Category Archives: Senior Health
Can Seniors Stop Paying Credit Cards And Debts?
A study by The Senior Citizens League found that seniors owe money on their credit cards in 43% of older homes. So can they stop paying bills? Find out how to protect your elderly parents from debt, no matter if they live alone or in an assisted living facility, and how to help them manage their credit card debt. Why Old Debts Shouldn’t Worry Seniors? As a senior, you shouldn’t worry about credit card debt. Most older people get their income from Social Security, retirement benefits, or other funds that cannot be taken away. Debt collectors cannot seize these funds. Just because it’s judgment free doesn’t mean debt collectors will automatically forgive your debts. Often, family members would take advantage of elderly people by using their credit cards to pay off their family member’s debt. It is important for older people to discuss their debts with their families before getting a cosigner or making other similar plans. After all, the senior will have to pay the bill. Ways To Manage Debt: How Can Older People Get Out Of It? Here are some ways for older people to pay down their credit card bills: Balance Transfer Credit Card: With this card, you can consolidate all of your debt into one account and make one monthly payment. Payment Of Debt: Outside assistance is often helpful. A debt broker can talk to creditors about a payment amount that everyone agrees on. The senior might then pay the bill. Loan Terms: You don’t have […]
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Living In Assisted Living Facility: Methods For Increasing Appetite In The Elderly
Assisted Living Facility, Methods for Increasing Appetite It is crucial to keep trying to get the elderly residing at assisted living facility to eat even if they don’t want to. Elderly folks can boost their appetite in several ways. In this article, we’ll examine the causes of elderly people losing their appetites, natural appetite stimulants, and ways of doing so recommended by geriatric experts. Causes Of Appetite Loss In The Elderly Gum illness Thyroid conditions Throat and mouth infections Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’ disease Cancer Issues with the salivary glands Medication adverse symptoms, like a metallic aftertaste or dry mouth Inadequate exercise Dehydration Lack of a mealtime schedule on a daily basis Taste loss brought on by aging Issues with swallowing, chewing, or independently eating Sensitivity to certain food scents that can make you feel sick General sense of being powerless over one’s life Depression and loneliness Overall negative emotions throughout mealtimes We shall discuss how to boost the appetite in the elderly in the next two sections. Foods For Older People Who Don’t Like To Eat Finding foods to satisfy an elderly person’s appetite can be a straightforward treatment for loss of appetite. Several foods are: Chicken nuggets, fish sticks, steaming or raw veggies, and meatballs are examples of finger foods. String cheese or cheese sticks Full-fat or calcium-rich yogurt Lean proteins such as lentils, beans, and peas Sliced thinly or ground meat Whole milk or milk with chocolate Chopped fruit Crackers with cheese or peanut butter Healthy smoothies or […]
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Understanding ADL And IADL For Seniors: A Key To Promote Their Well-Being
As your loved ones age, they may encounter a variety of physical and cognitive changes that can impact their ability to carry out everyday tasks independently. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) are two categories of everyday activities that are critical for seniors’ health and well-being. What Are ADL And IADL? ADL is a term that refers to basic activities that individuals carry out every day. These activities are critical for maintaining hygiene, health, and independence. In contrast, IADL refers to activities that are necessary for more complex daily living tasks, such as grocery shopping, managing finances, using transportation, and doing housework. ADL Checklist For Seniors You can use this ADL checklist for seniors to determine if your loved ones need assistance in any of these areas. A few examples of tasks to include are: Bathing: Can your loved one bathe or shower independently, or do they need assistance? Dressing: Can they dress themselves, or do they need help putting on clothes or shoes? Grooming: Can they brush their teeth, comb their hair, and take care of their personal hygiene independently? Toileting: Can they use the toilet, or do they need assistance with incontinence or toileting aids? Eating: Can they prepare their own meals, or do they need assistance with feeding or special utensils? Transferring: Can they move from one place to another, or do they need assistance with a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aids? IADL Checklist For Seniors Managing Finances: Can they […]
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Understanding Healthcare Benefits For Veterans In Assisted Living Homes
As a veteran, you may be eligible for healthcare coverage through either the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or TRICARE, depending on how you are separated from the military. This guide provides you with complete information on VA benefits, TRICARE benefits, Medicare eligibility, and coverage. VA Benefits When You Become Medicare-Eligible It is not mandatory to enroll in Medicare at age 65 if you’re a veteran with VA benefits. However, if you choose not to sign up for Medicare, you won’t have coverage for services received in facilities outside the VA health system. Additionally, you might have to wait until the subsequent General Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare if you decide not to do so during your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have employer-sponsored coverage. Moreover, enrolling after the deadline may result in financial penalties. If you are eligible for Medicare at the age of 65 and have VA health benefits, you can enroll in both plans at the same time. In fact, the VA strongly encourages veterans who do not have employer- sponsored insurance to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B as soon as they are eligible. If you need or want to go to a non-VA hospital or doctor, you’re covered under Medicare. Keeping your VA benefits also means you can get coverage for services and items that Medicare does not cover. However, VA benefits and Medicare are two separate systems that are not linked in any way. TRICARE When You Become Medicare-Eligible Once you […]
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Memory Screenings For Seniors: Are They Worth It?
