September 2, 2016

Falls Prevention Awareness Day

September 2, 2016

Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans aged 65+ falls each year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for elder Americans. Every September on the first day of fall, the National Council on Aging and the Falls Free Initiative work to promote Falls Prevention Awareness Day. The 9th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2016, and Peace of Mind Home Care is hosting a day filled with free workshops and activities!

*Yoga poses for improved flexibility

*Tai Chi sequences for improved balance

*Medication Management tips from an expert

*Tricks to prevent falls from a Physical Therapist

*Brain Fitness exercises from an expert

Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street

Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 10AM-2PM

Sponsored by Peace of Mind Home Care of Alameda

Bring your friends and your neighbors, and we will see you on September 22nd!

Peace of Mind Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with Peace of Mind.

To learn more about Falls Prevention, visit the National Council on Aging.

Mei-Ling Jenks

July 21, 2016

Alzheimer's Disease as an Adventure in Wonderland

Mei-Ling Jenks

July 21, 2016

A page from “Aliceheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Through the Looking Glass,” by Dr. Dana Walrath.

Dr. Dana Walrath, a medical anthropologist with a background in art and writing, used her three year experience caregiving for her mother, Alice, to inspire the memoir, “Aliceheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Through the Looking Glass,”. Alice was in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease during this time, and the book is a tribute to her animated mind.

"Aliceheimers" was created with the technique of graphic medicine, which uses text and graphics to “let us better understand those who are hurting, feel their stories, and redraw and renegotiate those social boundaries.”

When asked in an interview with the New York Times about how her book might influence the caregiving community, Dr. Walrath shared the following:

“I would love to see “Aliceheimer’s” contribute to reframing dementia as a diversity issue. Of course there is loss involved, but the more we can see people living in this state as useful true humans who might teach us all something about living in the present, about knowing sides of our loved ones that social processes kept inaccessible, the better it will be.”

To learn more about graphic medicine, the background behind the book's creation, and how it can help others caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, read the whole article on the New York Times Health Blog.

To learn more about Alzheimer's disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association.

Mei-Ling Jenks

July 6, 2016

Elder Abuse Awareness

Mei-Ling Jenks

July 6, 2016

Did you know that one out of 20 elder Americans are victims of elder abuse each year? While elder abuse can take many forms, including neglect, emotional abuse, abandonment, financial abuse, or physical/sexual abuse, 40% of those victims are due to financial exploitation.

Learn to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse so you can help stop the cycle:

Caregiver appears too aggressive or exhibits uncomfortable behavior
Elder unable to speak for him or herself in presence of caregiver
Bruises, abnormal skin changes, dirty appearance, poor hygiene
Personality changes, hesitation to talk openly
Sudden involvement of previously uninvolved relative or new friend
Unexplained changes to will, power of attorney, or other legal documents

If you see any of these signs, contact the Alameda County Family Justice Center Elder Protection Unit, your local Law Enforcement, or Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-866-225-5377.

Alameda County Family Justice Center

470 27th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 267-880

Source: Alameda County District Attorney's Office

To learn more about Elder Abuse, visit the National Center for Elder Abuse.