Important Fitness Tips for Seniors

An important part of senior care is helping your elderly loved one stay active as they age. Exercise and physical activity are a key component to a healthy lifestyle, and many studies have shown that exercise offers an array of health benefits that seniors can enjoy, simply by incorporating moderate physical activity into their daily life. It can prevent or help loved ones recover from falls, keep bones strong, and stave off weakness or strength loss that often accompanies aging. 

Exercise can also help your loved one stay fit and strong enough to continue doing the activities or hobbies they enjoy. But before starting a physical activity routine, it is important that your older relative or friend speak with their health care provider. A Durham physician can advise on which types of exercises are beneficial and which could do more harm than good. Your loved one should always get the approval of a doctor before starting a routine. 

A physical activity regimen for an older adult will likely look different than one for a younger person. But by modifying exercise, seniors can find activities that work for their bodies and discover new activities that suit their personalities. There are many exercises that can be done virtually anywhere, even in the home, which is essential for providing great home care for your loved one. A good routine should include endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises. Consider these tips when working with your older loved one in choosing a physical activity program that suits their needs.

Strength. Lifting weights or using body weight is an important part of exercise. It helps to build muscle strength and keep your loved one better able to hold their balance and continue enjoying the activities they do daily. Improving strength will help them to move around the house, get out of bed, do grocery shopping, and complete many other everyday chores or activities they want or need to do.

Endurance. Cardiovascular endurance exercises refer to anything that will increase your loved one’s heart rate. Many older adults go for walks, take a bike ride, or go swimming to get their heart rate up. Some seniors may not be able to do cardiovascular exercise for more than a few minutes at a time. But with practice, they can build up their endurance and go for much longer. This is important, as many household activities require endurance. For example, gardening or going up and down stairs require cardiovascular strength, and a workout routine that focuses on endurance can make many of these daily activities easier and more enjoyable.

Balance. Focusing on balance is highly important for older adults. Such exercises can increase muscle strength in the core and legs. By improving balance, your loved one can better prevent falls, which could lead to major injury or even death. 

Stretching. Your older relative or friend can improve their flexibility by stretching regularly. It will increase their range of movement and reduce their risk of injury if they do fall. Even more, it will make daily activities easier because it will help your loved one move more freely and with less pain.

Remember that before starting any exercise routine, your older loved one should receive their doctor’s clearance. But you can help care for elderly family or friends by working with them and their physician to find the best routines for their individual needs, capabilities, and styles. 

Tips for Incontinence Care while Traveling

Including your older family member or friend on your summer vacation is a fantastic way to spend time together and bond with one another. But if they face incontinence issues, travel away from Durham might require a bit more preparation to make sure everyone involved can vacation safely and comfortably. Millions of Americans who experience incontinence find it difficult to travel on trains, in cars, or on planes. But with the help of their family and friends, and a little planning ahead, they can make the most of their trip and enjoy it to its fullest. Here are some ways you can help provide personal elder care to your loved one and make sure they have a great vacation. 

Transportation

While on trains or planes, make sure your loved one is in an aisle seat and has easy access to bathrooms. An aisle seat will make it simpler to get to the restroom when necessary.

Because planes or trains have minimal waste disposal areas, an older relative or friend might find it difficult to dispose of any incontinence products they use. Consider suggesting a product designed for superior protection, like specially designed underwear. These can hold greater amounts of leakage and can better control odor when on long trips.

Car rides are often a more convenient way to travel for those facing incontinence. Rest areas are strategically placed along interstates and highways. When traveling in a car with your older loved one, bring along your GPS system or smartphone. This will allow you to more easily locate gas stations, restaurants, and other areas where your loved one can use a bathroom.

Food and Drink

Providing proper care for elderly loved ones involves keeping communication open. Before the trip, work with your relative or friend to learn which foods or drinks worsen their symptoms. Certain items could stimulate incontinence and exacerbate the problem. Make it easy for your loved one to reduce their consumption of caffeine, salty foods, or alcohol. Don’t stop for refreshments at a place that only serves problematic foods. 

Travel Kit

Prior to heading out on the road, put together a travel kit for your older family member or friend. The kit should include:

-Plastic bags with seals or twist ties to make disposal of soiled items easy and hygienic.

-Antibacterial cleansing liquids and hand wipes.

-Incontinence products such as liners or pads for lighter urinary leakage. Pack incontinence pants for moderate or light leakage, if also used with liners or pads. Also consider packing protective underwear for heavier leakage. In addition to these, also make sure your kit includes:

-Extra pants, outerwear, and undergarments.

-Travel soap and paper towels.

