Friday, September 15, 2017

When Mom Falls....


Safety is one of the most important issues in all of our lives, but with our elderly family and loved ones, safety is an absolute priority. Even those over 65 years of age become more prone to falls as they age and if they've fallen once, the probability increases exponentially. Getting assistance quickly can be of the utmost urgency. Changes in balance and gait due to aches, pain, chronic illnesses etc., all affect the gait and safety and the predictability of a fall. Falls can be deadly!

Removing trip hazards from the home such as throw rugs is one of the first things any health professional will instruct you on. Clear and open pathways are essential.  On the other hand, bear in mind that your loved one may actually need the clutter, the furniture and walls for support while leaving their cane or walker behind. Many thrive on the clutter to help stabilize them as the maneuver through their home from one room to another.

Observe How Mom Maneuvers with the Clutter
http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=1028220&U=283921&M=72726&urllink=So before you start clearing everything away, observe how they maneuver and see how you can make it a safer situation by reducing and rearranging. Work WITH them and be sure the remember the changes you have made. Encourage them to keep their cane or walker at their side always and use it instead of relying on furniture, walls and piles of newspapers for support.

Have a System in Place
If your loved one does fall, having a reliable device available to summon help quickly if they are alone will not only help give you peace of mind, but improve their odds for a quick and healthy recovery.  There are a variety of devices and services available and you should investigate them thoroughly to find the one that fits your finances and needs.


A new system from MobileHelp.com offers several options for medical alert. One of the best options is that it does not require a landline phone system for operation. This is optimum as we are moving away from being tethered to landlines.


The MobileHelp.com system also offers the ability to travel with the user either as they leave the home for a walk, shopping etc. or even to travel. The system utilizes GPS tracking services and cellular services. No contracts are required. They come with a waterproof pendant or a wristwatch.

Remember, no device can replace a caregiver! Make sure you have the appropriate level of care in place for your loved ones and utilize these devices as directed.

Resources: The Senior-Friendly Guide to Medical Alert Systems from Reviews.com



Medical Supply Depot

Thursday, August 17, 2017

2017 Open Enrollment Approaching for Medicare

Medicare Open Enrollment will be coming up soon, October 15 - December 7. In addition to checking the CMS Medicare.gov site, here are a few other
resource guides to check so you can make the best choices for You. Thanks to Leandro Mueller.

1. Medigap Plan Basic Checklist

2. What do Medigap Policies Cover?

3. Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Supplemental Plans

4. Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period: Important Details You Need to Know


Friday, April 28, 2017

3 Ways for Spousal Caregivers to Cope with their Grief and Pain

By Leandro Mueller

Who watches over the watchmen; who cares for the caregivers? In as so much that caregivers (especially spousal caregivers) are essential for the majority of baby boomers entering the retirement phase of their lives, some much-needed care and respect are crucial for these individuals to see the value of their efforts and sacrifices. After all, spousal caregivers tend to give more (and lose more) for their partners – their personal time, work opportunities, and even relationships with friends and family are all at risk.

As such, we’d like to list down several ways on how spousal caregivers can get through the darkest days of their lives. If you are one, take heart and know that there are people who care for everything you’ve done, are doing, and will do in the future. If you know one or are a care recipient, these tips may also help you acknowledge and assist you in allowing your spouse to have a better experience looking after you.

Acknowledge that You Need a Break
According to “Families Caring for an Aging America,” a report published last year by The National Academies Press, spouses make up approximately 21.5% of all caregivers looking after a family member in need of care during the golden years. As primary caregivers, same-generation spouses are also at risk of age-related (physical and cognitive) conditions.

It’s a conundrum – as recipients age and care demands increase, spousal caregivers are also exposed to health and emotional problems that’ll prove to be detrimental to their well-being. And this is why caregivers need to be aware and accept that they need and deserve a break. Caregiver stress is real – and if not addressed properly, may not only lead to lackluster custodial services, but a blow to one’s personal health and well-being as well.

You’re only human, after all. You need that break – please go and grab the chance for some R&R!

Connect with Others
The University of Exeter recently conducted a study on loneliness experienced by spousal caregivers. As determined by the researchers, caregiving can be a rewarding activity, yet mental and physical health is also at risk with of the loss of contact with other people. Additionally, and particularly for same-generation spousal caregivers, social isolation may soon seep into one’s life, which may result in anxiety or depression.

