When our loved ones age, they need specialized healthcare and support. For that, we need senior care services.
Statista reports that in 2020, around 17 percent of the American population was 65 years or older. This percentage is set to cross 22 by 2050. As the population ages, the need for more and better senior care services will rise. One such type of care service gaining popularity right now is in-home senior care.
GlobeNewswire reports that the elderly care market is expected to reach a value of $2,366.4 billion by 2028. The in-home senior care sector will contribute to this market. However, despite so many in-home services coming about, finding the best one in your area can be a challenging task.
That being said, here are a few tips to help you find the ideal in-home senior care service for your loved ones.
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Before beginning your search for an in-home senior care service, it is crucial to assess your loved one’s specific care needs thoroughly. Consider their physical and mental health, any chronic conditions, mobility limitations, and any assistance they require with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management.
Identifying their care needs will help you narrow down the services and agencies that can provide the level of care required.
Since every senior has their own individual needs, the caregivers must provide them with tailored assistance services. Thus comes the need to do your research properly when looking for good in-home senior care services in your area.
Start by knowing your area well. For instance, if you’re living in Knoxville, Tennessee, you’re already living in an area popular for senior living. That’s because the place offers all the best healthcare facilities a senior could ask for. It also offers the type of hospitality that seniors would love to enjoy. If your area already has these facilities, rest assured that it’s an ideal location for your loved one to enjoy senior care.
Next, you have to find the best home care services in Knoxville, TN, and pick from them. Look at the services they offer, what kind of professionals they hire, and how they attend to the seniors. You should also take a close look at the costs of their services.
According to Always Best Care Senior Services, the cost depends on the type of care, the location, and the level of care needed. Therefore, don’t expect to find a uniform deal in terms of costs. The more your needs, the higher the costs might get – keep this in mind.
Once you have a list of potential in-home senior care agencies, schedule consultations and interviews with them.
During these meetings, ask relevant questions to gauge their suitability for your loved one’s needs. Inquire about the agency’s experience in providing care for seniors with similar conditions or requirements. Ask about their caregiver selection process, training programs, and if they have backup plans in case a regular caregiver is unavailable.
Moreover, inquire about the agency’s approach to matching caregivers with clients. Compatibility and building a trusting relationship between the caregiver and the senior are vital for successful in-home care. Ensure that the agency respects the senior’s preferences and works to accommodate their unique needs.
In-home senior care services come with associated costs, and it is essential to understand them clearly from the beginning. Request detailed information about the agency’s pricing structure and any additional fees for specific services or hours outside of regular schedules. Some agencies may offer sliding scale fees or packages that can be tailored to your loved one’s needs and budget.
Additionally, review the terms of the service agreement or contract thoroughly. Ensure that there are no hidden clauses and that the contract aligns with the discussed services and cost. If you have any concerns or questions about the agreement, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from the agency before signing.
Before making a final decision, request references from the in-home senior care agencies you are considering. Reach out to these references to gain first-hand insights into the agency’s quality of care, reliability, and professionalism. Feedback from past or current clients can be invaluable in helping you make an informed choice.
Moreover, perform background checks on the agency itself and its caregivers. Ensure that the agency is licensed, accredited, and has a clean track record. Check if the caregivers have undergone proper training and screening, including criminal background checks, to guarantee your loved one’s safety and well-being.
HealthLeaders reports that although many US seniors prefer in-home care, they don’t prepare for it. That means they often don’t know how to find the best in-home senior care for them. If you or your loved one are in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to go through the tips above. Sticking to them will help you find the best in-home senior care in your area for your loved one.
As people age, finding suitable living options that can meet their needs becomes increasingly important. For seniors who are disabled or have special needs, the search for an appropriate living situation can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, for elderly persons who are disabled, several senior living alternatives offer a secure and encouraging atmosphere in them to live in.
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Assisted living facilities provide a comfortable and safe home environment for older adults with disabilities or special needs. Residents at these facilities often have access to assistance with everyday tasks, including showering, dressing, preparing meals, managing their medications, housekeeping, and transportation. Caregivers are available 24 hours a day to provide support and companionship. Assisted living facilities for disabled elderly people also offer social activities, educational opportunities, and recreational programs to help residents stay active and engaged. For older adults with disabilities who require help with everyday duties but yet wish to keep their independence, these facilities can be a great alternative. Assisted living homes for seniors with disabilities, however, tend to cost more than other senior living alternatives, and they might only sometimes be suitable for persons with more profound impairments.
Group homes are residential settings that provide housing, support services, and care for disabled older adults. These homes typically house four to six elderly individuals who require special assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, and medication management. Group home staff are available around the clock to support and encourage independence. Group homes offer a safe and structured living environment that can benefit seniors with disabilities who need assistance with daily tasks. On the downside, these homes may provide less privacy or individualized care than other senior living options.
