Articles

Keeping Active Through Your Senior Years: Both Mentally and Physically

Keeping Active Through Your Senior Years: Both Mentally and Physically Americans are living longer than ever, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2005, the average American life expectancy reached 78 years-of-age, an increase from 76 years in 1995. One component of this lengthening life expectancy is the exercising […]

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. There are two types of vaccines: The “flu shot”- an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people […]

Know Your Money- tips to help you identify genuine bills

Know Your Money U.S. paper money has several special features that can help you identify genuine bills.New bills contain a small embedded strip that can be seen while holding the bill up to light. The strip runs vertically through the clear field to the left of the Federal Reserve Seal. Printed on the strip is […]

Life after Driving

Life after Driving Transportation can be a critical issue for older adults as well as caregivers. Planning ahead and understanding the available options can give older adults and their caregivers peace of mind knowing that there are alternatives available to address their changing needs. A good place to start learning about these resources is the […]

How to Encourage Parents and Older Adults to Get Help

How to Encourage Parents and Older Adults to Get Help If you do not see your parent often, changes in his or her health may seem dramatic. In contrast, the primary caregiver might not notice such changes, or realize that more help, medical treatment, or supervision is needed. Sometimes a geriatric care manager or other […]

How to Choose Assisted Living

How to Choose Assisted Living Assisted living facilities and personal care boarding homes are referred to as assisted living residences. There are three types of assisted living residences: private pay, alternative care facilities (assisted living residences that are Medicaid certified) and residential treatment facilities for persons with severe and persistent mental illness. Any assisted living […]

Hospitalization for Loved Ones with Memory Disorders

Hospitalization for Loved Ones with Memory Disorders A trip to the hospital with a loved one who has a memory disorder can be stressful for both of you. This article can relieve some of that stress by helping you prepare for both unexpected and planned hospital visits. In it you will find steps you can […]

What are Home Modifications for Older Adults & How do they Help?

What are Home Modifications for Older Adults & How do they Help? Home modifications are changes made to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations so that they can continue to live independently and safely. These modifications may include adding assistive technology (see the fact sheet on Assistive Technology for […]

How do I Hire a Home Care Employee?

How do I Hire a Home Care Employee? Today, many families care for an older relative, friend, or neighbor. An estimated 25 to 40 percent of women care for both their older relatives and their children. Half of all caregivers also work outside the home. It is no wonder then that caregivers often need help. […]

Having Trouble Hearing?

Having Trouble Hearing? Are you having a little trouble hearing lately? You are in good company. One of every ten Americans in this country experiences hearing loss. In the population group over 65 years of age, over 1/3 has a hearing loss. After age 75, about half experience hearing loss. It takes an average of […]

Handicapped License Plates

Handicapped License Plates Handicapped License Plates are generally administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles within each state. Each state manages their program, application process and renewal requirements. The following is a list of some of the general guidelines for Handicapped License Plates – note that this list will vary state by state: * Handicapped […]

Guilt-Free Vacation Tips for Families Who Care for Seniors

Guilt-Free Vacation Tips for Families Who Care for Seniors As summer swings into gear, families across the United States are hitting the road and skies in hopes of having a relaxing summer vacation. Although vacations are supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, many families who live with or regularly care for a […]

Glossary of Clinical Trials Terms

Glossary of Clinical Trials Terms The following glossary was prepared to help the consumer become familiar with many of the common terms used in clinical trials. ADVERSE REACTION: (Adverse Event.) An unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT GROUPS: Organizations and groups that […]

Getting Older – What You Need to Know, The Basics About Planning Ahead

Enjoying retirement, traveling, spending time with family or exploring new activities and interests are part of growing older. But age can also bring with it anxiety and worry, and some unique concerns about health and well-being and taking care of family. These concerns are usually grouped together in an area of law known as “elder […]

Who is Getting Assistance with Activities of Daily Living?

Who is Getting ADL Assistance? Many older community-dwelling adults reside with a caregiver, either family or nonfamily members. This living arrangement may result from one or more of the following situations: marriage, cultural norms (1), or the financial need or functional impairment of the care recipient (2). Combined data on discharged patients from the 1998 […]

Generics: a Great Way to Cut Health Care Costs

Generics: a Great Way to Cut Health Care Costs A great way to cut health care costs is to find a generic drug that works just as well as your expensive brand-name drug. But how can you be sure that a generic is as good as the drugs you see advertised on TV? It may […]

Finding Quality Home Health Care

Finding Quality Home Health Care As with any important purchase, it is always a good idea to talk with friends, neighbors, and your local area agency on aging to learn more about the home health care agencies in your community. In looking for a home health care agency, the following 20 questions can be used […]

Finding Effective Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment

Finding Effective Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment If you or someone you care for is dependent on alcohol or drugs and needs treatment, it is important to know that no single treatment approach is appropriate for all individuals. Finding the right treatment program involves careful consideration of such things as the setting, length of care, […]

The Benefits of Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

The Benefits of Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Most of us pay attention to the weather because it affects our lives. If a storm is forecast for Sunday, you are not likely to plan a picnic. This advance notice, an early diagnosis of the weather, allows you and your loved ones to plan something else. Much like […]

Downsizing & Moving Considerations

Downsizing & Moving Are you considering moving and maybe faced with downsizing? No need to worry; now you can relax because there are companies that specialize in helping you with your moving needs. Two types of businesses that complement each other and help you reduce the stress of moving are Move Managers and Estate Sales […]