Life Changes : 8 Pitfalls to Avoid a you age

March 4th, 2013 posted by admin ⇒ Leave a comment

Aging comes with many changes, but do you know what to expect? If you do, you could avoid many common senior related issues which can lead to premature aging, more serious health conditions, depression, or even problems for your loved ones. Every senior will have unique needs, but here are a few of the most common and important changes that need to be made by seniors and family members as they age.

Start New Eating Habits
This is one place where what you don’t know can and will hurt you. After 60, your body will have difficulty processing vitamins like it did before and you have to change your diet. Eating right, reducing soda and caffeine and taking a daily vitamin can help you to avoid conditions ranging from heart disease to osteoporosis and depression. Vitamin D and B, B6, B12 folic acid and Vitamin K are particularly important to our bodies as we age.

Start Drinking Water
Your sense of thirst becomes much less sensitive after 65. Water helps keep our bodily systems working properly and clears out toxins.If you are a senior, many of the aches and much of the exhaustion you feel could be a simple case of dehydration. Men should be drinking about 3 liters (13 cups) and women should have about 2.2 liters (9 cups) every day. There’s no cost and the benefits can make a very real difference in how you feel.

Start Cleaning
As we age, our vision decreases and it can hurt more to reach things or bend over. For many seniors, this slowly leads to more and more clutter filling their space. Not only can this cause stress, it can also lead to serious, long-term problems if they have an accident because of a messy area. Having family or friends help keep spaces clear of clutter in the senior’s home or during a visit is an easy step to improve safety.

Start Getting Help from Loved Ones
There are many tasks that we can do when we are younger that we cannot do when we are older. It is very important that you talk with your family and get assistance with things that have a risk of taking a fall, hurting your back, lifting anything heavy, or going out in bad weather (especially icy weather). As you come across tasks that you cannot or should not do during the week, write them down and then schedule a regular time once or twice a week for a friend or family member to come over and help you with these tasks.

senior caregiver

Family and professional support make a big difference.

Start Getting Rides
According to the NHTSA seniors are significantly more likely to be involved in a traffic accident. This does not mean that no senior should drive, but you should take extra care when deciding if it is appropriate. If you have vision problems or even a minor cognitive condition, you should consider getting a ride rather than driving. Not only can either of these conditions greatly increase the risk of having an accident, but also seniors over 70 are typically much more likely to be seriously injured if an accident occurs.

Start Being Active
Seniors who lead more active lives are not only healthier, but they also are much less likely to suffer from depression. If you are a senior and feel too sore or tired to be active, try improving your diet and resting. If that does not help, see your doctor. There are many common conditions that can affect seniors that vitamins and medicine can help. By taking steps to be more active, you can not only feel better, but you can also remain healthier and happier.

Start to See Your Doctor
When you are younger, you can often go a long time without a checkup. Evan as early as your 30’s, you should see your doctor to start early monitoring for conditions that may affect you as you age. If you are a senior, going to your doctor once every sixth months or year as your physician recommends is critical. Early detection can often lead to easier and more complete recoveries if conditions arise and it gives your physician many more treatment options for chronic problems.

Start Getting Professional Care
If your family cannot provide the level of care that you need on a daily basis, then finding professional support is key. The important thing to remember about senior care is that is needs to be available at all times. If you feel that care is or will soon become less than is needed, be sure to get professional help in place. Not only will this take a lot of worry off of the senior and the family, but it can also help the senior to maintain better health for longer.

These steps may seem simple, but they are often overlooked or skipped until it it too late for them to really make a difference. Adopting these lifestyle changes can help make your life as a senior more relaxing and healthier.

 

Even Doctors Don’t Talk About Death Enough, Says Geriatric Physician

December 6th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Death and taxes. Both are certain, but we have a strange habit of pretending they’re not—until the deadline comes.

For example, do you know what your aging parents want done if a life-or-death crisis hits? Many people don’t. And doctors play a part in this topic-avoidance, geriatric physician Gene Dorio told the Los Angeles Times. They generally don’t do enough to help people think through difficult issues.