Nursing homes are residential facilities that provide older adults with impairments with personal and medical attention round-the-clock. These facilities regularly offer various services, such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities. Additionally, nursing homes provide their residents with housekeeping and meal services. Even though nursing homes can help those who need specialized medical attention and assistance with daily tasks, they might not be the best option for those who are more independent or would prefer to keep their independence. In addition, unlike other senior living alternatives, nursing homes can be pricey and cannot offer a homelike environment.
Adult daycare centers provide daytime care, supervision, and social activities for disabled, older adults. These centers generally offer various services, such as health monitoring, medication management, physical therapy, recreational activities, and meals. Adult daycare centers provide a safe environment for seniors to socialize, build relationships with other individuals in the center, and take part in stimulating activities. However, these centers may not be suitable for those who need more extensive medical attention or have severe disabilities.
In-home care services provide assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, medication management, transportation, and housekeeping for disabled elderly people. Caregivers can also provide companionship and emotional support to seniors in the comfort of their own home. In-home care is a great option for those who need assistance with daily tasks but prefer to remain in their own home. Caregivers can be available around the clock or on a part-time basis depending on the individual’s needs. However, in-home care can be expensive and may not always provide medical attention or specialized support that seniors with disabilities require.
Finding the ideal senior living community for you or a loved one may be difficult. It’s crucial to consider all of the available possibilities and aspects like cost, the required degree of care, location, and accessibility. To better comprehend what each possible opportunity provides, conducting an in-depth study on each one is crucial. To determine whether the choice suits you or your loved one, it is vital to meet with professionals, take tours, and ask questions. Additionally, seeking advice from professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, or case managers who specialize in senior living options is helpful. Finding the ideal choice for you or a loved one will ultimately rely on several different circumstances, so it’s critical to take your time and look around.
Conclusion:
For older persons who are disabled and want to keep their independence, feel comfortable and secure, and live a higher-quality life, there are several senior living alternatives accessible. Whether it is an assisted living facility, group home, nursing home, adult day care center, or in-home care services, some options can provide disabled older adults with the support they require to have a comfortable and fulfilling life. It is vital for seniors to carefully evaluate their needs and preferences to find the best living option to meet their needs.
Are you tired of the same old boring assisted living facilities? Well, it’s time to shake things up, my friends! Enter ChatGPT, the AI-powered language model that’s about to revolutionize senior living. This cutting-edge technology can make life for residents in assisted living facilities a whole lot better. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love technology that makes life easier?
Let’s look at some areas that are going to benefit from AI powered tools like ChatGPT.
If you'd like to try out a FREE ChatGPT powered chatbot that has been customized with a focus on helping seniors, Click Here.
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So, let’s start with one of the biggest challenges in assisted living facilities – medical care. It can be tough to keep track of all the different medications and treatments, not to mention ensuring residents are staying active. That’s where ChatGPT comes in. This technology can integrate with medical devices to keep an eye on residents’ health status. And if a resident happens to forget to take their meds or exercise, ChatGPT will be there to remind them!
Staying active and engaged is essential for both physical and mental health. That’s why ChatGPT is a lifesaver when it comes to activity planning. With its suggestions for games, events, and activities, residents will never be bored. Whether it’s a virtual escape room or a picnic in the park, ChatGPT has got residents covered.
Being isolated from the world can be tough for seniors, but with ChatGPT, it’s a thing of the past. This technology can help residents stay connected with their family members and staff. Want to share a photo or catch up with a loved one? ChatGPT makes it simple. And if a resident has a question for staff, ChatGPT can help facilitate that conversation too.
Let’s face it, everyone could use a little extra help from time to time. That’s where ChatGPT shines as a personal assistant. Residents can get information and support on a wide range of topics, including meal options, housekeeping services, and even emergency procedures. With ChatGPT, residents will always have the information they need at their fingertips.
Everyone is unique, and ChatGPT knows it. That’s why it makes personalized recommendations for activities, meals, and even medical treatments based on each resident’s individual needs and preferences. No more generic “one-size-fits-all” approach. ChatGPT tailors recommendations just for residents, making their experience in assisted living truly special.
And finally, let’s talk about the less exciting side of assisted living – administrative tasks. No one wants to deal with scheduling appointments or sorting out billing, but it has to be done. That’s where ChatGPT comes in to make things a lot easier. This technology can automate tasks like room assignments, billing, and scheduling appointments, making life a whole lot smoother for everyone.
In conclusion, ChatGPT is about to change the game for senior living. From health monitoring to personalized recommendations, this technology has it all. And the best part? It makes life for residents and staff easier, happier, and more connected. So let’s embrace the future, folks! With ChatGPT, senior living just got a whole lot smarter.
Seniors and Health Safety
City of Detroit: Senior Citizen Safety Tips: An article from the City of Detroit that lists safety tips for senior citizens. The tips are to help seniors be safer at home and while out in the community.
