Activities for Seniors who have physical or cognitive limitations – Pallanguzhi

Activities for Seniors who have physical or cognitive limitations – Pallanguzhi

There are activities and fun board games for older adults even if they have physical or cognitive limitations like arthritis or early stages of dementia. It’s more about spending time together, enjoying it and being a part of an activity.

Pallanguzhi (also known as a Cup and Coin Game, Vamanaguntalu, Mancala, Olinda Kaluja, Aliguli Mane, Adu-Guni Mane, Chenne Mane, Saat Kooti, Kutki-Boia) is perfect for seniors to enjoy with family and friends. Although seniors enjoy this game, we must be careful not to overdo it. Look for signs of fatigue and give it a break to keep seniors from getting too tired.

This is played on a wooden board with 14 cups in it, this is a game of distribution and counting. Variations of the game appeal to different ages and make it challenging and exciting.

  • Develops excellent math skills and fine motor skills
  • Helps to build memory
  • Believed to be therapeutic for those with arthritic fingers

Pallankuzhi – Rules of the Game

1. Aim of the game: To capture the most seeds. The Game is played in pairs with each player taking one side of the board.
2. Start: Place five seeds in each cup (Fig 1)

Figure -1
PLAYER-1

Pallankuzhi – Rules of the Game

PLAYER-2
Round 1:
PLAYER 2 lifts the seeds from any cup on his side of the board and distributes one seed in each cup. When the player drops the last seed, s/he takes the seeds from the next cup and continues dropping them around the board including the opponent’s side. (Fig 2)

Pallankuzhi – Rules of the Game
Figure-2

If the last seed falls into a cup with an empty cup beyond, Player 2 collects the seeds next to the empty cup and that ends his turn. (Figs 3 and 4)
Figure-3

Pallankuzhi – Rules of the Game

Figure-4

Pallankuzhi – Rules of the Game

PLAYER-1 plays the same way, starting from any of the cups on his side and goes round the board distributing the seeds in the cups.
If the last seed falls into a cup with two empty cups beyond, he collects no seeds and his turn is over.
3.Winning:
The round is over when a player has no seeds on his side to start his turn. At this point, the winner could be determined based on the number of seeds in the stores. Or else continue playing until one player’s store is exhausted. (Fig 5)

Pallankuzhi – Rules of the Game
Figure-5

Pallanguzhi from Kreeda

Pallanguzhi from Kreeda

While Pallanguzhis were traditionally made of wood, our current need is to conserve forests and trees. The new Pallanguzhi from Kreeda is made from MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard). This is a type of hardboard, which is made from wood fibres glued under heat and pressure. It can be made from almost any scrap wood that is normally of limited value.
So when you buy an environment friendly Pallanguzhi from Kreeda, you are doing your bit toward conserving the environment.

IMPORTANT – KREEDA uses game pieces (small white stone) instead of seeds but the rules of the game remain the same

Where to buy?

We recommend ‘The Old is Gold Store’, speciality Store offering an assortment of products & services exclusive to senior citizens. Apart from the above, you will find several products that make your older adult’s life easier.

7 Ways to Help the Elderly Recover from Surgery

7 Ways to Help the Elderly Recover from Surgery

Going through a surgery can be tough on anyone, but for older adults, it is even more difficult. This is because seniors are at a higher risk of complications during and after surgery.  So, it’s important that seniors get proper post-surgery care. The potential issues facing elderly patients are generally age related and they heal more slowly.  This means that the period of recovery is going to be longer.

Good news is that there are products available that not only promote faster healing but also makes life easier. We recommend 7 devices that helps to make post-surgery a better experience for seniors. All these devices are not only useful for post-surgery recovery but also useful for general well-being of seniors.

BUY ONLINE

Wheelchairs

There are multi-purpose wheelchairs that can also be used as a shower chair and commode. This means no more having to transfer patients from wheelchair to commode chair to bath chair and back, since this meets all the requirement. Remember, wheelchairs make it easier to get around the house and benefit their recovery.

