veterans day—a look back in timenovember/december 2011 the human brain has an astonishing ability...

• In Honor of Veterans 2-3

• Medicare Open Enrollment 4

• Harnessing Your Brain 5

• Senior Safety 6

• Diabetes Prevention 7

• Family Caregiver Section 8-10

• Alzheimers 11

• Calendar of Events 12

For Information and Referrals please call us at 503-846-3060

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Darrel Gulstrom

Jeanene Hammers, Vice Chair

Kathy Newkirk

Jeffrey Smith, Chair

Russ Wells

Mark Becker

Kurt Carlsen

Roger Fields, Vice Chair

John Hartner

Ian Johnson

Patricia Maberry, Past Chair

Young Nelson

Betty Pomeroy, Chair

Bob Terry

Glenna Wilder

November/December 2011

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when

the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Ver-

sailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven

months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, be-

tween the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour

of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11,

1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first

commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in Amer-

ica, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the

heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the

victory, both because of the thing from

which it has freed us and because of

the opportunity it has given America to

show her sympathy with peace and

justice in the councils of the nations…"

Veterans Day continues to be observed

on November 11, regardless of what

day of the week on which it falls. The

observance of Veterans Day on Novem-

ber 11 not only preserves the historical

significance of the date, but helps focus

attention on the important purpose of

Veterans Day: A celebration to honor

America's veterans for their patriotism,

love of country, and willingness to

serve and sacrifice for the common

good.

Veterans Day—A Look Back in Time

The Advisory


Veterans View

Though Veterans Day comes only once a year, Washington County works everyday to provide services and assis-tance to the over 40,000 veterans in our community. On September 28, 2011, under the leadership of our volunteer Veterans Committee, Work Source Beaverton, and the Washington County Veteran Services Program; we held an event at the PCC Willow Creek Center to assist veterans with employment and service needs. This event reached out to provide veterans an opportunity to meet with employers, connect with many community resources, receive health screenings, meet with veteran benefit counselors, register with the VA hospital for medical care, and more. There were twenty-five benefit providers and fourteen employers on hand to assist veterans and their families. About 150 veterans were connected with services and about two-thirds of them accessed job-related services through the Oregon Employ-ment Division. If you know a veteran who may not be receiving all the services he or she needs, please have them call Disability, Aging and Veteran Services at (503) 846-3060.

In Honor of Veterans Day – November 11, 2011

The Advisory


Honoring Service, Honoring Sacrifice

You may not know me the first time we meet, I’m just another you see on the street. But I am the reason you walk and breathe free. I am the reason for your liberty, I am a veteran. I work in the local factory all day, I own the restaurant just down the way, I sell your insurance… I start your IV, I’ve got the best looking grand-kids you’ll ever see. I’m your grocer, your banker, your child’s schoolteacher. I’m your plumber, your barber, your family’s preacher. But there’s part of me you don’t know very well. Just listen a moment, I’ve a story to tell. I am a veteran. I joined the service while still in my teens, I traded my prom dress for cam-ouflage greens. I’m the first in my family to do something like this. I followed my father like he fol-lowed his. Defying my fears and hiding my doubt, I married my sweetheart before I shipped out. I missed Christmas, then Easter. The birth of my son. But I knew I was doing what had to be done. I served on the battle front, I served on the base. I bound up the wounded and begged for God’s grace, I gave orders to fire, I followed commands, I marched into conflict in far dis-tant lands. In the jungle, the desert, on mountains and shores, In bunkers, in tents, on dank earthen floors.

While I fought on the ground, in the air, on the sea, My family and friends were home praying for me. For the land of the free and the home of the brave, I faced my demons in foxholes and caves. Then one dreaded day, without drummer or fife, I lost an arm, my buddy lost his life. I came home and moved on, but forever was changed. The perils of war in my memory remain. I don’t really say much. I don’t feel like I can, But I left home a child, And came home a man. There are thousands like me, Thousands more who are gone, But their legacy lives as time marches on. White crosses in rows, And names carved in queue, Remind us of what these brave souls had to do. I’m part of a fellowship, A strong mighty band, Of each man and each woman, Who has served this great land. And when old glory waves, I stand proud, I stand tall, I helped keep her flying over you, over all, I am a veteran.