Senior Health Tips, Facts and Other Information: Health tips listed on the website for the city of Bloomington, Minnesota. Readers can click on the tip for further, more in-depth information. Seniors will find tips about eating properly, exercise, and advice about screenings and tests for good health.
The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors: A PDF guide from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The guide reviews facts about aging, such as changes and injuries. Readers will also find information about staying healthy, active, and safe in the home.
Safe and Healthy Travel for Seniors: An article from the Center for Disease Control that discusses traveling safety for seniors. The article reviews how seniors should prepare in advance and how they can prevent injuries and stay healthy while traveling.
BLS Certification: A course that is required for most nurses and health care providers working in the senior health care field. Be sure to check to see if your nurse or doctor is certified in basic life support. This certification program is mandatory safety training for all nurses, home health aids, and certified nurses assistants (CNA’s).
Fall Proofing Your Home – Simple Changes for Home Safety: An article that explains how seniors can make their home “Fall Proof.” The article lists tips such as using non-slip strips on steps and arranging furniture for maximum walk space, in bullet list format.
Protect Your Health as you Grow Older: A guide for seniors on how to protect their health as they age. The page includes tabs that the reader can click for further information. Tabs include “Overview,” “The Basics,” and “Take Action.”
Injury Prevention Tips for Older Adults: A page on the Utah Department of Health Violence and Injury Prevention Program. The page provides a short list of tips for seniors and people caring for seniors. The tips are on how they can avoid injuries, such as falls.
Older Driver Safety: A PDF brochure about senior driving health awareness. The brochure discusses warning signs associated with vision, physical fitness, and attention and reaction time. In addition to pointing out warning signs, the brochure also advises seniors on what they should do if they become aware of them.
Scams and Crimes
Senior Fraud: A page on the National Crime Prevention Council website that reviews the increasing number of older adults and rising incidents of senior fraud. The page gives seniors tips on how they can be more aware of fraud and scams.
Fraud Target: Senior Citizens: A page on the website for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The page explains why seniors are susceptible to fraud and other schemes. Readers are also given information on different types of schemes, what they should look out for, and how they can protect themselves.
Top Ten Scams Targeting Seniors: The website for the National Council on Aging lists ten of the top scams against older adults. Scams listed included funeral, health, telemarketing, and Internet scams. The page also explains that these types of crimes can be perpetrated by strangers or family members.
Encouraging Seniors to Say No to Telemarketing Fraud: A PDF from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The document discusses telemarketing fraud and explains what it is. it also educates the reader on warning signs, how seniors can be protected and what family should and should not do if a senior falls victim to this type of crime.
Scams and Fraud to Look For: A page from the website of the Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Stop Crimes Against Macomb Seniors (S.C.A.M.S.) Unit. Following a letter from the prosecuting attorney, the page discusses the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. It also includes information on scams and frauds that seniors should be aware of, and how they can protect themselves.
Medicare Discount Card Scams: An article that explains what Medicare discount card scams are and what seniors should be aware of to spot the scam. The page also includes a “Top Five Things to Remember” list that will help seniors avoid falling victim to fraud.
Locksmith Scams on the Rise: An AARP article that warns seniors about scams involving fake locksmiths. The article gives the readers six tips to follow in order to ensure that the locksmith is not a fraud.
They Can’t Hang Up: An article that discusses why seniors are an easy target for telemarketing fraud. The article includes facts that seniors should know about telemarketing fraud and warning signs that they are a target of fraud.
Kitchen and Food Safety
Food Safety for Older Adults: A PDF guide from the Food and Drug Administration about food safety and people over the age of 65. The guide explains the importance of food safety for seniors, causes of foodborne illness, handling and cooking food safely, and symptoms of foodborne illness. Further information includes shopping advice and food dating.
Older Adults and Food Safety: A fact sheet from the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. This fact sheet discusses foodborne illnesses, and signs of foodborne illness. The page includes food safety topics that are important for seniors, such as safely handling food and cooking food to the correct internal temperatures. A chart listing different types of food and the correct heating temperatures is listed on the page.
For Seniors, Eat with Caution: NIH Medline Plus magazine article for seniors that discusses how to eat safely during the holiday season. The article reviews foods to avoid and lists four food safety steps that are recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Food Safety for Seniors: A page on the website for Fairfax County, Virginia. The article explains why seniors are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. On this page the reader will also find links to further articles about seniors and food safety.
MI Seniors – Food Safety: An article about seniors and food safety. It gives reasons why seniors are more susceptible to illness from food, such as failure to see an unclean kitchen due to poor vision or decreased ability to fight disease. The article also gives suggestions on how seniors can avoid foodborne illness, such as wearing glasses and keeping foods at the appropriate temperatures.
Seniors and Food Safety – What’s Cooking?: A PDF document that lists four steps that seniors should follow when cooking or otherwise preparing foods. The document lists each step in detail and includes tips such as avoiding cross-contamination and cooking to the correct temperature.
