The Senior Living IDEA
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The Senior Living IDEA
New Ideas and Good Advice to Make Your Golden Years Your Best Years!
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Without proper support, seniors may face a wide range of issues including limited mobility, chronic conditions, improper nutrition and feelings of loneliness. For example, older adults can have problems chewing or may take medications which interfere with their appetites. However, research shows lack of companionship may be the biggest challenge. Small gestures, like these simple acts of kindness, can go a long way toward improving a senior’s day.Ways to Make the World a Better Place for Seniors
(Family Features) By 2050, the senior population (adults age 65 and older) will be more than double that of the world’s youngest citizens, and the number of people living beyond age 80 is expected to triple over the next 30 years. As the aging population increases, some 11.3 million seniors are living alone, according to the Institute on Aging. In addition, women are twice as likely as older men to live by themselves. Without proper support, seniors may face a wide range of issues including limited mobility, chronic conditions, improper nutrition and feelings of loneliness. For example, older adults can have problems chewing or may take medications which interfere with their appetites. However, research shows lack of companionship may be the biggest challenge. In fact, an AARP survey found 1 in 5 adults over the age of 40 were “socially disconnected,” which can impact health. People who reportedly experienced loneliness and isolation had lower mental well-being scores, and those who were dissatisfied with their level of social engagement were more likely to report a decline in cognitive function, as well. While anyone can benefit from a kind gesture, seniors are some of the most in-need members in many communities. There is likely a wide range of opportunities to enhance the lives of seniors in your area. Numerous programs and agencies exist to help you determine the best way to make a difference. One example is Ready to Care, an initiative from Home Instead Senior Care that challenges people to complete weekly care missions. Each activity guides members through various ways to give to senior-related causes, learn about the aging crisis and issues impacting seniors, and serve seniors through small actions of kindness. Most care missions are simple acts, such as opening a door, learning about Alzheimer’s or helping with a chore. Each week, a new mission is delivered to participants’ phones via text message. 
Small gestures, like these simple acts of kindness, can go a long way toward improving a senior’s day. Physical assistance: Most seniors are eager to retain their independence, but everyday tasks can pose fall risks or require exposure to harsh weather conditions that can be dangerous to older adults.
Social support: Loneliness is common among seniors, especially those who live alone. Show seniors in your area they have a meaningful place in the community and options for companionship.
Practical solutions: For various reasons, some seniors may be unable to complete everyday tasks. Offer a helping hand in their daily routines when possible.
How You Can HelpConsider these simple ways you can help the aging population by taking action and learning about issues impacting seniors:
To find more ways you can care for the seniors in your community, visit imreadytocare.com. Home Instead Senior Care
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With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the demand for geriatricians continues to grow. And despite a shortage of certified geriatricians as the demand increases, many geriatricians will see a patient on a one-time or as-needed basis and then make recommendations to the patient’s primary care physician.
(BPT) - Are you 65 or older? While your primary care doctor may be an internist or general practitioner, have you thought about adding a geriatrician to your health care team?
A geriatrician can act as your health care “quarterback,” helping to ensure you get the specific care you need, as well as coordinating care with specialists. “Our health needs often change dramatically in our later years,” said Dr. Efrem Castillo, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “The kind of care you deliver to an older adult is not the same as for a middle-aged person. The physiology of older people is very different from people in other stages of life.” Those differences are significant enough that the medical community developed a specialty — geriatrics — to address the needs of older adults. Geriatricians are licensed physicians who have completed additional training in managing the care of older people. That training makes geriatricians uniquely suited to help older adults manage the complex demands of their health care needs. One source of that complexity is chronic conditions. Older adults are significantly more likely than their younger counterparts to have a chronic condition such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, about 80 percent have at least one chronic condition, and 68 percent have two or more. Given the prevalence of chronic conditions in older adults, they’re also heavier users of prescription medications than younger adults. About 90 percent of adults 65 and older take at least one prescription medication, and 40 percent take five or more prescription drugs. Juggling multiple chronic conditions can introduce challenges for doctors and patients, with one condition sometimes exacerbating the effects of another. Moreover, treatments for illnesses can sometimes interfere with each other. That means the recommended course of treatment could look different in a patient with one chronic condition when compared to a patient with several. Establishing the ideal treatment regimen for older adults with multiple chronic conditions can be further complicated by side effects unique to older adults. Some medications can be ineffective or even dangerous for older patients. Common over-the-counter drugs such as the allergy medication Benadryl, for example, have been linked to serious confusion in the elderly. Digoxin, a medication used to treat irregular heartbeat, can be toxic to older people when used at doses sometimes prescribed to younger adults. Geriatricians are trained to understand how drugs uniquely impact older adults so they can appropriately customize their drug regimen to mitigate the risk of complications. Decisions about how to customize a patient’s treatment aren’t necessarily black and white, requiring a doctor and patient to carefully balance risks and benefits. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause dizziness, meaning the doctor needs to focus not just on regulating the patient’s blood sugar but also on minimizing the risk of a fall, which is the most common cause of injury for seniors. “A lot of what geriatricians do is determining which medications are more likely to cause harm than help,” said Castillo. “And the concept of shared decision-making is integral here — asking patients, ‘What trade-offs are you willing to take?’” Sometimes, the trade-offs are purely medical in nature — weighing the pros and cons of taking a certain medication or undergoing a specific screening, for example. But more often than not, they also involve a person’s overall life goals. How important is it to maximize longevity? Comfort? How about independence? Each person answers those questions differently, and geriatricians are trained to use the answers to guide their treatment recommendations and care plan. When should you seek out a geriatrician for yourself or a loved one? A significant change in health status could be a trigger for a visit with a geriatrician. But any time an older adult feels his or her care is becoming too complex or needs better coordination, a visit with a geriatrician could help. Finding a geriatrician With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the demand for geriatricians continues to grow. And despite a shortage of certified geriatricians as the demand increases, many geriatricians will see a patient on a one-time or as-needed basis and then make recommendations to the patient’s primary care physician. The American Geriatrics Society offers information about how to find a geriatrician on its website, and many larger hospitals and university medical centers have geriatricians on staff that will see new patients. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to confirm whether a geriatrician you want to see is in your plan’s network and if your plan requires you to first get a referral from your primary care physician before a visit with a geriatrician will be covered. UnitedHealthcare members can get help with those questions. From scheduling your next checkup appointment to helping you find a specialist to getting the treatment you need, it’s easier to get the right care at the right time. * Check with your health insurance provider or Medicare about whether the cost of this new vaccine is covered under your plan. Whether it’s helping to schedule routine care appointments or checkups, UnitedHealthcare can help you navigate the health care system to get the care you need as soon as you need it. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plans contract renewal with Medicare.
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It’s not easy getting old, as the saying goes, and it can be even harder to watch your parents age. Helping parents transition into the later years of their lives can be a delicate matter, but there are ways to help them ease into an elderly stage and cope better with challenges. For example, consider these tips and ways to aid aging parents.
Aiding Aging Parents
4 tips to help overcome new challenges(Family Features) It’s not easy getting old, as the saying goes, and it can be even harder to watch your parents age. Helping parents transition into the later years of their lives can be a delicate matter, but there are ways to help them ease into an elderly stage and cope better with challenges. Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of Alberto Culver, navigated this type of life transition with her parents. In her book, “Gather As You Go: Lessons Learned Along the Way,”Bernick offers tips to give and get joy while preserving your parents’ dignity in addition to wisdoms on business and leadership, philanthropy, dealing with tough times and being a working mom. For example, consider these tips and ways to aid aging parents: Provide Entertainment Adjust to Physical Changes Relive Memories Consider the Little Things Find more tips to assist aging relatives at gatherasyougo.com . Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Gather As You Go KEYWORDS
If you have ever thought about exploring your family history, now can be the perfect opportunity to take the next step. To get started, these four simple tips can help you unlock new understanding and make meaningful connections.Tips for Turning History into Your Story
(Family Features) If you have ever thought about exploring your family history, now can be the perfect opportunity to take the next step. To get started, these four simple tips can help you unlock new understanding and make meaningful connections. You can also consider sharing these tips with loved ones so they can join in on the fun, too. Call Your Family Start a Family Tree Message Cousins Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Ancestry
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Taking Steps to Prevent Falls
As you get older, the consequences of falls can become more serious, setting up a sequence of events that can have longstanding implications on independence and health. These steps can help prevent falls.Taking Steps to Prevent Falls
(Family Features) When you’re young, an injury from a fall may sideline you for a few days or weeks, but a full recovery is usually quick. As you get older, the consequences of falls can become more serious, setting up a sequence of events that can have longstanding implications on independence and health. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. Although falls typically become more common and can be more serious as you age, falls are not a natural part of getting older. In fact, most falls are preventable. Knowing the factors that put you at greater risk of falling and taking proper steps can help prevent falls. Risk factors for falls in older people include overall health (chronic diseases and physical conditions), environment (hazards and situations at home) and behaviors, such as rushing around or standing on a chair to reach something. These steps from the experts at the National Council on Aging can help prevent falls:
For more tips and information, visit acl.gov/fallsprevention. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Administration for Community Living KEYWORDS
Caring for Caregivers
While caring for an older family member – whether it be a spouse, parent or grandparent – can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a difficult and overwhelming task. This is especially true if your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses. Being aware of some of the warning signs of burnout can help caregivers properly manage stress and protect themselves.Caring for Caregivers