"I Am a Veteran"

by Andrea C. Brett

© copyright 2003 all rights reserved

used with permission

Poem Background Notes

By Andrea C. Brett

One of the greatest privileges our family has enjoyed since we began perform-ing in Branson, Missouri is meeting the vet-erans who come to our show every single day. As I have spoken with many of these men and women over the years, I have dis-covered time and time again that some of the most amazing and inspiring stories of sacrifice and service to our country come from the most common people. Without their uniform to distinguish them from every-one else in the crowd, they look just like you and I. They come in all shapes, sizes, col-ors, ages, and backgrounds, yet they share one very important bond – military service to the greatest country on earth. Behind each of their faces and in each of their hearts is a story that most likely has gone untold or un-heralded. Most of them believe that their contribution was small – just part of their duty – but it is these individual efforts that have combined into a mighty force for free-dom. These stories, in combination, make up the bigger story of America itself - a story of courage, sacrifice, faith, honor, love, and the commitment to preserve and protect Her precious liberties.

The poem “I am a Veteran” was writ-ten to pay tribute to those who have written this story. Each line or phrase in the poem is the voice of one of these men or women; each represents an actual person that I have met or have been told about. The poem is not about one veteran, but each and all. The words represent only a sampling of the diverse experiences of our veterans - it would be impossible to cover them all – therefore, it is intended more to symbolize the sacrifice of all veterans and to honor them for the service they each performed.

The poem was also written to cause anyone who reads or hears it to become more aware of each man or woman they en-counter in their everyday comings and go-ings. Maybe he or she is a veteran. Maybe he or she had a part in securing my free-doms. Maybe this “common” person has performed uncommon service in my behalf. If so, the ground we share in our daily walk is truly sacred ground.

I have been told by many veterans that my poem has given them a voice. This is the highest compliment I could possibly receive. It is an honor to speak for any of these noble men and women who have given so much. It is with deepest gratitude and humility that I offer “I am a Veteran” as my gift to these great Americans.

I Am A Veteran

The Advisory


DAVS Seeks Veteran Case Aid Assistant Volunteers

Purpose: Come and help out our veterans who have faithfully served our country! Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services serves over 3,600 veterans and their families each year. Our Veteran Service Coordinators assist veterans in filing initial Federal VA claims for compensation, pension and other benefits. They strive to achieve the highest quality service possible, free of charge. This is where YOU come in! You can help by providing high level administrative support to our Veteran Service Coordinators in daily upkeep of claim files and appeals for the agency.

Job Duties:

Maintain files, index and record keeping systems which requires sorting, filing, retrieving, and distributing records or other documents.

Research case topics/issues for Veteran Service Coordinator in relation to claims via computer and telephone.

Assist in special mailings.

Basic data entry into office databases.

Operate computer hardware and software including Word and Excel.

Organize files and prepare them for laser fiche.

Skills and Knowledge:

Knowledge of basic office practices and procedures.

Ability to effectively alphabetize files correctly and efficiently.

Good organizational and communication skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Reliable and able to work independently and efficiently.

Ability to establish and meet deadlines.

Basic typing skills and computer knowledge, experience with internet, Word and Excel preferred.

Experience with office equipment such as fax machines and photocopiers helpful.

Some knowledge of VA terminology and paperwork helpful but not required.

Time Commitment and Location:

Flexible on days and times.

Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services – 180 E. Main Street, Suite 208, Hillsboro, OR 97123

If interested, please email [email protected] your resume and experience or call for an application at 503-846-3087.