“Medical technology allows us to live longer, but is it with the quality of life we want?” Dorio wrote after reading a column I wrote about my father’s failing health. “The discussions are avoided and I believe physicians are responsible for this,” Dorio went on. “For some, dementia sets in, but for those who remain cognizant of mind and body, life can dribble away. Who can say when enough is enough?” …

“If you look on the board at the hospital, there might be 30 patients there and only a few of them have ‘No Code Blue,’ ‘DNR.’ Mine are often the only patients who have Do Not Resuscitate,” said Dorio. “The majority are full code,” meaning they want extraordinary measures taken to keep them alive in a crisis.

Have you had these discussions yet about your parents’ wishes—and your own?

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Alzheimer’s Communication Tip: Tap Into Other Types of Memory

December 2nd, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

People with Alzheimer’s maintain certain types of memory longer than you might expect, reports the Canadian news outlet The Huron Expositor. If you know someone who has Alzheimer’s, focusing on these types may help you connect.

“We need to think about smell, touch and taste to maintain communication with our loved ones,” [Dr. J.B. Orange] said, adding that while memory and language are the two first things to deteriorate with Alzheimer Disease, some preserved abilities include the use of procedural memories like playing the piano, singing and playing cards, early life memories between the ages of mid-teens to mid-20s, the ability to recite and read aloud and the ability to engage in social ritual. …

He pointed out that if an Alzheimer patient always loved to play cards, that ability will deteriorate slower than the ability to speak so friends and family members can capitalize on that ability to maintain the relationship.

The article is full of good tips. Have you tried playing cards, singing or tapping into any of the other types of memory he mentions when talking with someone who has Alzheimer’s? How did it work for you?

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

What’s a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, or NORC?

December 1st, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

If someone asked you, “What’s a naturally occurring retirement community?” what would you say? Even if you don’t know, your guess would probably be right.

Basically, NORCs grow out of areas where a bunch of people are remaining in their own homes as they age, explains The Associated Press in a profile of one New Jersey NORC. The community can then organize, and residents can get help accessing services that help them stay in their homes. For example, in the New Jersey NORC:

There’s a transportation network that takes older people on shopping trips and to medical appointments, and the town is benefiting from a $100,000 federal grant to put in place an aging-in-place program called Verona LIVE.

Administrated by United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey, the program strives to educate older people about available services to help them address problems and stay active in the community. Its partners include the health and police departments, the rescue squad, the public and public schools, and religious groups.

The article also talks a little about senior villages, which are similar to NORCs, and even remodeling for aging in place. It’s a catch-all piece that’s lengthy but informative.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Have a Medicare Advantage Plan? Make Sure Your Doctor’s on It for 2012

November 30th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Medicare Open Enrollment ends one week from now. Have you picked your plan?

Florida news website Hernando Today offers four final tips for the Medicare season. You may have heard that you should make sure your plan still covers your medications for next year. But if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, have you checked into your doctor too?

The website reports:

Doctors are not guaranteed to be on the plan and can leave at any time. Call your doctor’s office and ask if your plan is one they intend to stay with in the future. Then check with the carrier to make sure this doctor is contracted. Plans can drop a physician without the practice even knowing about it. Also plan directories are out of date the minute they are printed.

Related posts:

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

In ER, Pain Medicine Given Less Often to Elderly, Study Says

November 29th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

If both you and your elderly parents go to the nursing home in pain, you’re more likely to get medicine for it, suggests a recent study. The New York Times reports:

A seven-year nationwide study of emergency room patient data has found that 49 percent of patients over age 75 were given pain medication, compared with slightly more than 65 percent of those under age 75. The study, which included data on more than 88,000 emergency room visits, appeared online last month in Annals of Emergency Medicine.

One reason for the difference may be doctors are concerned about side effects in the elderly, the article says. What other reasons do you think there might be for older people to get pain medicine less often in the ER?

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Tips to Make Your Home Aging-Friendly (Think Streamlined)

November 28th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Houses are usually built for people in the physical prime of their life. But a new book profiles homes that address the needs of older people.

