Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
There are many experiences in aging that contribute to feeling anxious. Older adults have normal concerns over health issues, finances, housing, relationships, and many other things, at a time in life when they are experiencing multiple changes and significant emotional losses. Older adults may not use the word “anxiety,” but may discuss worries, fears, concerns, and being nervous or high strung. Anxiety becomes an issue when it begins to be overwhelming and significantly interferes with daily functioning. Older adults with anxiety disorders find it very difficult to control the worry. They may experience obsessive thoughts and the need to repeat certain behaviors to be comfortable. They may experience difficulty sleeping, worrying in the dark of the night, and may have recurrent nightmares. There can be a sense of restlessness, energy that is going nowhere, a racing of the thoughts in their mind.
Anxiety disorders are probably underestimated in older adults and are difficult to diagnose. Many older adults report problems with the physical “symptoms” of anxiety rather than the psychological. It is essential to rule out other physical causes and then to address the issues of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, and they may be able to describe other family members that were excessive worriers. Anxiety and depression often occur together in older adults. A focus on the anxiety symptoms may be an immediate need and then a shift may be necessary to focus on the issues that may be causing depression.
Anxiety presents with many physical symptoms: nausea, shakiness, irritable bowel, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and muscle pain. The language used to describe anxiety is “I feel like I am going crazy”, or “I think I am going to die” or “Don’t leave me.”
There are many types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is most common in older adults and can escalate into panic disorders, which can be very limiting. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may well be present but undiagnosed in persons residing in “garbage houses”, or in many older adults with “hoarding” issues. Social phobia may be present in many older adults who are incontinent. They begin to isolate themselves out of fear that they will have an “accident” and be embarrassed or scorned in social situations.
Being very anxious also puts an older person at risk of becoming dependent on alcohol or developing other substance abuse in attempts to control the anxiety. Alcohol will decrease the symptoms of anxiety, but often creates another whole set of problems.
Post traumatic stress disorder can be the result of events that elicits “old memories” of traumatic events: military combat, rape, and child abuse. Many older adults are “secret keepers” of the family alcoholism, past child abuse, or the effects natural disasters have had on them. In preparation for death many older adults need support to complete “unfinished business” that is causing great underlying anxiety.
Anytime an older adult says, “I have never told this to anyone,” be very prepared to listen closely to what comes next and to respond to issues that are revealed.
Anxiety in Family Caregivers
Family caregivers experience great stress over an extended period of time. Caregiver burden is often referred to. Many things seem to be out of control. Poor coping strategies increase the sense of loss of control and increase anxiety. Anxiety and depression often occur together. Caregivers of persons with dementia probably have increased risk of both depression and anxiety, due to the often unpredictable behaviors of the care receiver.
If you would like more information about “Anxiety in Aging” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information in next week’s paper.
Students attending Sleepy Eye Public Schools will have Friday, November 15 off due to a Staff Development day. Classes will resume on Monday, November 18. Preschools are also included in the no class day.
An open gym will be held on Saturday, November 16, 3:30-5 in the Elementary gym. Registration is appreciated so workers are available. The ECFE holiday event will be on Friday, December 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Remember to sign up early so supplies will be available.
The last all day quilting for 2024 will be held on Saturday, November 16 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. All skill levels are invited to attend. New projects or unfinished projects are brought to these sessions. Participants share a potluck lunch.
Cookie Decorating for Adults is offered on Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to use a variety of royal icing techniques to make cookie master pieces from Sam Whittington. Class minimum is 10. A second class is offered for youth 13 and older on Tuesday, December 15, 3:30-5 p.m. Both classes will be in the Lindahl Room.
Planning has already begun for the next session of activities offered through Sleepy Eye Community Education. Suggestions for events and or classes through June would be most welcome. “Grease” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre has already been reserved for Wednesday, April 2, 1 p.m. matinee with noon lunch served prior to the show. Defensive Driving classes have also been scheduled for spring of 2025.
