During the winter months, it’s easy to feel as though dreary days have overstayed their welcome. Even though we live in a warmer climate, we may experience a sense of sadness and despair more often during the winter due to shorter daylight hours. Sometimes, irritability or anxiety, disturbances in sleep patterns, and a loss of...Continue Reading
For senior family members and friends, especially those with limited mobility or an inability to travel, the busy-ness of the holiday season may lead to extra loneliness. But, by being intentional with your holiday routine, you may be able to keep the isolation at bay and improve the holiday cheer. Do this by hosting gatherings...Continue Reading
While the holiday season is often characterized by warmth and light, it may still be a time of loneliness for many of us. If you or a loved one is unable to travel to be near family and friends, this can be a particularly difficult season. There are several things you can do to cope...Continue Reading
A healthy mind doesn’t happen by chance. It takes effort and intention to maintain mental wellbeing. Challenging thinking abilities and engaging our minds is necessary for everyone, but these things are especially beneficial to us as we age. Here are some ways we can be sure to do everything possible to improve and manage our...Continue Reading
While research shows that genetics play a role in determining our risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, it is also clear that many of our lifestyle choices influence this risk as well. Often, small lifestyle changes can make a big impact when it comes to reducing risk factors that become even more of a concern as...Continue Reading
Did your mother ever tell you to stop making faces or crossing your eyes to avoid “getting stuck that way?” While we all know our silly faces and crossed eyes never actually became permanent, there was some truth and wisdom to her words. Anything we do on a continual basis can quickly become a habit....Continue Reading
Years ago (and I’m not talking about the Jurassic period), on the day of admission, it was protocol to collaborate with social services on discharge planning. Today, protocol is still the same; discharge plans for a patient start on the day of admission. However, because of the influence of the health insurance industry, the patients...Continue Reading
The decision to hire supplementary care to assist your loved one isn’t always an easy one, but putting it off until a crisis happens isn’t a good strategy. You can help your loved one stay safe and independent for many years to come by starting the conversation now. But what if you don’t know where...Continue Reading
A wide variety of senior services are accessible for those with increasing health care needs, but not everybody is aware of the many options available as they search for quality care. Many people benefit greatly from supplementary, coordinated care which can be provided by a qualified Nurse Case Manager. Nurse Case Managers often partner with...Continue Reading
The health care industry often seems complicated and overrun with confusing variables. When you or a loved one needs quality care and a plan to follow, it’s not easy to know where to start. Processes need to be followed in a specific way. Appointments need to be scheduled. Decisions that could affect the rest of...Continue Reading
Though it would be wonderful if all our loved ones lived nearby, this isn’t always our reality. Distance doesn’t need to dictate our relationships, however. Whether you live a couple hundred miles or a couple of time zones away from your loved ones, here are a few tips for keeping in touch. Use the Technology...Continue Reading
Today’s seniors face ever-increasing expenses. With run-away prescription costs and higher insurance premiums, many seniors make difficult choices in order to live within their monthly budget. If you’re trying to find the best way to keep within your budget or need some ideas to help your parent or loved one, here are some tips that...Continue Reading
Living in Florida comes with warm weather much of the year, but nothing like the heat we have from now until October. As we age, we become more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and need to take more precautions when spending time outside. If you’re older and are looking for some tips to beat the summer...Continue Reading
If you or a loved one are still living at home but know that a move into a care facility with more services is in the near future, you may be confused by the many options available. There are ads everywhere that talk about independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation centers. Although some...Continue Reading
Another World, meaning the world in which someone lives with Alzheimer’s. They are trapped in time … trapped inside their mind in an inner world that clashes with their surroundings. Of course, they are unaware of this and are not waiting or wanting to be brought back into the “real world.” Instead, they look for...Continue Reading
I recently made a life-changing decision. Well, I have to admit, I did have some help in making the decision; my doctor informed me I have high blood pressure. Being the nurse that I am, I decided to do what I could naturally. What I mean by that is lifestyle changes, (you know, those things...Continue Reading
With the influence of the health insurance industry, many times, patients are discharged earlier than they once were. In many cases, they are medically stabilized but not able to care for themselves. So, my friends, please note: each family needs to actively participate in the discharge plans of their loved ones. 1. Safety First You...Continue Reading