If you or someone you care about has Medicare, make sure you mark your calendars. Medicare Open Enrollment is earlier this year. It starts on October 15th and ends on December 7th. Use this opportunity to review your Medicare choices and make sure you have the plan that is right for you. You

may be able to save money, get better coverage or both. It is worth it to take the time to review and compare.

There are available resources if you need help. The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA)

Program is a federally funded program available to assist Oregon Medicare beneficiaries. SHIBA Counselors in the

Washington County area will be available to provide free, unbiased, one-on-one assistance during the annual enroll-

ment period. For help call Washington County’s SHIBA hotline at 503-846-3094.

Medicare Open Enrollment

The Advisory


The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and change—even as we age. This ability is known as neuro-plasticity. With the right stimulation, the brain can form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways. The brain’s in-credible ability to reshape itself holds true when it comes to learning and memory. People can harness the natural power of neuroplasticity to increase cognitive abilities, enhance the brain’s ability to learn new information and improve memory. The following tips are for people who want to improve their brain power: Memory Tip 1: Don’t skimp on exer-cise or sleep. Treating your body well can enhance your ability to process and recall information. Physical exercise in-creases oxygen to your brain and re-duces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, including diabetes and car-diovascular disease. When you exercise the body, you exercise the brain. Your brain can’t operate at full capacity when you’re sleep deprived. Creativity, critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities are compromised whenever people have not had enough sleep. Research shows that sleep is nec-essary for memory consolidation as key memory-enhancing activity occurs during the deepest stages of sleep. Memory Tip 2: Make time for friends and fun. In a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found that people with the most ac-tive social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline. Studies show that a life full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits. Relationships stimulate our minds. In-teracting with others may be the best kind of brain exer-cise.

Memory Tip 3: Laughter is good for your brain. Laughter involves multiple regions across the whole brain. Listening to jokes and working out punch lines acti-vates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. Looking for ways to bring more laughter in your life? Start with these basics: S Laugh at yourself

S When you hear laughter, move toward it

S Spend time with fun, playful people

S Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up

Memory Tip 4: Keep stress and de-pression in check. Stress is one of the brain’s worst enemies. If left unchecked, over time chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus—the region of the brain involved in the forma-tion of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Depression also takes a heavy toll on the brain. Symptoms of depression include difficulty concentrating, making

decisions and remembering things. Seeking treatment for depression will make a big difference in your cognitive abilities, including memory. Maintaining healthy relationships with others may be the ultimate memory booster. There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and the mem-ory-boosting benefits of socializing. S Volunteer with DAVS

S Take an exercise class

S Learn a new activity

S Participate with the travel program

S Make a point to see friends more often or reach out over the phone

S If a human isn’t handy, don’t overlook the value of a pet—especially the highly-social dog or the curious kitty Excerpted from www.WebMD.com

Harnessing the Power of Your Brain

WCDAVS FOOD PANTRY WISHLIST

*Helping seniors, family caregivers and homeless veterans*

(Please check expiration dates on products.)

HEALTHY COLD CEREALS, GRANOLA BARS, RICE/PASTA

PASTA SAUCE, PUDDING CUPS, PEANUT BUTTER (CREAMY VARIETY)

LIQUID PROTEIN LIKE “BOOST” OR “ENSURE”

SUGAR FREE FOODS FOR DIABETICS

PET FOOD

Questions about the Food Pantry? Contact Deborah Letourneau @ 503-846-3083.

Drop-offs can be made to WCDAVS reception on 2nd floor

180 E. Main St.,Hillsboro

Tax receipts available.

Thank you for your support!

The Advisory


As the colder weather sets in, it is important for families, friends and neighbors to frequently check on the health and well being of our seniors. We are all aware of the possible dangers of senior’s falling on ice, but there are even greater risks for seniors when the weather gets cold. Hypothermia is dangerous because even mild cold temperatures can cause problems for seniors.

Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below normal and remains there for an extended length of time. As people age, their bodies are less able to endure long periods of ex-posure to cold, according to the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Many of the aging live on fixed incomes and in this recession can’t afford high heating bills. In addition some don’t feel temperature drops because of dementia or medica-tions that fog awareness. Certain types of medications can reduce the ability of an elderly person’s body to respond to cold.

Seniors also tend to be less active and generate less body heat than younger people, which means they may develop hypothermia after exposure to relatively mild cold weather or a small drop in temperature.

Signs of hypothermia include slow or slurred speech, confusion or sleepiness, shivering, stiffness in the arms and legs, weak pulse, slow reactions and poor control of body movements. Consider hypothermia (when core body temp drops below the normal 98.6 degrees). If a person’s temperature is 96 degrees or lower, call 911.

The NIA offers the following hypothermia prevention tips for seniors:

When it’s cold, wear several layers of loose clothing. The layers will trap warm air between them. Always wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens when outside in cold weather.

At home, wear long underwear under your clothes, along with socks and slippers. Use a blanket or afghan to keep legs and shoulders warm, and wear a hat or cap.

Set your home’s thermostat to at least 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Even indoor temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to hypothermia in older people.

Dangers of Hypothermia in Seniors

Avoid “Warm-Up” Thefts or Car Thefts

Now that the mornings are getting cooler, more people are going outside and warming-up their cars. Unfortu-

nately, some owners are leaving their cars running and, more importantly, unattended. That’s a risky combination

which spells, car theft.

Of course, the ideal situation for starting your car in cold mornings is to have parked it inside your garage the night

before. Here are some safety tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of car theft:

1. If possible, park your car in an enclosed garage.

2. Do not leave your car running inside the garage as this will create dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.

3. If your car was parked outside overnight and you want to warm it up, make sure you have two sets of keys.

One to start your engine and the other to lock the doors. If at all possible, do not leave your car unattended,

even for a minute.

4. While your car warms-up, take the opportunity to scrape the frost or ice from your car windows to improve visi-

bility.

5. Do not leave children unattended in the car while it warms up.

6. If you stop at a convenience store, do not leave your car running and unlocked, especially if your passengers

are children.

Law enforcement wants to discourage citizens from leaving their cars running and unattended at any time. Crime

opportunist are always on the lookout, don’t make it easy for them.

The Advisory


A new study released found that a combination of 5 healthy lifestyle factors may help reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, even if family history puts you at risk for the disease.

People with diabetes have high levels of glucose which is a type of sugar in the blood. Over time, the high levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness and other problems. According to new research, several lifestyle factors can re-duce your risk for type 2 diabetes. A research team led by Dr. Jared Reis of NIH studied 5 factors: having a healthy diet, keeping an ideal body weight, being physically ac-tive, not smoking and minimizing alcohol use.

The team used data collected in the mid-1990s from more than 200,000 older adults. The analysis showed that the more healthy lifestyle factors that were adopted,

the lower the risk for diabetes. Men with all 5 healthy lifestyle factors had a 72% lower risk while women had an 84% lower risk for developing the disease.

A family history of diabetes is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes. But these findings show that you may still be able to prevent or delay the disease by leading a healthy lifestyle. “Not being overweight or obese led to the greatest protection,” Reis says. “However, we found that overweight or obese adults with a greater number of the other healthy lifestyle factors had a lower risk of developing diabetes. This is good news because it suggests that over-

weight or obese adults can benefit by adopting other healthy lifestyle behaviors.”

Adapted from NIH News in Health October 2011 edition

Diabetes Prevention Month

Five Lifestyle Factors Lower Diabetes Risk

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited illness that invades the lungs and many other organs in the body. Fifty years ago, children with CF generally died by about age 10. But more research has led to dramatic improvements in treat-ment. Today, the life expectancy for CF patients in the U.S. has risen to about 37 years. Some live into their 40s, 50s or even older.

A main symptom is thick mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to repeated infections, scarring fibrosis and gradual deterioration. In CF, “the mucus gets sticky, and bacte-ria grow on sticky mucus.” Says Dr. William B. Guggino, a researcher with the Johns Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Center.