Adjustable Backrest

For a person who is recovering from surgery and likely to spend a lot of time in bed, this adjustable backrest helps to convert a fixed bed into a bed with adjustable headboard. Allows the person lying on the bed to adjust the angle so as to be more comfortable while reading, watching TV or eating.

Air Beds

Post surgery patients remain in bed for long hours. They tend to develop bed sores also known as pressure ulcers which are not only painful but can lead to infection and other complications. Active airbeds with pumps such as this one help in the prevention of bed sores. The bed is to be used on top of a regular mattress. The air bed contains air cavities which fill up alternately in a 5 – 6-minute cycle. This results in the weight of the body being borne by different parts of the mattress at different times, ensuring that no part of the body is constantly in touch with the mattress.  This allows for proper air circulation to all parts of the body and prevents the formation of bed sores.

Orthopaedic Leg Support

While an elevated leg support promotes healing, improperly elevating the legs can have negative effects. To avoid this use a specially designed orthopaedic leg support that supports knees, legs, and heel while reading, sitting or sleeping without strain. It provides relief from knee stiffness, sciatic leg pain, restless sleep, and insomnia. This is the only Orthopaedic appliance which is ideal for preventing varicose veins, swollen ankles, phlebitis and edema.

Compact Bed-top Table

This is particularly useful for seniors who spend long hours in bed. This compact bed top allows them to read/write/eat in bed. It is 100% portable, fold-able and can be used as over bed dining, laptop & study table. It is durable and compact design for quick set-up and has strong plastic handle for carrying when folded.

Compression socks

Varicose Vein Stockings provide controlled compression to the legs to squeeze the veins thereby ensuring the normal back flow of blood towards the heart. As a result, blood is forced along its natural course up the leg despite the damage to the veins (since a fluid flows from a higher-pressure area to a lower pressure area).

Personal Care Products

Hygiene is very important to prevent infection, especially after a surgery. There are several products that helps to maintain hygiene in those with limited mobility and the bed ridden. These include adult diapers, wet wipes, examination gloves, silicon sheet to cover bed for patients with incontinence, urine cans and bed pans.

Where to source these products?

Sourcing all these can become a daunting task, check out ‘The Old is Gold Store’, speciality Store offering an assortment of products & services exclusive to senior citizens. Apart from the above, you will find several products that make your older adult’s life easier.

3 mobility devices that will help seniors be safe

3 mobility devices that will help seniors be safe.

One of the worst fear caregivers have is that of seniors falling. Falls can lead to serious injuries and sometimes be fatal. Keeping seniors independent can be challenging, especially if they resist making changes. Many seniors are not willing to consider mobility devices that keeps them safe.

It’s important that you discuss mobility issues with your loved ones. Be calm, non-judgmental and don’t force the issue, instead help them understand consequences of a fall. We are all aware that as seniors get older, they will need help moving around. Here are 3 mobility devices that will help them be safe.

3 mobility devices that will help seniors

  1. Canes / Walkers – Canes and walkers are some of the most popular mobility devices. These devices not only help in maintaining a healthy posture but also helps seniors with general weakness or balance issues.
  2. Wheelchairs – Wheelchairs are of different types primarily attendant & self-propelled. A self-propelled is equipped with large wheels with an outer push ring that allows users to propel & navigate the wheel chair using their arms. An attendant wheel chair comes with a smaller set of wheels with handles for an attendant to push the wheelchair around.
  3. Rollators – Rollators are walkers with a seat for elders who require balance support as well as a place to sit down when they feel weary. Rollators are especially useful when going for walks in safe places like malls and gated communities.

For more information : https://www.oldisgoldstore.com/home-by-condition-mobility-issues

6 Great ideas for a dementia-friendly bathroom

6 Great ideas for a dementia-friendly bathroom

Most seniors find the bathroom difficult to navigate, and for elders with dementia, it can be quite a challenge. There are too many things going on in a very limited space; hot & cold water taps, shiny tiles, wet and slippery surfaces, all add to the confusion.  Here are a few ideas to keep your bathroom dementia-friendly.

