided to a client. Some agencies make referrals to specific residential locations and service providers because they receive compensation from the receiving agency.

As Matrix has been providing “care management” services for over twenty years which includes making recommendations and referrals to other agencies and residences without request for compensation to do so, we believe that objectively identifying and addressing a client’s needs is of the highest priority in providing holistic, client-focused care. As such we also believe that it is essential to remain objective when providing recommendations for each individual.

Identifying the most appropriate residential options for any client is based upon the client’s care and safety needs, the client’s socialization and support needs, how the client’s financial means and geographic preferences guide the possible options and how the recommended residences can best meet all identified needs. An objective assessment and determination of needs assures that the recommendations are made not due to compensation for the referral but are based upon the client's needs and the professional skill and knowledge of the Care Consultant.

For an objective Comprehensive Assessment please call Matrix AdvoCare Network at 952-525-0505.

October 23, 2008

Recovering Lost and Missing Vulnerable Adults

2009-07-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

A recent news article in a local city paper described new methods that are being used to help locate vulnerable adults who may become lost and go missing. Summer news stories covered a missing autistic man who wandered alone for a week before being found in dire condition. Other news stories report elders who drive off in their cars and are never located.

Those at risk for wandering away include people with dementia like Alzheimer's disease, people with autism and people with brain injuries among other conditions. These people are at risk for complications related to falls and injuries, hypo and hyperthermia and going without needed medications for an extended period of time.

As the change of seasons is upon us and winter weather is approaching it is essential to have steps in place to minimize the chance that a vulnerable adult or elder goes missing or has potential to be outside unprotected from the elements. Numerous options aid in finding a missing person with one of the latest being GPS tracking devices in the form of bracelets that allow a search to quickly hone in on the location of someone who is missing. These programs are being implemented in counties throughout the country. GPS devices that can be placed on vehicles are another option for those who are high functioning but at risk and are still driving. Additional means that do not find a missing person but help assure prompt medical treatment and or identification and quick return once that person is found include Medical Alert and Safe Return programs.

For assistance in determining the best options to help assure the vulnerable adult in your life remains safe and secure, please call Matrix AdvoCare Network at 952-525-0505.

September 23, 2008

Alcoholism and Seniors

2009-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Adults age 65 and older make up the fastest growing segment of the American population. As such the seniors also represent a population with an increasing prevalence of alcoholism. Alcoholism is a condition that is often undetected and undiagnosed in the elderly, yet it is a significant factor in the health, wellness and morbidity of elders. Alcohol use/abuse is a factor in 10-20% of emergency room visits and hospitalizations of elders. An estimated 15% of elders have an alcohol problem.

In general there are two types of alcoholics. The first, early-onset alcoholics are those who have been drinking throughout their life time. These are often adults who were once moderate drinkers but their tolerance increased over time and they required more and more alcohol to produce the desired effect. The second category are late-onset alcoholics or those who start problem drinking in their later years often related to either their social setting, senior communities often have regular social hours that serve alcohol, or related to loss and grief of events in old age including: loss of work role, deaths, depression, moving from home and so forth.

Aging makes the body less able to handle alcohol the way it may have when younger. Alcohol use/abuse in conjunction with chronic health issues creates a myriad of problems, particularly when combined with medications used to treat chronic health problems. Mixing alcohol and medications, whether prescription or not, can have serious and dangerous outcomes. Alcoholism may also speed up the aging process including premature aging of the brain. Signs that alcohol may be an issue for an elder include:

Disheveled or unkempt appearance
Alcohol on the breath
Angry denial of any problem in this regard
Dizziness
Depression, depression
Disorientation
Excessive mood swings
Falls, bruises or burns with poor explanations
Family problems
Financial problems
Headaches
Home is in terrible disarray
Incontinence
Memory loss
Multiple health care providers (for the same issue)
New difficulties in decision-making
Not allowing in-home help despite obvious need
Not enough money for necessities, despite sufficient income
Poor hygiene
Poor nutrition
Sleep problems
Social isolation
Unusual response to medications

Complications of long-term alcohol use include but are not limited to:

High blood pressure
Heart failure
Memory impairment
Nerve damage
Falls and related complications
Seizures
Confusion
Liver disease
Diabetes
Pancreas problems
Gastritis and ulcers
Esophageal problems
A variety of cancers

Seniors can receive assistance and treatment for alcoholism and intervention for the events leading up to their use of alcohol. Simply being aware of an elder’s alcohol use can help a physician and the entire care team to take steps that minimize risks and reduce adverse situations associated with alcohol use.