CF is caused by abnormal changes in a gene called CFTR. To have CF, a person must inherit 2 defective copies of the gene- one from each parent. Some people have a relatively mild form of the disease, while others have a more severe form.

Although CF has no cure, research has provided new and effective medications. These help thin the mucus, open the airways, fight infection and aid digestion which is a special concern for children and youths.

Many go through a daily routine of self-care including repeated rounds of chest physical therapy, also called chest clapping or percussion. Patients sit or lie in a position to help drain the mucus from their lungs. Then a therapist, family member or friend claps them rhythmically on the back to help loosen mucus so it can be coughed up. Early diagnosis and treatment can help raise the life expectancy for people living with CF.

Adapted from NIH News in Health July 2011 edition

Cystic Fibrosis



FREE FAMILY CAREGIVER TRAINING Sponsored by No Worries In-Home Care and WCDAVS Family Caregiver Support Program

For family members and other unpaid caregivers providing care in the home

Next Training:

Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at

No Worries Training Center, Parkside Business Center

8285 SW Nimbus Ave., Suite 150

Corner of Nimbus & Hall in Beaverton

Sessions include:

Self-care & community resources; Basic personal care techniques and assistive equipment;

Medication administration & dealing with challenging behaviors; Elder law considerations & end-of-life planning;

CALL TODAY TO REGISTER: 503-846-3089

The Family Caregiver Advisory


1. Limit access to TV: Keep the TV and computer games in the living room, where you can keep an eye on “screen time.”

2. Keep the fridge stocked with fresh fruits and bottled water, not high-calorie sweets and sodas.

3. Set a good example: Be active, lose weight, eat right!

4. If it’s safe, let your grandchild walk to school or to friends’ houses. Walk with them, both for safety and for the exercise you get.

5. Sign him up for extracurricular sports and activities.

6. Visit the playground, park, and pool as often as possible.

7. Shop and cook together. At the supermarket, teach your grand-child about making healthy food choices; at home, let him help you prepare tasty, healthy meals and snacks.

Source: CDC; www.About.com

Tips to Help Kids Stay Active and Healthy

Grand-Parenting News

Home Remedies to Soothe

Some minor upsets are safely and easily treated at home with these time-honored remedies.

S Steam for Stuffy Noses: Stuffy noses and coughs can be soothed with steam. Heat water in a pan and make a “tent” over it for your grandchild to sit under to breathe the steam, or, move him into the bathroom and run a hot shower until the room is filled with steam.

J Oatmeal to sooth itchy skin: Nothing is better than

a 15 minute oatmeal bath for dry or irritated skin. Grind up a cup of oat meal in a blender until it’s a coarse pow-der. Add a half cup to a warm bath, as the water is run-ning. Mix well. The water will look milky and the tub will be slippery.

J Hot water bottles for comfort: Most children feel better if they have something warm to cuddle when they don’t feel well. Fill a hot water bottle with warm water, wrap it in a soft towel or blankie and let your grandchild fall asleep with this soothing companion.

Source: WebMD

Every child manages to get his or her fair share of bumps and bruises just running around the house. Keep your grandchildren safe by following these important tips to prevent seri-ous injury:

Don’t let toddlers get onto or out of chairs by themselves. Unless you’re sure a chair won’t tip over, always help with getting in and out; not just high-chairs either; din-ing room chairs are easy to tip over too.

Secure bookshelves, televisions, and other tall furniture to the wall. Every year, almost 14,000 children get seriously hurt by having big TVs or bookshelves tip over and fall on them. Never let kids crawl or climb up on tall furniture; use special brackets to secure the furniture to the wall to keep it from tipping over.

Bumper your coffee table. Coffee tables, with their low height and pointy corners, can be a real hazard to kids. Falls against coffee tables can result in facial cuts, head inju-ries, and broken teeth. You can buy special “bumpers” for your coffee table, or make your own with rolls of soft fabric and duct tape. Avoid glass tables; they can be deadly. If you can, replace your square or rectangular table with a round one.

