Nov
18
2024
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B — the part of Medicare that covers doctor’s visits, routine cancer screenings, home health care and other outpatient services — will be $185 for 2025. The announcement was made by...
Nov
11
2024
November is National Family Caregivers Month. We want to acknowledge ALL the dedicated family, and private-duty caregivers for their involvement in the lives of community elders. Here are some additional issues to think/plan for as we age...
Nov
07
2024
November is National Family Caregivers Month. We want to acknowledge ALL the dedicated family, and private-duty caregivers for their involvement in the lives of community elders.
Family caregivers’ responsibilities can be challenging. There are times it may seem overwhelming....
Nov
04
2024
Home care services are essential for elderly parents. Home care is a simple and personalized service which provides practical help and emotional support for seniors at home.
How does home care provide efficient assistance to frail elders?
--...
Oct
25
2024
What is home care?
Home care allows seniors to receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs) within the comfort of their own home. Standard home care offers companionship and support with daily activities. Services including nursing assistance may...
Oct
14
2024
Social Security beneficiaries will get a 2.5 percent increase in their monthly payments next year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Oct. 10th.
The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the lowest since 2021, reflecting a continued cooling of inflation following...
Sep
30
2024
There is great importance to "listening" for clues from your elderly parents. You might be distracted with raising kids and dealing with your job. Your visits might be rushed, and your mind may be elsewhere. You hear...
Sep
16
2024
Home care is flexible, allowing individuals to age in place and choose how frequently they receive care or companionship services.
-- Nursing homes provide around-the-clock residential care with access to medical professionals like nurses, doctors, and therapists.
-- Home health care...
Aug
26
2024
We are pleased to highlight a guest post on our HomeCare blog. Please welcome Evelyn K. Grier, who enriches the digital space as a blog contributor for SpringHive, a premier website design company. She crafts engaging content for...
Aug
19
2024
There are many benefits for seniors who engage the assistance of home care, and in-home personalized care.
Here are benefits highlighted:
-- Encourages independence. Home care enables seniors to age in place while receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs)...
Aug
13
2024
Offering companionship, transportation, and assistance with daily activities, homecare services are provided to seniors in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Homecare is a great alternative to living alone and unsafe. Or, in assisted living facilities for...
Aug
06
2024
MassHealth has two programs which assist elders to stay at home. And, this avoids a nursing home.
For most seniors, their own financial resources are not enough. Under the MassHealth umbrella, there are several programs that can help...
Jul
30
2024
Prepare yourself, and your elderly parents, for a diagnosis. The more information you have available, the better to make informed decisions and plans.
A dementia diagnosis is determined through a series of steps. There are many different possible tests to...
Jul
22
2024
In most cases, you should tell your elderly parent(s) they have dementia. It is in their best interest to know what’s going on with their health. Chances are, seniors already realize something’s wrong. You can have the discussion...
Jul
15
2024
It’s important to find professional help after noticing early symptoms of elderly dementia. Find the right doctor.
Doctors who specialize in dementia will ask about problems related to common dementia behaviors. Look for a physician whose specialty is...
Jul
09
2024
If you suspect that your elderly parent(s) has dementia, document and share dementia behaviors with a doctor. Keep a record of the symptoms, and track signs of dementia using your phone or a journal. It’s important to share specific...
Jun
19
2024
Specialists will want to know about the patient’s medical history and habits. Modifiable risk factors, like smoking and high blood pressure, can play a role in dementia risk. So can family history.
There are behavior habits which...
May
27
2024
Diagnosing elder dementia is not simple, nor easy. Professional expertise is required.
Here are some of the methods doctors use to help diagnose dementia:
-- Cognitive and neuropsychological tests assess language and math skills, memory, problem-solving and other types...
May
20
2024
There are many, medically differentiated types of dementia. And, people can also have mixed dementia, a combination of two or more types, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
However, the following are the most well known, and the most frequently...
May
14
2024
Continuing with part 2 on our series discussing signs of dementia...
According to 2023 figures from the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases,...
May
08
2024
What is dementia?
Dementia is a catch-all term for changes in the brain that cause a loss of functioning that interferes with daily life. It can diminish focus, attention, language skills, problem-solving and visual perception. Dementia can also make...
Apr
30
2024
Is our advanced medical system, driven and supported by the technical advancements of science, overly biased toward prolonging life?
There are many arguments pro and con on this issue, and all are with merit (and may be completely subjective). However,...
Apr
23
2024
Managing an elderly parent, or senior, and their medical needs requires organization, preparation and a lot of compassion. Below, we continue with some reminders and tips to help make this process easier.
-- Build a Support Network: Establish...
Apr
17
2024
Caring for a senior, or elderly parents, can be rewarding but challenging. It can get crazy calling doctors, managing their medical needs, and scheduling appointments.
As a caregiver, whether you are a family member or a spouse, keeping...
Apr
03
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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Some elderly may be committed...