For more information on substance use and abuse in elders visit the website: http://www.eldersubstancemisuse.org

If you are concerned about an elder and suspect alcohol might be a factor in their current situation, please call Matrix AdvoCare Network for a comprehensive assessment to help evaluate and assist in determining a plan of care to aid that elder. 952-525-0505.

July 24, 2008

Aging Parents of Dependent Children

2009-07-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

As science, technology and medicine improve so too does life expectancy of the general population. This means that the average life expectancy in the United States has now reached the mid 70s, indicating that those born today can expect to live to be 77 or 78 years old. In the year 2000 there were nearly 100,000 people aged 100 years and older in the world with a quarter of those living in the United States. For those born in 1900, the average life expectancy was 47 years, what a dramatic change in a century! In addition to living longer, aging parents are productive, active, contributing members of society who often continue to have multiple roles in the family, neighborhood and larger community well into their 80s and 90s.

As general life expectancy has increased so too has the life expectancy of many who would previously have succumbed to illness and disease in childhood or as a young adult. Many conditions and diseases that once had a very short life expectancy now too have an extended life expectancy. When once expected to live only into young adulthood those with Down Syndrome now have a life expectancy well into middle life (ages 50 and older). Those who used to die from traumatic brain injuries and systemic infections now survive but may be in a condition that requires them to be supervised or cared for by others, and often times it may be their own aging parents who provide their lifelong care.

Aging parents caring for dependent children face a myriad of questions:

What happens when an elder can no longer care for their dependent child independently?
Who will assure continuity of care for the dependent child when an aging parent can no longer do so?
Who will step in and be available to support and care for the elder when they need assistance?
Where will their dependent child live after they pass on?
How can the elder live with or near their dependent child through the end of life?
How will they assure that assets are preserved to provide for that dependent child’s care?
Who can they entrust to advocate for themselves and their dependent child?

At Matrix AdvoCare Network our Care Consultants have experience working with elders and addressing the needs they have for their own health and care needs to establishing trusting, therapeutic relationships with their dependent children. Our Care Consultants are able to advocate for an elder and their child by determining needed services, providing professional referrals for financial assistance and legal needs and by identifying future housing and care options that best fit the individual family’s desires.

If you know of an elder who needs assistance caring for or planning care for their dependent child and themselves please call Matrix AdvoCare Network at 952-525-0505 for a free informational visit.

July 8, 2008

Warm Weather Concerns for Seniors

2009-07-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Summer time brings the long awaited warm weather and bright sun to Minnesotans. It is the season of picnics, celebrations, parades and family reunions. We enjoy basking in the warmth and spending hours outdoors. For seniors however, these seasonal gifts bring additional risks and concerns including the significant risk for dehydration and heat stress.

Seniors are at risk for dehydration and heat stress as they cannot easily adapt to changing temperatures, they may have chronic medical conditions that impair their normal response to excessive heat and they may take medications that can affect how they respond to high temperatures.

Natural changes of aging in older adults predispose them to an increased risk as their bodies are unable to sufficiently respond to and recover from elevated temperatures. Seniors are less able to perspire which is one of the body's primary mechanisms for regulating temperature. Many seniors do not feel the heat as a younger person does, though they are being affected by it. Seniors tend to feel cooler than younger people and dress in layers of clothing that will retain body heat and make the senior warmer.