Be Safe – Seniors: Home Safety in the Kitchen: The City of Bloomington Be Safe – Seniors page that includes a number of safety tips for older adults, including tips regarding the kitchen. Tips for the kitchen are listed in a bullet point format. The tips involve making the kitchen more convenient for seniors.
Tips to Make Your Kitchen Senior Safe: An article on the website for the Volusia County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. The article includes a list of ways that seniors can make their kitchen safe and reduce the likelihood of injuries from fires, falls, and other accidents.
Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse and Neglect: A page on the non-profit resource website Helpguide.org. The page is an in-depth article on elder abuse and neglect. It explains what elder abuse is and reviews the different types of elder abuse. Readers will learn signs and symptoms of elder abuse, what they can do to prevent it and how to report it.
Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions: An article on elder abuse and neglect on the American Psychological Association website. The article is ten pages and includes information that explains what elder abuse is and why it happens. Readers will also find information on different issues surrounding elder abuse, such as family situations and caregiver or cultural issues. Prevention and signs are also discussed, as well as what can be done about it.
Administration on Aging – Elder Abuse: The Administration on Aging lists the different types of elder abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. A list of warning signs are also included in the article.
What is Elder Abuse?: A listing of definitions for the different types of elder abuse. The page also reviews how big and serious a problem senior abuse is.
Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect in Older Adults: An article that discusses different types of elder abuse and why it often goes unreported. The article advises seniors who are being abused and anyone who suspects a senior is being abused, to report it. Warning signs of abuse are listed on the page. In addition, the article includes an explanation of who is most likely to abuse seniors and which seniors are most vulnerable to abuse.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse?: An article that explains what some of the common signs of elder abuse are. The list consists of six warning signs to look out for. It also warns that abuse may be difficult to detect in many cases.
Red Flags of Abuse: A PDF document that lists warning signs associated with the mistreatment of seniors and people with disabilities. The document lists types of abuse followed by the potential warning signs associated with them.
Assisted Living and Nursing Home Safety
Fast Facts – Physical Restraints: A PDF fact sheet on physical restraints. The sheet explains what they are and why they are used in nursing homes. Negative connotations of physical restraints, and who requires them for safety are also reviewed. Good care and safety practices that do not require restraints are the primary focus of the article.
Nursing Home Safety: The National Fire Protection Association reviews nursing home safety in relation to fire safety. It includes advice for families on what to look for to ensure that the nursing home is properly prepared for a fire. It also includes information for nursing homes on how to plan for fire safety.
About Nursing Home Inspections: An article on the Medicare website that discusses nursing home inspections. The inspections ensure that nursing homes meet Medicare requirements in terms of quality of service and safety.
Is Your Parent Safe in the Nursing Home?: An article that discusses steps some nursing homes take to ensure the safety of residents. This includes background checks on staff and technology that improves the level of care and safety, such as cameras.
What Caregivers Should Know About Nursing Home Care: A checklist of items that seniors and their families should look for when choosing a safe nursing home. These items include sprinkler systems, a fire evacuation plan, and carpets made of non-skid materials.
Guide to Choosing an Assisted Living Community: A PDF brochure that includes a consumer checklist. The checklist includes features to look for that can help ensure the safety of senior residents, such as good lighting, security, and handrails.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect: An article that lists warning signs that a nursing home is neglecting or abusing seniors. The page includes ten warning signs that family, friends and loved ones should look out for.
Assisted Living Safety: What to Look for: An article that covers what measures assisted living facilities should take to help seniors stay safe. This include smoke detectors and good lighting. It also reviews other areas in which nursing homes should be designed for safety, such as bathrooms.
Diabetes affects more than 25 percent of the adult population aged 65 and above in the U.S. The burden of living with diabetes is usually measured in terms of how it impacts those people of working-age.
Diabetes among older adults has been linked to a higher mortality rate. This condition is also linked to increased risk of institutionalization and decreased functional status. Older adults with this condition are also at risk of cardiovascular and microvascular illnesses.
Type 2 Diabetes is most prevalent in older adults. One reason why older adults develop type 2 diabetes is because of the decline in their pancreatic islet function.
This impaired pancreatic function is also coupled with increased insulin resistance as they age.
Insulin resistance occurs as a result of a lack of physical activity, sarcopenia, and adiposity in seniors.
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Call your doctor if you are concerned that you may have Diabetes.
There are also diabetes home tests you can use to help determine your risk of diabetes (pre-diabetes) or how well your diabetes is being managed.
If you’d like to be tested at home, a home diabetes test for HbA1c can help identify pre-diabetes. It can also help you see how well a person’s diabetes is being controlled after a positive diagnosis.