Mar
28
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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Seniors should be conscious of...
Mar
18
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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-- Stay Hydrated: Hydration...
Mar
11
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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Health Conditions: Unfortunately, seniors...
Mar
05
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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Issues with your appetite should...
Feb
27
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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Some of the more common...
Feb
19
2024
Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.
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Nutrition is a vital part...
Feb
13
2024
In general, eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is the most scientifically sound approach to nutrition. Superfoods can be part of that approach.
However, not all superfoods are created equal, and their benefits...
Feb
05
2024
One of the most frequently mentioned benefits of superfoods is their antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that have been linked to numerous chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Foods like acai berries,...
Jan
30
2024
What characteristics define "superfoods"? And, more importantly, do they help seniors stay healthy?
In a world where quick-fix diets and miracle health solutions vie for our attention, the term “superfoods” is everywhere. It’s printed on food packaging, discussed in...
Jan
22
2024
Two eating plans that have garnered widespread support from nutritionists and health care professionals are the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. Rather than diets, it’s more accurate to call them lifestyle approaches, as...
Jan
16
2024
Does everyone follow the phrase, "you are what you eat"? Of course, not always. But ingesting healthy foods into the engine of an elderly body DOES make a positive difference.
Here are some tips to implement healthy eating...
Jan
09
2024
As the new year begins, many older adults are reflecting on their lives and setting goals to become healthier. One of the most common resolutions is to eat better and possibly even drop a few pounds — a commendable...
Jan
02
2024
What can you do when you sense help is needed for your elderly parents? Concern about senior safety at home may be overwhelming at times. If you’ve seen potential problems that worry you, here are some action steps...
Dec
27
2023
Are you concerned about the wellness of an elderly parent who’s living alone? If you’ll be visiting them over the holidays, it’s a great opportunity to check on how well they’re doing.
If you are already concerned, you’re not alone!...
Dec
15
2023
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) gets the headlines, but multiple aspects of Social Security change annually to reflect national trends in prices and wages, affecting the benefits paid to tens of millions of Americans and the taxes paid by nearly...
Dec
08
2023
Hearing loss can be very isolating, and frustrating. Especially for elderly, who may not move as well as years past. Here are some simple reminders to assist communications for all.
-- Let people know your communication needs. Self-advocating...
Nov
06
2023
Psychiatric illnesses in older adults have long tended to be neglected, sometimes with tragic consequences. The elderly suicide rate is higher than in any other age group, and twice the national average.
It is estimated that 40 percent of...
Oct
30
2023
To Whom It May Concern: (hint...that would be ALL of us.) Please be advised, normal aging is not characterized by mental disorders.
Contrary to popular belief, mental disorders like anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, mood disorders and...
Oct
23
2023
Flu Vaccination is Most Effective
It is that time of year. Halloween is approaching...we are losing more and more of our day light (not to mention daylight savings time is ending soon)...and I got my annual flu shot last week.
Seasonal...
Oct
16
2023
Social Security recipients will get a 3.2 percent increase in their monthly payments next year. This announcement from the Social Security Administration (SSA) was made public on October 12th.
The 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) marks a big drop from...
Oct
09
2023
Professional Care Can Relieve Family Burnout
Taking on the care and support for elderly parents can be stressful, overwhelming, and costly. All seniors have different emotional and physical needs, so there is no "one solution" that will permanently fit. Some...
Oct
02
2023
Hearing aids today come in sizes that are virtually undetectable. They work by making sounds louder – although they sometimes will also increase the sound of background noises (such as crowds of people, or motor vehicle traffic).
Always consult your insurance...
Sep
29
2023
Don't Ignore Signs of Bad Hearing
According to the National Institute on Deafness, one third of those over 60 and half of those over 85 have hearing loss. While a hearing loss is considered a normal part of aging, it...
Sep
18
2023
Flu Vaccination is Most Effective for Prevention
It must be that time of year. We are losing more and more of our day light...and I got my annual flu shot last week.
Yes, we have seasonal changes upon us. Our elderly parents,...
Sep
11
2023
I came across this post recently, and these health care trends are informative...
Below are 5 ways in which health care has evolved, is changing, and has improved:
1. Telemedicine: When your grandparents were kids, could they have ever imagined something...
Sep
05
2023
Annual Screening is VERY Important
There are virtually no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer. Therefore, annual screenings are strongly recommended for Caucasian men beginning at age 50 and African-American and Hispanic men beginning at 40. ...
Aug
29
2023
Prostate cancer is the number one form of cancer among men in the U.S., with approximately 290,000 new cases diagnosed every year. An estimated 13 percent of all men will be diagnosed with the disease. And, it...
Aug
24
2023
The elderly, in general, are a population most at risk for heat stroke. In many cases, pre-existing conditions may adversely effect a senior's ability to deal with heat. Often, seniors with lung disease, heart disease, or kidney disease are...
