Life After 50 Expo

Is Your Elderly Loved One Struggling with Daily Task?

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How to Start the Conversation with Your Loved One about Hiring a Caregiver 

To be honest, I wasn’t prepared for the fact that my elderly mother was going to require a caregiver. Most of my life I hadn’t really thought ahead too much about things. Throughout my 30s, 40s, and even 50s I didn’t plan on my own retirement let alone worry about whether my mother was going to be taken care of when she was in her 80s or 90s.Caregiver Jacksonville FL

She is 94 years old and has amazed most of my family for years. She has been a person who remained active throughout almost all of those years. She had a bout of breast cancer and had a double vasectomy in her late 70s but that only slowed her down for a brief period of time. Lately, though, I have noticed some issues that cause me concern for her. She seems to lose her balance more often lately.

I also noticed that her hair is not as clean as it usually is. This makes me think that she is not bathing like she used to. I knew for quite some time that we were going to have to have a conversation about hiring an in-home care provider for her. I also knew that with her independent spirit and strength, she was going to be resistant to that very idea for as long as possible.

I spent many nights sitting in a chair in the family room while everyone else was asleep just thinking about how to start this conversation. The last thing I wanted to deal with was her outright refusal to even listen to the notion of hiring a professional in-home care provider.

I began to research different topics online and discovered that the best way to start this kind of conversation is to first gather as much information about home care services so that I can answer any potential questions or concerns that my mother would have from the beginning.

I focused on the activities that she enjoys most and saw an opportunity when she had to give up a couple of things that she used to do. I started the conversation by telling her that there were still many things that she could do in life, as long as she had the right level of help. She was resistant, just as I expected, but by focusing on her passions and the things that she could still enjoy doing, I tapped into an emotional reserve that forced her to listen to what I had to say.

It took a few conversations, but she eventually came around and agreed that hiring a caregiver would provide her the best chance to continue doing the things she loved most.

If you or a loved one could benefit from the help of caregivers in Jacksonville, FL, contact the caregivers at Signature Home Health Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call 904-513-2464 for more information.

About Robert Duncan

Robert Duncan began his health care career at New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation the largest metropolitan healthcare system in the United States. In 2010 he became a Certified Senior Advisor and is Director at Signature Senior Care, AVP at Signature Staff Solutions and president of Signature Home Health Care. The Signature Health Care group’s mission to provide the most qualified, best trained caregivers for any environment.Google Verified Author

Heath Tip- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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With the end of Daylight Savings Time, the days are shorter and often darker. For some people, this can trigger a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD can experience exhaustion, lethargy, and may struggle to carry out their daily routines. SAD affects up to 5 percent of the population, and is connected to a reduction in natural light exposure due to shortened days. This can cause a brain chemical imbalance.

To reduce your risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder and to promote general health during the fall and wintertime, take the following steps:

  • Spend time outside each day during daylight hours, approximately 30 minutes.
  • Let light into your home by keeping it well-lit, especially by opening curtains and blinds to let sunlight in.
  • Exercise regularly, as this releases endorphins and can help to give your body more energy.

These tips can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can help to increase energy levels during the winter. If you find that you are experiencing these symptoms over a period of time, seek help from a mental health professional.

Click here to read more about Seasonal Affective Disorder from HealthDay News.
Need to Know

Exercise Is So Important – Make it A Daily Routine !

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Muscle Strengthening for Senior Adults

For the older adult, staying active can be a real challenge. Family caregivers become genuinely concerned about the health and safety of their elder parents. When health and activity are at declining levels, frailty can become a real issue. Seniors fear the thought they may become frail, for they know it will threaten their independence. Senior care experts attest that frailty takes a toll on a senior’s social life.Elderly Care St. Augustine FL

In order to avert frailty, those muscles must be worked and those limbs and joints must be moved. Frailty is not an inherent part of aging, but nevertheless it is a result of inactivity. For the elder adult who wants to retain as much independence as possible, it’s never too late to start working out! Of course, they can start out small. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing effort.

Talk to your senior loved one about physical fitness and strengthening their muscles. They need to be committed to make this work. Let them go through the following steps to start a muscle strengthening plan. You can do it with them or hire an elder care provider to encourage them to exercise daily. Their elderly care provider can take them to their weekly swimming or yoga session. Other days of the week they can workout at home in their living room or senior’s day at the local gym.

How to get started with physical activity – for seniors

  1. Make the decision that physical activity is important to you
  2. Think of the benefits being fit will bring you – more movement, more independence, better health, more energy, less fall risk, etc.
  3. Go see your doctor and make sure everything is okay to start an exercise plan. Get the doctor’s suggestions as well as any restrictions if they apply.
  4. Make a plan. Have some buddies who will support you and help you carry out the plan. You could even hire someone who specializes in senior fitness to help.
  5. Carry out your plan.
  6. Chart your progress. At the beginning write down what you can and can’t do. Write down your progress at the end of each week. It will be of great encouragement to you.