In a New York Times interview, Wid Chapman and Jeffrey P. Rosenfeld, the authors of Unassisted Living: Ageless Homes for Later Life, give tips on what makes a home aging-friendly:

Along with grab bars (which are frequently mentioned in your book, though none is visible in the pictures), what makes a house suitable for aging?

Mr. Chapman: A lack of thresholds as you enter. Surfaces that don’t create glare from sunlight. Obviously, accessible bathrooms and showers that have no or minimal thresholds.

Mr. Rosenfeld: Also, décor that makes for easy navigation. A minimum of surfaces where you can slip. A minimum of places where you can bump into furniture. Most of these interiors can be beautiful, but we like to think of them as streamlined so you don’t trip or fall as you cross them.

If you’re thinking of doing an aging-friendly remodel, you may also be interested in these previous Today Senior Living posts: 

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Aid and Attendance Benefit Helps Veterans, Spouses Pay for Senior Care

November 25th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

During the holiday season, our wonderful veterans often come to mind. After all, one of the many things we have to be thankful for in America is our freedom.

So it seems like an appropriate time to talk about a pension benefit many veterans don’t know they could be receiving. Aid and Attendance helps vets and their spouses pay for senior care. KCTV News in Kansas City reports:

“The benefit is … for low-income veterans who are totally or permanently disabled, or age 65 or older that qualify based on income and assets,” said Ron Cherry, a service officer with the Veterans of Foreign War. “We assist them in residential care, home care or even nursing home care.”

To qualify, the veteran must have served 90 consecutive days of active duty with one of those days occurring during a time of war.

A veteran can receive up to $1,632 a month, a couple up to $1,949 and a surviving spouse up to $1,056.

The benefit is underutilized, the article says. You can get free help with the paperwork from service organizations.

Thank you to all our veterans and their families. May you have a beautiful holiday season.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Thanksgiving With Elderly Parents: A Good Time to Assess Needs

November 24th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you’re visiting elderly parents, in between stuffing yourself with turkey, you might want to let your eyeballs roam a bit. Make sure Mom and Dad are doing OK living by themselves.

Since many people visit parents during the holidays, experts remind us every year to address issues if we see them. Making sure parents get a little help now is far preferable than waiting for a crisis.

USA Today reports:

“It’s really best to have early conversations with parents about what they need and want so they can age in place,” says [Sandy Markwood, chief executive officer of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging]. “Sometimes what they might need is a ride to the doctor or a home-delivered meal or someone to help with chores. It’s rare that they need full support overnight.” …

Markwood suggests leaning on your parents’ neighbors if you don’t live nearby. “Make sure they have your phone number in case they need to call you,” she says.

The article also goes over some things to take note of during your visit, such as how your parents look and what’s in the fridge. If you think your parents do need help, you can read about a variety of senior-care options here.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Seniors With No Spouse or Children Forming Extended “Families”

November 23rd, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

On this Thanksgiving Eve, many of us are preparing for turkey, football and spending time with the “kids,” long grown by now.

However, as San Diego’s KPBS points out, not everyone has children, and many of those who do don’t live near them. That can pose challenges for seniors who need care. But some have formed their own families.

The people I spoke with at the senior wellness center had various answers to what they would do when it came time for someone to care for them. Queen Johnson, age 73, has no spouse or children. But she said she can rely on what she calls her “extended family,” which is her close circle of friends.

“I have a very good network that is an extended family since I don’t have children, or brothers, or sisters,” said Johnson. “But I do have an extended family that is very supportive.”

It seems that some people may have found their “family” at the senior center the journalist reports from. Have you formed an extended family? Where?

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

At What Age Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

November 22nd, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

There’s a lot of talk about long-term care insurance these days—and a lot of questions to go with the chatter.

In a recent article, Forbes gives some interesting answers to a few of those questions. For example: At what age should you buy long-term care insurance?

