Post holiday blues is a normal feeling for many people, especially caregivers. The gifts have been opened, the decorations have been taken down, it’s back to our “regular” routine. This could be a time where a sense of sadness or depression may set in. The beginning of a new year comes with the ability to […]
“An advocate can be a family member, friend, trusted coworker, or a hired professional who accompanies you to your appointments and asks questions, writes down information, and speaks up for you so you can better understand your illness and get the care you need.” [Source: AARP] As an Aging Life Care Professional (also known as […]
Are you looking for holiday gift ideas for the seniors in your life? So what are you getting for your Mom this Christmas? What are you getting for your Dad? “They already have everything they need”, you say. “They are actually thinking of moving so that they can down size, I don’t want to add […]
Medicare coverage choices can be confusing! What is the best plan for you or your loved one? Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7, 2019. With 10,000 boomers turning 65 years old and retiring every day, the topic of healthcare coverage through Medicare is more timely than ever. Do you know that by […]
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, includes challenges with chewing, swallowing food or liquid. Dysphagia is often related to aging. As with other muscles in the aging body, muscles in the mouth and throat can lose strength and bulk. Sometimes dental problems lead to a decreased ability to thoroughly chew food, which in turn leads […]
The weight of caregiver guilt can be overwhelming. Guilt is a 4-letter word in disguise. It is a bad feeling that can tear us down. As family caregivers we wrestle with feelings of guilt frequently. We give all we have however too often we feel like we have failed. And we doubt ourselves every single […]
Hospital stays can be challenging for any patient and for someone living with dementia, the patient experience can be even more scary and confusing. Here are five ways caregivers can improve their loved one’s experience. Frequently a trip to the hospital begins with a visit to an Emergency Department (ED). According to the Centers for […]
Hospice and palliative care are two healthcare approaches offering compassionate support to patients with life limiting illnesses. When a loved one is living with health issues it can be hard for him or her to understand what options may be available to help manage treatment, side effects, advance directive decisions, and decision-making around stopping treatment. […]
06
Mar
Mar
Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare starting in April 2018. Who needs to know this information? You, your elderly neighbor, your aging parent, church members, medical offices, retirement communities, baby boomers, SO MANY PEOPLE! Why is this information about new Medicare cards important? Medicare recipients hand over their Social Security numbers every time […]
More and more emergency rooms are putting procedures into place to better serve their oldest patients. This person-centered approach to elder care is a breath of fresh air. Customizing care plans to each individual’s specific needs is a form of preventive health care. Hospitals want to reduce the number of re-admissions and this approach to care […]