Caregiver The

A program of Health Projects Center SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Mental Health—Including Drug & Alcohol Abuse

The most common mental health problems of the aged are depression, anxiety, dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), drug and alcohol abuse, and paranoia. The suicide rate is higher for the elderly than for any other age group.

The diagnosis and treatment of a mental disorder can be complicated in an aging population. The elderly often have mul-tiple chronic conditions and multiple medications being prescribed by multi-ple doctors. They also have possible drug interactions, social isolation, lim-ited mobility, and increased emergency room visits, sometimes with poor follow-up. Alcohol and drug abuse, particular-ly prescription drug and opioid abuse among older adults, is one of the fastest growing health problems in the US.

Alcohol Abuse

Recent studies find that as many as 2.5 million older adults (about 17% of the over-65 population) have alcohol-related problems. Most older adults aren’t even aware of the risks, but if the person in your care takes more than two to three drinks a day (more than one for women), he or she is at increased risk for serious health problems:

• There is a greater risk of dying of stroke or heart attack.

• Alcohol is a proven cause of cancer, second only to smoking.

• People who drink to excess are at higher risk of hardening of the arteries and heart disease.

• Long-term heavy alcohol use leads to muscle disease and numbness in hands and feet (peripheral

neuropathy), that impairs the ability to walk.

• Alcohol abuse impairs the memory, both while drinking and in the long term.

• Daily alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of weight gain, and gaining weight leads to other health problems, like diabetes and joint

damage.

• Alcohol is the major cause of serious

of serious liver disorders; because many important medications are processed through the liver, liver damage can make it much harder to control some illnesses.

• Heavy drinking can make diabetes worse.

• Heavy drinking can cause weak bones (osteoporosis), which leads to fractures.

• Alcohol abuse can cause or worsen mood disorders, such as depression and

anxiety.

SAFETY TIPS— Hidden Dangers

Even those who drink the same amount as they did when younger can be at risk. In

older people, blood alcohol levels get higher faster and stay high longer than they do in younger people. Also, older people use more prescription and

over-the-counter remedies, and these can be

dangerous or deadly when mixed with

alcohol. • Taking aspirin with alcohol raises the

chance of bleeding in your stomach.

• Some cough syrups and cold and allergy medications have a high amount of

alcohol in them; drinking alcohol with

these can make you dangerously sleepy.

• Drinking alcohol while taking some sleeping pills, pain pills, or anxiety or

depression medicine can be very

dangerous, causing unconsciousness,

coma, or even death.

• You can damage your liver if you drink and take a lot of painkillers that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Insomnia and Depression Depression in the elderly is often

misdiagnosed as dementia or Alzheimer’s and some health care professionals may mistakenly think that depression is

normal for the elderly. Seniors are often under-treated for depression and other mental health problems. However,

depression can and should be treated when it occurs, since untreated

depression can delay recovery or worsen

outcomes for other illnesses.

Nearly half of all people with depression report trouble sleeping, and people with insomnia are nearly twice as likely to be depressed. Curing insomnia in people with depression could double their chance of a full recovery.

Mental Health Treatment The most commonly used therapies

consist of psychotherapy, cognitive

behavioral therapy (CBT), self-help or support groups, stress-management

techniques, and medications like

antidepressants. A physician with

specialized geriatric training can be part of the health care team, especially helpful to the person taking multiple medications and/or experiencing symptoms of mental illness.

Consumer Fraud and the Elderly—I didn’t want to be rude to the nice man who called…

Lonely people are especially vulnerable to fraudulent telephone solicitations that offer the hope of winning cash sweepstakes or that appeal to their sense of charity. Some—usually those who are widowed and isolated from their families—even become “addicted” to the attention of telemarketers. These victims are often concerned that their savings will not cover all their living costs and see grand prizes as their only hope.

Common Sense Rules To help an elderly person who may become a victim of fraud, suggest that certain rules should be followed when receiving telephone calls: • Be wary of a caller who is overly friendly and calls you by your first name when you don’t know them. • Be wary of a caller who insists that you act immediately. • Be wary of any caller who asks you to send a check by overnight delivery. • Never buy anything or give out your credit card number, social security number, or bank account number unless you made the call. • Never contribute to an organization over the telephone, even if you are familiar with the name. Ask the caller to send you a written request.

• Be wary of free gifts requiring that you pay shipping charges—your credit card may billed for items you don’t want.

• Be wary of investment or home repair offers that sound too good to be true. Ask for written confirmation of the service or investment opportunity. Consult with a friend or relative before making a decision. • Do not fall prey to fraudulent solicitors.