How to prevent caregiver burnout(Family Features) While caring for an older family member – whether it be a spouse, parent or grandparent – can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a difficult and overwhelming task. This is especially true if your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses. Whether it’s out of love or obligation, caring for a chronically ill or disabled family member (and potentially his or her financial and legal interests) can come at the expense of the caregiver’s quality of life. In addition to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle outside of caregiving responsibilities, it is important for those caring for a loved one to learn ways to avoid health hazards and stay well-informed of any changes in their loved one’s condition. Add work and children to care for to the equation and it’s a formula that can lead to stress, exhaustion and even potential health issues. The additional duties often required to provide care for a loved one can lead to physical or emotional fatigue, often referred to as “caregiver burnout.” If you’re caring for an older adult, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America recommends these tips to help manage stress before caregiving leads to burnout. Know the signs of burnout. By the time many caregivers suspect signs of burnout, they’re likely already suffering symptoms related to their responsibilities. Being aware of some of the warning signs can help caregivers properly manage stress and protect themselves. Warning signs include:
Educate yourself about the disease. It’s likely the loved one you care for has several health problems, takes multiple medications and sees multiple health care providers to manage his or her conditions. As a first step in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses, visit alzfdn.org or nia.nih.gov/alzheimers for information. Support groups, educational workshops, community resources and professionals can also help increase your understanding of the disease and what to expect so you can be a better-informed and prepared caregiver. Be prepared for important decisions. Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues early on to help reduce stress later. Try to involve the individual in decision-making if he or she is capable, and consider personal wishes regarding future care and end-of-life issues. Build your care skills. Key skills for any caregiver include communication, understanding safety considerations and behaviors, and managing activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting and dressing. Some organizations and local hospitals may even offer classes specific to your loved one’s disease that can aid you in the process. Develop empathy. Try to understand what it is like to be a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Put yourself in the affected person’s shoes while also recognizing your own losses. Manage your expectations of your loved one and remain patient. Ask for help when you need it. Reach out to medical and mental health professionals as well as family and friends. They can assist you when things get tough. In addition, there are typically programs, agencies and organizations in your community that can help manage the challenges of caring for older parents, grandparents, spouses and other older adults. Advocate for and connect with your loved one. Take an active role in the individual’s medical care. Get to know the care team, ask questions, express concerns and discuss treatment options. Also remember to connect on a personal level through kindness, humor and creativity, which are essential parts of caregiving and can help reduce stress. Think positive. Focus on the capabilities and strengths that are still intact and enjoy your relationship with your loved one while you are still together. Look for ways to include him or her in your daily routines and gatherings to make as many memories as possible. Find more caregiver resources and tips at alzfdn.org. 
Tips for Managing Caregiver StressStress can affect anyone and caregivers may find themselves faced with additional stressors. To help manage stress and avoid caregiver burnout, keep these tips from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in mind:
Getting Help with Caregiving Everyone needs a break from time to time, even caregivers. Look into respite programs for a chance to care for yourself. Types of respite include: Home Care
Adult Day Programs
Facility-Based Respite
Family and Friends
Photos courtesy of Dreamstime (Couple walking) SOURCE:Alzheimer’s Foundation of America KEYWORDS
 Resources for caregivers Caregivers need and deserve support as they navigate a demanding, emotional and critical responsibility. The good news is there are resources and services like the following that can help make life as a caregiver a bit easier.(BPT) - When David Bowen’s father fell taking out the trash in 2016, it set in motion a series of health challenges the family is still battling together. Bowen, 62, hired a part-time professional caregiver to assist his father and his mother, who was battling Alzheimer’s, but he found himself serving as a caregiver much of the time, too. The responsibility of caregiving can mean increased stress and anxiety, which can affect family dynamics, nutrition habits, physical fitness and overall well-being. Many people take unpaid leave from their jobs, reduce work hours, change careers or quit altogether to care for an aging loved one. The 2018 Northwestern Mutual C.A.R.E. Study revealed that two of three caregivers reduce their living expenses to pay for the medical and practical needs of their loved ones, yet nearly half of future caregivers said they have made no financial plans to prepare. While this can be challenging, caregivers take immense pride in this vital role, and most wouldn’t trade the opportunity. In fact, a recent Merrill Lynch-Age Wave study found that 91 percent of caregivers feel grateful to care for someone and 77 percent would do it again. Caregivers need and deserve support as they navigate a demanding, emotional and critical responsibility. The good news is there are resources and services like the following that can help make life as a caregiver a bit easier. Caregiver resource list * The National Family Caregiver Support Program offers medical, emotional, financial and legal advice and training to adult family members who provide in-home and community care for people aged 60 or older and to people older