Pack these items in a small backpack or bag that is light enough to carry around. 

Advance Planning

While planning out your vacation agenda, try to schedule in bathroom breaks after meals. Also, while visiting tourist attractions, ask guides or check maps to locate the nearest restrooms. Since your loved one’s daily routine will differ on vacation, try to monitor their cholesterol and blood pressure while traveling. These are important for overall good health, and can help you assist your loved one in protecting against incontinence.

Providing care for seniors on vacation just means a little planning ahead. With some preparation and open communication, you and your older loved one can plan for a fantastic trip that everyone can enjoy comfortably, safely, and fully.

Celebrating Mother’s Day with Your Elderly Mother

Choosing the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be tough, especially when you are trying to find the right present for an older mom. Her interests might differ greatly from yours, making it even more challenging to know just what to give her. Whether you want to purchase something special or create a memorable do-it-yourself present, you might need a few ideas to get started in the right direction. Most importantly, always consider her unique preferences—that is the key to finding the right gift that celebrates her and all she has done for you.

Memory Jar 

Rather than giving a jar of candy or treats, this is a jar that highlights some of the most important things you two have shared together. Find a good quality, attractive jar, gather some pieces of decorative craft paper, and set aside a bit of time to reflect on the memories you have spending time with one another. Consider things you have done together, some of her favorite family traditions, or special things she has said or done that has impacted your life. On each piece of paper, write a unique memory of a great time you have shared with her. Fold the pieces and place them neatly in the jar. She can read them all at once, or set aside time each day to read a new memory.

Pass things up

Instead of your mom passing things down to you, pass some of your most cherished items up to her. Look through your drawers, closets, the attic or basement and search for special mementos. If you have an old pair of your mother’s  earrings, or an old playbill that has been forgotten in storage, consider offering them up as a heartfelt gift. Care for elderly moms starts with remembering what is most important to them. Many of her greatest memories might be tucked away in your home, and Mother’s Day is the perfect time to bring them back into the spotlight.

Plan a date

Providing care for seniors, especially for an older mother, means tuning into their personal needs. Consider taking her for a pedicure if she has trouble with her feet, or for a special meal if she has dietary restrictions. Remember that, even though she may have a limitation, there are even more ways to make her feel special and let her enjoy the special, little things in life. Even more, spending time together is one of the most precious gifts you could give an older mother. Don’t rush through the meal or treatment. Rather, slow down and listen to what she has to say. Enjoy the conversation and put your full attention on her. It is her special day, after all.

Order delivery

If you live far away from your mother but still want to show her how special she is to you, consider doing something that will make her life a little easier. Even from a distance, you could make a big difference. For example, consider signing her up for a meal delivery service. A hot, homemade meal sent right to her door is sure to put a smile on her face, especially if she knows it was sent from you with love.

Rather than buying any old gift, consider what would mean the most to your mom this year. Consider these personalized present ideas, and reflect on how you can make this year’s Mother’s Day the best ever for your amazing mom.  

Helping Your Senior Pick the Perfect Walking Aid

A walking aid is a powerful tool for your senior, as it allows them to maintain their balance, while still enjoying full mobility. There are a number of different reliable walking aids on the market today, so the choice truly depends on what works best for your elderly loved one. Some of the most popular options include the following listed below.

A single point cane

Senior health professionals explain that this cane is perfect for those who need a little extra support in order to fight off discomfort. It’s great for taking some of the burden off of the legs, but is not an appropriate choice when your elderly loved one can’t put any weight at all on their lower extremities.

A quad cane

This option is the ideal selection for someone who needs more stability than a single point cane can offer, but isn’t ready for a walker yet.

A walker

According to those who work in elder care, Chapel Hill families should invest in a walker for an elderly loved one who has poor balance or lacks upper body strength. The devices have advanced greatly in the past few years, and now come with many convenient options and features to make use of. A walker is generally regarded as the best and most supportive walking aid, though it is more cumbersome than a cane.

Knee walker

Those who care for elderly individuals note that many seniors who can’t put weight on their legs opt to rely on a knee walker. It allows them to get around faster than they would on crutches, but without the bulk of a traditional walker. 

Crutches

Crutches work for someone who can’t put any weight on the lower extremities; however, they are best used by an elderly individual with good balance and upper body strength. In most cases, crutches are not a long-term option. They can be useful if your senior is recovering from a temporary injury.

The right walking aid for your elderly parent truly depends on their comfort level, balance abilities, and upper body strength. Each of these various options allows a senior to get around in a more safe and comfortable way. They can be easily transported and help to take some of the burden off of legs and feet. 

