Elder law

Dementia and Light Therapy: Can Tailored Lighting Help With Care?

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Senior woman turning her face to the sun

A recent, but small, clinical trial of dementia residents in a memory care facility used integrated ambient lighting that changed in intensity throughout the day to simulate natural light-dark cycles.

While the study published  concluded that the lighting “may” help with depression, poor sleep quality, and agitation for those dealing with dementia, it ultimately concluded that further research was warranted.

However, the easier solution may be to try to make sure we get sufficient time in the natural light, rather than stuck inside with electric light all of the time – at any age and ability.

-Victoria Blachly 

New Oregon Center for Behavioral Health and Aging Announced

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Fall Wild Flowers

Portland State University, together with Oregon Health & Science University, just launched OCEBHA:  Oregon’s Center of Excellence in Behavior Health & Aging (oregonbhi.org/center-for-excellence).  The focus of the center is “to address the behavioral health needs of Oregon’s aging population by improving access to services and supports.”

With involvement from the PSU Institute on Aging, PSU School of Social Work, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, OHSU School of Medicine, and OHSU School of Nursing, let’s hope for greater education, awareness, and a pipeline of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of our aging Oregonians.

Details are few, but you can sign up for their newsletter to stay informed.

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Staying Safe in Extreme Cold

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With numerous winter storms ravaging the country, it is vital for each of us to take care, not only of ourselves, but also to take care of our vulnerable friends and neighbors.

AARP explains, “Older people are especially vulnerable when temperatures drop because they have less efficient circulation. They may have medical conditions (such as thyroid problems or diabetes) and take medications (such as beta-blockers) that can raise their risk of health problems, including injuries, in the cold.”

Cold weather tips include:

  • Pile on the layers, both with your clothing and with bed linens.
  • Be careful with candles, electric heaters and generators.
  • Keep the weather outside with closed doors, including closing interior doors to trap heat.
  • Be careful while clearing snow and avoid extreme exertion that can trigger a heart attack.
  • Find a shelter, if need be.
  • Don’t drive unless you must.
  • Keep an eye on the fridge and freezer, to avoid spoiled food.
  • Check on others.

Displays of kindness can fill the world with happiness and warmth.  Stay safe.

Gina Lollobrigida: Financial Elder Abuse Is NOT “Loving Care”

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Gina Lollobrigida, the successful 1950’s and 1960’s Italian actress, model, photojournalist, artist and politician, passed away in early 2023, at the age of 95.

Her former personal assistant was recently found guilty for stealing millions from his former employer, after being charged with “circumvention of an incompetent person.” Although the trial started before Lollobrigida passed, and she defended her assistant, he was convicted and sentenced to three years. After the verdict, the assistant said, “I was the only one lovingly taking care of Gina Lollobrigida.”

With all of her fame, fortune, connections and success, Lollobrigida was not immune from financial exploitation.  We must all be aware and we must all be alert.

If you or someone you know may be the victim of elder abuse, call the Oregon Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-7233.  The National Elder Fraud Hotline is 1-833-372-8311.  You can also contact the criminal authorities and/or a civil attorney, to protect yourself or our vulnerable citizens.

 

This Is ALL Of Us: Musings From the End of a Television Series and The End of A Life

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NBC’s “This Is Us” aired its penultimate show last night.  It is perhaps the most poignant and heart wrenching writing and acting that I have ever seen on television.  As the matriarch of the family, Rebecca Pearson, suffers with Alzheimer’s Disease and, in a way, had already left her family behind some time ago, as her memories failed her with the insidious disease.  Her final journey is then portrayed through a series of vignettes through the cars of a train, showing her family and other important people in her life, at various ages.  The thread woven through it all is love and sharing, and a good deal of open communication.  (Those Pearsons DO love to talk.)

Planning for an aging loved one’s journey is something we all need to face with compassion and courage, and the legal tools to get the right people situated for success is apparent in the show.   Take the time to talk with an elder law attorney or estate planner to make that journey less painful.

Nobody wants to plan for their final train, but leaving behind less stress for your loved ones is important.  As they said in the show, “If something makes you sad when it ends it must’ve been pretty wonderful when it was happening.”

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