1. Raised toilet seat

Raised toilet seat

A typical western closet is about 16″ in height.  This is very low for many seniors and they find it very difficult to sit down and get up from the toilet seat independently.  The toilet raiser is an easy solution. It is easy to install and provides additional height.  Made of good grade plastic, the raiser comes with a lid and simple clamps to hold it firmly in place.  Easy to clean, extremely hygienic and comfortable. Usually comes in 3 heights and fits most western closets.

Alternatively, you can opt for a foam toilet raiser that can be fitted on top of an existing toilet seat.  Unlike other toilet raisers, this is softer and hence more friendly on the soft skin of elders.  Provides 4″ elevation that makes it easy to sit down and get up from the western commode.  Has appropriate depression for coccyx (tail bone) relief as well as depression in the front for easy cleaning access. The bright colour also helps seniors with dementia to easy identify the closet. BUY NOW

2. Contrasting toilet seat

Contrasting toilet seat

If you are not opting for a raised toilet seat, consider adding a toilet seat which is bright or contrasting to rest of the fixtures to draw attention to it. This way, seniors with dementia can easily notice it and navigate without any problem.

3. Toilet Safety Frame

3. Toilet Safety Frame

Toilet Safety Frame is a device that can be easily fitted to your existing toilet. It features two handles that make getting up and sitting on the toilet an easier & safer task. Toilet safety frame is versatile and the height adjusting mechanism makes it suitable for all types of toilets. The free-standing frame fits around your toilet seat with back bar in front of your toilet tank. No need to modify your bathroom. Folds for easy storage and portable for travel. BUY NOW

4. Install a bidet

bidet

A bidet is a device that gets attached to your commode and helps one clean oneself without having to use hands.  A bidet is ideal for people who have limited mobility or dexterity in their hands.  Senior citizens who have frozen shoulders, shoulder fractures, strokes, severe arthritis or dementia may find it difficult to wash themselves.

A bidet can help them remain independent and at the same time maintain hygiene.  Most of the bidets sold here require very little plumbing work and no masonry work.  Designed in Japan, the manual bidets require no external power and work entirely based on the water pressure coming from the overhead tank. BUY NOW

5. Install Grab Bars

Grab Bars

Toilet safety aids like grab bars greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Grab bars are not only inexpensive but also easy to install. Grab bars gives elders something sturdy to hold onto while they sit or stand. Bathroom grab bars can also be angled or L-shaped. The most typical sizes for straight grab bars are 12″, 16″, 18″, 24″ and 32″. BUY NOW

6. Label hot and cold faucets

Hot and Cold

This is something basic but will go a long way in helping people with dementia. Clearly label the hot and cold water taps, as shown in the picture.

For more information on exclusive products for seniors – https://www.oldisgoldstore.com/

Smart & Happy Elders’ Lounge

A unique venture to put smiles on the face of senior citizens of the city has been opened at 68, Royapettah High Road near Swagath Hotel. The Ground Floor lounge boasts of air conditioned comfort, colourful ambience, respectful assistants and connectivity to the four corners of the metropolis. Once inside, the seniors can relax and rejoice with board games, TV, music, magazines and books. There are six tables to play cards, carom, chess etc. Wow, there is even an enclave to slouch or sleep. The promoters plan to have physio,  weekly lectures and planned outings to places of religious/tourist interest. Most of all the facility enables self cooking which will be cost effective, cater to individual taste or promote cooperative cooking!!

On being queried as to what sparked the setting up facility, Mr. Narasimhan mentioned, even in the most comfortable homes the elders feel lonely and long for friendly company with human touch, real voice and plenty of laughter. How long can the serial on the TV hold interest?  For how long can they be caged birds? Narasimhan mentioned the President of the Humour Club is with SHEL. Dr Balambal who has traveled the world with Indian Board Games is with the lounge. Eminent personalities of the city such as Nalli, Dr.Hande, Justice Jagdeesan are actively associated. The location abounds with eateries, medical shops, nursing homes hospital, police station, ambulance etc; for any eventuality. To top it all  it is on the ground floor and no stairs to climb..