Recognizing the Signs of Caregiver Depression

For those who care for elderly family members, life can be stressful. Couple the responsibilities of caregiving with work obligations and attending to children’s needs and the process can be overwhelming. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the signs of caregiver depression and burnout, and to react accordingly. Some signs that a caregiver is experiencing depression include:

• Withdrawal from other family members, friends, and loved ones
• Loss of interest in activities that they previously loved
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Bouts of anger for no apparent reason
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feelings of anger toward the person you’re caring for
• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• Weight loss or gain

In some cases, a caregiver who is experiencing burnout and exhaustion may turn to escapist behaviors, like heavy drinking, promiscuity, or drug use. Elder care professionals explain that many family members feel the need to escape from the demands of caring for their senior and turn to unhealthy outlets in order to relax and feel free.

How to cope

Caregivers get into trouble because they spend so much time focusing on the health and well-being of their elderly family member that they neglect their own needs. It’s important for a caregiver to carve out some time for self-care each day. Whether this means seeing friends, reading a book, taking a nap, or watching a favorite TV show, this time is crucial for restoring that caregiver’s mental health.

Asking for help is another part of fighting off caregiver depression and burnout. There is no shame in having a home care professional come in a few days per week to help with the burden of caretaking. They can assist with bathing, cleaning the home, and taking care of other errands that the elderly individual can’t handle on their own. This ensures that the senior is well cared for, but gives the family member a break. Having help even just a few days per week can make a major difference for caregivers.

While it’s important to keep the focus on the elderly family member’s health and safety, a caregiver can’t neglect their own needs. Doing so can leave the person feeling depressed and desperate. Taking time each day to indulge in favorite hobbies is a major part of successful caregiving. 

Protecting Your Senior From Freezing Winter Weather

Temperatures during the winter can dip and become dangerously low, which means that you’ll want to make sure your senior is protected from whipping winds and subzero wind-chill. In order to keep your elderly loved one safe during this time of year, elder care professionals advise keeping these issues in mind:

 Hypothermia

When it comes to care for elderly people, a focus on preventing hypothermia is a must. Studies show that each year, half of the Americans who die from hypothermia are at least 65 years old.1 Elderly individuals are especially vulnerable because they have less fat, slower circulation, and slower metabolisms. Make sure that your senior is properly dressed each and every time they set foot outside. This includes wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves too. It doesn’t matter how long they plan to be outside, proper coverage is a must. Keep in mind that hypothermia can set in inside the home too. To prevent this from happening, make sure that the thermostat inside your senior’s house is never set below 65 degrees. 

Falls due to snow and ice

The wintertime greatly increases an elderly individual’s risk of slipping and falling, note home care professionals. Ice can become hard to see, and may cause a senior to fall in their driveway or in a parking lot. Additionally, boots track in snow, which makes floors inside restaurants and doctors’ offices slick. Encourage your senior to wear rubber-soled shoes, and consider investing in a walker or cane for extra stability. 

Ensure that the driveway and walkways leading to your loved one’s home have been cleaned thoroughly. Do not allow them to handle this task on their own, as they can quickly become off balance and fall as they are trying to get rid of snow and ice. Regardless of how warm the day is supposed to be, snow and ice can linger, so attending to this task regularly is a must.

Space heaters

These devices can become essential during the coldest winter months; however, they must be used with care. Leaving a space heater on overnight or when leaving the house can quickly result in a fire. Make sure the heater is only used during short spurts. This will warm up the house without posing a safety risk. Keep the area around the heater clear of clothes, papers, trash, and other items that could quickly ignite.

1http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/cold-weather-protection-for-seniors-148625.htm

Safety Tips for Cold Medicine

The symptoms of a common cold can be pesky at best, and serious in some instances. However, while you may want to offer your senior medication to help them feel better as they fight off a cold, home care professionals remind you that some over the counter cold medicine may interact negatively with prescription drugs that your elderly loved one is taking.

How to proceed

Prior to offering your elderly loved one any sort of medication, even a decongestant, eldercare professionals encourage you to seek guidance from a doctor. This person can also indicate whether mixing certain prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications would cause a health problem.

You can also consult with a pharmacist about how any prescription drugs that the elderly person takes may interact with common cold medicines. Make sure that you have a complete list of the drugs your senior is currently taking, including dosage, as you ask the pharmacist for advice. 

The facts about cold medicine

A decongestant can prove useful if your elderly loved one is dealing with nasal or sinus problems. However, understand that decongestants can increase heart rate, and are known to cause anxiety and insomnia in some people. For this reason, it is important to ask a doctor if your senior is able to take these medications safely before issuing them. As long as the person’s blood pressure is controlled using medication, they are probably fine to take these kinds of medications. However, it is always smart to verify just in case. If your senior has high blood pressure that is not yet under control, check with a doctor first for their recommendation about how to proceed.

