What is more important is that leisure time activities of both student and non-student youth are so organised that they provide for healthy recreation and constructive work habits. As is evident, a youth feels more at home within his age-group. Therefore, to reach them, it is but natural to take help of more active groups among them.

In Bangladesh, a strong emphasis has been placed on awareness building against drug-abuse among youth as they are considered to be most precious asset for human resource development. Financial and technical assistance is provided by government and NGO's to help them undertake activities such as socio cultural programmes. Experience has shown such programmes have a salutary impact, if backed by a good follow-up programme.

It has also been realised that youth power can be harnessed not only from preventing youths from malady of addiction but also by improving environment they live in. One such example is "Rainy Day" concert organised by Prothom Alo to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking. Some 15000 youths saying 'No to drugs' vowed to launch a nationwide movement against drug.

I take my hats off to Anusheh who had gut to narrate her once drug addicted life. Anusheh, you can be a good ambassador to help drug addicts return to their original track. Such activities/programmes help to identify addicts in their own peer groups. Dare devils as youth are, they prove to be an asset in reaching rather inaccessible areas of community, such as, pockets of addiction.

Many a time, due to their connection with traffickers, pushers and pedlars, it becomes difficult to impress upon addicts to leave their habit. It is here that youths, voluntary organisations have not only been able to create awareness but also have been able to muster support for combating trafficking, pushing and peddling drug. ----------------------------------------

As a result of assisting hundreds of families throughout Lorain and Cuyahoga County area during this difficult process, here is some advice based on experiences we encounter every day while working with these families. Below are next steps that you and your family should follow:

1.Discuss situation with individual - Don’t be afraid to ask or talk to your aging family members. Often seniors will not tell you if they are having trouble unless you ask. It is important to reassure seniors about your questions. They do not want to lose their independence and are afraid of being moved out of their home into a strange environment. Let them know about other care alternatives before you ask questions such as: Are you having trouble walking? Have you fallen? Do you have trouble driving at night?

2.Make a doctor’s appointment for individual – Be sure and make appointment when you, another family member or someone else can relay concerns directly to doctor. Sometimes these warning signs can be a direct result of outdated medication or perhaps a dosage that needs to be changed.

3.Determine what services are available in your community – Talk with your local social service agencies or community organizations such as Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. It’s important to weigh all of your options when it comes to providing best care for your family member.

4.Make minor adjustments in their lifestyle – It may be necessary to bring in outside help to provide companionship and to assist with daily activities such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, trips to their doctor’s appointments, etc. These precautions and changes can be done while allowing your loved one to stay in comfort of their own home. But be cautious about hiring independent caregivers – you or your parent will be responsible for paying payroll taxes, worker’s compensation insurance, as well as screening and hiring caregiver. Many reputable companies now exist that carefully screen their caregivers, handle all of employment issues, provide on-going training, as well as taking care of bonding and insurance.

5.Use this time to plan ahead for unforeseen events – This is good advice for everyone, not just seniors! Take this time to establish advanced directives including establishing a power of attorney, will, living will, etc. There is no such thing as being too prepared.

Remember, holiday season is a time for family, togetherness and establishing lifelong memories. By taking time to address these issues before they reach crisis stage, your family will have much-needed sense of security, comfort and hopefully ability to create new memories with your aging loved ones for many years to come!

Comfort Keepers can provide guidance and assistance to families throughout Lorain and Cuyahoga County area. Comfort Keepers offers companionship and other non-medical services for aging adults, new mothers and others needing assistance. In-home services include personal care services, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation and more. Comfort Keepers does not utilize independent contractors. All caregivers are hired employees who are carefully screened, bonded and insured. If you are in need of assistance or are interested in learning more about Comfort Keepers, please call (440) 734-1111 or (440) 934-7575 or visit www.comfortkeepers.com.

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