Question

09/8/09
Subject matter: TRANSFER TRAUMA

We’re about to move my 80 year-old father into an assisted living facility and I’ve just become aware of a phenomenon called “transfer trauma.” Can you please elaborate on this? Terry in Missouri, 60

Answer

When an elderly person is moved to a new location, it can often take some time for him to adjust to the situation. Just moving to a room with a window in the same facility or institution can cause problems. This is transfer trauma. Everything familiar has changed, and you have to take that into account. Give your father time to get used to the new environment. I’m talking about the sounds, the smells, the other people, and especially the food. This adjustment period can take longer for those who are non-verbal.

Often, your father will be dealing with a certain level of disorientation and fear when he moves. Sometimes there are new roommates to get to know. There might be a staff of aides to recognize and trust. Do what you can to facilitate a comfort level as soon as possible. Talk with your father about the move and remind him why the change was made. He needs to be reassured that the new environment is safe and positive and that he is going to be OK. It’s also important to let your father know that the family is going to visit often.

Transfer trauma can often cause the elder’s family to become concerned since he/she isn’t acting like him/herself. Memory loss, a higher level of agitation, and lack of appetite are all signs of transfer trauma. The problem can become compounded when the family calls the doctor to correct these issues. Your elder then might be prescribed medication when he/she should just be given time to adjust to the new surroundings. Alert the doctor that there has been a change in your elder’s environment, but allow a few days before any doctors are asked to address these symptoms.

Over the last 35 years, Marion Somers, Ph.D., (Doctor Marion) has worked with thousands of seniors and their caregivers as a geriatric care manager. It is now her goal to help caregivers everywhere through her book, “Elder Care Made Easier,” web site, public service announcements, national bus tours, and media appearances. For more information, visit DoctorMarion.com.

Question

08/7/09
Subject matter: FUN WITH FOOD

My 82 year-old mother was always a great cook, but she isn't able to make most of her own meals anymore. How can I still make food fun for her? Kristine in North Carolina, 55

Answer

Food is one of the few remaining varieties in your elder’s life. It might be more important to them now than ever before, so fill the house with food they like, as long as it’s approved by their doctor. Consider your elder’s likes and dislikes and shape their diet accordingly. It sounds obvious, but many elderly are forced to gulp down pre-fab liquid drinks and hard-to-handle food, and many do not get anything resembling balanced meals. Find out if Meals-On-Wheels is available in your town, and ask if your elder would like to receive it. Remember that they might not want to consume it if they’ve enjoyed a lifetime of home-cooked foods.

Find their favorite cookbook and go to the dirtiest pages—that’s where their favorite recipes are. Prepare it for them. Plan a diet and eating routine that allows your elder to feed themselves as often as possible. You also have to make eating elder-friendly. If they’ve lost some manual dexterity, encourage finger foods, smaller portions, and use non-breakable plates. Be sure your elder gets the right amount of calories for their age, height, and weight. Keep food fresh and interesting for them, and make sure they’re eating regularly. Many elderly lose interest in food and just don’t eat enough. Always be sure to check with your elder’s doctor for proper nutritional details.

Also, investigate if there are local restaurants and/or grocery stores that will deliver to your elder’s residence. You can set up a tab ahead of time. Your elder might really enjoy a knock at the door and a different hot lunch and dinner delivered every day.

Over the last 35 years, Marion Somers, Ph.D., (Doctor Marion) has worked with thousands of seniors and their caregivers as a geriatric care manager. It is now her goal to help caregivers everywhere through her book, “Elder Care Made Easier,” web site, public service announcements, national bus tours, and media appearances. For more information, visit DoctorMarion.com.

Question

07/7/09
Subject matter: TAKE STOCK OF MEDICATIONS

I cannot believe how many pills my 86 year-old father takes every day. There has to be something I can do to improve the situation! Charlene in Arizona, 57

Answer

It’s true that a staggering percentage of our elderly population takes a huge amount of medication. This can have a disastrous effect on their mental and physical well-being. As soon as you assume a caregiving role, you need to immediately take a careful inventory of your elder’s medications. Note the following:
• What’s prescribed?
• Who prescribed it?
• Amount prescribed?
• What’s the dosage?
• Why is it taken?
• How often is it taken?
• When is it supposed to be taken?
• Who pours the medications?
• Who ensures the stock of medications isn’t depleted?
• What is being taken over-the-counter?
• Does the doctor know about all of the over-the-counter medication?
• What vitamins are being taken?
• Are any medications contra-indicated?
• Does each doctor know about all of the medications being taken?

Bring this information to your elder’s doctor and thoroughly discuss all prescriptions, vitamins, and over-the-counter items. Ask the doctor if any of the medications are contra-indicated, what the side effects are, and if some medications could be eliminated or reduced. Some medication might be able to be weaned instead of eliminated entirely. Finally, ask if any of your elder’s medication is addictive. Moving forward, buy all of your elder’s meds and over-the-counter drugs from one main pharmacy. This will help with familiarity and convenience. A pharmacist who knows your elder’s history can also help avoid contra-indicated prescriptions.

Be sure your elder has a user-friendly medication box (the bigger the better so they don’t get their fingers stuck or find it difficult and confusing to use). Add large labels to the bottles and label them with your own system to keep dosage times in order. You can use whatever works for you, just be consistent. I’ve seen husbands take their wives’ medication and vice versa. This is what you’re trying to avoid.