Decongestants can safely be taken with antihistamines, though it is important not to overdo the recommended dosage instructions. Keep in mind that over-the-counter antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine may make the user drowsy. Do not give your elderly loved one this kind of medication if they need to drive.

Using nasal decongestants effectively

Nasal decongestants open up breathing passages, however when a person uses them for more than three days in a row they may suffer a “rebound” effect. As a result, they can end up more congested than they were to begin with. For this reason, senior health experts recommend using nasal decongestants for less than three days at a time. If symptoms persist afterward, it is time to seek help from a medical professional. Another useful option is a saline spray, which can loosen mucus without relying on medication. Though they work slower than other options, they also do not cause rebound effects.

Understanding the Diverse and Essential Function of Senior Care Professionals

The role of a senior care professional is absolutely essential for elderly individuals and their families. These people provide varying degrees and kinds of assistance and support, ensuring that elderly loved ones live a happy and comfortable life. Depending on your skills, education, and areas of interest, there are a number of different options for someone who’s hoping to work in senior care. Some examples of jobs in this field include:

In-home caregiver

When it comes to caring for the elderly, an in-home caregiver is an important figure. This individual offers both help and companionship for an elderly individual who may struggle to perform some day-to-day tasks. This professional’s job description will vary depending on that individual senior’s needs, though some common tasks include planning and preparing meals, doing laundry, taking care of transportation, and attending to light housekeeping. Those who receive more extended training can also help with bathing, dressing, and grooming needs. The right in-home caregiver has plenty of patience, a sunny outlook, and tact.

Hospice aide

This sort of senior health professional works with many different residents, taking care of dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating. A hospice aide may also help to transport residents from their beds into wheelchairs. The level of care provided by a hospice aide is more significant than that done by an in-home caregiver, as they often monitor a resident’s vital signs, change bandages, and apply medication. This job requires special training and certification.

Registered nurse specializing in geriatric care

Those who have completed several years of schooling are able to work as a registered nurse. Some nurses choose to specialize in geriatric care, meaning that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to tend to elderly patients’ needs. This may include IV therapy, dialysis, wound care, and other tasks. A registered nurse circulates regularly, ensuring that each senior’s condition is stable, and that they are comfortable and clean.

If you have a passion for care giving and are interested specifically in elder care, there are many job options available. Depending on the level of training needed, you will find plenty of ways to exercise your compassionate and positive disposition.

What You and Your Senior Need to Know About Carotid Artery Disease

Seniors and their families should understand the basics of carotid artery disease, which is when the major arteries in the neck become narrow and blocked. These arteries, known as the carotid arteries, are what supply the brain with the blood it needs to function on a daily basis. When the arteries become blocked by plaque (made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue), the arteries start to narrow and stiffen. Eventually, this condition can lead to a stroke. In order to keep your elderly loved one healthy, it is important to understand how to prevent the condition from developing.

A person’s chance of developing carotid artery disease increases as they age. Only one percent of those aged 50 to 59 have narrowed carotid arteries, yet 10 percent of those 80 to 89 have this issue. Fortunately, even as a person ages, there are some steps that they can take to protect their body. To avoid carotid artery disease (and stroke), a senior should focus on exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

In order to provide proper care for elderly people, families and homecare professionals must do what they can to ensure that their senior is getting some physical activity in during the course of each day. Proper diet is also key when it comes to preventing such conditions from occurring.

What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease?

Unfortunately, many people only find out that they have this condition when they suffer a stroke. Others may experience transient ischemic attacks, known as TIAs, ahead of time. Symptoms of a TIA last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and include:

• Weakness or tingling in one side of the body
• Inability to control the movement of arms or legs
• Lost vision
• Inability to speak clearly

Eldercare professionals and family members should ensure that their senior gets regular checkups to help pick up on the signs of carotid artery disease before serious damage occurs. To do this, a doctor can listen for the sounds of turbulent blood flow in the elderly individual’s arteries, and will also measure their blood pressure. These preventative measures can help to keep your senior safe as they age.

Falling: Techniques for Getting Back Up

Falling is one of the most dangerous accidents that a senior can have, as the injuries that they sustain from a fall can range from nonexistent to fatal. According to professionals who care for elderly in Chapel Hill, preventing falls is a wonderful way to cut down on the number of injuries that the senior population sustains, as a whole, each year. But home care professionals recognize that all falls aren't avoidable. As such, these senior care providers urge individuals to help elderly loved ones learn different techniques to get up after falling down.