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects millions of seniors around the world. It can lead to a decline in cognitive function and memory, making it difficult for people to carry out even the simplest of tasks. In recent years, memory screenings for seniors have become increasingly popular as a tool for detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. But how effective are these screenings in identifying Alzheimer’s, and are they worth the time and effort for seniors living in assisted living communities? Read along to know. What Are Memory Screenings For Seniors? Memory screenings for seniors are short assessments designed to test an individual’s cognitive function and memory. They typically involve a series of simple questions and activities, such as recalling the names of family members or objects, completing puzzles, and counting backward from 100. The results of these screenings can provide valuable information about an individual’s cognitive function and whether they may be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Why Are Memory Screenings Important For Seniors In Assisted Living Communities? Seniors living in assisted living communities are often at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. As people age, their risk of developing the condition increases, and many seniors in assisted living communities may be more vulnerable due to pre-existing health conditions or other factors. Memory screenings can provide valuable information about an individual’s cognitive function and help detect early signs of Alzheimer’s, which is important for both seniors and their families. How Effective Are Memory Screenings […]
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Benefits of Strong Friendships in Assisted Living Facility
As we age, our health and well-being become increasingly important. While there are many habits we can develop to promote healthy aging, one key aspect is developing strong relationships with our peers. This article will examine the benefits of assisted living and the ways in which senior friendships promote healthy aging. Benefits Of Assisted Living Increased social interaction: Living in an assisted living community provides seniors with numerous opportunities for social interaction and engagement. This can include participating in recreational activities, attending events and programs, and simply enjoying the company of others. These social interactions have been shown to have numerous benefits for seniors, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mental and physical health, and reducing the risk of depression. Improved safety and security: Assisted living communities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for seniors. This includes 24-hour monitoring and emergency response systems, as well as staff who are trained to provide assistance with activities of daily living. This peace of mind can help seniors feel more relaxed and secure, which in turn can improve their overall health and well-being. Access to health and wellness services: Many assisted living communities offer on-site health and wellness services, such as physical therapy and wellness programs. These services can help seniors maintain their physical health and mobility, which can help prevent falls and other health issues. Additionally, many assisted living communities also provide access to health care providers, making it easier for seniors to receive the medical care they need. […]
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Caregiving Basics For Family Caregivers
Statistics show that many US citizens coping with illnesses, disabilities, and chronic conditions depend on family members, neighbors, or friends to get by. Caregiving is an important part of our lives and a recent study reveals that an estimated thirty-four million people have served as unpaid caregivers in the last year. Among many other things, family caregivers should learn to manage medications, talk to healthcare providers on their behalf, help them bathe or get dressed and take care of household tasks, meal preparation, finances, and more. As a senior care facility, we share a guide to help you prepare for managing the daily activities of a senior who is unable to care for himself or herself. Professional Vs. Family Care When faced with the duty of caring for someone else, your initial thought can be, “I’ll handle it myself.” However, going the DIY route has a number of personal sacrifices and financial dangers, like missed payments if you completely leave the workforce as well as reduced pension and Social Security benefits. But, you might not be in a situation to opt for professional caregiving as it can be extremely expensive. Are You Prepared To Provide Care? Nobody will blame you if you’re not ready to be a caretaker since the majority of Americans aren’t. Many people are unpreparedly put into this duty, which leaves them feeling overwhelmed. It pays to consider your alternatives for providing care and make plans for possible scenarios. If you are thinking about working as a […]