NRI children can enroll their parents and feel the satisfied smile of their parents time zones away. Even the local sons / daughters could leave their parents in the morning and collect them in the evening. The boys at SHEL would escort the elderly for doctor / labs, if need be  and the ward can feel reassured. Narasimhan said “Such Lounges will absorb many a shock of the modern nucleus family”  If sons and daughters enroll their parents they are helping themselves. Their parents will return home in the evening, motivated and cheerful.

On the International Senior Citizen Day 01 Oct  Governor of Tamil Nadu dedicated this facility to the senior citizens of the city. He was happy to note that this facility is Not For Profit facility and there is No Entrance Fee as in many other city clubs. There is flexible membership fee structure ( Rs 200 a day, Rs 1200 a week and Rs 2500 a month) to suit every pocket and circumstance.  He noted the second childhood of seniors would be better served lessening family frictions, disappointments and anger.

Gift ideas for parents who have everything

Gift ideas for parents who have everything

Festive season is just around the corner and it’s time to figure out what you should gift your parents this year.  The question is what do you get your parents who already have everything?

Elderly parents don’t need or want gifts to put on their shelves or coffee tables…just adds to the clutter. Nor do they want a kitchen aid, clothes or shopping coupons. Parents usually claim they have everything they need, but that’s not entirely true because when it comes to their safety and comfort, they tend to take it lightly.

We’ve come up with 7 Diwali gift ideas for parents who have everything that will not only put a smile on their faces but also ensure their safety and comfort.

#1 COMODITA Prima Special Rollator Walker with exclusive 16 inch wide, ultra-comfortable orthopedic seat.

COMODITA Prima Special Rollator Walker

This rollator is a walker with a seat for elders who require balance support as well as a place to sit down comfortably anywhere.  Especially useful when going for walks in safe places like malls and gated communities. The modern design and sturdy construction of the Comodita Prima Special Rolling Walker make it one of the safest walkers on the market. The exclusive 16″ wide orthopedic seat makes it ultra-comfortable, ideal for users that enjoy resting between walks. –   BUY NOW!

#2 MOBILITA Walking Stick/Tripod With Swivel Base

Mobilita Walking Sticks

Height adjustable, high-grade aluminium walking stick with tripod base and L-shaped handle. The base also swivels ensuring that the base is firmly placed on the ground irrespective of the angle of pressure or angle of the surface. Provides superior grip and comfort. For regular use, for people with minor balance issues and weak legs.   BUY NOW!

#3 MOBILITA Raised Toilet Seat with Lid

MOBILITA Raised Toilet Seat with Lid

A typical western closet is about 16″ in height.  This is very low for many seniors and those with recent knee surgery. So, they find it very difficult to sit down and get up from the toilet seat.

The toilet raiser is a easy to install device that can provide additional height.  Besides, this is made of good grade plastic. Also, the raiser comes with a lid and simple clamps to hold it firmly in place.  Easy to clean, extremely hygienic and comfortable. Comes in 3 heights (2”, 4”, 6”) and fits most western closets. BUY NOW!

#4 MOBILITA Extra-Wide Comfortable and Adjustable Backrest

adjustable backrest

This is an adjustable backrest to put on the bed so that the person reclining can sit up at various angles.  This can help people with reflux, breathing difficulties or for people to have good back support while reading, working, watching TV or eating in bed.   BUY NOW!

#5 Squatty Potty Style Stool for Western Commode – Height Adjustable

Squatty Potty Style Stool

This is a wonderful stool to enable those using a western closet to sit at the right angle for easiest evacuation.  Also, this is a well manufactured product with two pieces, one fitting on top of the other to provide two heights, namely 7″ and 9″.

It is very similar to the award-winning squatty potty.     BUY NOW!

#6 Swivel Seat for Car

Swivel Seat for Car

Do you or your elderly relatives find it difficult to get off the car seat?  This unique cushion swivels 360 degrees to make it easy to get in and out of any car. The foam cushion sits on a turntable base so you can swivel sideways to get in or out of the seat without straining your back or hips. Lightweight and portable.  BUY NOW!