Aug
15
2023
Elderly at Risk
As the summer heat continues, it is advisable to be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with over-heating. Continuing our series of heat related health problems, we have been hightlighting elder hydration and nutrition. Today...
Aug
09
2023
What to choose when you are looking for a healthy snack or meal? Hey, we all cut corners at times. Sometimes the healthy choice just isn't as easily prepped as a quick sugar snack. But appetite...
Aug
01
2023
It is estimated that up to 40% of community-dwelling elderly people may be chronically underhydrated. Not helping matters, we are experiencing a very hot, humid summer.
While older adults are at greater risk for dehydration due to temperatures, there...
Jul
25
2023
What Is Dehydration?
The Mayo Clinic states, “Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace...
Jul
17
2023
Watch What You Eat
Please find below some tips on nutritional habits for the elderly. Nutrition is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, particularly for older people. Proper balance in diet is the key to good nutrition.
Notes on Nutrition
Eat good...
Jul
11
2023
As we enter the hot summer season, I am always reminding seniors and families to remain hydrated. You've heard this before...drink plenty of water to avoid and prevent dehydration.
Along this same line of thinking, please find below some tips...
Jul
03
2023
Medicare is currently defined under two classifications, Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Medicare Part B coverage is loosely defined as “medical insurance”. Medicare Part B covers eligible home health services such as intermittent skilled nursing care,...
Jun
26
2023
Summary of Medicare Part A
Medicare is currently defined under two classifications, Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Briefly, Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. It...
Jun
21
2023
Any senior classified as homebound — due to a medical condition or limited mobility — whose physician has prescribed home health services is generally eligible to receive in-home health care.
However, additional requirements to qualify for home health care services...
May
30
2023
https://southshoresenior.com/2023/03/jd-miller-home-care-partners/
J.D. Miller, founder and owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, outlines the intergenerational challenges and triumphs of helping seniors with private duty home & living assistance. Home Care Partners services all of eastern Massachusetts, and provides both hourly...
May
22
2023
Final installment on our "Pain" blog series. Thanks to guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Chronic pain is a complicated disorder. There is no specific tool for diagnosis. Likewise, available treatments often fail to produce favorable...
May
15
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Depending on the patient’s needs, a doctor may use opioids, non-opioids, or some combination of both.
-- Anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics: Primarily...
May
08
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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There may be alternative treatments to help address pain. It’s always recommended to discuss any treatments with a doctor or medical professional....
May
01
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Pain treatment primarily focuses on treating the underlying medical condition responsible for pain. Luckily, several treatment options are available. ...
Apr
24
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Imaging: Imaging tests provide detailed pictures of internal organs and activities inside the body. A doctor can use these tests to:
*...
Apr
18
2023
We continue our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Diagnosing chronic pain is not easy, as there are no tools to quantify pain. Diagnosis often involves a series of tests...
Apr
13
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Seniors:
Increasing age is the single most significant risk factor for chronic pain. According to research data, 33% of people older than 65...
Mar
27
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Several conditions can cause chronic pain. The top three causes listed below. But as you can see, there are additional conditions...
Mar
21
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Traumatic Injury
History of physical trauma accounts for 12% - 40% of cases of chronic pain. Likewise, 15% of people hospitalized after serious...
Mar
13
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Pain is a complex condition, defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described...
Mar
06
2023
Continuing our blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Chronic pain is a type of pain that persists for at least three months. Depending on the cause, it may last up...
Feb
28
2023
The first in a blog series on "Pain". Submitted by guest author, Kevin Samuels, Outreach Coordinator, Flowers Health: https://jflowershealth.com/
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Chronic pain (long-term pain) affects about 40 million people in the US. Some sources say the numbers could be...
Feb
20
2023
An overwhelming majority of elderly prefer, if given a viable choice, to remain in their home as long as possible. This is not at all surprising news.
But to accomplish this, there need to be some additional...
Feb
13
2023
What is widely viewed as the best and most viable delivery of health care in America? The answer...approximately 90 percent of infirm and elderly individuals have been found to prefer home care over comparable institutional care.
What are some of the...
Feb
06
2023
Colorectal cancers can be prevented if the individual has been screened beginning at the age of 50. Since most colorectal cancer begins as benign polyps, the test finds and removes these growths before they can turn into cancer....
Jan
31
2023
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. And, it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined....
Jan
16
2023
Timing is everything! Quick response to a possible stroke may greatly improve chances of full recovery. You need to act FAST to help save someone experiencing a stroke.
To identify someone who may be having a stroke, you...
Jan
10
2023
There are many lifestyle adjustments which may help provide stroke prevention in women. Please consider these tips for your elderly mother, sister, and any other females in your family.
-- Choose healthy foods and drinks. Replace processed foods with...
Jan
04
2023
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in women, killing 85,000 women each year in the United States.
Women and men are both susceptible to stroke factors. However, there are some differences based on gender. Below highlights...
Dec
27
2022
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Blood carries oxygen to cells in the body. When brain cells...