Don’t let kids jump on the bed. We all know how dangerous trampolines can be; a bounce on the bed can be just as bad

Source: New York Times; www.safekids.org

Dangerous Furniture!

The Family Caregiver Advisory


Mental illness can begin at any age, from childhood through senior years. Because elderly people may have a combi-nation of medical, psychological and social issues, diagnosing and managing mental health problems can be challeng-ing.

Mental illness refers to a wide range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. These can include de-

pression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time; these only become a mental illness when the signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect the ability to function in daily life, work or relationships.

Many people with debilitating mental health issues avoid treatment or think that this is a normal part of aging. In

most cases, mental illness symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and counseling (psychotherapy).

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Aside from reducing overall quality of life, untreated mental illness can

cause severe emotional, behavioral, physical health, legal and financial problems. Symptoms Symptoms of mental illness may include unusual thinking, behavior or emo-tions; sadness and anxiety, withdrawing from friends and family, excessive en-ergy, sleep disturbance and even delusions or hallucinations.

Others may be the first to realize there’s a problem. In these cases, have an

open and honest discussion with the person in your care about your concerns.

You can also help him find a qualified provider and make an appointment. You

may even be able to go with him. Most mental illnesses don’t improve on their

own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse.

Possible Causes

No one is sure what causes mental illness. Factors that may play a role:

Inherited traits. Mental illness may run in families and a life situation may trigger it in those who are at risk.

Biological factors. Outside forces such as severe brain injury or exposure to viruses or toxins before birth.

Life experiences. Challenging situations like the loss of a loved one and high stress may trigger mental illness. Being

brought up with low self-esteem or enduring sexual or physical abuse can lead to unhealthy patterns of thinking.

Brain chemistry. Hormone imbalances may play a role.

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability and left untreated, mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral, physical

health, legal and financial problems.

Mental Illness, Depression, Stress

Coping and Support

Coping with a mental illness is challenging. Provide support

by helping him:

Learn about his illness, so that you (and the family) un-

derstand what he is going through and how you can help.

Keep connected with friends and family, to participate

in social activities, ask for help when needed and tell loved

ones about how he’s doing.

Keep a journal, to track what triggers or improves his

symptoms. Journaling is also a healthy way to explore and

express pain, anger, fear and other emotions.

Join a support group, to connect with others facing simi-

lar challenges. Support groups are available in many com-

munities and online. Visit NAMI, the National Alliance on

Mental Illness at www.nami.org

Source: Mayoclinic.com; National Alliance on Mental

Illness; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services

Administration

The Advisory


Alzheimer’s Disease & Difficult Behavior

Hoarding and Clutter

In caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), some behaviors are more difficult to deal with than others. You must learn to cope with the behavior and to keep yourself from burnout.

Your reaction depends on how you inter-pret the behavior. If you think of these be-haviors as a way for the person with AD to communicate what she needs and feels, or what is upsetting her, you’ll be better able to respond calmly. Always take a moment to consider if the person in your care is ill, in pain, tired, or otherwise uncomfortable. Then, ask yourself if you are asking too much of him or her.

Hoarding

Individuals with dementia are continuously losing parts of their lives—work, friends, family, and memories. This can make them hoard to “keep things safe.” Hoarding can also be trig-gered by a fear of being robbed.

An uncluttered home is the ideal environment. But re-member that safety and security are more important than perfection.

Build trust. Any changes you make to the home may cause a person with dementia to become very anxious.

Safety first. Check for fire hazards, fall hazards, and poi-

soning hazards. Keep things like cleaning fluids, plant soil, lotions, and medicines out of reach. Regularly check the refrigerator to make sure that old food is tossed. Because some frail adults hold onto furniture while moving through the home, make sure that these supports are stable. Minimize hiding places. Lock unused closets or doors. For persons who are still able to read, put up signs that say “NO” or “STOP” where you don’t want them to go.

