The holiday season is upon us, and if youre like me, Im sure youre looking forward to in-person celebrations and gatherings. This is something to be especially thankful for after two years of social distancing.All this together time is great for re-connecting as well as getting up to speed with how your aging loved ones are faring. Its also an opportunity to take note of any concerning physical or cognitive declines. Of course, our older family members might not come right out and tell us about any decline in health as they fear they may lose their independence. Thats why I recommend engaging them in casual conversation that takes into consideration their feelings.  Here are five main areas to assess: Activities of daily living. Can they pass the peas at the dinner table? Im somewhat joking here, but if it appears that your loved one has lost a lot of strength or dexterity that makes a simple task difficult, there may be some physical decline. Other things to inquire about could be the last time they got their hair cut. Take note of their appearance: Are their clothes clean? Do they match? Are they bathing? If it appears that they have lost some weight, ask them what they have been eating lately. This can tell you if they are having trouble with food shopping or cooking. A noticeable loss of weight is a definite cause for concern, as it could indicate an underlying health condition.The home environment.  If you are visiting their home for the holidays, check to see if the home is more cluttered than usual. This could be a sign they are having trouble keeping up with housekeeping. You can also check the refrigerator and cabinets to get a sense of how well they are eating. Additionally, take a look at the expiration dates on the medicine bottles and appropriately discard any expired medicationsprescription as well as over the counter ones. Throw away any expired food items, too. Memory. A great way to assess memory is by engaging in a conversation about current events you know this family member would typically be following. It could be the weather, sports, entertainment or politics. If they dont elaborate on their responses to your questions, they may be protecting themselves from being found out that they are experiencing some memory loss. You can also ask what they did earlier in the day or a few days ago to see if they are having trouble putting together a sequence of events. Mobility. Take note of how they move about the house. Are they grabbing onto furniture to steady themselves? Do you notice any bruising which may indicate a recent fall? Go on a walk with them to see if they tire easily or seem unbalanced. In addition, look at their car for any dings or scratches.  Social engagements. Isolation is often a gateway to depression, which can negatively impact memory or activities of daily living. Ask about friends they are in touch with either in person or on the phone, as well as any regular activities or recent outings. Are there activities they have stopped doing? Are there things they wish they could do but dont have a companion or a ride?If you notice any concerning changes, its important to act now, before a crisis presents itself. Consult with your siblings and other family members to see if they have noticed similar behaviors. If so, the next step is to make an appointment with the loved ones primary care physician to rule out any emergent health conditions.The good news is that the growing desire to age in place means that more and more people are turning to in-home care for that extra assistance. Whether a loved one needs a companion to help them stay active, more personal care such as assistance showering, or full-time support for a chronic condition, SYNERGY Home Care can help. Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.This article was submitted by SYNERGY Home Care of Daphne, Alabama.  You can reach them at 251-621-1900

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million people in the United States live with allergies, and theyre the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. May is Allergy Awareness Month. Now is the perfect time to learn about allergies and talk to your doctor about potential allergies and their relation to your overall health. What Are AllergiesAn allergy is when your immune systems reaction to something is different from the average persons. The immune system can trigger a reaction in your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. Sometimes, the body misidentifies a substance or food as harmful, causing a person to have an allergic reaction. Many people develop allergies in childhood. However, its not uncommon for new allergies to arise or past allergies to grow more severe with age. Some allergies can be life-threatening or lead to medical complications such as anaphylaxis, asthma, or infections. Types of AllergiesPeople can have allergies to various substances, including the environment, food, insects, and medications. Signs and symptoms of a reaction can vary depending on the allergy.    Hay fever- Hay fever is when a person is allergic to indoor and outdoor allergens such as pollen or dust. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, swollen eyes, runny nose, or itching nose or eyes. Depending on the allergen that triggers you, you may experience it seasonally or year-round.    