Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management

04/16/2023

Blood Pressure and Behavior in the Elderly
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW

Hypertension, defined as a blood pressure exceeding 120/80 mmHg, is a major public health issue that may lead to stroke, heart attack and/or heart failure among individuals within the older adult population.

Major risk factors for high blood pressure include being overweight or obese. Additionally, an excess of salt in the individual’s diet may contribute to the development of hypertension. Too little potassium in one’s diet—defined as a potassium intake of less than 3400 milligrams/day in males and less than 2400 milligrams/day in
females—is a risk factor for hypertension as well. Consuming fruits and vegetables may help to supply an adequate amount of potassium intake for the elderly individual.

Research reveals that drinking seven to thirteen alcoholic beverages per week substantially raises blood pressure. Moreover, drinking too much alcohol in one sitting may transiently raise one’s blood pressure, and this effect may persist for several days. Smoking is strongly linked to high blood pressure and was found to be associated with malignant hypertension. Quitting smoking may reduce one’s blood pressure readings in a relatively short time span—often within twenty minutes of quitting.

Research shows that the presence of a full bladder raises blood pressure between 10 to 15 points among the elderly. Therefore, people are encouraged to empty their bladder
prior to measuring their blood pressure.

Research has found that sleepless nights may raise one’s blood pressure. To avoid sleepless nights, experts recommend going to sleep around the same time every day, avoiding food and drinks ninety minutes before bed, and refraining from watching
television while in bed. People who tend to snore or gasp for air at night should be checked for sleep apnea.

High stress levels, anxiety and depression may also be linked to high blood pressure. Therefore, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation and physical activity may help reduce one’s blood pressure, lower stress and improve overall health within the elderly.

We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one’s personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Please
visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss.

07/18/2022

SURVIVING THE LOSS OF AN ELDERLY SPOUSE:
COPING STRATEGIES
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW

Losing a spouse is a major life event that affects the surviving spouse significantly. The loss of a loved one may trigger physical, emotional, financial, and psychosocial distress for the surviving spouse. Statistics reveal that losing a spouse after the age of
65 is a common phenomenon. In fact, among adults 65 years and older, approximately 45 percent are widowed. The surviving spouse, often stricken by grief, may experience periods of sadness and tearfulness, poor appetite and weight loss, elevated levels of
inflammation and a weakening of their immune system.

After years of caring for an ill spouse and subsequently losing their loved one, the surviving spouse may neglect his/her own health and withdraw from others. Additionally, the individual may feel lonely, socially isolated, hopeless, and depressed. This turbulent
emotional state, if not treated, may lead to deficits in self-care, the emergence of new illnesses, and in some cases, death.

Adjusting to such a life change is crucial and requires the development of new coping strategies. The grieving spouse, now facing an abundance of free time, may need to engage in new activities, in order to fill his/her time with meaning and purpose. Taking control of one’s own life is a major step in recovering from the loss of another. Developing new hobbies, volunteering, obtaining a part time job, going on trips, joining a bereavement support group, getting a pet such as a dog or a cat, eating well, sleeping adequately, and obtaining daily exercise may offer a renewed sense of energy and hope. Seeking professional mental health assistance can help the spouse cope with his/her loss as well.

We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one’s personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Please
visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss.

07/05/2022

CONFRONTING ABUSE AND NEGLECT AMONG THE ELDERLY: NO EASY TASK
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW

As the aging population continues to grow, more attention is directed to the mistreatment and abuse of older adults. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to mistreatment, neglect, and abuse—all of which often go undetected. Elder abuse and neglect can be conceptualized as the action or lack of actions that may cause harm or distress within any relationship where trust is expected. Elder abuse and neglect may be intentional or unintentional, and may manifest in various forms:

Financial Exploitation: May include unpaid bills, suspicious charges on credit cards, unauthorized withdrawals from the older adult’s bank account, sudden changes to an individual’s will, and disparity between assets and living conditions.

Physical Abuse: The elder may present with signs of pressure ulcers, bruises, lacerations or other injuries, dehydration, or malnutrition. He/she may appear sedated at times. Poor hygiene and lack of personal care may also be evident.

Emotional and psychological abuse: Signs may include fear, tearfulness, crying constantly, agitation, anxious behavior, withdrawal, and lack of eye contact. When questioned, the elderly individual may fabricate details to avoid making the impression that he/she has been abused or neglected.

Sexual abuse: Signs may include bruises in the genitalia, torn or stained clothing, fear, agitation, depression, unexpected STD, infections, vaginal bleeding as well as difficulty sleeping.

Elder abuse and neglect is a crime that should be reported to the authorities and should be stopped immediately. Involvement of the family and professional care managers, social workers, nurses and doctors can help reduce the risk of abuse and mitigate its consequences.

We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Please visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss.

06/14/2022

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER: STRESS REDUCTION STRATEGIES

By : Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW

Caregivers who provide ongoing care to loved ones who are afflicted with a chronic illness may face multiple challenges and dilemmas. This phenomenon tends to induce stress in the caregiver, often on a prolonged basis. Stress is viewed as a disparity between environmental demands and the capacity to cope with these demands, or, a state in which the body’s physiological processes are out of balance and are not properly coordinated. Life events such as the death of a spouse or close family member, divorce, separation, personal injury or illness, retirement and a major change in financial status can be common triggers of stress.