Spousal caregivers, aside from taking a break, also need to keep in touch with friends and families. Having an active emotional connection with peers will not only improve one’s emotional state – support in the form of learning retirement solutions, the latest trends in custodial care, or even self-care tips can be gained from simply talking with friends.

A Worthwhile Hobby will Matter
Additionally, pursuing a hobby will help spousal caregivers get over the pain or frustration that they may feel when accomplishing their custodial tasks. Think of this as a welcome, yet productive, escape from everyday life. For an even more practical hobby, consider gardening, learning a new skill (such as coding/computer literacy/arts & crafts), and even cooking as a way to connect your passion with your care recipient. Who knows, what makes you happy may also be a good opportunity to bond with your loved one!

Aside from these tips, we’d like to point spousal caregivers towards a helpful list of resources compiled by CBS Pittsburgh. The list will assist caregivers with any of their additional concerns on how to both properly stay functional and happy when looking after their loved ones.

Author Bio:
As the Online Content Director of FreeMedSuppQuotes.com, Leandro Mueller aims to push for awareness and promotion of the many benefits of Medigap insurance plans in the market. He hopes that his work will help boomers and retirement industry experts alike in their lives. He hopes that his work will lead people in applying for the best Medigap plan that will suit their needs and preferences.


Friday, April 14, 2017

Americans are Living Longer


As a general rule, I don't place Infographics, but this one comes from a vetted source, and is full of great information. Enjoy... (It takes a few seconds to load, and you have to do some scrolling side to side as well as up and down.)


The University of Southern California Online



Friday, February 17, 2017

Top Aging Blog Honors

Many thanks to Feedspot for honoring our blog as their pick for one of the Top 60 aging blogs.



Thanks!!!


Medical Supply Depot

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Happy New Year! 2017

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!! I hope the holidays have been good to you and that you have made some happy memories with family and friends.  The new year brings a renewed excitement for the possibilities. May they be

We have a lot of work to do to ensure our loved one's benefits remain intact such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as the ACA so that out country is not thrust suddenly into chaos because a few decide to dump all of theses things at once with no alternatives in place first.  Remember the elected officials in Washington are unaffected by Social Security and Medicare. They will have their own set of retirement funds and lifetime medical care for their service. They won't feel the ramifications of any of it, except possibly in 2018 and 2020 when they face reelection.

Stand up and be heard. Always advocate for your aging parents and loved ones, for the trickle down effect will be our own situation someday, and that may eb sooner than you think!!!

Do your due diligence and research. There is so much misinformation out there and too many officials actually using it to their advantage. Seek out information from trusted sources and seek from more than one source!

Be well. Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water. Get good sleep and rest when you're tired. Take care of YOU because if you go down, who will take care of the others? Take time for yourself. Schedule it into your busy day!!!

May 2017 bring you peace and happiness!



Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Some Thoughts for New Year's Resolutions for Seniors

New Year's is typically time for saying goodbye to the past year and welcoming in a new year with hopes for changes for the best. Many people make resolutions or promises to themselves or their loved ones to improve themselves in the new year. The one that comes to mind most often is to lose weight. Another is to quit smoking. These are terrific resolutions, but they often fall by the wayside soon into the new year as life gets busy again.

To change a habit you have to practice new habits or behaviors for at least 3 weeks or 21 days before you'll realistically see or feel a difference. The plan needs to be consistent and you can't skip a day. And then you have to keep it up to make it really work. Because, for instance to lose weight, you must make lifestyle changes. Otherwise as soon as you reach your goal, you'll likely gain it all back if you return to old habits.

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the guilt, or feeling like a failure and depression sets in and it's healthier just to let it go. Don't beat yourself up.

Lofty goals may work sometimes, but it's better to make resolutions that are realistic and attainable. Then build on them. Break things down into simpler problems to tackle and give yourself a chance to succeed and become more confident.

I was offered the opportunity to share a blog post from Gary Simmons at A Hand to Hold about resolutions specific to our aging parents and loved ones. There's a lot of good ideas for any age, but these are all things that can make a big difference in the lives of our aging parents as they prepare to face the challenges of life in the 60's, 70's 80's and beyond. It's a great read! Happy New Year!

image: http://www.happynewyear2017images.net/2016/07/happy-new-year-2017-pictures-free-download.html