Food allergy- Food allergies are when your bodys immune system reacts to certain foods. It can often cause tingling in the mouth, swelling in the face, hives, and anaphylaxis.    Insect allergy- An insect allergy is when the body reacts to an insect bite or sting. Inset allergies cause swelling of the bitten or stung area, hives, chest tightness, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.   Drug allergy- A drug allergy is when the body reacts to certain medications, such as aspirin. Drug allergies cause hives, itchy skin, rash, wheezing, anaphylaxis, and facial swelling.    Atopic dermatitis- Also known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is a skin allergy that causes itching, redness or peeling. Allergy vs. IntoleranceThe words allergy and intolerance are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Some people experience physical reactions to substances that they may confuse with an allergy when its an intolerance. Both allergies and intolerances have similar responses. However, an allergy affects the immune system, whereas an intolerance does not. People misunderstand the two cases, most often with food. Peanut allergies are a common allergy among people in the United States. When a person allergic to peanuts eats them, their immune system reacts, often causing anaphylaxis. During an anaphylaxis episode, people may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble breathing, skin rashes, nausea, or vomiting. A person who undergoes anaphylaxis needs epinephrine to treat the condition. An intolerance does not cause an immune system reaction, and you can often manage symptoms with medication. A common intolerance is a lactose allergy. Many people, especially as they grow older, have digestive reactions to lactose, such as nausea or diarrhea. In most cases, a person can take medication before consuming lactose to help their body digest it, and they dont require emergency medical treatment to get better.Editor's Note:  This article was submitted by Sonia Strevel, Client Care Director for Visiting Angels-Mobile.  Contact information: Call 251-345-4100 or website: visitingangels.com/mobile.

Guardianship Versus Powers of AttorneyOne of the most common questions I get as a practicing elder law attorney is, what is the difference between guardianship and a power of attorney? A power of attorney is a document that a person executes when they are competent to appoint someone to be their agent for either healthcare matters, financial matters or both. The defining characteristics of powers of attorney is that it is a voluntary action by the person, and it can be revoked at any time so a power of attorney cannot be used to trump someones free will in order to place them in a facility for example, against their wishes.A guardianship is a process where one typically files a pleading, requesting to be appointed as a persons guardian.  In this case, we must demonstrate that the person we seek to protect is incompetent to manage either their healthcare, or their finances, or both.The guardianship typically comes about in two primary ways. First, if the person we seek to protect never executed a power of attorney, and now is incapable, a guardianship would be necessary in order to handle things like an admission to a hospital or long-term care facility because no one has been appointed to consent to treatment for them.  Second is a situation where the person we seek to protect is actively combative to the plan in place to handle their health matters. In this case, we must seek guardianship in order to overcome their wishes, particularly if they are unwise. For example, if your parent develops dementia, but insists that there is nothing wrong with them, that they should continue to drive and live independently and manage their medication, despite evidence that those things are dangerous in their current condition, guardianship is typically necessary in order to restrict their freedom.In some states, like Florida, the guardianship will also cover financial matters.  in Alabama, the conservatorship is established at the same time as a guardianship in order to handle healthcare matters for those cases where there is no power of attorney, and the conservatorship is necessary in order pay their bills, access finances, and so forth.To establish financial guardianship, no matter what its called, we typically must be bonded so the person who is applying must be credit worthy and able to obtain a bond from a surety company. This ensures that the persons financial well-being is well taken care of.  If there is no one available, or if no one wishes to handle finances, every county typically has, or can appoint someone, as a county conservator to serve as that persons conservator.  This is helpful in cases where its a very difficult or complex financial situation.  Then it may be preferable to have a professional appointed and giving a relatively small fee for doing so.  This leaves the guardian to care for the healthcare of the individual without the added stress of complicated financial matters. Contact an elder attorney for more information about what your needs are and please dont put off executing a power of attorney in favor of those people that you trust as soon as you can to avoid what could be difficult and unnecessary proceedings in Probate Court down the road.This article was contributed by Kyla Kelim with Aging in Alabama.  Kyla is an experienced Elder Law attorney.  Contact Kyla at 251-281-8120.