Learn where the person tends to hide things.

Limit valuables or cash within reach.

Keep junk mail to a minimum. Arrange for bills to be sent to someone else for payment.

Remove nonessentials, like out-of-season clothing.

Understand coping mechanisms. Some peo-ple with dementia may keep belongings, including clothing, out in the open, so they know where they are. This may help them continue to func-tion in the early or middle stages of the disease. They may be willing to put their belongings away if large signs on drawers, such as “Shirts,” help

them find their possessions.

Fill a drawer with “odds and ends” for him to rum-mage through.

Check wastebaskets for “lost” items before they are emptied.

Keep duplicates of important items such as glasses, keys, etc.

Smoking Linked to Alzheimer’s

Smoking more than two packs of cigarettes daily from ages 50 to 60 increases risk of dementia later in life.

Source: WebMD Health News

Cleaning Up Clutter Discuss with the person in your care why the cleanout is needed (health dangers, eviction). Enlist her help, let her feel that she has some control over what is happening. Go slowly. Even if you are only able to clear one small table or a corner of a room, the person’s well-being and sense of control are more important than perfect cleanliness.

Source: From Weill Medical College of Cornell University; New York Presbyterian; the

University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell

Screaming Fits People with dementia often have a phase of screaming fits. First, ask a doctor to check for any physical reason for the screaming. Note if there is any pattern to the screaming, such as just around mealtimes.

If no physical cause is found, it is probable that the person just feels bewildered. Try to keep calm and make him feel loved and supported. If the screaming persists, he may need a small amount of sedation from the doctor, as well as plenty of comfort from you. Usually, this distressing phase passes, and the sedation can be stopped. Source: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Don’t Fall – Be Safe

Be sure to have the proper snow shoes or boots

when walking outside

The Advisory

The Advisory Rebecca Tabra To subscribe/unsubscribe to the Advisory call 503-846-3060

View The Advisory and past issues on the Web at:

www.co.washington.or.us/News/Newsletters/theadvisory.cfm

Calendar of Events

Aging and Veteran Services

Advisory Council

Thursday, November 17,

9:00am-Noon

Washington County Conference Center

225 S. 1st Street, Hillsboro

1st Floor of Parking Structure

Thursday, December 15

9:00am-Noon

Washington County Conference Center

225 S. 1st Street, Hillsboro

1st Floor of Parking Structure

For more information contact Janet Long

at 503-846-3081 or email at

[email protected]

Disability Services Advisory

Council

Monday, November 14,

1:00pm-3:00pm

Beaverton SPD Office

4805 SW Griffith Drive,

Beaverton

Monday, December 12,

1:00pm-3:00pm

Beaverton SPD Office

4805 SW Griffith Drive,

Beaverton

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (SNAP) Events

Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Partners for a Hunger

Free Oregon will be present at the Washington County senior meal sites

and community center to assist individuals in finding out what food as-

sistance they may obtain as well as other services. All times are

10:30am to 1:00pm. Find out if you may qualify by dropping by at a

center on the following dates:

All Saints

372 NE Lincoln, Hillsboro

December 19

Elsie Stuhr Senior Center

5550 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton

November 3 and December 12

Forest Grove Senior Center

2037 Douglas St., Forest Grove

December 15

Hillsboro Community Center

750 SE 8th Ave., Hillsboro

November 7 and December 7

Juanita Pohl Community Center

8513 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin

November 22

King City Community Center

15245 SW 116th Ave., King City

November 28

North Plains Senior Center

31450 NW Commercial Street, North Plains

November 16

Sherwood Senior Center

21907 SW Sherwood Blvd., Sherwood

November 14

Tigard Senior Center

8815 SW O’Mara St., Tigard

December 2

veterans day—a look back in timenovember/december 2011 the human brain has an astonishing ability...

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