According to elder care professionals at LearnNottoFall.com, an average of one out of every three seniors will fall on an annual basis. Additionally, 25 percent of hospital admissions and 40 percent of nursing home admissions are due to falls.1 This is why it's extremely important to make certain that seniors can, if they do fall, get up and call for the help they need. Below are a few techniques that LearnNottoFall.com has provided that you can teach your loved one.

• Lay still to calm down and make certain that there are no severe injuries. Identify any sore parts of the body and try not to exacerbate these injuries. 
• Find a sturdy piece of furniture or other item that can be used when standing up. Roll over from the back to the stomach and to all fours. 
• Take time to let the body settle and blood pressure to normalize. 
• Crawl to the furniture or other item that was identified earlier. 
• Slowly stand using the stable item and find a place to sit. 

Should a senior have injuries from the fall it is essential that they seek medical assistance immediately. If it is an emergency, they should dial 911 for an ambulance. If not, it is important to call a friend or family member to come over and help them to the doctor's office, urgent care office, or emergency room, depending upon their needs. Even if there are no injuries, though, your loved one should report the fall to their doctor so that they can better identify what caused the accident and how to prevent another from occurring in the future.
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¹ http://www.learnnottofall.com/content/what-if-i-fall/learn-to-get-up.jsp

How to Help Your Senior Enjoy a Safe (Yet Fun!) Halloween

Halloween is a favorite among many seniors, but some degree of caution is required during the evening. There is a risk of falls when your elderly loved one is hustling to and from the door to pass out candy, and (unfortunately) some people use seniors who live alone as the targets of pranks. To make sure that your elderly loved one enjoys the holiday safely, keep these tips in mind:

Volunteer to help them pass out candy

Depending on your senior’s mobility, you may want to assist them with passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many elderly individuals love seeing kids dressed up in their costumes, but simply don’t have the ability to hurry to the door, pass out candy, set the bowl down, then return just moments later to greet new costumed kids. They may feel pressure to get to the door quickly, and may end up tripping on a loose rug or other items in their rush.

To prevent a problem during the evening, home care professionals encourage families to provide support for their seniors. Come over and help them answer the door to take some of the stress out of this part of the night. Let them be the one to put the candy into the trick-or-treat bags, but encourage them to sit and wait as the doorbell rings. This allows the elderly individual to enjoy the social interaction and to take in the costumes without dealing with the up-and-down that is required to greet the guests.

Invite them over

If your senior loves the festivities associated with Halloween but struggles with mobility, it’s often best to invite them to your home for the night. They can enjoy watching the parade of trick-or-treaters, but don’t have the pressure of heading to the store to buy candy and answering the door.

Find other ways to celebrate

If your senior wants to get into the Halloween spirit but simply doesn’t have the energy to do so, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the occasion. You can watch Halloween-themed movies together, decorate pumpkins, or bake cookies and use orange frosting and black sprinkles to make them look festive.

Depending on your senior’s energy level, you can tailor Halloween festivities accordingly, ensuring that the elderly individual has an enjoyable evening without putting their safety at risk.

Easy Ways to Help Seniors in Your Community

If you’ve been looking for a reason to jumpstart your volunteer work, October 26th presents the perfect opportunity. This is known as Make a Difference Day, and it’s the ideal time to start improving the lives of seniors in your community. Depending on your interests, there is a number of different ways to enhance care for elderly individuals.

Bringing a companion dog to a nursing home

If you have a four-legged friend running around your home, this is the perfect way for you and your dog to help out. The two of you can get trained and become registered to make visits to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The presence of dogs can help to cut feelings of loneliness and isolation among the residents.

There is a number of different groups that provide the training necessary to do this type of volunteer work. This includes Therapy Dogs International. You can also do an online search for groups looking for “puppy raisers,” which are people who raise puppies during their first year, while getting them used to being around people. Over time, these dogs become a regular presence at nursing homes and senior care facilities.

Putting a stop to senior hunger and malnutrition

Lack of mobility and other concerns make it a real challenge for many seniors to get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and vibrant. To do your part to end this problem, you can host a senior food drive in your area, or sponsor a group meal at a senior center. You can also volunteer with a program such as Meals on Wheels, which provides elderly individuals with well-balanced meals at home.

Start a walking program for seniors

Many elderly individuals don’t get the exercise they need to feel physically and mentally well. To help inspire seniors to get moving, start a walking program. Even if the group only meets every other week, the socialization and exercise will prove tremendously helpful for seniors in your area.

