This blog post is more for the benefit of family caregivers rather than their care recipients. Do you know the difference between “long term care insurance” (LTCI) and regular “health insurance” (HI)? It’s important to understand how they differ because as we age, most of us will benefit from having access to care. If you are caring for an older loved one and they don’t have LTCI, although they may be able to purchase a plan, it may be too expensive for most. The best time for a person to purchase a plan is in your 40s or 50s. This is when the rates are lower and you have fewer illnesses to d ..read more

If you’re stepping into the role of a family caregiver, or if you’ve been in this role for a while, there’s always more to learn. Caring for an elderly family member is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Ken Begley, in his article “16 things my parents taught me about being a family caregiver,” shares valuable lessons from his own experience. Let’s dive into these insights that can make your caregiving journey a bit smoother. Recognize the Signs Early First things first, it’s crucial to be observant. Changes in your loved ones’ health or behavior, like the onset of dementia, can be ..read more

Transfer Board Guide Table of Contents 1. What is a Transfer Board 2. Types of Transfer Boards 3. Choosing the Right Transfer Board for Specific Needs 4. Transfer Board for Elderly People 5. How to Use a Transfer Board Safely 6. Transfer Board for Wheelchair Transfers This blog post will introduce you to a tool many caregivers need when caring for someone with mobility challenges: the transfer board. This is a pretty simple device that helps a person move from one place to another (what therapists call a transfer) when they have difficulty standing up or bearing weight through their legs. Mo ..read more

As people age or maybe have to deal with some health condition that makes walking unsteady, mobility needs can change, and it’s perfectly normal. Some of you might not want to use a walker, but find that a standard single-point cane doesn’t quite give you enough support, but the idea of using a walker is a turn off. This is where the 4 prong, or quad, cane may be n okay solution. think of it as a “middle ground” tool that offers stability and independence. Understanding Quad Canes: Narrow vs. Wide Base 4 prong canes (I call them this because many people know them by this name) come in two ma ..read more

As all of us make our ways through life, it becomes increasingly important to stay active, and walking is a fantastic way to do this. This is especially true for senior citizens. Let’s take a look at how a regular walking program can be incredibly beneficial. Overall, it’s a gentle, low-impact exercise that’s kind to your joints, yet effective in keeping your body moving and healthy, and, you’ve been doing it all your life. An Easy Way to Keep Your Heart Fit Walking (or ambulation) helps maintain your cardiovascular health, keeping your heart strong and improving circulation. It does so by st ..read more

I’m always on the lookout for simple lifestyle changes that can have a big impact on your (and my) health. Today, I want to share something I ran across while perusing the news. It’s some new research that might interest you, especially if you’re a coffee lover like I am. It basically suggests that having a daily coffee ritual might do more than just energize your mornings – it could also be a helpful ally in the fight against COVID-19. Coffee’s Hidden Powers You might already appreciate coffee for its ability to kick-start your day, but it’s also rich in health-boosting compounds. Coffee con ..read more

As an adult child responsible for the well-being of your aging parent, understanding the nuances of heart health and biological aging is crucial. The journey of aging is complex, and heart health plays a pivotal role in ensuring your loved one’s golden years are as healthy and fulfilling as possible. Let’s delve into what you need to know. 1. The Heart-Aging Connection: As we age, our heart undergoes changes that can affect its efficiency. It’s essential to recognize that biological aging isn’t just about the number of candles on the birthday cake. It involves the physical changes our bodies ..read more

Table of Contents Table of Contents Why Check Oxygen Levels at Home? How to Check Oxygen Levels at Home Oxygen Levels are Just Part of the Picture Concluding Thoughts When you hear people talking about measuring oxygen levels at home, most of the time, they are referring to a simple technique called pulse oximetry. This is an easy and painless test that will measure the “saturation” (how much there is available to use) level of oxygen (02) in your blood. It’s an important tool for monitoring the health of senior citizens, especially those with conditions that affect oxygen levels, such as c ..read more

Table of Contents Table of Contents The Reasons the Elderly Want to Stay in Their Own Homes Is a Sense of Independence Important for Seniors? Social Connections in the Neighborhood Feeling Safe and Secure Why Some Seniors are Resistant to Change The Reasons the Elderly Want to Stay in Their Own Homes Imagine for a moment your own home—the cozy nooks, the light through the kitchen window in the morning, the familiar hum of the neighborhood. It’s not just a space, but a tapestry of your personal history and memories. For seniors, this sense of comfort and familiarity isn’t just a preference ..read more

Table of Contents: Resistance Band Exercises for Seniors Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Benefits of Resistance Band Training for Seniors 2. Seated Chest Exercise for Seniors 3. Overhead Press for Shoulder Muscles 4. Exercises for Seniors: Triceps Extension 5. Arm Exercises for the Elderly: Bicep Curls 6. Seated Leg Exercises for Seniors: Leg Extensions 7. Upper Back Exercises for Seniors: Resistance Band Row 8. In Summary Introduction: Benefits of Resistance Band Training for Seniors As we gracefully journey into our golden years, it’s essential to prioritize our health and well-being. O ..read more