Most people buy it in their 50s for several reasons. First, most people don’t accumulate significant assets until then. Second, the younger you are, the cheaper it is. A policy that costs $2k a year in your 50s can be $8k a year in your 70s. Finally, if your health deteriorates you may no longer be insurable at all. Almost half of people in their 70s and about 70% of people over 80 are declined coverage so try to buy it while you still can.

The article also explains why your assets manner. Basically, “it may not be worth it to spend several thousand dollars a year in premiums if you only have a few thousand dollars in savings to protect.” And don’t miss the section about state long-term care partnership programs. Buying a policy that’s associated with one of these can significantly affect how much money you’re able to keep and still qualify for Medicaid, the article explains.


Related Today Senior Living post:

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Retiring Boomers Staying Put Instead of Moving South

November 21st, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

The steady stream of retirees down to the Sun Belt has been drying up, USA Today reports. People are staying put in this economy, including boomers.

The newspaper reports:

The number of Americans ages 55 to 64 who moved to Sun Belt states since the economy began to tank has declined dramatically, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Census data released Tuesday. …

Net migration to a group of counties across the country that are primarily retirement magnets fell 70% last year, according to an analysis of IRS data by Kenneth Johnson, demographer at the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey Institute.

“The effect of the recession is pretty stunning,” he says.

Time for an aging in place remodel perhaps?

Are you planning a post-retirement move?

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Luxury Retirement Communities: What Do They Offer?

November 18th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Jim and Linda Crawford, both in their 70s, are living in “geriatric heaven,” Jim says. They’ve moved into a fancy retirement community in Massachusetts called The Groves, and they tell their story in a Boston Globe article about upscale retirement living.

Ever looked into what these luxurious communities offer? The article reports:

A huge part of the appeal is the built-in social life, and the amenities, for which one pays usage fees. Typical are gourmet dining, transportation, theaters for movies and live entertainment, community gardens, and hair salons.

Health care is vital too for this age group, with services varying from 24-hour emergency aid and in-home care to short- or long-term skilled nursing on the property, or nearby.

Of course, with “upscale” comes the cost. At The Groves, apartment units start at $95,000, but then there are the maintenance fees, “which cover such things as utilities, snow and trash removal, 24-hour security, and the fitness club.” They start at $2,300 a month.

You can see prices, amenities and activities for retirement communities in your area here.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Where to Get Free Help Choosing a Medicare Plan

November 17th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Have you or your parents picked a Medicare plan for next year yet? December 7 is the cut-off date. If you need help figuring out which plan would save you the most money, just call up your local Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program, suggests Kaiser Health News.

Funded by the federal Older Americans Act and local jurisdictions, SHIPs help people navigate Medicare, the federal health-care program that serves 46.5 million older or disabled Americans. There is a SHIP in nearly every county, providing advice over the phone, in person and at public meetings. Some SHIP counselors even make house calls.

The article also lists questions to ask when shopping for a Medicare drug plan.

Related posts:

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Aging-in-Place Remodeling Advice: Start Early, and Don’t Skimp

November 16th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ 1 Comment

If you’re planning to stay in your home as you age, you may need to do some remodeling to make sure everything is safe and accessible. Start on that remodel sooner than later, advises Lynnae Rhoades, manager of Washington County Home Instead Senior Care in Oregon. “If you let it go, you’ll get into an emergency situation and a fire drill,” she tells the Portland newspaper The Times.

Starting early can also allow you the time to do things right. Grab bars, for example, should be professionally installed, Rhoades recommends.

“Sometimes people get in the bathtub and can’t get out. They pull the towel rack off the wall because that’s how they usually support themselves. If they don’t have a medical alert or cell phone, they’re stuck until someone finds them.”

The article describes some of the changes one local couple made to their home, and the second page has a list of remodeling tips.

Related posts:

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

What Is Assisted Living?

November 15th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

If you’ve heard of assisted living but aren’t quite sure what it is, check out this article at Boston.com. Basically, it explains:

Assisted living offers different levels of health or personal care—anything from cooking to transportation to dressing and bathing. It does not address major medical needs. The facilities are designed to provide a home-like setting for residents who want minimal assistance.