Read More Healthy Eating Tips To Overcome Challenges Of Dementia
If your senior loved one is suffering from dementia disorders, you should be concerned about the nutritional intake of the person. This is because getting proper nutrition is very much important to maintaining proper health. Also, a deficiency of nutrients can lead to fatigue and other symptoms that can impact the overall health and well being of your senior loved one. But, people suffering from dementia disorders can face challenges with eating, such as difficulty swallowing, which can make it harder for caregivers to ensure proper intake of nutrients. Dehydration is one of the biggest issues faced by people suffering from dementia disorders. In the opinion of dementia care experts, people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia disorders might not be able to recognize that they are thirsty, or may simply forget to drink water. This can result in dehydration which can lead to headaches, confusion and other issues like urinary tract infection, constipation, etc, which can worsen the symptoms of dementia disorders. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your senior loved one can easily access water whenever needed. It is also a good idea to keep a pitcher of water neat to their chair or bed. Another common concern for seniors suffering from dementia disorders is the loss of weight. Alzheimer’s care experts opine that the following dementia-related challenges and symptoms can contribute to the loss of weight. Difficulty understanding that they are hungry Lack of appetite Fatigue Difficulty in preparing meals Reduced […]
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In-Home Safety Tips For Dementia Patients
If your senior loved one is suffering from dementia disorder, in-home safety should be of top priority, whether the person lives alone, with other family members or with a caregiver. The first thing to ensure safety is to verify that the person knows what to do in case of an emergency. If they are unsure of what to do, you will have to develop a plan together, including an escape plan that your senior loved one can easily navigate. In addition, ensure that all fire and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and have new batteries. Make clear and easily readable guides with basic steps and emergency numbers and post them in readily visible areas, including near phones. However, there are many other precautions beyond emergency planning that can ensure the safety of your senior loved one. Experts in dementia care and senior care share some precautions to improve the safety of the home. Remove Potentially Dangerous Things You need to remove all potentially dangerous machines, tools and utensils to ensure the safety of your senior loved one suffering from dementia disorders. Some of the possible objects to secure are guns and ammunition, sharp objects like knives and blades, and even kitchen appliances. Make sure to carefully monitor the ability of your senior loved one to use these items. Monitor Alcohol And Medication Use Most people suffering from dementia disorders will be able to manage simple medication regimens in the starting stages of the disease. As dementia […]
Read More The Different Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that develops slowly and gradually worsens. In the opinion of senior care experts, the disease usually develops over a period of many years, impacting memory, language, problem-solving, thinking, and even the personality of the sufferer. Though not every person suffering from Alzheimer’s will experience the same disease progression rate, there is a similar path that patients follow with the progress of the disease. Senior care experts in our assisted living facility share the different stages of dementia progression. Before Diagnosis: No Dementia In the seven-stage model of dementia progression, a person is not considered to have dementia in the first three stages, as the symptoms will be usually associated with that of typical aging and will not be noticeable. Senior care experts also call this pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease. First Stage: No Impairment In stage one, the person will not have any memory impairment or any evident dementia symptoms. In the first stage of the disease, Alzheimer’s will be undetectable and the stage is sometimes referred to as No Cognitive Decline. Second Stage: Very Mild Cognitive Decline In the second stage, the person will start to experience forgetfulness. They may forget where they left their purse or keys and the symptoms might not be noticed by the healthcare provider or family member of the person. Third Stage: Mild Cognitive Decline The person will experience increased forgetfulness and slight difficulty with concentration. The symptoms at this stage of the disease can lead to reduced work performance for […]
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