Seniors also have decreased thirst and hunger sensations which may limit their desire to eat and drink sufficiently to remain hydrated in warm weather. Elders have less muscle mass which reduces the amount of water within their tissues. Many seniors do not drink enough liquid to remain properly hydrated as they may have impaired mobility that limits their access to obtaining frequent beverages, they avoid drinking liquids to minimize trips to the bathroom or they take medications like diuretics (fluid pills) that predispose them to dehydration.

In summer it is essential that elders are able to be in cool settings, be monitored for signs of heat stress and get prompt medical attention if they have symptoms including:

Paleness
Muscle Cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
Cool and moist skin
Fast and weak pulse rate
Fast and shallow breathing

What to do:

Keep elders indoors (with fans or air conditioning) during excessive heat.
Minimize physical exertion.
Choose lightweight clothing.
Monitor seniors frequently when the temperature is hot, checking on them at least twice a day.
Assure they have sufficient liquids to drink and the ability to drink them regularly.
Assure seniors have fans and access to locations with air conditioning during prolonged hot spells.
Take measure to immediately cool them down including seeking shade, providing cool cloths or sponging them down with cool water.
Call for emergency medical treatment if needed

If are concerned about a vulnerable senior please contact Matrix AdvoCare Network for a complimentary information session.

June 25, 2008

Helping Clients Utilize their Long Term Care Insurance Benefits

2009-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance plans offer clients the ability to afford personal care assistance in their later years or sooner if they have chronic or debilitating medical conditions. LTC policies offer the possibility of significant financial savings when a client requires hands-on personal care. Whether living at home and having home health care or utilizing the services in a skilled care facility; understanding the services covered by individual policies and the requirements for activating policy coverage as well as providing sufficient documentation of care needs are essential.

Clients who might qualify for and find LTC Insurance valuable are those clients that:

have significant assets and income they want to protect.
have income sufficient to pay the long-term premiums.
wish to assure their future care needs will not become a financial burden to their spouse or family.
wish to have a choice in where and how their future care will be provided.

Once a client needs assistance for personal care needs, Matrix AdvoCare Network can assist in determining level of care and identifying resources to provide that care. Matrix RN Care Consultants are able to provide a comprehensive assessment related to needed assistance for Activities of Daily Living including dressing, bathing, grooming, transferring, toileting, ambulating and eating. Most LTC policies require a person to be dependent for assistance in at least 2 Activities of Daily Living and meet other criteria necessary to utilize their policy coverage.

Most LTC Insurance companies require a nurse’s validation of the level of care assistance needed and provided. Matrix Team Home Care can provide in-home care that may qualify for reimbursement from a LTC policy as well as the ongoing RN documentation of the level of care needed.

May 7, 2008

Preventive Care Planning - The Benefits of Comprehensive Assessment

2009-07-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT?

Comprehensive assessments can be a one time need in which a plan of care is developed and provided to those working with the client or it can be an ongoing relationship that ensures a client receives the specific care necessary to optimize quality of life regardless of the environment a client resides.

Providing a comprehensive assessment for your client’s health needs involves determining their physical, mental, and social needs. As lifestyle and environment play into an individual’s wellness, providing a comprehensive assessment of the factors which influence the day to day lives of your clients is essential.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EARLY INTERVENTION?

A comprehensive assessment can provide a thorough evaluation of needs and the opportunity to establish a prevention plan to minimize risks including those associated with neglect of health issues, cognitive impairment, lack of insight into one’s own deficits, incomplete follow through of physician recommendations, challenges with managing multiple physicians and multiple medications and increased risk of abuse or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Comprehensive assessments also allow for the referral to appropriate services for health care, financial, legal and other needs while assisting in coordinating, evaluating and making adjustments in an ongoing fashion to assure quality of life.

ONGOING PREVENTATIVE CARE MANAGEMENT:

Care Consultants can maintain long term relationships with clients to advocate for them at medical appointments and assure correct administration of medications, critical if more than one physician is writing prescriptions. They assess and equip living environments for safety. If help is needed with daily activities, from grooming to shopping, they find appropriate services. Social needs, such as transportation, companionship and spirituality, are addressed. Care Consultants do what no single service does. No problem is too small or too large for them to resolve.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP?

