Planning for Elderly Parents

No surprise here -- illness or disability can come without warning. We all know family, or friends, who have experienced a sudden shift in their health. Lifestyle, strokes, falls can all contribute to physical or mental breakdowns and impaired...

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Technology Assists Dementia Diagnosis

Due to ongoing research and ever innovative technologies, Alzheimer’s and other related forms of dementia are being diagnosed earlier than ever before. - New brain scans are enabling doctors to see inside the brains of people at high risk for...

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Elder Home Tips

Consider some additional tips to assist and improve the quality of home life for your elderly parents. -- Remove clutter. If there are boxes, piles of newspapers & magazines, small tables, and/or other items in the hall or in common walking...

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Keep Aging Parents Safe at Home

Passing along a few "senior tips" this week and next for consideration. Simple suggestions which may improve quality of life at home for aging mom and dad. -- Install grab bars. Grab bars are essential for people as they get older...

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Extreme Heat Dangerous for Seniors

As we grow older, our bodies are less able to regulate temperature, and we perspire less. Some of the medications taken by the elderly population can interfere with fluid balance. Elders are less able to tell when they are...

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MA Approves Additional Funding for Medicaid

The Massachusetts state legislature has approved an increase in funding for those eligible for Medicaid. (In Massachusetts, often referred to as "MassHealth".) The following news item was made public last week. ****************************************************** Thousands of seniors across the state of Massachusetts are...

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Family Readiness for Parental Care

In an effort to quantify the readiness of families to provide care for their senior loved ones, a recent survey conducted by "A Place For Mom" revealed some of the following hightlights: Steps to Ease the Transition for aging parents. 1....

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Alternatives to Elder Restraints

Sometimes, family caregivers will insist on the use of a restraint to avoid falls when concerned about the safety of their loved ones. However, there are negative consequences when utilizing restraints. Families and caregivers need to investigate alternatives. Family caregivers...

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Elder Falls: Restraints Don’t Work

When an elder falls, it can result in significant physical problems, including broken bones, and surgery. Rehabilitation and recovery can be lengthy and slow. Unfortunately, falls in hospitals and nursing homes are an everyday occurrence. In many instances, elders...

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Dehydration and Health Issues for Seniors

My elderly mother seems to rarely consume water or liquids. She keeps her home at what I consider a very warm temperature. She constantly awakes in the morning with her bed clothing soaked in perspiration. Doesn't this...

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