An Easy Way to Find Out if You Have Diabetes is to Use a Home Test
Use This Code to Get a 20% Discount on an In-Home Diabetes Test:
HFS20
A high HbA1c result means that you have too much sugar in your blood. HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin is made when glucose (sugar) in your body sticks to your red blood cells.
If your body can’t use sugar properly, more of it sticks to your blood cells and builds up in your blood.
In some cases, the symptoms of diabetes are not so obvious. Many seniors think that frequent urination is a normal part of aging, but it can be a symptom of diabetes.
Other symptoms such as excessive thirst and lethargy are also mistaken as “normal” for aging people. In turn, a lot of seniors go undiagnosed for diabetes for several years.
Sometimes, it is only when they experience kidney or artery damage that they finally get diagnosed for diabetes. But, once a diagnosis is made, it is a must for it to be managed well. Otherwise, one will face a higher risk of suffering from diabetes complications such as the following:
Hearing problems are common among aged people. But, those who have diabetes are two times more at risk of having impaired hearing.
To date, there isn’t any cure for hearing loss. Luckily, hearing aids are available for those who have issues with hearing.
If you have problems hearing other people talk, consult your doctor. Others do not realize that their hearing ability is declining. Sometimes, it is only when other people notice that your TV has a very high volume that they start to suspect you’ve got hearing problems.
With aging comes declining vision. However, for diabetics, vision loss is often accompanied by constriction of blood vessels. Add in the tendency to have high blood pressure, which also harms their ability to see clearly.
Laser treatment is now available for sufferers of diabetic retinopathy. But, the importance of long-term management of blood sugar cannot be overemphasized.
Managing blood suer levels is a must in order to avoid the recurrence of diabetic retinopathy after its successful treatment.
If diabetic retinopathy is left untreated, it can also lead to diabetic macular edema or DME. Besides, people with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop cataracts. They are also almost twice as likely to have glaucoma.
People with diabetes are often found to have deposited plaques in the brain. This hinders proper impulse transmission. Not to mention the problems it can cause with one’s cognition and memory.
Mood problems will also tend to become worse among aging diabetics. Studies have shown that diabetes increases one’s risk for cognitive impairment.
Results from repeated neuropsychological tests confirmed the link between diabetes and cognitive decline. Five out of seven studies also showed that people with diabetes are almost twice as likely to suffer from dementia.
A problem with diabetics is that their cognitive abilities must be functioning at its best at all times. Better management of diabetes will not be possible when one has declining cognitive skills. This is why diabetics need to have the assistance of a caregiver or their loved ones as they age.
Diabetes worsens joint and bone problems that occur with aging. The risk of bone and joint problems increases as they gain weight and grow older. These problems are compounded by neuropathy that is common in diabetics.
Neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage in the extremities. Some of the symptoms of neuropathy are tingling sensations and pain in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
When nerves become damaged due to chronic high blood glucose levels, charcot joints may also develop. This condition usually affects the feet and is also referred to as neuropathic arthropathy.
If diabetes is left untreated, it can also cause nerve damage. This will then lead to diabetic neuropathy and eventually to amputation.
Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by tingling and numbness of the hands, feet, fingers, and toes. It can also cause sharp, burning pains that make it hard for them to sleep well.
Up to fifty percent of diabetics claim to have nerve pain. Moreover, older adults were found to have the highest rates of leg amputation due to diabetes.
If diabetes is not managed well, can lead to heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a common cause of death among 80 percent of diabetics.
Having hyperglycemia or high blood glucose levels can lead to adverse changes in the blood vessel makeup. The blood vessel linings will become thicker. The thickening of the blood vessel lining will then result in reduced blood flow. This increases one’s risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The diabetes treatment plan for seniors is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each treatment plan differs from one senior to another. But, the overall goal should always be to reduce the risk of complications. Work with your doctor to gain better control of your blood glucose. This is important to avoid any complications.
An Easy Way to Find Out if You Have Diabetes is to Use a Home Test
Use This Code to Get a 20% Discount on an In-Home Diabetes Test:
HFS20
Do this by creating a blood sugar log. This can be done through the “memory” feature on your meter.
You can also download a diabetes app using your smartphone.
Older adults diagnosed with diabetes are at risk of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, confusion, sweating, and hunger.
If hypoglycemia strikes, eat 10 to 20 grams of sugar. You may also take one teaspoon of honey, five crackers, or one-half cup of soda. After fifteen minutes, check the blood sugar level once again. If it is too low still, repeat the process. If blood glucose does not improve, seek medical attention.
Do this by learning how to read food labels. Also, be conscious of your portion sizes in every meal. Your carb intake must not be more than the size of your fist. The same is true with fruits and grains.
Consume meat that is only as big as your palm and as thick as your little finger. Fat and oil consumption must also be limited. It should not be more than the size of the tip of your thumb.
Make sure you are also aware of how each food affects your blood sugar levels. Most of all, know which foods to choose that will help you better manage your diabetes.