JUST HANG UP.

Abuse from Financial Advisors Aggressive marketing to the elderly is becoming increasingly common. Although seminars for estate planning can provide useful information, they are often selling something and therefore do not offer an unbi-ased assessment of what a person may need. Before selecting a financial planner, one should always: • Check with the local Area Agency on Aging and other agencies that work with the elderly for a list of referrals. • Interview the financial planner and check

his or her credentials. • Find out what the financial advisor will

gain from your business in fee and commission income and ask for fees in writing. • Ask if the advisor is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tip

Never Pay to Play! It is illegal to require you to

buy something or pay a fee in order for you to claim a prize.

A group of older adults are gathered for their weekly computer class. They are learning to use the Internet to find health information, however, the whole group has one big worry—”How can we trust the health information we get on the Internet?” There are thousands of health-related websites on the internet. Some of the information on these websites is reliable and can be trusted. Some of it is not. Some of the information is current. Some of it is not. Choosing which website to trust is worth thinking about.

How do I find reliable health information online? As a rule, health websites sponsored by Federal government agencies are good sources of health information. You can reach all Federal websites by visiting www.usa.gov. Large professional organizations and well-known medical schools may also be food sources of health information. You should be able to spot the name of the sponsor of the website right away.

What questions should I ask? As you search online, you are likely to find websites for many health agencies and organizations that are not well-known. By answering the following questions, you should be able to find more information about these websites. A lot of details can be found under the heading “About us” or “Contact us.”

1. Who sponsors the website? Can you easilyidentify the sponsor?

Websites cost money—is the funding source readily apparent? Sometimes the website address itself may help—for example: • .gov identifies a government agency

Source: National Institute on Aging

• .edu identifies an educational institute• .org identifies professional

organizations (e.g., scientific orresearch societies, advocacy groups)

• .com identifies commercial websites(e.g., businesses, pharmaceuticalcompanies, sometimes hospitals.)

Is your privacy protected? Does the website clearly stat a privacy policy?

This is important because, sadly, there is fraud on the internet. Take time to read the website’s policy—if the website says something like, “We share information with companies that can provide you with products,” that’s a sign your information isn’t private. Do not give our your Social Security number. If you are asked for personal information, be sure to find out how the information is being used by contacting the website sponsor by phone, mail or the “contact us” feature on the website. Be careful when buying things on the internet. Websites without security may not protect your credit card or bank account information. Look for information saying that website has a ‘secure server” before purchasing anything online.

A Final Note

Use your common sense and good judgment when evaluating health information online. There are websites on nearly every conceivable health topic and no rules overseeing the quality of the information. Take a deep breath and think a bit before acting on any health information you find on the web. If possible, check with several sources to confirm the accuracy of your results. And remember to talk with your doctor.

Online Health Information: Can You Trust It?

For information on

upcoming events and

news for caregivers

visit the

Del Mar Caregiver

Resource Center’s website at:

www.delmarcaregiver.org

Includes:

Caregiver News Blog

Online Registration for Events

Fact Sheets

Support Group Lists

Online and Community Resources

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updates on upcoming caregiver

workshops, articles on caregiving-related

issues, and upcoming events from other non

-profit agencies in San Benito, Santa Cruz,

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Link:

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Support Provided By:

Fragrance-free event. As a courtesy to those affected, please attend smoke and scent free.

Presented By:

Sponsors:

A Time for Learning and Sharing WORKSHOPS

To register: 800-624-8304 or www.delmarcaregiver.org

CAREGIVER UNIVERSITY

Free Upcoming Caregiver Workshops Caregiver University Workshop: The Journey of Caregiving for Beginners Presented by Staff of Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center in partnership with The Carmel Foundation

Saturday, September 22nd, 10:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.—Registration begins at 9:45 a.m.

The Carmel Foundation, Seidnick Room, SE Corner of 8th & Lincoln Ave, Carmel-by-the Sea CA

Self-Care for the Caregiver -This class will help caregivers become aware of the importance of self-care while caregiving. Caregivers will learn to recognize the signs of caregiver stress, fatigue and burnout and create a self-care plan that sustains them throughout the journey of caregiving. Understanding & Redirecting Dementia Behavior -This class will increase caregivers’ ability to understand and modify troublesome dementia behavior by learning the simple ABC of behavioral management

Caregiver University Workshop: The Journey of Caregiving for Beginners Presented by Staff of Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center in partnership with The Carmel Foundation

Saturday, October 6th, 10:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.—Registration begins at 9:45 a.m.