 Regardless of your interests, there are plenty of productive ways that you can help elderly individuals in your community. Use Make a Difference Day as a chance to get inspired to improve the lives of seniors near you.

Showing Appreciation to Your Senior on Sweetest Day

Sweetest Day was created to recognize the generous, compassionate people in the world and the genuine kindness that they bestow upon others. As such, elder care professionals are excited to celebrate Sweetest Day on October 19 by showing appreciation to the seniors who bring happiness and light into today’s world.  Caring for elderly individuals is a rewarding experience, particularly when senior care providers have the honor of working with people who truly love and appreciate life.

Here are a few ways that you and your family can show your appreciation to your senior in celebration of Sweetest Day this year:

• Make a card listing all of the reasons why you love your senior. Have each member of the family contribute ideas and sign it. This is a keepsake your elderly loved one will cherish for years to come!
• Have family and friends come over for a meal and small party. The companionship of loved ones can help your senior feel more appreciated and this will give attendees the chance to personally thank your elderly loved one for their kindness and generosity. 
• Make a donation or volunteer your time in the name of your loved one. Seniors who have mobility issues or other health problems and cannot physically volunteer at certain events will be happy to know that you have done so in their stead. This is a great idea for large families, too, as they can strengthen their relationships while working side by side. 
• Spend the day doing things for your senior, who has for so long done things for others. Start with breakfast in bed and continue to do all that you can throughout the day to make their life easier, happier, and more fulfilled. For instance, you might visit their favorite museum, take a picnic to their favorite park, or go to a movie that they have been waiting to see in theaters. 

No matter how you celebrate Sweetest Day, make sure that you keep your senior at the center of your attention. Your appreciation will mean the world to them, so take this opportunity to show your loved one just how much you value their positivity and kindness!

Medicare Plans Demystified

With open enrollment for Medicare starting in just a few days (enrollment spans October 15 through December 7), it is important that your senior understands which plan is best suited to their needs. Eldercare professionals know that there are many details to consider when choosing the right care for seniors, and Medicare plays a major role in the financial aspect of this issue. But senior health professionals believe that with the right information you and your senior can make choosing the best Medicare plan easy. Below are some of the highlights of Medicare Part C and D, two of the most popular plans.

Medicare Part C
Formerly called Medicare + Choice and often referred to as Medicare Advantage, this plan is a supplement to Parts A and B. As such, seniors must have Parts A and B in order to qualify for enrollment in Part C. Part A covers services that are paid for by Social Security, including inpatient care at the hospital, hospice care, and skilled nursing. Part B, which is funded by monthly premiums and supplemented by the U.S. Treasury, pertains to fees regarding appointments with doctors, outpatient hospital procedures, and other medical attention that Part A does not cover.

Part C allows for the ability to choose the provider organization through which all of these services are offered. Ultimately, having Medicare Part C can result in lower medical costs and additional benefits, so it is worth looking into depending upon your senior’s individual needs.

Medicare Part D
Prescriptions are, for many seniors, a major financial burden. Medicare Part D helps to alleviate this burden by covering prescription medications. Completely optional in nature, this aspect of the Medicare program is covered by monthly premiums and requires seniors to opt in through an application and enrollment process.

Choosing the Right Plan
The plan that will best cover your senior depends upon their unique needs, as elderly individuals require differing levels of medical care and support. Talk with your senior and their doctor to ensure that they are signing up for the right plan, as this can help save them a great deal of money and financial stress.

Inspiring and Exciting Home Activities for Your Senior

Even if your elderly loved one has lost the mobility they once enjoyed, there’s no reason that they have to sit at home mindlessly watching television all day. According to eldercare professionals, there are plenty of inspiring and fun activities that a homebound senior can enjoy with family and friends. Some of these choices include:

• Studying genealogy: Family members can bond with their senior as they take some time to research the family’s ancestry. It’s often eye opening to learn about distant relatives, and to track the family’s progression to America.
• Painting: Even if your elderly loved one struggles with fine motor skills, painting can be the perfect pastime. They can find a brush size that works for them, and create paintings that allow them to express themselves. Regardless of whether the work is museum-worthy or not, seniors will get a kick out of turning broad brushstrokes into their own unique piece.
• Learning about new subjects: Thanks to the Internet, seniors can learn about any subject they please without having to venture to a museum or library to do it. Is your loved one interested in woodworking? Watch some videos on the topic. Does the elderly individual love exotic places? Take them on a Google Maps tour of Mount Everest or the Amazon. They’ll get the thrill of seeing a new place and learning about an unfamiliar subject without having to leave the comfort of their home. 
• Scrapbooking: Home care professionals encourage seniors and their loved ones to work together to create a scrapbook. The book can detail family vacations, milestones, or the elderly individual’s childhood. The finished product is beautiful to look at and has sentimental value, making it the perfect project to work on together.
• Catching up with friends: For seniors, loneliness can become a problem. To ward off feelings of isolation, encourage your elderly loved one to catch up with friends. The two can discuss their families, and can provide each other with emotional support. Having someone to care for and think about helps to keep a senior feeling fulfilled.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your senior engaged even when they can’t leave the home, these easy, inspiring activities are perfect. Work together with your elderly loved one so they have some company as they pursue a new hobby.