than 55 who care for children under 18. * AARP’s Caregiver Resource Center offers guides for first-time caregivers, families and those who care for a loved one at home. These include financial and legal considerations and advice on how to maintain caregiver-life balance. * While the Administration for Community Living doesn’t work directly with individuals, it can be a good place for a caregiver to start on the circuitous path to financial support. The organization provides funds to help older adults and people with disabilities live where they choose to for as long as they can, and has provided billions of dollars to programs in every state. * UnitedHealthcare proactively addresses caregiver needs by sharing relevant information and resources. Its Solutions for Caregivers program, for example, is a website for eligible members to get advice from medical professionals, financial advisers and experienced care managers; take advantage of discounted products and services; and access educational resources. Non-members can find a directory of organizations that focus on issues including Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse, blindness, MS, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. * The National Alliance for Caregiving focuses on caregiving research, innovation and technology, state and local caregiving coalitions, and international caring. It is working to build a global network of caregiver support organizations. * The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers, ranging from parents of children with special needs, to families and friends of wounded soldiers, to adult children caring for aging parents. Aiming to promote resourcefulness and respect for the more than 90 million family caregivers across the country, CAN provides free education, peer support and resources. * The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, provides a search tool that allows visitors to search by topic and location for services pertaining to older adults and their families. “Dad and I, we’re trying to put a new life together for him, and it’s tough,” said Bowen. “But support from all over has kept me on my feet and moving forward. Amid all the challenges, I am grateful for that.” KEYWORDS
 Remodeling to age in place? Make changes where it matters most According to the AARP, 87 percent of adults age 65 and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Furthermore, among people age 50 to 64, 71 percent of people want to age in place. The desire to age in place typically requires making thoughtful updates to a home to accommodate senior needs.(BPT) - American household demographics constantly change. With kids grown and moved out, many adults are considering remodeling to meet their future needs. This has inspired the idea of aging in place, meaning the desire to have a high quality of life in your home as you get older. In the United States, it's a desire shared by many. According to the AARP, 87 percent of adults age 65 and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Furthermore, among people age 50 to 64, 71 percent of people want to age in place. The desire to age in place typically requires making thoughtful updates to a home to accommodate senior needs. Multigenerational households are also changing for older family members. Sometimes it's necessary to have elderly relatives move in to your home for them to thrive. Adult children will opt to make remodeling updates so spaces are safe, comfortable and accessible for all. Whether you're remodeling for yourself or a family member, there are many things to consider. Making changes where it matters most will help transform the household into a secure space for aging adults. Single-story living Having all rooms on a single story is the ideal layout for senior living. That means the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen can be accessed without having to travel to different levels of the home. Keep in mind, open-concept designs can be beneficial for seniors, but if you are updating hallways, make sure they are at least 36 inches wide for easy maneuverability. Bathroom additions Adding a bathroom to facilitate single-story living might seem impossible if you don't have existing drainage. However, it is feasible and doesn't require costly demolition. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before, thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms and the Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths. Bathroom safety Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in a home, particularly for those age 65 and older who are more prone to falls. When remodeling, add wall supports such as grab bars in the bath, shower and by the toilet. For showers, a fold-down seat and handheld showerhead can add comfort. A wall-hung sink adds space below and can make it easier to clean and move around. Avoid using rugs and instead install slip-resistant flooring. Kitchen additions Redesigning your home with a mother-in-law suite for aging relatives can be a nice way to provide them with everything they need. It will also ensure that everyone has their desired privacy in the home. Again, don't let drainage limit your remodel plans. Add a modest kitchen setup using Saniflo Sanivite technology. It will pump wastewater away from a variety of sources, such as a kitchen sink, laundry sink and washing machine. Learn more at go.saniflo.com. Ramps and stairs There may be spaces in a home where you can't avoid installing a ramp or stairs. The entryway is one such area. For stairways, install handrails on both sides and add contrast strips to prevent tripping and stumbling hazards. For ramps, the National Association of Home Builders recommends slopes no greater than 1-inch rise for each 12 inches in length, a 2-inch curb for safety and a 5-foot landing at the entrance. All ramps or stairs should have adequate lighting for easy visibility. Ample lighting As vision decreases with age, lighting becomes a critical element throughout a home. Consider adding windows and skylights for plenty of natural light. Swap in brighter bulbs and add adjustable features that allow you to customize settings for frequently used spaces. Finally, add motion lights to hallways and bathrooms for easy evening use. Hard-wired lights are preferred to plug-in options, but if you must have cords, make sure they are hidden or secured to the ground. When aging in place matters to you or your family members, these guidelines can help you remodel wisely. Smart updates will help you enjoy your home today and thrive in the future. KEYWORDS
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