The Carmel Foundation, Seidnick Room, SE Corner of 8th & Lincoln Ave, Carmel-by-the Sea CA

Helpful Tips for Providing Personal Care to Someone with Memory Loss This class will increase caregivers’ ability to gain the participation and cooperation of their loved one while assisting in activities of daily living by understanding the loss of abilities during the different stages of dementia Making Choices for Everyday Care This class will help caregivers determine what their caregiving options are towards a path of successful caregiving. By learning how to assess their loved one’s functional level of care needs, how to match those needs with community resources, exploring financial assistance, understanding in home help and out of home care options available to them.

Caregiver University Conference– Save the Date! Presented by Staff of Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, Sam Trevino, LCSW and other guest speakers

Saturday, October 27th, 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Hollister Community Center, 300 West Street, Hollister CA Topics to include: Understanding Neurocognitive Disorders, Self Care and Stress Reduction, Fall Prevention and Preventative Exercises

Caregiver Support Groups

San Lorenzo Valley Caregivers Support Group When: Second and Fourth Thursday of each month, 2:00-3:30 pm Where: Highland Park Senior Center 8500 Highway 9 Ben Lomond

Facilitator: Barbara Hansen Quarterly Sponsors: Del Mar CRC

For information, please call Barbara at (831) 335-4949 or (831) 459-6639

If you can’t attend a support group in person, the Alzheimer’s Association offers Telephone Support Groups. Free

and no phone charges. For more information call the Alzheimer’s Association’s Monterey office at 800-272-3900

Additional support groups are offered through other agencies.

Alzheimer’s Association— 800-272-3900 Cabrillo College Stroke & Disability Learning Center: Santa Cruz - (831)425-0622 Central Coast Center for Independent Living: Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz - (831) 462-8720 Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula: Monterey - (831) 625-4606 Dominican Hospital: Santa Cruz - (831) 462-7700 Hospice of Santa Cruz County - (831) 430-3078 Jovenes de Antaño: San Benito - (831) 637-9275 First United Methodist Church: Watsonville (831) 662-3170 Twin Lakes Church: Aptos - (831) 465 3368

Sponsored by Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center

Caring for a Spouse or Life Partner Caregiver Support Group When: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 1:30 – 3:00 pm Where: 1537 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300, Santa Cruz Facilitator: Jessica Mattila, Family Consultant For information, call (831) 459-6639

Caregiver Support & Education Group - In Spanish

When: 2nd Monday of every month, 5:30 –7:30 pm Where: Quadrangle Building, 1000 South Main Street, Room 302, Salinas Facilitator: Maria Quiroz, Family Consultant Sponsors: Del Mar CRC For information, please call (831) 424-4359

Parkinson’s Support Group When: Third Friday of each month, 1:30—3:30 p.m. Where: Hollister Community Center, 300West Street, Hollister Facilitator: Christina Andrade, Senior Family Consultant Sponsors: Del Mar CRC, Jovenes de Antaño For more information please call 831-975-5841

Memory Impairment Caregivers Support Group When: First Wednesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 pm Where: Hollister Community Center 300 West Street, Hollister

Facilitator: Christina Andrade, Senior Family Consultant Sponsors: Del Mar CRC, Jovenes de Antaño

For information, please call (831) 975-5841 0 7

Health Projects Center’s

Del Mar Caregiver Resource

Center is here to meet the needs

of family caregivers.

For more information about free

and low cost services for caregivers

of people with brain impairment

please contact:

Health Projects Center

1537 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-459-6639

Or visit us online at

www.hpcn.org

www.delmarcaregiver.org

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

SANTA CRUZ, CA PERMIT 207 Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center

1537 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Current Resident or:

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served. Reproduction of any component of this publi-

cation is forbidden without a license from the publisher. It is for informational use and not health advice. It is not meant to replace medical care but to supplement it. The publisher assumes no liabil-

Adult Mental Health Services Available

Santa Cruz County: Health Service Agency (831) 454-4170 1400 Emeline Avenue Building K, Santa Cruz 1430 Freedom Blvd Suite B, Watsonville (831) 763-8200

Mental Health Client Action Network (831) 469-0462 1051 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz

Suicide Prevention Crisis Line (831-458-5300) Toll-free Crisis Line 1-877-663-5433 San Benito County: San Benito County Behavioral Health (831) 636-4020 1131 San Felipe Road, Hollister Monterey County:

Community Human Services (831) 658-3811

Mental Health Crisis Line (831) 755-4111 24 hour line

Monterey County Behavioral Health (831) 755-4510 or 1-888-258-6029

Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast (831) 458-5300 or 1-877-663-5433