The fear of becoming frail tends to make seniors worried they can’t stay in their own homes. The best way to ensure they can continue living in the comfort of their own home with a caregiver to assist them with some daily tasks is to make sure they are exercising every day and staying as strong as possible. It adds not only to physical health but to mental and emotional health as well.

If you or a loved one could benefit from the help of elderly care in St. Augustine, FL, contact the caregivers at Signature Home Health Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call 904-513-2464 for more information

About Robert Duncan

Robert Duncan began his health care career at New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation the largest metropolitan healthcare system in the United States. In 2010 he became a Certified Senior Advisor and is Director at Signature Senior Care, AVP at Signature Staff Solutions and president of Signature Home Health Care. The Signature Health Care group’s mission to provide the most qualified, best trained caregivers for any environment.Google Verified Author

Medicare Answers from Marci !

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Dear Marci,

My doctor told me that Medicare Part B will pay for me to get certain vaccines as preventive care, and that I would not have to pay for these vaccines. I’m especially concerned about the flu vaccine, since it is now flu season. Can you explain how Medicare covers these preventive services vaccines?

– Victor (San Antonio, TX)

Dear Victor,

Medicare Part B covers three vaccines as part ofpreventive care services: the flu vaccine, the pneumonia vaccine, and the hepatitis B vaccine. These vaccines are covered by in full, whether you have Original Medicare—the traditional program administered directly by the federal government—or a Medicare Advantage plan. Preventive care vaccines are an important part of staying healthy, and it is important to discuss these vaccines with your doctor.

The flu vaccine is covered once per flu season. The flu season typically runs from October through April. Therefore, Medicare may cover a flu shot twice in one calendar year. For example, if you get a flu shot in February 2014 for the 2013-2014 flu season, you can get another flu shot in November 2014 for the 2014-2015 flu season. Original Medicare will pay for the flu shot anywhere you receive it, as long as you get it from a Medicare provider. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan cannot require that you get a referral for the vaccine, but you may be required to use providers in the plan’s network.

The pneumonia vaccine is covered in full by Medicare once in your lifetime. However, in rare cases, Medicare will cover this shot more than once in a lifetime. If you are at high risk for pneumonia, meaning that you have an immunodeficiency, Medicare may cover this shot in full once every five years. Speak with your doctor if you think you are considered high risk for pneumonia. Medicare Part B covers the pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia.

Medicare will also cover the entire cost of the hepatitis B vaccine if you are considered at medium to high risk for the disease. Some examples of individuals who are at medium to high risk for hepatitis B are people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), hemophiliacs, and those healthcare professionals who have contact with bodily fluids during their work. Speak with your doctor if you think you are at risk for hepatitis B. If you are at low risk for the disease, you can still get the hepatitis B vaccine, but it will be covered by your Part D plan, and you will likely have to pay a copay.

If you have Original Medicare, the best way to avoid additional charges is to see a health care provider whoaccepts Medicare assignment when receiving these vaccines. To avoid additional charges if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan to make sure you follow their rules about receiving vaccines.

-Marci

 

Honey Is It Time To Retire? Boomers Take On Retirement!

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Baby Boomers are now re-writing the rules of retirement. And why not? This generation known for its uniqueness does not view inactivity as a desired lifestyle. Previously most retired to inactivity. Getting older has not changed Boomers. When faced with traditional retirement or continuing in the workforce, 76% say they plan to extend their working life.

Traditionally, seniors have considered retirement the end. Boomers tend to see it as an important phase of life. Many don’t want to continue a 9 to 5 job. Some plan to work part time while others look to start a business of their own. Yet others want a break from work to enjoy leisure time. Travel is the choice for many. What else would you expect from such a large, diverse group?

Creative, productive, useful, goal oriented folks are most likely to be happy. Boomers are all that and more. In our current economic environment, many have no choice but to continue in the workforce.

Many Baby Boomers now find that the internet provides an opportunity to take charge of their finances. Online trading can be exciting but caution must be exercised. Many claims are made of financial success online but few are verified. Online banking and checking your financial condition are examples of good online tools. Not only can you feel closer to your money but you are made more aware of your financial condition.

The question for many Baby Boomers facing retirement is “ Where will I Live”? Do I stay in my home? Downsize? Maybe I should move to another area. Do I follow the kids or move away from the kids? There are all sorts of retirement communities with differing sets of amenities. Decisions depend on your desires and your pocketbook.

Travel is the calling for some. There are many sponsored group travels for those with similar interests. Boomers are simply a great boon to the travel industry.

Four tips for retirement are: Simplify your life. Make a plan. Start saving now. Make money while in retirement.

Some are ready to retire now. Some have much work to do to be prepared. Many want to continue to work. Others look forward to leisure. Most of the Baby Boomer generation love forward to staying engaged and making a difference.