If possible, consult with a nutritionist. This will help ensure you are eating the right foods at the right time and the right amount.
You must be aware of how exercise affects your blood sugar and insulin levels. Swimming, bicycling, and walking are aerobic exercises that are good for people with diabetes. It helps them keep their blood glucose under control. It also prevents them from becoming overweight or obese.
The American Diabetes Association advises that people with diabetes must spend at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Do this for at least five days a week.
If you find it hard to exercise for straight 30 minutes, split it up into 10 minutes of exercise three times a day. It is also helpful if you engage in resistance training.
Make use of resistance bands or free weights. This kind of training helps you build muscles and keep your blood glucose under control.
Physical activity is a crucial part of your diabetes management plan. Consult a fitness expert before starting any exercise program to ensure that you are doing everything right. Remember that several factors need to be considered in your fitness program.
Older adults have a high tendency to forget their medication. This may not come as a surprise since forgetfulness is common in the aged population.
Make use of pill organizers. Luckily, there is an app for that! Download it on your smartphone or tablet. You can also buy a pillbox, so it is easy for you to see which pill to take.
Things that Must be Included in Your Diabetes Care Plan
An Easy Way to Find Out if You Have Diabetes is to Use a Home Test
Use This Code to Get a 20% Discount on an In-Home Diabetes Test:
HFS20
See to it that your parent visits her doctor regularly. She must be aware of the dos and don’ts of diabetes management. Make sure that they understand the importance of having regular checkups for blood sugar, blood pressure, eye and gum health, etc.
Make friends with dietitians who can give you helpful suggestions for your parent’s daily meals. A pharmacist will also be of big help, especially if your parent needs to take several medicines in a day.
Make sure you also have friends who can readily provide you with assistance whenever you need it. Having these people in your network will make caregiving a lot easier.
You should understand the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Learn how to provide first-aid care in cases of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia attack.
Strict adherence to a diabetes diet is crucial in a diabetes management plan.
Ensure that meals are ready when needed. Pre-cooked meals and snacks are beneficial. Even if you are away, your parents will not be at risk of missing a meal.
It is also a good idea to enroll him in programs like Meals on Wheels.
Make him understand the benefits of resistance training or aerobics in managing his blood sugar levels. There are also senior centers that offer opportunities for physical activities appropriate to their age.
If your parent finds it hard to check his feet every day, offer help. Spend a few minutes checking both feet for cracks, cuts, or ingrown toenails.
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The two of you must work as a team. Encourage the elderly to be in charge of his health. But, let him know that you are always there to assist whenever he needs it.
It’s an undeniable fact of aging: as you age, your eyesight is likely to degenerate. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to thicker and thicker glasses—or rely on contacts—as you age. Laser eye surgery is safe, effective, and can greatly improve your vision. However, not every LASIK doctor is equally skilled—and it’s important to put your vision in capable, trustworthy hands. Here’s an overview of what to look for when choosing a LASIK surgeon.
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Choosing an eye doctor for LASIK or other eye surgery can be difficult. Follow these tips and consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. |
A stroke is a dangerous health issue that occurs when the blood supply to your brain is reduced or interrupted. While your genetics and family health history play a role in your risk level, your lifestyle choices can increase your chances of having a stroke. You can reduce your risk of stroke with a healthier lifestyle.
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Eating healthy is one of the most critical factors in reducing your risk of stroke. A standard American diet is full of processed meats, simple carbohydrates, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, all of which can raise your risk of having a stroke.
Eating a diet that includes plenty of complex carbohydrates like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and beans will lower your risk of stroke by 13 percent. Complex carbohydrates contain healthy fiber. Studies have found that for every 10 grams of fiber you eat each day, your risk of stroke is 23 percent lower.
If you believe you are at a high risk of having a stroke but continue to avoid doctor appointments, you are making a lifestyle choice that puts you at a higher risk for stroke. When you have a doctor who is aware of your risk of stroke, they can help prescribe medication and advice to reduce your risk.
If you have a high risk of stroke or if you have suffered a stroke in the past, you might want to find a doctor who specializes in preventing strokes. You can find a locum tenens stroke doctor in your area who can work with your primary doctor. Having a doctor who specializes in strokes means that they will be more aware of how to recognize the signs that you are at high risk of a stroke and they can better help you circumvent that problem.
Not all smokers smoke a pack a day, but even occasional smoking can increase your risk of a stroke. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals get into your lungs and then into your bloodstream. Smoke from cigarettes can thicken the blood, narrow the arteries, and restrict oxygen in the blood.
Chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause the platelets in your blood to become sticky. This increases the risk of a blood clot forming, which can lead to a stroke. Smoking also raises the level of LDL cholesterol and reduces HDL cholesterol. Having higher LDL can increase your risk of stroke.