#7 Anti-Slip Safety Mat for Wet Areas Standard Size (2.5ft X 1.5ft)

anti-slip mat

The bathroom is one of the most accident-prone areas in the house. Especially in India where most bathrooms and toilets are perennially wet. This anti-slip mat is similar to the mats used around swimming pools to help wet areas stay slip-free.

Besides, there are large gaps to allow free flow of water, the anti-slip mat remains dry on the top ensuring dramatic reduction in the possibility of slipping.

Available in standard size of 2.5 ft x 1.5 ft.  BUY NOW!

Top 5 constraints voiced by NRIs with ageing parents after a health setback

NRIs with ageing parents

There are many constraints commonly voiced by NRIs when they are discussing ways to take care of their ageing parents back in India, especially after some medical event has made their parents less independent than before. Many of these constraints do not take into consideration ground realities and what is best for their parents.  This article lists some of these contraints raised in order to highlight the fact that it is important for the NRIs to understand that the situation has changed and they and their parents need to adapt to the new circumstances.

1.  My parents don’t want to leave the house/area they are currently living in.

This is one of the commonest requests.  “My parents have always been independent and capable of looking after themselves.  However, since my father had his operation/ has become bedridden, things have become very difficult for them to manage on their own.  However, they don’t want to move out of their house“.

If one or both of your ageing parents are living in an independent house or even an apartment and are no longer capable of managing their daily living activities, and there is no one else to help them, then you should have all options on the table, including the possibility of moving into a care centre (if available).

2.  We don’t want a full-time live-in person as it will impact their privacy. Is it not enough for someone to come only for the morning/night?

Having someone around 24 x 7 is absolutely essential if your parents’ capacity to look after themselves is diminished.  If you have someone during the day and no one at night, what happens if your mother needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?  Or has breathing difficulties?  Or requires water to drink? Or has some other medical emergency?

If you have someone at night but not during the day, who will help them bathe, eat, and perform other daily living activities.

3.  We don’t mind having 2 shifts one coming in the morning and one coming in at night, but they should bring their own food and not use our bathrooms.

If you have two people working round the clock, then you are talking about two 12-hour shifts.  So let us say, one comes in and stays from 8 AM to 8 PM, and the other comes in at 8 PM to 8 AM next morning. It is going to be extremely difficult for them not to have at least one meal and some coffee/tea during their 12-hour period. Or use the rest room for that matter.  Would you work under such conditions?  And even if somebody is willing to, do you think they will be able to give the kind of care you expect for your parents?

4.  Not understanding recovery periods.

My mother broke her hip and has had her operation.  I am here to look after her.  I am sure she will be back on her feet in a month and I can go back.  Nothing needs to change“.

Yeah! Right!
As people get older,  recovery takes longer.  And even after they recover, they are unlikely to get back to their old independent self. At least not in the majority of the cases.  Face the facts. Things have changed.  You have to deal with it.

5. My parents only eat what they have cooked.

Well, if they are no longer able to cook, then they have no other option but to hire a cook or order food from outside. Can you think of any other option?

Well, we aren’t here to dismiss your constraints and worries.  You are far away from your parents and neither party can move in with the other.  These are ground realities.  Everyone knows you as an NRI would find it extremely difficult if not impossible to uproot yourself from home, family and career to come back to India to look after your parents.  Just don’t let that guilt stop you from making other hard decisions.  Put your foot down where you need to, and make the changes that you have to. If it costs you more, well, just figure out a way of taking care of it.  The well-being of your ageing parents is still your responsibility.

The NRI and their ageing parents

The NRI and their ageing parentsEvery week we get calls from around the world asking us the same question. “Can you recommend someone who would look after our ageing parents back in India?”.

Unfortunately, in most cases the short answer is “no”.

While India may be the head quarters of outsourced services for the software and back-office industries, we are as yet unable to find high-quality service providers for looking after ageing parents.