The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most weekdays. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org
The ECFE program has a couple of events during the month. Mommy and Me is planned for Friday, November 8, 5-6:30 p.m. in the FACS Room at SEHS. An open gym will be held on Saturday, November 16, 3:30-5 in the Elementary gym. Registration is appreciated so supplies and workers are available.
Defensive Driving classes have been well attended this fall. One more session is available on Thursday, November 7, at 1 p.m. The sessions are open to those needing to renew their certificate after three years or first time attendees for anyone 55 and older. Material is provided by the Minnesota Safety Council and Kathy Pedersen, retired highway patrolwoman, is the instructor. Since July 1, 2024, the Accident Prevention Course Rule allows anyone to take the four-hour course which is for first time attendees as well as those having to renew their certificate after three years. The eight-hour course is available on line if one prefers. Three class dates have already been chosen for spring 2025.
The last all day quilting for 2024 will be held on Saturday, November 16 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. All skill levels are invited to attend. New projects or unfinished projects are brought to these sessions. Participants share a potluck lunch.
The Community Education Advisory Board will be meeting on Thursday, November 7, 4 p.m. to plan for the next session of activities. Updates on the fall session will be provided. There are openings on the board for any resident who would like to be in on the planning of activities for the year. Just give the Community Education office a call or email to indicate you are interested.
The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most weekdays. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org
Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
In the U.S., more than half of those providing care do not recognize themselves as caregivers. As a result, many do not access the tools that can alleviate caregiving stress. To address the caregiving crisis nationwide, we must help individuals identify themselves as caregivers and connect them with resources that can make a difference.
This year, during 2024 National Family Caregivers Month, we highlight the importance of self-recognition and self-identity which are key factors in caregivers’ access to essential support. Identifying as a caregiver opens the door to the family caregiver support needed throughout their journey.
The 2024 National Family Caregivers Month theme is “I Care….” and focuses on empowering caregivers to self-identify and access the resources they need to succeed. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the proper support and tools, you can continue to provide care while taking care of yourself.
As a family caregiver, your health and well-being are important. How can you find ways to care for yourself and juggle your role as a caregiver? These tips can be used on a daily basis to make your tasks easier and make sure you are not neglecting your own needs.
Seek Support from Other Caregivers
One of the most valuable resources for family caregivers is connecting with others in similar situations. Seek support from other caregivers through online communities and support groups. Sharing experiences and advice with fellow caregivers can provide emotional relief and practical tips for managing caregiving challenges.
Take Care of Your Own Health
Maintaining your health is crucial for being able to care effectively for your loved one. Take care of your own health by focusing on nutrition, exercise, and sufficient rest. Regular self-care routines can help you stay strong and resilient in the face of caregiving demands.
Accept Offers of Help
It is essential to accept help when offered. Accept offers of help and suggest specific tasks or errands that others can assist with. Delegating responsibilities can ease your workload and reduce stress.
Communicate Effectively with Healthcare Professionals
Effective communication with healthcare professionals is vital for managing your loved one’s care. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors to ensure that all medical concerns are addressed. Clear and concise communication helps in understanding treatment plans and making informed decisions.
Take Respite Breaks
Caregiving can be overwhelming, so taking respite breaks regularly is important. These breaks can help prevent burnout and give you time to recharge. Schedule time for yourself to engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.
Watch Out for Signs of Depression
Be vigilant about signs of depression, which can affect caregivers. If you notice symptoms such as persistent sadness or fatigue, seek professional help promptly. Addressing depression early can prevent it from impacting your caregiving effectiveness.
Be Open to Innovative Technologies
Innovative technologies can significantly ease the caregiving process. Explore innovative technologies that offer practical solutions for monitoring health, managing medication, or enhancing communication with healthcare providers.
Organize Medical Information
Keep your loved one’s medical information well-organized and accessible. Use resources like the patient file checklist to ensure that all necessary documents are up-to-date and easy to find.
Ensure Legal Documents Are in Order
Make sure that all legal documents are current and correctly managed. Use a legal documents checklist to review and update important paperwork, ensuring that you are prepared for any caregiving-related legal requirements.
Give Yourself Credit
Caregiving is demanding, so remember to give yourself credit for doing the best you can. Recognize the hard work and dedication you put into caregiving and appreciate your positive impact on your loved one’s life.