Physical symptoms of stress such as: restlessness, heart palpitations, weight change, headaches, digestive problems, insomnia and stiff joints may be produced as a result of stressful life events. Emotional symptoms such as: irritability, crying spells, mood swings, frustration, anxiety, change in appetite, nightmares and depression are often incurred by stress. Additional manifestations of stress may also include memory loss, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, confusion, lethargy and disorganized thinking. The multiple roles that caregivers often assume tend to generate frustration or distress, as they are inundated with tremendous responsibilities and commitments. Ultimately, caregivers may become vulnerable and experience a range of symptoms.

The development of coping skills is essential for the caregiver, in order to maintain the ability to fulfill his/her multiple duties. Developing positive self-esteem, having a sense of control over his or her destiny, and accepting life’s changes as a challenge can be useful strategies in combating stress and caregiver burnout. Moreover, expanding one’s social network as well as involving health care providers to assist with clinical dilemmas, may lend additional support to the caregiver and minimize his/her level of stress.

Finally, involvement in recreational and physical activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, aerobic exercise, and even taking a daily walk can all serve as vehicles of stress reduction and alleviation of symptoms.

We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Please visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss.

06/01/2022

THE POWER OF MUSIC ON OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW

Research suggests that listening to music can have a positive effect on individuals who suffer from Dementia. Dementia is a neurological condition that manifests itself in the form of cognitive loss as well as behavioral, social and emotional changes. An elderly person who suffers from Dementia may experience symptoms of stress, sadness, anxiety, frustration, disorientation and sleep disturbance. Moreover, caregivers can become frustrated with the challenges of managing these behaviors and alleviating the suffering they cause.

Utilizing music as a therapeutic intervention can potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of Dementia related symptoms. Music has the power to stimulate cognition, improve verbal communication, enhance one’s mood and facilitate relaxation.

Music provides a calming effect, which may help mitigate moments of confusion and anxiety for the individual with Dementia. Participation in singing activities can trigger past recollection of familiar songs, whereby the older individual with cognitive issues may be able to retrieve words from his/ her long term memory. Ultimately, this may contribute to enhanced cognition and an improved quality of life for the individual with Dementia.

Soft music may help the elderly individual relax and fall asleep. Moreover, it may assist in reducing episodes of anxious mood and restlessness. Music can serve as a powerful therapeutic tool to connect with older adults who suffer from Dementia, and contribute greatly to the enhancement of their quality of life.

We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Please visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com
or contact us to discuss.

05/31/2022

PREVENTING DEHYDRATION AMONG THE OLDER POPULATION
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW

As we approach the summer, and the temperatures in most of the country are soaring, it is important to pay special attention to the elderly population. In fact, one of the ten most common diagnoses of older adults who are admitted to the hospital is dehydration. Dehydration can be caused by inadequate fluid intake, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and exposure to excessive heat. Ways to prevent dehydration include: drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in fluids, spending time in a cool place and avoiding outdoor exercise during the hottest hours of the day.
We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Please visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss.

06/28/2017

MEDICAID PLANNING
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW
As people get older and their health deteriorates, inflicting them with chronic illnesses, they may often seek paid home care services to supplement the unpaid caregiving assistance that is provided by family members, friends, and neighbors. The high cost of home care may often add an additional source of stress to the family, as it may drain the family's resources rapidly.
Our geriatric care manager will meet with you to develop a plan that will address your needs. We have years of experience in filing the necessary paperwork that will lead to a quick approval. We will help you gather all the needed documents, complete all forms and file them on your behalf. Please visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/23/health/medicaid-basic-facts.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront

One of the biggest flash points in the debate over Republican health care legislation is the future of Medicaid. Here are some basic facts about the 52-year-old program.

06/28/2017

MEDICAID PLANNING
By: Dr. Sassy Sasson, DSW, LCSW
As people get older and their health deteriorates, inflicting them with chronic illnesses, they may often seek paid home care services to supplement the unpaid caregiving assistance that is provided by family members, friends, and neighbors. The high cost of home care may often add an additional source of stress to the family, as it may drain the family's resources rapidly.
Our geriatric care manager will meet with you to develop a plan that will address your needs. We have years of experience in filing the necessary paperwork that will lead to a quick approval. We will help you gather all the needed documents, complete all forms and file them on your behalf. Please visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com or contact us to discuss.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/24/science/medicaid-cutbacks-elderly-nursing-homes.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfront

Medicaid, targeted for deep cuts by the Republican health care bill, currently pays for most of the 1.4 million people in nursing homes.

02/17/2017

Governor Cuomo's proposed 2014 NYS budget would eliminate spousal refusal for community based long term care. Granted, the term Spousal Refusal sounds m...

12/07/2016

COPING WITH SOCIAL ISOLATION
We offer a variety of services to assist with these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com

As numbers of vulnerable seniors without relatives rise, groups call for new efforts to navigate declines in physical and mental health.

12/05/2016

DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL
We offer a variety of services to assist with these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver. Visit us at: www.alternativesolutionsny.com

Seniors who feel they’re being rushed out of the hospital can file an appeal to halt the process but they need to act fast.

09/27/2016

HOUSE CALLS
We offer a variety of services to address these challenging issues. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your loved one's personal situation, while developing a treatment plan that addresses the multiple issues you currently face as his/ her caregiver.

Especially when treating the aging, house calls can benefit doctor, patient and the nation’s health care budget.