Dec
19
2022
Here are 5 quick benefits on how homecare staff can assist older adults managing diabetes:
-- Meal preparation: Home caregivers can prepare meals that align with their senior's dietary guidelines or even shop for groceries on behalf of their clients.
--...
Dec
12
2022
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
Ideally, it’s best to get your flu shot before the flu begins to spread in your community. I always attempt to remember during Fall season...say, October-November. It takes about...
Dec
07
2022
'Tis the holiday season. And this year, that means coordinating and scheduling a flu shot, along with a covid vaccine or booster shot.
If you, or your elderly parents, are planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster along...
Nov
29
2022
The senior flu shot is considered safe, but it may cause mild side effects related to inflammation and the body’s immune response. During the week after getting the flu vaccine, seniors may experience the following symptoms:
-- Soreness, tenderness, redness,...
Nov
25
2022
The following flu vaccines are recommended for adults 65 and older only. Talk to your doctor about which senior flu shot is right for your elderly parents.
-- Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (brand name: Fluzone High-Dose) is a vaccine made up...
Nov
08
2022
As the calendar moves inevitably toward colder weather, please urge your elderly parents to take appropriate health precautions.
Elders are at high risk for life-threatening complications from the flu, including hospitalizations and death. The CDC estimates the flu causes 140,000...
Oct
31
2022
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake, causing chronic inflammation. Since it is systemic, RA typically affects multiple joints at once. RA tends to come...
Oct
24
2022
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis among the general population, affecting over 32.5 million U.S. adults. OA starts when the cartilage within a joint begins to break down, causing deterioration...
Oct
17
2022
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced an 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2023, the largest inflation-fueled increase in benefits in more than 40 years.
Starting in January, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit will rise by about $146,...
Oct
11
2022
Gout is a complex yet common form of inflammatory arthritis, and one of the most painful. It typically affects one joint at a time, often the big toe joint. It is common for those with gout to experience a...
Oct
04
2022
Arthritis is understood by most people to be a general condition that causes painful, stiff joints. What most people don’t know is that there are many different types of arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments....
Sep
23
2022
Diabetes is an insidious disease that preys on older people, including our elderly parents. Type 2 diabetes, once known as “adult onset diabetes,” affects 90 – 95 percent of the more than 20 million Americans affected with diabetes. My...
Sep
19
2022
Home care helps seniors maintain their independence. Home care allows seniors to continue to live in the place they function best – their home. Actually, the care engagement philosophy at Home Care Partners is to allow the senior to...
Sep
16
2022
What is widely viewed as the best and most viable delivery of health care in America? The answer...approximately 90 percent of infirm and elderly individuals have been found to prefer home care over comparable institutional care.
Benefits of Home Care
What are...
Sep
06
2022
Sleep problems effect us all. Seemingly, more so as we age.
In elder care, this may encompass multiple people. The elder, the family, and the home care staff.
Sleep problems are the most frequent reason given in a family's...
Aug
29
2022
Sleep disturbances can be caused by dementia, which can affect a senior's sense of day and night. There is confusion enough that elderly may be completely reversed, thinking night is day. The effect is magnified when the person...
Aug
22
2022
Poor sleep quality, for elderly and all of us, can lead to feeling tired, irritable, and slow the next day. But for your brain, poor sleep may cause health issues relating to dementia.
On an everyday — and every...
Aug
09
2022
Guest blog post submitted by Rebecca, a student conducting independent research this summer...
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Memory loss is often considered an “old person problem”. Unfortunately, that’s far from true. People of any age can experience inconvenient bouts of forgetfulness.
Can’t...
Aug
02
2022
Guest blog post submitted by Rebecca, a student conducting independent research this summer...
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A new study released in November of 2021 found it’s best to mix it up when it comes to stimulating activities that stimulate the brain. The recent...
Jul
25
2022
What is the best retirement age for elderly?
How is a senior's health?
When should an elderly parent file for Social Security benefits?
In 1983, Congress raised the age at which seniors could collect their full Social Security benefits. This change was...
Jul
19
2022
There are many elderly issues relating to retirement, health, and aging. Here are some questions to ponder:
1) Where to live? Move to a warmer climate in order to avoid harsh winters?
2) Downsize the house? Eliminate stairs,...
Jul
12
2022
Don’t Ignore Signs of Poor Hearing
If your elderly parents, or a senior you know, has age-related hearing loss, they may have a difficult time hearing what others are saying. Or, they may be unable to tolerate loud sounds....
Jul
06
2022
According to the National Institute on Deafness, one third of our elderly parents have hearing loss. And, upwards of 50% of those over 85 have hearing loss. Clearly, seniors lose hearing as they age.
Hearing loss may be the...
Jun
27
2022
Home provides comfort and security. As aging progresses, more and more services are being delivered at home. Groceries, transportation, and medical appointments are all services who increasingly cater to consumers being in their home.
For many elderly, the solution...