This is not just because there are so few such home health care agencies ready to take on such a role, but is also because of the myriad constraints that the NRIs and their parents put on the potential service providers.

Ideally what you are looking for is a continuing care facility or a multi-level care facility such as those found in the west which provide all the services necessary to an ageing resident, whatever be their physical and mental condition, now and in the future.

Such establishments are rare in India, at this point in time, though a few are coming up in various parts of the country.

Realistically though, for now your best option is to find an immediate family member or a close relative to look after your parents and arrange for a home healthcare service provider to assist the family member/relative in the care giving process.

Options

If an immediate family member or close relative is not available, look out further for a relative, who because of financial reasons, would be willing to stay with your parents and look after them for a monthly salary. This would be a win-win situation for both parties as it gives you a dependable and trustworthy resource to be your representative at home while providing this relative with boarding, lodging and a certain amount of financial independence. Of course, it may not be fair to have them look after all aspects of caregiving (depending on the condition and needs of your parents). So, you can arrange for professional home care service provider to assist this person in the routine aspects of caregiving.

In the next article we will see what are the common constraints people face and how some of those could be tackled.

Long toenails and associated issues

Long toenails and associated issues

Recently I visited an elderly gentleman in his home. After talking to him for a few minutes, I was just taking my leave when I noticed his toenails. They were long and uncut.

I pointed them out to him and requested him to cut them down to size. Apparently he had been wanting to do that for a long time, but because he was unable to bend, he had not gotten around to doing them for a while. He also seemed very reluctant to ask family members for help. I asked him to bring his nail clipper, thinking I would do his toenails. He brought a pair that turned out to be useless against his thick and long toenails.

I am sending across a toenail clipper to him today. Additionally, I am looking for a salon/spa that provides pedicure and grooming services at home for elders. Believe me, it seems to be easier finding grooming services for pets than for the elders. Such is the state of affairs here!

Anyway, coming back to the topic, here are some of the reasons why you should ensure that the elders in your house have their toenails trimmed regularly.

  1. Long toenails can curl up and cut unto the skin.
    2. Thickened toenails can become hard and difficult to cut.
    3. Toenails harbour a lot of bacteria and other harmful germs. If one were to scratch oneself with their toenails, chances of infection are high. These infections can lead to complications and in some cases even septicemia and death.
    4. Long toenails can cause people to trip or stub their toes more often.
    5. They are unsightly.

As they say, a stitch in time saves nine. So arrange a pedicure today.

The importance of (not) sitting

The importance of (not) sittingI read an article recently where it states that sitting for long periods is the new smoking.

Till recently, say till about 2 generations ago, people were more actively involved in manual work involving standing, walking and running. However, with more work moving to the desk, we are finding most people spending at least 9 hours a day sitting at their desk.

These prolonged periods of inactivity, according to health experts, can lead to obesity, heart diseases, muscular issues including back problems, as well as dementia. The WHO has identified lack of physical activity as one of the biggest killers on this planet.

While most of these articles and TED talks are focused on the young, this is true for the ageing population as well. Especially because many elders spend even longer hours sitting. So, if you notice that you are sitting for long periods of time, please change your life style as soon as possible. Go for short walks more often, join an elder yoga class, stand around for longer periods or join a gym. This should help keep at least some of the problems at bay.

Having said that, there is at least one time when sitting is of paramount importance. And that is when you are trying to put on your underwear and trousers. Most of us, especially the men, do this while standing. As your flexibility decreases, the chances of your foot getting caught inside and making you trip increases quite rapidly. So, always, always sit down before your wear your clothes.

Now, if you are in the habit of wearing your clothes in the bathroom, the situation is even more dangerous. Yes, I know, you have been doing it for several years, practically since you started dressing yourself. Nevertheless, times have changed and you have become older.

Get a shower bench or shower chair for your bathroom. After you wipe yourself, quickly wipe the showerchair as well and then sit on it to wear your clothes safely.

Remember, a fall can lead to a lot of complications and additional dependency on others.

Sometimes, sitting is good.