If you sit at a desk all day and never exercise, you’re at a higher risk of having a stroke. Even occasional moderate exercise will help protect you from both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Exercise will also help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, which is important for reducing stroke risk. Exercise improves blood vessel function and raises the level of oxygen in your blood. Walking, cycling, weight lifting, and participating in sports are all beneficial.
Just by changing these unhealthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack dramatically.
After working hard at your job or school, it’s imperative to have some time to center yourself. Yoga and meditation retreats can help you get your peace of mind back and rejuvenate you. You must have balance in your life to make things more fulfilling. Here are some reasons for going on yoga and meditation retreats.
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With the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s so easy to get distracted from what’s important. The benefits of yoga and meditation amplify in a natural setting. You don’t have all of the noise from the cars, buildings, and streets.
Also, you can get deeper into your practice because it’s a great setting that allows you to soothe your mind. When you can disconnect from your mobile devices, it gives you free time to be yourself. You’re not influenced so much by the outside world.
It’s a great way to enjoy the simple things we take for granted in life, from the trees, fresh air, and animals around us.
When you’re meditating, you can reconfigure your emotions. Maybe work has been so busy that you haven’t had any time for yourself. You’re worried about that next phone call or email.
However, going on a retreat helps you tap into your emotions. You’ll learn to let go of the things you can’t control and focus on the good stuff in your life.
You don’t have to overthink everything or manage every daily within a specific period. You can breathe and begin to think more positively about your life. You can ask your instructor for advice about how to release your anxiety and turn your mind off.
When you can let go, it makes it much easier to bring in a better mental state.
Even with your everyday friends and family, they may not understand certain aspects of your life. If you’re deep into yoga and meditation, it might be a bit too left-field for them. However, a retreat allows you to connect with people that get that portion of your life.
You’ll be in a place of encouragement. You can grow with others. When you have a support system, it makes the process a lot easier.
Having positive vibrations around you can influence you to do more. You’ll feel better about yourself and open up to new ideas.
Of course, yoga and meditation have great mental benefits, from clearing your mind and allowing you to focus. However, it’s all great for physical reasons.
When you meditate, it helps you lower your heart rate. If you’re having problems with high blood pressure or any other physical ailments, yoga and meditation are natural methods to help you heal your body.
Yoga is an excellent form of exercise. You’re learning how to breathe and get ample blood flow to your muscles. You increase your flexibility, which encourages muscle growth and keeps you younger.
Additionally, you can reduce body fat by using your body weight in new ways.
We’re always concerned about the past and the future. These are two things we can’t control. Meditation and yoga help you focus on the here and now.
You’ll learn to pace yourself, which can be a more peaceful way of approaching life. It’ll allow you to get quiet time with yourself. It’s something more valuable than money.
You can’t always get that at home because you have a career, kids, and a spouse. Your responsibilities come before you think about yourself. A retreat allows you to get back to who you are and the things you enjoy.
After going on a retreat, you feel much better about yourself. Maybe along with the yoga, you went on a detox as well. You ate healthier, and you were able to release toxins from your body.
You had genuine discussions with people that got into deep topics, which helped you get over some mental blocks. It helps you allow your mind, body, and soul to cleanse before heading back to the daily grind of work and family.
At the time of your retreat, you may have journaled things in your downtime. Maybe you have some new short and long-term goals you want to achieve. Being so busy with regular life, you never had the chance to write it down.
You might want to reach a new level of fitness. Maybe you’re working on a new business. Going on a retreat can help you get your ideas out with more clarity and purpose.
After going on a wellness vacation, you’ll feel more refreshed. You surround yourself with a great support system and start developing more positive thinking. You incorporate a better approach to things to help you in everyday life.
Medicare is a national health insurance program for seniors, certain people with disabilities, and sometimes their families. It offers healthcare coverage when they would otherwise have difficulty affording it. In the United States, Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The program has three parts: Medicare Part A is hospital insurance and pays for inpatient hospital services; Medicare Part B pays for physicians’ services and outpatient hospital care, and Medicare Part D pays for prescription drugs. Medicare also provides medical insurance to people eligible for Social Security benefits, some disabled workers, and veterans (for those who were serving on active duty at the time of the program’s launch in 1965).
Medicare was enacted in 1965 by the Social Security Amendments of 1965 according to clearmatchmedicare.com. It was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. The legislation provided insurance to senior citizens on a prepaid basis, with the government paying part of their hospital expenses. Medicare was intended to solve two problems. The first was that senior citizens were not accustomed to paying for most of their own healthcare needs and would wait until they needed it before seeking the care. The second problem was that, even if they had the money to pay for care, many were often unable or unwilling to pay the total treatment costs.
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To qualify for Medicare, you must meet certain requirements. These include being a US citizen or legal resident, having been in the US for five years before your 65th birthday (five out of the last six years), and having paid into Medicare throughout your working career. Additionally, you must be at least 65 and not entitled to payments from the Railroad Retirement Board or a disability program through Social Security.
