Thursday, October 27, 2011
Managing Feelings
When a caregiver is experiencing intense feelings, it is important to manage them in a way that is satisfactory to all. There is no perfect formula for managing emotional responses. Most importantly, just be aware of the feelings you are experiencing, and know that they influence your behavior and judgment. Find an acceptable way to release your strong feelings rather than feeling out of control. Learn to act rather than react!
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Monday, October 24, 2011
"Medicare and You"
Once a year the Centers for Medicare Services publishes a book called "Medicare and You." This is a concise handbook about what you need to know to make your Medicare decisions. Your booklet should arrive in the mail about three months before you turn 65. It arrives along with your Medicare card. It has your name, social security number, and it reads either Medicare Part A and B or Medicare Part A only. The government signed you up automatically, unless you chose to "opt out" of this coverage.
For more information, go to: www.medicare.gov.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
Falling Is A Big Problem for Seniors
Are you at risk for falling? Do you suffer from depression, arthritis or some other specific dysfunction? You could be at an increased risk for falling. You should seek help from your doctor if you have a history of falls, a recent fall, or multiple falls. Your healthcare professional will evaluate for these and recommend multi-targeted interventions to reduce your risk of falls.
For information on steps you can take to prevent falls, visit: www.homesafetycouncil.org.
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Monday, October 17, 2011
Mammogram Screenings
Most leading breast cancer groups agree that the decision to have a mammogram before age 50 is a woman’s personal choice. In addition, most do not recommend them for women age 75 and older, if they are healthy. Most breast cancers occur in women older than age 50, and even more cases after age 60. Be sure to talk with your doctor about what is best for you. For information about breast cancer detection and screening, go to: www.cancer.org or www.acog.org.
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Getting a Second Opinion
Even if your doctor is terrific, you should get a second opinion when faced with a major medical decision. This doesn't mean that you don't trust your doctor's judgment. It will help to confirm the initial diagnosis and plan of action or it will offer new options for the best way to proceed. You may even want to get a third opinion.
It's a good idea to get another opinion if:
- Treatment will irrevocably change your life.
- Surgery is recommended.
- Radiation and/or chemotherapy are the suggested treatments.
- You are unsatisfied with explanations regarding treatments.
- You feel uncomfortable with the doctor.
Because a doctor may be reluctant to disagree with a colleague, it's a good idea to seek out the second doctor on your own, if possible.
To find a physician for a second opinion, visit: www.newdoctor.com.
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Monday, October 10, 2011
CCRC: Continuing-Care Retirement Community
A continuing-care retirement community is called a CCRC for short. A CCRC provides both housing and access to healthcare at three levels:
- Independent Living. You live in your own apartment for as long as you are physically and mentally able to.
- Assisted Living. If, as time passes, you require help with dressing, bathing eating, or any other activities, you can move to the assisted living area or receive services you need in your home.
- Nursing Home Care. If you require skilled nursing care, you can move to the nursing home unit, which is part of your CCRC.
Most CCRCs require both entry fees and monthly fees. Costs usually depend on the kind of housing you select. CCRC contracts generally fall into three categories, all of which include housing and residential services, but differ in the amount of healthcare they cover. Here are some definitions:
- The "extensive" contract provides for the pre-payment of healthcare expenses in a manner similar to an insurance arrangement.
- The "moderate" contract includes a specified amount of long-term healthcare in the monthly fee. Additional healthcare beyond the prepaid amount is available on a fee-for-service basis.
- The "fee-for-service" contract does not include long-term healthcare in its monthly fee. While residents receive priority admission to the nursing care facility, they pay the full daily rate.
For more information about CCRCs, go to: www.helpguide.org/elder/continuing_care_retirement_communities.htm.
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Thursday, October 06, 2011
Germs Can Survive on Plastic for Weeks
Surfaces that are touched frequently and cleaned infrequently can pose a danger of passing along germs. How many people use the ATM daily? How many people have touched the pen in the checkout at the grocery? When was the last time you cleaned your telephone or computer keyboard?
It's a good idea to carry a hand sanitizer with you to use any time you think you might have touched something where germs can reside. Also, it's a good idea to wash your hands frequently, using soap and water.
For more information, visit www.handwashingforlife.com.
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Monday, October 03, 2011
Government Programs for Seniors
There seems to always be a lot of confusion surrounding Government programs. It seems extra-confusing if you have listened to some of the congressional debates. Many people do not know what to expect from Social Security, Medicare, and other programs. Many people do not know the level of coverage available and what type of services are either not available or not covered.
Here are some government websites and their programs.
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Thursday, September 29, 2011
Care for the Caregiver
Often spousal caregivers end up paying a high price in terms of their own personal health. It is important to care of yourself, too, especially while caring for a loved-one. Here are a few tips:
- Accept offers of help. Successful caregiving can't be done alone.
- Schedule regular breaks. On your breaks, take time to focus on your own needs.
- Eat right and get some exercise. Don't forget to schedule your own doctor's visits.
- Review your loved-one's medical plan or healthcare coverage to see if they cover respite care or transportation help.
Seek expert advice and develop a good support system.