Nice Things to Know About Saraland The Gateway to Progress Saraland formed its own city school system in 2006. It is now ranked among the best school systems in the State of Alabama.  Students receive outstanding education in fields such as nursing, engineering and welding in state-of-the-art facilities. Since its inception, the Saraland City School system has more than doubled in size, from 1500 students in 2009 to over 3000 students now. This is but one example of the tremendous growth that the City of Saraland is experiencing. The City of Saraland was recently designated as an Alabama Community of Excellence. Saraland was the first and, to date, the only municipality in Mobile County to receive this honor. Saraland enjoys a very low crime rate which can be attributed, in part, to our police department. With their professional approach to community policing, the police team with our residents to provide a safe environment.  Our citizens also benefit from outstanding fire and paramedic services with expedient response from three well-equipped stations throughout the City including 24/7 paramedic coverage.  Additional city employees provide a wide variety of top notch services to ensure our residents and guests have safe roads, parks and facilities. The Infirmary Medical Campus has opened a multi-specialty clinic facility as well as a diagnostic center offering MRI/CT capability. Mobile Infirmary has opened a new freestanding emergency department in Saraland. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, emergency care is provided. Future phases of expansion will outpatient surgery center and ultimately a hospital. Many new businesses are locating to Saraland. Publix, Cracker Barrel, Whataburger and several other new restaurants and retail businesses are planned.  Saraland is home to over a dozen hotels including new hotel properties such as Fairfield Inn, Towne Place Suites, and Hampton Inn. Youth sports activities are very popular in Saraland. Saraland has, at present, 11 city parks for recreational activities of every kind. Plans are presently being considered for a state-of-the-art sports complex which may include facilities for baseball, softball, tennis, and soccer. The City recently opened the McAuthor-McKinney Recreation Center which offers an outstanding venue for young people to play basketball, volleyball and other activities. Saraland is a very family-friendly community. The City Splash Pad is now open. Also contemplated are an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and a Summer Movie Night series and an aquatics center. The Saraland Senior Center offers many activities for active seniors. Arts and crafts, painting, card games, pool, exercise equipment and computer lab are available with many classes provided.  A nutritious lunch is available weekdays at the center with Meals-On-Wheels delivering food to homebound seniors. Located adjacent to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, scenic boating, canoeing, fishing and other watersports opportunities abound. Saraland is part of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust, home to some of the most biologically diverse habitat in Alabama.  This preserved scenic area is also popular for camping, hiking with multiple trails available, and bird watching. Saralands mayor, Dr. Howard Rubenstein, currently serves as the President of the Alabama League of Municipalities. He is the only Mobile County elected official to be chosen for this statewide honor since 1979.  HistoryThe area that was to become the present day Saraland was included in a Spanish land grant to Don Diago Alvarez. Hence, descendants of Alvarez were the ones to give the community its first name Alvarez Station. Later land squatters moved into the area and were able, legally, in 1800 to begin purchasing property. In 1807 a land office was opened in St. Stephens to handle all land transactions. Some of the pioneer families who seized the opportunity to buy up sections were named Alvarez, Rice, Hartley, Moore, LaCoste, Williams, Tool and Cleveland. Ultimately, Alvarez Station was called Cleveland Station. The present name of the city is reported to have been given by C.J. DeWitt, a retired minister editor who moved south in 1890 for health reasons. He opened the first post office on the Southern Railroad in 1895. The Community is purported to be the namesake of his beloved wife, Sara. Saraland was sparsely populated during the first part of the 20th century, until an industrial and population boom occurred in neighboring Mobile. Northward expansion of Mobile in the 1940s and 1950s brought about the incorporation of Saraland in 1957. At the time of incorporation, the city reported only 125 residents. By the 1960 U.S. Census, annexations had swelled the population to 4,595. In 1980, census figures cited 9,844 Saraland residents. Current records report that as of 2020, Saralands population has grown to 16,319.Interested in Senior Activities in Saraland?  Contact the Saraland Senior Center at 251-679-5511