Under normal circumstances, qualifying is easy because Medicare follows the requirements set by the Social Security Administration under Title II of the SSA. In some cases, however, it might be impossible for seniors to receive full benefits immediately upon reaching age 65 due to certain restrictions that may apply. For example, to qualify for Medicare, individuals must reside within the US, which means they cannot be overseas at the time of their 65th birthday. In some cases, they may have to file a form to be eligible for coverage under the immediate eligibility provisions.
Medicare recipients can also become eligible for additional benefits by meeting specific requirements. They may qualify for Part A and Part B of the Medicare program by working a minimum number of hours in covered employment. Alternatively, they may qualify by paying into Social Security according to a specific formula designed to ensure that those with lower incomes will receive larger total benefit amounts than those with higher incomes. The recipient can also buy into the Medicare program by paying for a portion of their healthcare costs from their resources, such as:
When choosing a Medicare plan, there are several factors that you need to consider to make an informed decision about which plan or plans will work best for them based on their unique needs and financial situations. These include:
To make an informed decision about which plan or plans might be best for them, it is crucial to take as much time as needed to learn about each plan’s benefits and drawbacks. This can be accomplished by listing out your current medical needs and wants and things you might need in the future, such as prescription drugs. Sometimes, Medicare plans will offer extras such as vision benefits or discounts on hearing aids or other medical supplies. This list should be reviewed against the list of benefits offered under each plan to determine which one provides the most significant overall benefit with the least out-of-pocket expenses possible. To learn more about how to qualify for Medicare on Original Medicare, check out https://clearmatchmedicare.com for more information about the program’s requirements, health benefits, and coverage specifics.
Moving into one of the assisted living communities is understandably an intimidating change. After all, you have lived your whole life in one place. And, now it’s time to give up a lot of independence and move somewhere else.
The worries and anxieties can overwhelm anyone. But, there are some ways to make this transition a little easier.
If you have recently moved to a facility, you can take the following steps to become more comfortable and create a home-like setting –
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One of the quickest ways to get out of your shell is to befriend your neighbors. Surely, you have people living next door on the same floor.
Greet them when passing in the hallways. It’s the fastest way to get comfortable in a new setting. Sign up for as many activities as you can and talk to other participants. You could sign up for exercise classes.
Show a little initiative. Not only will you stay physically healthy but socializing will also keep you from feeling isolated, lonely, and depressed. Remember, other members, are probably going through the same painful transition. So, making friends will create a helpful social network to keep you company.
Everything and everyone is new when you first move to the community. So, initially, you have to do a lot of interacting with other caregivers and staff members.
You will have to attend frequent meetings with caregivers who will assess your needs to accordingly draft a care plan. You will also be meeting with a lot of nurses, fitness staff, social directors, dining staff, and others in leadership roles.
Remember, they are all there to make you feel welcomed, comfortable, and at home. So, do not feel hesitant. Try to break the ice by asking any questions or doubts that you may have.
Family members of the elderly should make it a point to pay them a visit frequently. This is particularly crucial during the first couple of weeks. This is often the most painful period. So, knowing that your family is there to support can minimise those feelings of abandonment.
Ideally, you should have a consistent schedule. Like once every week or two. Have a meal with them. Most communities offer a variety of dining options. Having a meal together is the perfect idea of spending some quality time with your parents.
Senior living homes have a lot to offer in terms of health and safety. Among those, a big one is the social programs they offer which are not possible if the residents keep living at home. Look at the social calendar of the community and have a little chat with other residents.
Get to know what their favourite activities are. Being a part of the social activities early on is the perfect way to bond with others. Once you’re in the rhythm, partaking in your favorite activities will become one thing to look forward to. It will give you a sense of hope. You will get up every morning feeling excitement.
Just because you are in assisted living, doesn’t mean that your life outside of it is not relevant. In fact, being in touch with the outer world will avoid that feeling of being holed up in just one place. Most senior living facilities will have some kind of transportation service.
Whenever possible, arrange a trip to the grocery store, to the doctor, park, and other common places. Some communities may not cover the trip. In that case, you can always ask your loved ones to arrange for a ride through ride sharing or home care service.
See if there are special groups for specific interests and hobbies such as a book club, gardening club, bible study, etc. Talk to the social director to discover what all is out there. See what sparks your interest and show an initiative to join it.
Your new home should not feel like a hospital-like setting. It’s good to turn it into a home by decorating it in fun ways. Grab your favourite family pictures, photos, heirlooms and hang them on the walls. Grab your favourite blanket and pillows for a cosy atmosphere.
Have a little corner to place all your favourite books and photo albums. Artwork is another way to make you feel at home. It’s also something soothing to look at.
There’s no denying that change is hard, especially at old age. But, there are always ways to make things work and turn them around. You just have to focus on the solution rather than fixating on the problem. Hopefully, this post gave you some inspiration on how to make the transition easy in your new place.