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Monday, September 26, 2011
NIHSeniorHealth.gov
The NIA and the National Library of Medicine, both part of the National Institutes of Health, have developed a website designed specifically for older people, www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov.
The website features a variety of popular health topics presented in a simple, easy-to-understand format. It also has a special feature that reads the text to you!
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Thursday, September 22, 2011
Limitations of Living Wills
Living Wills are limited in the range of treatment decisions they permit. Living Wills do not apply in emergency situations.
For example, many serious events, such as strokes, Alzheimer's disease or comas, are not considered terminal diseases by many doctors and, therefore, may not be covered by Living Wills.
Each state has different laws concerning Living Wills. Because of the limited applicability of Living Wills, you are encouraged to also have a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
For more information, read my book, The Senior's Guide to End-of-Life Issues.
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Monday, September 19, 2011
Holiday Gifts for the Caregiver
Even though it is only September, now is the time to start thinking about holiday gifts for your caregiver. My newest book, The Gift of Caregiving: Daily Inspirations, Affirmations and Tips is the perfect gift. Not only is it pocket-sized and inexpensive, it offers wisdom, comfort, and emotional support with inspirations, affirmations and tips for every day of the year. It is a great way to say "thank you" and "you are appreciated", every day of the year. You can place your order today through our store or at Amazon.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Advance Directives
Advance directives allow you to say what you would prefer if you are too ill to make your wishes known. There are two main kinds:
- Living Wills. A living will describes your decisions for medical treatment at the end of life. Living wills usually refer to life-prolonging treatment when death is imminent.
- Healthcare proxies. A healthcare proxy is also known as a medical or health care power of attorney, and is more detailed than a living will. It allows you to appoint the person you trust to make health decisions if you cannot. Because the healthcare proxy involves more decisions, you may want to talk to your doctor and attorney for various options for care.
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Monday, September 12, 2011
Seven Tips to Stay Active
Here are seven tips to help you care for joints:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Trade high-impact sports with low-impact sports.
- Avoid repetitive stress.
- Use over-the-counter or prescription medications to control inflammation and pain.
- Take part in physical or occupational therapy.
- Use mechanical aids that may offer some help.
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Thursday, September 01, 2011
Comprehensive Blood Screening
A comprehensive blood screening can provide details about your health. The blood analysis is usually grouped into three main screenings. These include:
- Complete blood count (CBC). This includes tests that measure many different parts of your blood, to help detect blood disorders and diseases.
- Lipid Profile contains tests for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL. A lipid profile can help identify your risk for heart disease.
- Comprehensive metabolic profile includes tests that measure different chemicals in your blood—glucose, protein, potassium, and sodium. This profile can provide important info about your kidneys, liver, heart, bones, and more.
Ask your doctor for more information.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Medicare Part B Changes
As of January 2011, those Part B Medicare services that are graded A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, will be free to people with Medicare.
Expanded Medicare Part B services will include:
- Annual wellness visit
- Cardiovascular screening blood tests
- Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Screening mammography
- Screening pap tests
- Screening pelvic examination
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Prostate cancer screening
- Bone mass measurements
- Glaucoma screening
- Influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccinations
- Shingles vaccine
- Diabetes screening tests
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Screening for HIV
- Smoking and tobacco-use cessation counseling services
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
When to Go to the Emergency Department
If you have ever been in an ER, you know it’s a busy place. Here are some tips to help you know when to go to the ER:
- Whenever possible, make your primary care doctor your first choice.
If you can’t wait for treatment, emergency symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Sudden or severe pain
- Poisoning
- Major injuries and/or broken bones
- Sudden facial drooping or weakness in an arm or leg
Call 911 if you think a health problem is life threatening or if it could get worse on the way to the hospital.
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Monday, August 15, 2011
Senior Discounts for You
There is a fairly new website called www.sciddy.com. It is similar to www.groupon.com or www.livingsocial.com except it is designed specifically for seniors. It is a very easy and quick way to find senior discounts in your local area. Discounts include everything from restaurants and travel to home services and shopping. Check it out! To find senior discounts all you have to do is type in what you are looking for and your zip code.
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Thursday, August 11, 2011
Caring For A Parent Who Didn't Care For You
Are you one of the unlucky ones who grew up with an abusive or absent parent? And what happens if that aging parent wants you to take care of him or her? It may not be easy to care for a parent who showed no love or compassion or understanding.
If you choose to provide care, be clear on your expectations. If you haven't resolved deep seated hurts and anger it may be difficult for you to be a great caregiver. You will need a good support system.
For more information about finding a support group, go to: www.caregiver.org.
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Monday, August 08, 2011
Laughter for Relieving Stress
Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones. Laughter provides a physical and emotional release. Laughter brings the focus away from anger, guilt, stress and negative emotions in a more complete way than mere distractions.
In order to laugh sincerely, you have to let go. Practice laughing. Allow yourself to experience your natural humor. Do not take yourself too seriously. You will find it is difficult to remain tense while laughing.
Watch some funny movies with the care-receiver. They will be good for both of you. Smile more, and laugh even if you do not feel like it. You will still achieve positive effects, and you may be surprised that real smiles and genuine laughter will follow.
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