By following these tips and prioritizing self-care, you can better balance your caregiving responsibilities with your own well-being. The above strategies provide a solid foundation for managing stress, maintaining health, and ensuring effective caregiving. Remember, seeking support and taking time for yourself are crucial components of successful caregiving.
If you would like more information on “Tips for Family Caregivers: Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information in next week’s paper.
Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
Some say that passing a kidney stone is like delivering a baby made of razor blades. The good news is that, although they can be excruciatingly painful, kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage, and you may be able to prevent them.
Back or side pain that will not go away is the primary symptom of a kidney stone. You may also have pinkish or foul-smelling urine, fever, or painful urination. Experts say that the incidence of kidney stones is on the rise, although no one knows why. Caucasians are more prone to kidney stones than African Americans, and men are more prone than women. Age is also a factor. The chance of getting a kidney stone rises as men enter their forties and continues to rise into their seventies. For women, the risk peaks in their fifties.
Each day, about 50 gallons of blood flows through your kidneys. The kidneys remove waste products, including various minerals and other substances, from the blood and transfer them into urine so your body can get rid of them. In people who get stones, certain minerals in the urine combine with other waste products and start to form a stone.
Kidney stones are not all the same. The most common type is made of the mineral calcium, combined with either oxalate or phosphate. Less common types of stones are made of uric acid or other chemicals, all of which are naturally found in the body. No one knows why these substances form kidney stones in some people but not in others since we all have them in our urine. Stone formation may be related to the levels of these substances in urine or to other currently unknown factors that encourage or inhibit stone formation.
Most kidney stones eventually pass out of the body during urination. But some can grow large enough to begin blocking the flow of urine. That causes intense pain and may also put you at risk for infection.
Most kidney stones that do not pass on their own are treated in an outpatient setting. The most common procedure is called lithotripsy. Greek for “stone crushing,” this technique uses shock waves to reduce kidney stones into small fragments, which then easily flow away in urine.
If you have had more than one kidney stone, you are at higher risk for forming another. But there are ways to help prevent most types of kidney stones. First, your doctor needs to know what type of stone it is. If you pass a stone, try to catch it in a strainer. A laboratory analysis can help your doctor plan a strategy to prevent more stones. Other tests, which may include urine and blood tests, can help your doctor figure out why you had a kidney stone. Your medical history, occupation and eating and drinking habits can also hold clues.
Drinking more water may help prevent kidney stones. Depending on the type of stone you are at risk for, your doctor may also advise you to avoid certain foods or drinks. For example, people prone to forming calcium oxalate stones should avoid spinach, peanuts, and chocolate. People prone to uric acid stones should cut back on meat. Doctors can also prescribe certain medications to help prevent these types of stones.
Research continues on the causes, treatments, and prevention of kidney stones. In the meantime, make sure to see a doctor if you think you have a kidney stone. While most pass out of the body on their own, some just will not go away by themselves.
Call a doctor if you have any of the following signs of a kidney stone:
- extreme pain in your back or side that will not go away
- blood in your urine (it will look pink)
- fever and chills
- vomiting
- urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
- a burning feeling when you urinate
If you would like more information on “Watch Out for Kidney Stones” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information in next week’s paper.
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Fall is in the air with cooler temperatures and shorter days. Daylight savings time ends on Sunday morning, Novemer10 so we will be getting an extra hour of sleep that night.
The fall session of ECFE will finish with the three to five year olds at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5 and the toddlers and twos on Monday, November 11 at 5:15 p.m.. Mommy and Me is planned for Friday, November 8, 5-6:30 p.m. in the FACS Room at SEHS. An open gym will be held on Saturday, November 16, 3:30-5 in the Elementary gym. The ECFE advisory board will be meeting on Wednesday, November 6 to plan for the next session that begins in January.