The Must-Know Points About Palliative Care

Palliative care refers to highly specialized medical care that is used for elderly individuals who are facing a serious illness. This method of care giving is committed to providing relief from pain for these seniors, regardless of their diagnosis. Ultimately, palliative care is about boosting an elderly loved one’s quality of life, keeping them comfortable and at peace. Palliative care is provided by a team of highly trained home care professionals, and can also include treatment from doctors, nurses, massage therapists, nutritionists, religious figures, pharmacists, and others. These individuals offer support and care for elderly individuals and their family members.

Some common illnesses that may require palliative care include:

• Cardiac disease like congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Kidney failure
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The goal of this kind of eldercare is to eliminate unpleasant symptoms like:

• Trouble sleeping
• Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Depression
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Together, the palliative care team provides expert pain management, assistance navigating the healthcare system, and emotional and spiritual support for a senior and their family.

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?

Though hospice care and palliative care share many similarities, they are also quite different. For instance, palliative care is typically administered in a hospital, extended care facility, or nursing home. Hospice care, on the other hand, usually takes place at home. Hospice care is typically reserved for a senior who has been deemed terminal or is thought to be within six months of their death. Palliative care has no time restrictions, and can be administered at any stage of illness, regardless of whether the elderly individual is terminal or not.

Another major difference between hospice and palliative care comes with the approach to treatment. Most hospice programs focus on comfort instead of prolonging life. However, palliative care does not work off of the assumption that life-prolonging treatments will be avoided. In many cases, palliative care is covered by insurance, whereas hospice treatment may have some policy restrictions.

For elderly individuals who are dealing with a serious illness, palliative care is often a useful tool in order to keep the senior comfortable while allowing the family members to enjoy emotional and spiritual support.

Programs that Assist Seniors with Health Care Costs

Homecare and other forms of care for elderly individuals can become quite costly, although they are imperative to the wellbeing of many seniors. Despite the critical nature of such eldercare, though, many seniors find themselves having to forgo the support that they need due to financial limitations.

If your senior needs care but cannot afford it, there may be hope yet. There are actually several organizations that provide assistance to seniors who need help paying healthcare expenses. According to an article published by the Huffington Post, Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help are two initiatives that can assist elderly individuals in paying down their medical costs and maintaining the level of care that they need to stay as safe and healthy as possible.1

Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program, or MSP, is an initiative that serves to assist Medicare beneficiaries who are at lower income brackets to pay for the costs associated with Medicare Parts A and B. With several different levels, MSP offers differing amounts of support based upon several factors.

Qualifying for this support occurs under the direction of Medicare. Seniors must make less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level and are subject to an asset test. The requirements may vary from one state to the next, though, so it is important that seniors get information from the local Medicare organization.

Extra Help
Prescription medications are often extremely costly, and many seniors have a difficult time keeping up with their prescriptions because they are so expensive. The Extra Help Program is able to assist with Part D prescription drug deductibles and premiums, as well as co pays, depending upon the level of income that your senior receives each month.

Qualifying for this assistance requires seniors to make less than $1,436 per month and to hold less than $13,300 in assets. To apply, seniors can contact the local Social Security office.

Paying for healthcare is something with which many elderly individuals struggle. With the assistance of these two programs, though, your senior may find it easier to keep up with the financial aspect of their physical wellbeing.

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1 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/assistance-programs-that-help-seniors-with-health-care-costs_b_3809723.html

Autumn Activities for Seniors in Chapel Hill

With the first day of autumn, which is September 22, quickly approaching, eldercare professionals are encouraging you to think about seasonal activities that your senior may enjoy. When it comes to eldercare, Chapel Hill is a wonderful location. With such a strong community and beautiful natural environment, you can certainly find some great activities that your senior will love. When providing care for elderly individuals it is always a good idea to get them out and about, allowing them to enjoy social activities and meet new people. To help you meet this goal, below are some of the events that are going to be taking place at the Central Orange Senior Center and the Seymour Center.