The extent to which a Care Consultant can enhance quality of life is directly related to how early intervention is sought. Left unattended, small problems have an uncanny way of becoming bigger. If you think that seemingly minor behavioral or physical changes are merely the “normal” aging process, you may want verification through an assessment from a Care Consultant.

Earlier intervention is also highly cost-effective, especially when handled by a knowledgeable Care Consultant, and can minimize undue expense.

HOW CAN MATRIX HELP?

Matrix has been providing Comprehensive Assessments for over 20 years. All Matrix AdvoCare Network care consulting is done by registered nurses who are at the top of their profession. All have expertise in gerontology, as well as special skills in assessment, care planning, and knowledge of community resources. Each helps only a small number of clients, which fosters a genuinely deep and therapeutic relationship that is wholly dedicated to meeting client needs. A client’s personal dignity and self-esteem are foremost, especially when decisions and choices are considered.

April 14, 2008

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - GROWS OLD WITH ELDERS

2009-07-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Physical symptoms including injury, bruises and pain
Unexplained injuries that may grow in frequency and/or severity
Isolation and withdrawal of the victim
Inability of one partner to be in public or with others independently, without accompaniment or supervision of the abuser

How Matrix Can Help

Provide a comprehensive assessment including a vulnerability assessment
Identify vulnerability risk factors
Have regular contact as an advocate for the senior
Identify symptoms of elder domestic abuse
Identify and attain resources and services for the abuser and the victim
Aid in getting the victim into a safe situation with care and support

For more information please call Matrix AdvoCare Network at 952-525-0505.

July 17, 2009

AVOIDING HOSPITAL READMISSION

2009-07-16T11:40:00.001-07:00

A recent study found that almost 20% of Medicare recipients who were discharged from hospitals were readmitted within one month of discharge. Half of these patients did not see a physician in the month after discharge. Further, the study found that 30% of Medicare recipients were readmitted within 90 days of discharge. The authors estimated that 10% of readmission were planned to follow up with treatment. This high rate of unscheduled readmissions cost 17.4 billion dollars in 2004.

Re-hospitalization is stressful for patients as well.
The main reason cited for this high level of readmission was inadequate discharge planning. This included failure to ensure that patients understood exactly how to take their medications, inadequate teaching about how to care for themselves at home, lack of home care equipment and nursing care, and inadequate follow up with primary physicians.

As decreasing reimbursement has squeezed hospitals financially, discharge planners have become a thing of the past. Hospital social workers and nurses care for large numbers of patients and do not have the time to provide the discharge planning services essential for successful discharge. Hospitals ensure, through a process called utilization review, that patients are discharged as quickly as possible. This maximizes reimbursement to hospitals but often leaves patients vulnerable to complications requiring readmission.

Geriatric Care Consultants are valuable professionals who can ensure that proper and effective discharge planning occurs when patients are hospitalized. Care Consultants are knowledgeable about discharge needs and will make certain that essential home health care services and home medical equipment is arranged prior to discharge. Reviewing discharge medications and putting a medication administration system into place avoids medication errors that often result in complications and readmission.

And the Care Consultant will ensure that patients see their treating physicians in a timely manner after discharge to ensure that the treatment plan is effective. Matrix AdvoCare Network has provided discharge planning services for over 20 years. If you have a client who is hospitalized or has a surgical procedure planned, please call 952-525-0505 for a complimentary discussion about your client’s anticipated needs.

Jencks, S.F., M.D., M.P.H.; Williams, M.V., M.D; and Coleman, E.N., M.D., M.P.H. Rehospitalizations among Patients in the Medicare Fee-for-Service Program.

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 360:1418-1428. April 2, 2009, Number 14. Matrix AdvoCare NetworkMatrix Team Home Care952-525-0505www.matrixadvocare.com