Defensive Driving classes have been well attended this fall. One more session is available on Thursday, November 7, at 1 p.m. The sessions are open to those needing to renew their certificate after three years or first time attendees for anyone 55 and older. Material is provided by the Minnesota Safety council and Kathy Pedersen, retired highway patrolwoman, is the instructor. Since July 1, 2024, the Accident Prevention Course Rule allows anyone to take the four-hour course which is for first time attendees as well as those having to renew their certificate after three years. The eight-hour course is available on line if one prefers. Three class dates have already been chosen for spring 2025.
All day quilting will be held on Saturday, November 16 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. All skill levels are invited to attend. New projects or unfinished projects are brought to these sessions. Participants share a potluck lunch.
The Community Education Advisory Board will be meeting on Thursday, November 7, 4 p.m. to plan for the next session of activities. Updates on the fall session will be provided. There are openings on the board for any resident who would like to be in on the planning of activities for the year. Just give the Community Education office a call or email to indicate you are interested.
The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most weekdays. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org
Students have returned to the classroom following a fall break. The next break will be at Thanksgiving.
Classroom driver’s education completed the 30 hours required in order to get a permit this past weekend. Only eight were 15 by the time classes finished so the remaining students will be receiving their blue cards when they turn 15 in the next couple of months.
Due to a lack of response for the annual Trunk and Treat activity that was planned for Saturday, October 26, it will be canceled. There is one available in New Ulm from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Jefferson School parking lot. It is open to those 8 and younger.
A number of people will be visiting the Sidekick Theatre again for lunch and a comedy “Over the River and Through the Woods” on Wednesday, October 30. This professional theatre company is based at the Minnesota Heritage Center in Bloomington. They offer musicals, plays and concerts for adults and children.
The last Defensive Driving Class for 2024 will be on Thursday, November 7 at 1 p.m. These classes include first time attendees as well as those who need to renew their certificates. Attending the class provides a ten per cent discount on vehicle insurance for three years. The first offering for 2025 will be in March.
The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most weekdays. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org
by Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
If you have been thinking about adopting a dog or other pet, there has never been a better time. Animal shelters in many areas are overcrowded due to a matching decline in pet adoptions. Pets can be a welcome addition especially for an older person.
Housebreaking a puppy requires patience so try to employ the three C’s: Consistency – a regular schedule of walking and feeding; Confinement – in a crate, if necessary, to build bladder and bowel control; and Cleaning – clean up accidents promptly and then treat the spot with an odor neutralizer. Bringing a new pet into your household presents some additional cleaning challenges, particularly if there are family members who have asthma or allergies.
- Vacuum regularlyto keep up with the pet hair. An upright vacuum or a canister style with a nozzle will pick up two to six times as much dust from a rug as canisters without a power nozzle. Be sure to move the pet to another space when you vacuum; otherwise, the noise may upset your pet.
- Brush the dog frequently. If possible, do it outside, away from those with allergies. When you are finished, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Pet-proof the environment. Tuck electrical cords out of the way. Install safety latches in lower kitchen cabinets. Do not leave small items around that might be mistaken for chew toys. Do not leave any type of cleaning liquid out where pets might be tempted to take a drink.
- Wash food dishes daily. This keeps them from being a magnet for ants and other crawly critters.
- Choose a pet bed with washable, removable cushion coversto make cleaning easier.
- Put a washable blanket or throw over your pet’s favorite chairor corner of the sofa. Have multiple covers so that one is available while the other is in the wash.
If you would like more information on “Cleaning Tips for When a Pet Joins the Household” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information in next week’s paper.
Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
Many people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from significant depression. Fortunately, there are many effective non-drug and drug therapies available. Treatment of depression in Alzheimer’s disease can improve a person’s sense of well-being, quality of life, and individual function.
Symptoms of Depression
Men and women with Alzheimer’s experience depression with about equal frequency. Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. There is no single test or questionnaire to detect the condition, and diagnosis requires careful evaluation of a variety of symptoms. Dementia itself can lead to certain symptoms commonly associated with depression, including:
- apathy
- loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- social withdrawal
- isolation
The cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer’s often makes it difficult for them to articulate their sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and other feelings associated with depression.