Jun
23
2022
It is easy to understand why seniors, and our elderly parents, prefer homecare services. The benefits also extend to family members, who may be trying to provide time and resources while juggling atomic family responsibilities.
Here are just a...
Jun
10
2022
In general, older adults being treated for cancer may have some/all of the following characteristics:
Elders may be less tolerant of certain cancer treatments. Certain drugs effect people differently, and the immune system may already be compromised due to aging/health...
Jun
07
2022
There are complexities involved when elders age. As well, there are related complexities to senior care planning.
-- Diagnosing the elderly with cancer can be very difficult. First and foremost, seniors may be hesitant and apprehensive about reporting health problems....
Jun
01
2022
Exercise is healthy for seniors. We hear this message all the time. Stay active. Keep an aging body in shape. Maintain muscle strength.
Yes, physical exercise helps in any number of ways...improving blood circulation, keeping muscles...
May
23
2022
Record setting high temperatures already! Not only did heat come suddenly, but it came forcefully.
Keep Your House Cool:
Seniors (and also young children) are most at risk because of poor temperature regulation systems. When I visit my parents, I...
May
16
2022
Within the past week, I have gone from wearing winter coat and gloves, to shortsleeves and shorts. Admittedly, I do prefer the latter temperature conditions. It does feel that summer is finally making an appearance.
But, just today, a...
May
05
2022
Guest posting authored by Andrea Gibbs, a frequest blog contributor at Serenity Senior Care and a content manager at SpringHive Web Agency...
When your elderly parents get older, it can be challenging to keep up with the decreasing mobility and...
Apr
26
2022
Home care means personalized care, delivered to elders, in the privacy and comfort of their own home.
At Home Care Partners, we have been approached by many staff members wanting to provide more one on one care. Staff...
Apr
19
2022
When families, clients, friends and neighbors ask me about the benefits of home care services for the elderly, I have multiple answers to offer in response:
Reasons Why Home Care Services Provide Value
Home care is the most effective form of...
Apr
04
2022
How can you support your elderly parents to remain at home, and remain independent?
Encourage elderly to remain active, and involved -- physically if possible; emotionally through communication -- in family life. Connect kids, grandchildren, local and distant friends....
Mar
28
2022
How can you help your elderly parents cope with loss of independence? Or, to put it another way, how to cope with increasing "dependency"?
Relying on other people for assistance with basic tasks like bathing or common activities like...
Mar
28
2022
The loss of independence is a burden experienced by many seniors. Understanding this "loss" is a major ingredient in assisting our elderly parents to navigate the aging process.
Think about this. Most people begin to live and perform...
Mar
15
2022
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of bacterial infection in older adults. The elderly can experience different and more severe symptoms than younger adults. Always be on the lookout for behavioral changes, which may include...
Mar
08
2022
How do you diagnose a UTI?
In older adults who have symptoms of a UTI, a simple urine test — called a urinalysis — can confirm infection. In some cases, the doctor requests a urine culture to identify the type...
Feb
25
2022
Why do UTIs cause confusion in the elderly?
The immune system of an older adult reacts differently to infection compared to younger people.
Bladder infections place stress on the body. That stress can result in confusion. Abrupt changes in...
Feb
22
2022
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of bacterial infection in older adults. UTIs affect around 10% of men and 20% of women older than age 80. Seniors may also experience different and more severe symptoms than...
Feb
14
2022
How can pneumonia be prevented in older adults?
You can help your elderly parents prevent contracting pneumonia by encouraging them to follow these steps:
-- Get the pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to the doctor about what type of pneumococcal vaccine is right...
Feb
07
2022
How do you treat pneumonia?
Treatment depends, first of all, on a medical determination of cause. The goal is always to eliminate the infection. Secondly, prevent any complications, and treat symptoms to help your elderly parents feel better.
Viral pneumonia...
Jan
31
2022
What causes pneumonia in elderly adults?
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms entering the lungs can cause pneumonia. In the U.S., pneumonia in the elderly is usually caused by bacteria or a virus, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for...
Jan
25
2022
Sometimes, symptoms of pneumonia may be different in seniors. Elderly adults with pneumonia may have a low-grade fever or even a normal temperature. They may also be less alert, show signs of confusion, or experience changes in mental awareness....
Jan
17
2022
As we all age, we become more susceptible to disease and infection. Our bodies, and our immune systems, no longer function as strongly as when we were young.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be serious...
Jan
10
2022
Life Expectancies Continue to Go Up.
Yes, the statistics concerning aging continue to provide good news -- elders are living longer today than previous generations. But, living longer comes with some practical consequences which require some planning. Are your...
Jan
03
2022
Benefits of Home Care
There are significant benefits to seniors remaining in their own homes. Some are tangible, such as the high financial costs of a facility versus living at home. But, there are also many intangible, emotional, benefits...