One caveat about the article: In the last paragraph, the author says that getting long-term care insurance “in your 50s or early 60s is an important step to finance your own future care.” That’s not necessarily true for everyone. Advice about long-term care insurance varies, and we plan to cover information about that in future posts.

You can learn more about assisted living and other types of senior care in the Today Senior Living article “Senior Care Explained.”

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Tip for Living With Aging Parents: Give Each Other Space–and TV Time

November 14th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Thinking about having an aging parent move in with you but not sure about privacy issues? One family in Lincoln, NE, is making it work, and they share some of their secrets in an article at the news site JournalStar.com.

DeLoris McGinnis lives with her daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, Tony. McGinnis has a large bedroom on the opposite end of the house as the master suite. She helps out around the house, and everyone gets some alone time.

“She’s very thoughtful,” Tony said of his mother-in-law. Most evenings, she spends some time in her room reading or watching TV.

“I want them (Tony and Lori) to have time together,” DeLoris said.

In return, Tony spends some time in the basement family room watching sports on TV so Lori and DeLoris can talk or watch “Dancing with the Stars” or “American Idol” together. …

Tony, Lori and DeLoris have one of the essential ingredients for making this situation work. They get along well and they genuinely care for each other.

Have you lived with extended family members? How did it work?
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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Alaskan Elder Faces the Down Sides of Growing Old in Rural Hometown

November 11th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

If you’ve ever dreamed of retiring frontier style—say, roughing it in the wilds of Alaska—this story may rain a little reality on that parade.

Alaska public radio profiled a Native elder who grew up in a rural village called Eagle. At 85 years old, he’s now blind and has Alzheimer’s disease. He has to live in a senior-care facility 370 miles from his home because in Eagle:

The road is impassible nine months of the year. Winter temperatures often reach 40 below. And the only medical care for hundreds of miles is housed in a three-room, 40-foot trailer.

The man isn’t alone in his plight. Some homes in the area don’t have running water and have wood-burning stoves, making in-home care difficult, according to the report. It’s a sad story, but perhaps it’s also a cautionary tale about growing old in a place without good care options nearby. If you’re thinking about retiring in any particular town, you can plug the zip code into the Today Senior Living senior-care search engine to see what’s available. The zip for Eagle, AK, is 99738. Nothing comes up for that area.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Remodeling Your Bathroom? Simple Tip to Plan for Future Needs

November 10th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Planning to grow old in your own home? Put those plans into your bathroom wall.

If you’re remodeling your bathroom, think about your future needs, advises Danielle Frank, a manager with Webb’s Bath Center, which sells bath products in New England. She writes in an article published in Missouri’s The St. James Leader-Journal:

First, plan ahead during a remodel by placing backings in walls for future grab bars to avoid opening walls later. Grab bars today are more decorative and are no longer institutional. In fact, you can match them to your towel bars.

In the article, Frank lists more ways you can remodel your bathroom for what’s called aging in place. She points out that today, fixtures designed for accessibility are just as stylish as ones that aren’t.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

Toyota Reveals Strap-on Robotic Walking Aid

November 9th, 2011 posted by Leigh Ann Otte ⇒ Leave a comment

Got mobility problems? Forget those bulky walkers. In the not-too-distant future, robotics may allow us to walk without a frame to lean on.

Last week, Toyota unveiled a walking aid that straps to your leg, The Associated Press reports:

Eiichi Saitoh, a professor in rehabilitation medicine, demonstrated the “walk assist” device on Tuesday, strapping the computerized metallic brace onto his right leg, which was paralyzed by polio.

He showed reporters at a Toyota facility in Tokyo how the brace could bend at the knee as needed, allowing him to walk more naturally and rise from a chair with greater ease than the walker he now uses. Wearing a backpack-like battery, Saitoh walked up and down a flight of stairs, smiling with delight.

Toyota plans to make the device available after 2013 in Japan, but “Honda also has demonstrated machines worn on the legs that help people move, as have some universities,” the article says.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in aging issues and senior care. She covers both for the Today Senior Living blog.

 

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