Depression in Alzheimer’s does not always look like depression in people without the disorder. For example, depression in Alzheimer’s is sometimes less severe and may not last as long or recur as often. Also, people with Alzheimer’s and depression may be less likely to talk openly about wanting to hurt themselves, and they are less likely to attempt suicide than depressed individuals without dementia. What is more, depressive symptoms in Alzheimer’s may come and go, in contrast to memory and thinking problems that worsen steadily over time.
Diagnosing Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease
The first step in diagnosis is a thorough professional evaluation. Side effects of medications or an unrecognized medical condition can sometimes produce symptoms of depression. Key elements of the evaluation will include:
- A review of the person’s medical history
- A physical and mental examinations
- Interviews with family members who know the person well
To facilitate diagnosis and treatment of depression in people with Alzheimer’s, the National Institute of Mental Health established a formal set of guidelines for diagnosing the condition. Although the criteria are similar to general diagnostic standards for major depression, they reduce emphasis on verbal expression and include irritability and social isolation. For a person to be diagnosed with depression in Alzheimer’s, he or she must have either depressed mood (sad, hopeless, discouraged, or tearful) or decreased pleasure in usual activities, along with two or more of the following symptoms over a two-week period:
- Social isolation or withdrawal
- Disruption in appetite that is not related to another medical condition
- Disruption in sleep
- Agitation or slowed behavior
- Irritability
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, or inappropriate or excessive guilt
- Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide plans or a suicide attempt
Treating Depression
Because of the complexities involved in diagnosing depression in someone with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to consult a geriatric psychiatrist who specializes in recognizing and treating depression in older adults.
The most common treatment for depression in Alzheimer’s involves a combination of medicine, support and gradual reconnection to activities and people the person finds pleasurable. Simply telling the person with Alzheimer’s to “cheer up,” “snap out of it,” or “try harder” is seldom helpful. Depressed people with or without Alzheimer’s are rarely able to make themselves better by sheer will, or without lots of support, reassurance, and professional help.
Non-drug Approaches
- Schedule a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person’s best time of day to undertake difficult tasks, such as bathing.
- Make a list of activities, people, or places that the person enjoys now and schedule these things more frequently.
- Help the person exercise regularly, particularly in the morning.
- Acknowledge the person’s frustration or sadness, while continuing to express hope that he or she will feel better soon.
- Celebrate small successes and occasions.
- Find ways that the person can contribute to family life and be sure to recognize his or her contributions.
- Provide reassurance that the person is loved, respected, and appreciated as part of the family, and not just for what she or he can do now.
- Nurture the person with offers of favorite foods or soothing or inspirational activities
- Reassure the person that he or she will not be abandoned.
- Consider supportive psychotherapy and/or a support group, especially an early-stage group for people with Alzheimer’s who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in seeking help or helping others.
If you would like more information on “Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information in next week’s paper.
The weather was ideal for the latest outing to Stillwater. Two educational tours were available which offered information about the first city established in Minnesota. The main street offered many options for noon lunch as well as window shopping. Despite road construction, the group was able to adhere to the planned timeline.
The next outing will be to the Sidekick Theatre on Wednesday, October 30. Two previous trips have been well received. Noon lunch is available at the site and included in the cost. The group will be seeing “Over the River and Through the Woods.” Space is still available so leave an email message or phone message.
Quilters will be taking time to meet in the Sleepy Eye School Cafeteria on Saturday, October 19, beginning at 8 a.m. Participants bring their portable sewing machines, project to work on or complete and an item to share for noon lunch. Conversation as well as quilting ideas are shared throughout the day. A lot is accomplished during the day whereas some may only be able to spend a few hours with the group.
Trunk and Treat is accepting reservations for residents to provide treats out of their trunks or pickup beds. There will be games to play, books to receive and decorated vehicles to observe for this Halloween event. It is held on the Sleepy Eye Public School parking lot on Saturday, October 26, 3-5 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but no weapons.
Schools in the district will not be in session on Thursday and Friday due to Minnesota Education Association state meetings. Students at Sleepy Eye Public School also have Wednesday off due to a staff in-service day. This office will be unattended on Thursday and Friday.
The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most weekdays. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org