Dec
29
2021
What is widely viewed as the best and most viable delivery of health care in America? The answer...approximately 90 percent of infirm and elderly individuals have been found to prefer home care over comparable institutional care.
No surprise here. Elderly...
Dec
21
2021
Your elderly parents may be content, or resigned, with how they are aging. One day simply leads to the next. But they are more prone to falls. And, they may not be taking care of themselves as they...
Dec
14
2021
Very rarely do we find elderly parents who are asking for help. Calls for home care assistance generally come from adult children. Extended family members are tasked with researching home care agencies.
It is a characteristic of elders,...
Dec
06
2021
Caregivers are constantly busy. They work with elders. They manage and maintain the security and safety of your elderly parents. And, they have their own lives. A little bit of help...that probably describes an appropriate gift...
Nov
22
2021
Elderly clients may be content, or resigned, with how they are aging. One day simply leads to the next.
Our experience has shown that the best approach to bolster transition toward an acceptance of care services may be to...
Nov
16
2021
It is a characteristic of elderly, like so many of us, to be hesitant to accept the assistance of strangers in their home. These emotions are to be expected. I always make mention of this in conversations with adult...
Nov
11
2021
As with many of the diseases that affect our elderly adults, staying active and pursuing a healthy diet can slow the progression of the disease.
There are both physical and emotional issues that result from a diagnosis of Parkinson's. ...
Oct
18
2021
Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease patients is extremely important. Maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, and stretching helps to delay the muscle contraction caused by the disease.
Think about aerobic activities – ideally 3 days a week for 30 minutes per session....
Oct
13
2021
Retired Americans who collect Social Security are about to get the biggest “raise” in 40 years: A 5.9% increase in their monthly payments starting in January.
The biggest increase in the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security since 1982 is a...
Oct
11
2021
My father had Parkinson's Disease. While it did not seem to inhibit much of his daily life, it was certainly a daily reminder. He moved slowly. He was unable to drive a car. He was...
Oct
05
2021
For seniors living alone or dealing with the loss of a loved one, life can get boring, monotonous, and depressing. The benefits of having a pet at home may just be the tonic to keep them involved, engaged, and...
Sep
29
2021
Our teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but seniors have increasing difficulty in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Tooth decay and gum disease can often get in the way. When teeth aren't cleaned properly or often enough,...
Sep
24
2021
Home care helps seniors maintain their independence.
Home care allows seniors to continue to live in the place they function best – their home. Actually, the care engagement philosophy at Home Care Partners is to allow the senior to continue...
Sep
09
2021
Long Term Health Care (LTC) Insurance is a life-planning strategy to insure coverage for the unexpected. Many savvy (and financially able) people initiate policy coverage in mid-life. This benefit enables them to gain insurance coverage while healthy, and insure...
Aug
30
2021
The overwhelming question for most seniors is...how to plan for the future? More specifically, the real question is...how to anticipate the cost of the future?
My elderly parents had long term care insurance. They were in their 80's when...
Aug
24
2021
The question everyone thinks about, and asks: how do we pay for elderly aging in place?
One of the answers, albeit with some flaws, is a long term care insurance policy.
Like any insurance product, the cost for...
Aug
16
2021
We have just lived through our 3rd summer heat wave this year. It is, now, still the middle of summer. Will we get another round of heat?
Here are some additional heat tips for elder consideration:
-- Plan your...
Aug
10
2021
Some advice for the elderly in hot weather...
* Dehydration in seniors is the root of many heat-related health problems. It removes important salts and minerals from the body. Heat can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and other health issues for...
Jul
28
2021
It is summer. It is hot, and humid. We are experiencing temperatures well above historical averages. And the heat has an effect on our bodies. We are perspiring more, and perhaps feeling lethargic. Many...
Jul
19
2021
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a medical emergency. Fast treatment is required.
Heatstroke, sometimes referred to as sunstroke, occurs when the body can...
Jul
12
2021
Climate change is definitively upon us. We have already experienced historic heat this summer. Hot weather can be dangerous. And, our elderly parents are particularly vulnerable to its effects. In fact, 12,000 Americans die annually from...
Jul
05
2021
Logic and reasoning with elderly parents can be frustrating. Especially if you are not able to visit and witness their lifestyle.
If you suspect an elder has been threatened or victimized, reassure them that it is not...
Jul
01
2021
With elderly in decline, or living alone, it is important that family stay in close communication. Visit as often as possible. This also includes video visits and/or phone calls. Make these contacts frequently. Know and understand the warning...
Jun
21
2021
How to identify, and prevent, elder abuse?
Gerontologists say that social isolation is a top risk factor for elder abuse. Covid restrictions, up until now, have curtailed many services that keep older adults connected to the world outside their...
Jun
16
2021
Elderly abuse isn't a topic anyone enjoys discussing, but it cannot remain hidden. It is vitally important to talk about it. Experts estimate that 10% of older adults are victims of elder abuse, yet only a small percentage...
Jun
07
2021
The physical challenges of heart failure make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This, in turn, can worsen a failing heart.