• Wellness special events: These seminars provide elderly individuals with information about important topics, including smoking, diabetes, and podiatric health. Other wellness classes, which are given on a regular basis, including aerobics, balance, yoga, Pilates, pacesetter, NIA, strength training, t'ai chi, walking, and more. 
• Computer classes: Technology is continually evolving and, to keep from feeling left behind, your loved one may want to take a course on how to use computers. From learning about Google to computer maintenance, there is a wide range of topics to choose from. 
• Support groups: These groups are wonderful for seniors who have certain illnesses or have been through difficult experiences. Some of the support groups that are offered include those based upon Parkinson's disease, the death of a spouse, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, and more.
• Arts and crafts classes: Art is a wonderful form of self expression, and the community centers provide several different courses dedicated to helping seniors use their creativity. These include oil painting, Chinese brush painting, mixed media, pastels, and watercolors. Crafts, too, such as making bobbin lace, jewelry, quilts, birdhouses, and more, are highly popular. 

In addition to these categories, the community centers in Chapel Hill provide classes on pottery, bridge, dance, music, theater, movies, hiking, and more. With such a diverse list of activities, it is certain that your senior will find something that they can enjoy this fall.

Oral Health: How Is It Affected by the Aging Process?

As the body gets older it experiences many changes, particularly in its ability to ward off disease and regenerate as it used to. One of the many impacts that aging has on the body is related to oral health, as dental care for elderly individuals is quite different from that required by younger populations. Elder care professionals explain that there are many different dental problems that seniors might encounter while they age. To help you to care for elderly loved ones, here are a few of the oral health problems that are common among seniors, per an article published by WebMD.com.1

• Dark teeth: This issue is often caused by changes in the tissue that lies beneath the enamel of the teeth. Additionally, the accumulation of years of consuming beverages and foods that can cause stains can contribute to a darker color of the teeth. 
• Less sensitivity to taste: Sensory loss is naturally caused by the aging process; however, dentures, certain diseases, and even specific medications may make the mouth numb to flavor. 
• Gum disease: Plaque, irregular brushing or flossing, the use of tobacco, a poor diet, certain illnesses, and even improperly fitted dentures and bridges can all lead to gum disease. 
• Uneven jawbone: This can be caused by the loss of teeth. 
• Thrush: A fungal infection, this is a condition that can be sparked by diseases or medications that impact the immune system. 
• Dry mouth: Cancer treatments and certain diseases and medications can slow the production of saliva, causing this uncomfortable condition. 
• Root decay: If the roots of teeth are exposed they can be affected by acids, leading to their deterioration. 
• Tooth loss: While gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss, there are other issues that seniors face that may contribute to this problem. 
• Stomatitis: This inflammation can be caused by poor dental hygiene, improperly fitting dentures, or thrush. 

To help your senior avoid as many of these conditions as possible, encourage a healthy oral care plan that includes brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Additionally, make sure that your senior has regularly scheduled dental appointments to monitor their oral health.

1 http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors

Dementia Care: Coping Strategies for Care Providers

Providing care for elderly individuals who have dementia, which is also known as dementia care, is a major responsibility for both professionals and family members. If you offer eldercare to your loved one who suffers from dementia then you are certainly well aware of the unique challenges this form of care can present.

Understanding Dementia
In order to cope with the stresses of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia care, the Alzheimer’s care, Chapel Hill, professionals know that it’s important to really understand what your elderly loved one is going through. Dementia changes seniors because it directly impacts the brain, making it difficult for them to remember certain details, perform certain tasks, and even simply orient themselves. This can make them feel vulnerable, uneasy, and frustrated. As such, seniors may experience a change in personality and they may take out some of their frustrations on those around them, even if they don’t mean to.

By understanding why your elderly loved one is acting this way it can be easier to provide the care that they need. Through your efforts, you can help your senior feel more secure in an environment that may seem unfamiliar to them.

Keeping Yourself Healthy
One of the most important things to remember when providing dementia care is that you cannot take care of your senior if you don’t take care of yourself first. This responsibility is demanding, and though it is just as rewarding as it can be stressful it is important to make sure that you see to your physical and mental wellbeing as you take care of your loved one. Below are a few ways for you to do so.

1. Take at least one day off per week. If you need to bring in a respite care professional to do so, make it happen. This day will allow you to recharge and rest so that you can keep from burning out. 
2. Exercise compassion. It is important to not only be patient with your senior but to also try to understand what they are going through in order to best cope with the situation. 
3. Talk about your experiences. Sharing with friends, family members, or even professionals can prove extremely therapeutic. 

With these coping mechanisms in mind you can better care for your loved one.