Holiday Program Helps Lackawanna County Seniors Struggling With Poverty and Loneliness

Be a Santa to a Senior^®, the popular campaign that in last year delivered more than 1,800 gifts to local needy seniors, is being planned again this holiday season as older adults continue to face financial challenges and loneliness.

Janet Zaleski, Oakwood Terrace and Jessica Engel,

Home Instead Senior Care prepare gifts for local seniors

The area office of the Home Instead Senior Care^® network, the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for older adults, is joining Compassionate Care Hospice, Gino Merli Veterans’ Center, Golden Living Center, Highland Manor, Meals on Wheels of NEPA, Oakwood Terrace, and Serving Seniors, Inc. together with Abington Community Library, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Keystone College, Marshalls, Peebles, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart to provide gifts and companionship to seniors who otherwise might not receive either.

“Seniors faced with medical bills and the escalating cost of living typically find they have little or nothing left at the end of the year,” said Bob Vielee, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Lackawanna County. “That’s not the only issue, though. Worries become magnified for so many living alone with no one to share their problems.”

Here’s how to help these struggling seniors: Pick up ornaments with the first names of seniors and their gift requests from Christmas trees, located at:

·         Abington Community Library (1200 W Grove Street, Clarks Summit)

·         Marshalls (1118 Commerce Boulevard, Dickson City)

·         Peebles (89 Brooklyn Street, Carbondale and State Routes 435 & 502, Moscow)

·         Walgreens (330 S. Main Street, Scranton)

·         Wal-Mart (900 Commerce Boulevard, Dickson City)

Jessica Engel, Home Instead Senior Care and a 2011
Be a Santa to a Senior gift recipient.

The trees will be up now through December 10. Buy the item(s) on the list and return it unwrapped to the store, along with the ornaments attached. A gift-wrapping party, hosted by the Sports Management and Recreation Team at Keystone College, will be held at the school on December 12.

“Helping a needy older adult can bring joy to the giver as well as the receiver – it does make a difference,” Vielee said.

For more information about the program, visit www.beasantatoasenior.com or call Jessica Engel at 570-687-4755.

Power Grip

Having a strong hand grip can positively impact the everyday lives of seniors.  Try this exercise with your client to help improve hand strength:

1.       Ask your client to hold a tennis ball or other small flexible ball in one hand.

2.       Slowly squeeze the ball as tightly as possible, hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then slowly relax the squeeze. 

3.       Repeat 10 to 15 times in each hand. 

Seniors can do this squeezing exercise while sharing stories or watching TV.  You can also help your client keep her hands and fingers limber by encouraging her to open jars or fold laundry.

How About a Movie Matinee?

Eighty percent of seniors fear isolation and loneliness.  What could be more fun than an afternoon at the movies?  Check the movie listings online or in your local newspaper and make a date.  Have your client invite a friend to join you at the theater.

If your client is confined to her house or facility, rent her favorite movie and invite one of her friends to enjoy a cinematic afternoon with great company. 

Don’t forget the popcorn!

September is Cholesterol Education Month

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. 

A variety of factors affect cholesterol levels.  Some factors cannot be controlled, like age, gender and family history, but others, including diet, weight and physical activity, can be managed with some simple lifestyle changes.  Limiting foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower levels, as does incorporating regular, age-appropriate physical activity.  

If your client has high cholesterol, you can help her manage her condition by paying close attention to her weight, diet and physical activity.  And if you have a family history of high cholesterol, be sure to take care of yourself!    

Senior Scams to Watch Out For

Because seniors are the most likely to have a nest egg, own their own home and have excellent credit, they’re an attractive target for scam artists.  Knowing common senior-related scams can help you recognize when your client is a target. 

According to the National Association of Triads, the top six scams involving seniors are:

1.       Telemarketing fraud - when a senior sends money or provides personal or financial information to unknown solicitors over the phone, through email or on the internet.   

2.       Charity fraud - when someone misrepresents charitable causes – fictitious or real – to steal money from donors.   

3.       Sweepstakes fraud - when a senior is told she has won a major prize, but must pay taxes, shipping or other fees either before receiving the prize or after receiving and cashing a fake check. 

4.       Health care fraud - misuse of insurance or Medicare cards to bill seniors, their insurers or Medicare for equipment, supplies or services not provided or needed. 

5.       Identity theft - when someone assumes a senior’s identity to perform criminal acts such as taking out loans or opening credit accounts. 

6.       Financial fraud - predatory financial transactions such as mortgage scams, Ponzi schemes, or unrealistic long-term investments. 

If you suspect your client is the victim of fraud, contact your local franchise office immediately.

Signs Your Senior is not Eating Well

Does your client’s diet fit the bill?  These warning signs may signal a potential nutrition problem:

1.       Loss of appetite - If your client has been a hearty eater but no longer has a strong appetite, find out why. 

2.       Depression - A change in appetite can signal depression.  Encourage your client and his family to follow up with a physician.

3.       Sudden weight changes - If your client gains or loses 10 pounds in six months, a trip to the doctor is in order.   

4.       Expired food - Ensure your client isn’t “saving” expired food.  Label food expiration dates in large letters and numbers. 

5.       Lethargy - Encourage a doctor’s visit if your usually-active client suddenly becomes lethargic.

6.       More than three medications - Medication can affect appetite and weight.  Suggest your client and his family discusses potential side effects, like unexplained weight loss, with his physician.

Inform the franchise office staff if your client experiences any of these warning signs.

How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

Card games are a great way to improve your client’s sense of well-being.  How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

1.       Deal five cards to each player.  

2.       Place remaining cards face down, turning the top card face up to create the discard pile. 

3.       Take turns discarding by matching the rank or suit of the top card in the discard pile.

4.       If you are unable to match the rank or suit and do not have an eight, draw cards from the stockpile until you can play.

5.       When a player discards an eight, she must declare the suit the next player will play and that player must play the named suit or an eight. 

The first player to discard all of her cards wins, and other players score penalty points according to the cards remaining in their hands.  Meaningful conversation while playing will boost your client’s outlook.