In-home care helps clients stay on track of their health management routine — and provides peace...
May
31
2021
There are many elderly living with the challenges of a weak heart. Treatment for heart failure can be complex and difficult to understand. It is very important to have a clear, concise, daily regimen. Monitoring medications, salt...
May
24
2021
Boston Senior Medicine is a new, regional business serving only seniors -- and ONLY at their home. Services combine the traditions and convenience of the past with the best of today's modern medicine.
Whether a house call or...
May
18
2021
Heart "failure" is a condition that costs Americans more than $30 billion each year. It affects more than 5 million Americans, mostly older adults.
Heart failure (sometimes called congestive heart failure) occurs when the heart is weakened and cannot...
May
11
2021
Nutrition and proper eating becomes more important as we age. First and foremost, elders need energy to remain active and healthy. But with many, they lose their appetite and fall in to bad, inconsistent eating habits. Because of living...
May
03
2021
Helping your loved one avoid "cabin fever." For homebound seniors, our current fight against Covid can be a time of extreme boredom. Nothing happens in their day-day living environment. Meals and watching television are the only checkpoints of their...
Apr
27
2021
Medications play an important role in improving our health. Additionally, today's medicines can greatly assist in preserving the independence of older adults. Prescriptive drug medications help control many common health conditions. Do you know any seniors experiencing...
Apr
14
2021
Taking care of the caregiver is important. If you hire a home health aide (see: Home Care Partners), they need to re-charge. If you, or a family member is providing care and assistance for elderly parents, you...
Apr
06
2021
The stress and work to provide and supervise care for elders, or family members, can be exhausting. Specific, normal tasks such as changing clothes or bathing can seem endless. Completion may be quite difficult, time consuming, and inefficient. Daily...
Mar
30
2021
Can the lack of socialization and social support really effect an elder's overall quality of life? Absolutely, YES.
How important is social support as a person ages? Social activity helps us all! In effect, we remain "connected".
Home Care...
Mar
23
2021
Social support for elders is important for their emotional and physical well-being. Studies have shown that social support services should be characterized by activity -- or planned activities. Staying active, and involved, is hugely beneficial for seniors as...
Mar
15
2021
Families Need Support Services for Elderly Parents
When considering who provides support for our elderly parents, our first thoughts are to turn to family members. However, while it is true that most support does come from extended relatives or family...
Mar
08
2021
As a member of the “sandwich generation”, I can attest to the difficulty in caring for elderly parents while simultaneously living life with my atomic family. Not enough time, too much to do. I know there...
Mar
01
2021
Multiple studies and elder research has shown that elderly exercise can greatly enhance the quality of aging and lifestyle. There may be any number of different methods for exercise, and active seniors should choose one or more areas...
Feb
22
2021
It is a fact...seniors who exercise maintain better health.
Exercise for seniors has multiple benefits, including fun, better fitness and health, and socialization. Getting started, or urging your elderly parents to commit, may be the most difficult hurdle to...
Feb
15
2021
As we begin vaccinations, you can be sure that scammers will be coming up with creative ways to separate elderly from their money.
Please keep the following in mind:
-- You likely will not need to pay anything out of...
Feb
08
2021
The Veterans Administration offers a little-known source of money to assist paying long term care costs entitled Aid & Attendance. This is a tax-free, monthly pension for qualifying veterans/spouses who can verify certain recurring medical and health related expenses,...
Feb
01
2021
Important and timely re-post authored by A Place For Mom…
Most COVID-19 side effects can be treated safely at home without any sort of special care. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain or...
Jan
28
2021
Important and timely re-post authored by A Place For Mom....
When it comes to side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines in the elderly, the news is good: Preliminary clinical data for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine showed the majority of side effects...
Jan
25
2021
For the elderly, the odds of falling each year are about 33%. Good odds if you’re looking to win a lottery; not very good odds if you’re a senior or care for a senior and want them to stay...
Jan
18
2021
When you speak with your elderly parents, listen for hints.
In many cases, our elders have a great understanding of their limitations. They know what they can, and can not, accomplish. However, they may not be open, honest, and blunt...
Jan
11
2021
How to stay connected with our aging seniors?
I’m convinced that my elderly parents were most happy when socially engaged with other people. Certainly, an occasional stopover from a neighbor or distant relative should be encourage. Any visit from...
Jan
04
2021
Talking with elderly parents about personal, private issues can be difficult. Topics such as aging, health and finances, remaining independent while living at home, or their thoughts about their final wishes, can be every bit as difficult as...
Dec
31
2020
A senior’s emotional health can affect their physical health. We see this all the time.
Aging is not easy. And, being self-aware of your health can be somewhat difficult…even for those elders with strong mental acuity. The physical...
Dec
28
2020
Elders do have something that younger generations lack…experience at life. And they appreciate passing along that expertise, both formally and in casual conversation. Elder adults understand the value of sharing life’s experiences with younger generations. Elders provide a mature...
Dec
22
2020
Memory loss can be a common characteristic in seniors and our elderly parents.
Are your elderly parents beginning to show signs of forgetfulness, or scattered thinking? Before jumping to the conclusion that Alzheimer’s disease has taken hold, realize that...
Dec
21
2020
Do you know the medication schedule for your elderly parents?
For many, this can become a somewhat mind boggling task. And I’m referring to the adult children who are trying to decipher their elderly parent‘s medications! Imagine how confusing it...
Dec
21
2020
Families and caregivers should familiarize themselves with ALL elder medications. Knowing the purpose of each drug can help you to understand and be alert to dosage, schedule, and medical need. Does it address blood pressure, or anxiety? Is it...
Dec
08
2020
How do veterans or eligible surviving spouses apply for the Aid and Attendance pension?
Generally, applications are processed via the mail. Documents include the VA Aid and Attendance form, VA Form 21-2680. There is also an examination...
Dec
01
2020
For eligible veterans who have been disabled while in service, there are levels of monthly financial compensation potentially available. See VA Disability Compensation.
Similarly, the Aid & Attendance pension may also provide some additional financial assistance to...
Nov
23
2020
How much is the financial benefit for veterans qualified to receive the VA Aid and Attendance pension?
The current maximum monthly VA Aid and Attendance amounts set in 2019 are:
- Single veteran: $1,911
- Veteran & Spouse: $2,266
-...
Nov
17
2020
Re-posting some initial information on veterans benefits summarized by "A Place for Mom"...more details to follow over next couple of blog posts...
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When it comes to paying for some living expenses, many older adults remain unaware of the options available....
Nov
03
2020
The following guest blog was submitted by Devin Golden, a staff writer for Mesothelioma Guide...
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There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural, and peritoneal. The average age of pleural mesothelioma patients is 72. The average age for peritoneal mesothelioma...
Oct
27
2020
How to treat dementia? There is not an easy answer for a progressive disease. First, a proper diagnosis is needed. That, in itself, may be difficult. Secondly, treatment for dementia behaviors may include a combination of therapies,...
Oct
19
2020
Diagnosing and treating dementia in our elderly parents can be difficult. There are certain communication skills, or methods of approaching and speaking with an senior, which assist in connecting with elderly. But everyone is different, so there...
Oct
16
2020
Social Security and disability benefits will rise by 1.3% next year, with the average monthly benefit increasing by $20 to $1,543 from $1523, according to the Social Security Administration.
The increase accounts for the rise in inflation and is calculated...
Oct
12
2020
We've all heard the phrase, "senior dementia". In some cases, this serves as a catch-all for elderly parents showcasing forgetfulness and/or memory lapses. However, the underlying cause may be a specific kind of dementia, which is generally...
Oct
07
2020
We all have "senior" moments. Everyone has a temporary memory lapse or occasional forgetfulness. But this is different from complete memory loss. Your brain is a part of your body...it needs excercise and good health...
Sep
25
2020
We are all different. And when it applies to bathing our elderly parents, this is certainly true.
Be conscious, and respectful, of your elderly parent’s possible need for privacy, warmth, proper hygiene, and comfort. They may...
Sep
14
2020
The following information provided by PayingforSeniorCare.com, an organization striving to access reliable and up-to-date information about financial resources for seniors...
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With so many plan choices, it can be hard to know which type of plan is best. Below elders can...
Aug
31
2020
The following information compliments of PayingforSeniorCare.com, an organization striving to provide up-to-date information about financial resources for seniors...
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Prior to enrolling in Medicare Advantage (Part C), seniors must first be enrolled in Original Medicare. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare...
Aug
24
2020
The following information provided by PayingforSeniorCare.com , an organization striving to access reliable and up-to-date information about financial resources for seniors...
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Medicare Advantage (Part C), a privately offered alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), has grown in popularity...
Jun
03
2020
Upon being discharged from a hospital (or rehab facility) and returning home, an elder's normal habits and old routines also get re-established. In other words, bad habits can characterize a senior's normal household routine.
This is where professional in-home...
Nov
14
2023
Many seniors have grown up in a culture that stigmatized mental illness. This is a prevailing "cloud", which makes them less comfortable admitting when they experience depression and taking steps to do something about it.
For family members wanting...
Jan
24
2023
Why do our elderly parents fall? Is is simply old age?
Actually, there are many reasons and explanations. Seniors can trip over obstacles which may be deemed minor. Examples include a small rug, or door thresholds. ...
Nov
09
2020
I just had an eye exam last week. I initiated the consult due to experiencing some "flashing light" and resultant "floaters" in my vision. After a complete check-up...vision test; eye pressure; probing for any signs of macular...
Oct
10
2024
A home care agency can provide individualized assistance that helps your elderly parents with different tasks. The goal is to help them age in place together and avoid moving into a senior living community. Typically, home care aides can...
