Interim HealthCare Blog
Posted: 2/1/2018 9:38 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
What resources can you recommend for locating interesting volunteer opportunities? Since I retired, I’ve been doing some volunteer work but most of the opportunities I’ve tried haven’t been very satisfying.
Unsatisfied Volunteer
Posted: 1/31/2018 12:12 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Flossing is an important part of keeping the mouth healthy. This process removes food and bacteria from between teeth, helping to prevent infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. Unfortunately, many elderly adults have either never flossed or stop flossing as they get older, believing that it is no longer important. As their family caregiver it is important that you emphasize to them the impor...
Posted: 1/31/2018 11:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
If an elderly person requires a family caregiver to assist them in various aspects of daily living, it’s possible they also need help keeping up with their finances. Even if a senior is relatively healthy physically, they may be diminishing enough mentally that they forget to pay bills or can’t remember all their investment details. They may need their family caregiver to take over financial du...
Posted: 1/25/2018 9:28 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
This may seem like a strange question, but can you tell me what steps need to be taken after a loved one dies? My 80-year-old father has a terminal illness, and I would like to find out what I will need to do when he passes.
Only Daughter
Posted: 1/19/2018 7:54 AM by
Interim HealthCare
One of the drawbacks of growing old is the increase in social isolation. Elderly parents that were once active in their jobs, the community and with their growing families and friends are eventually removed from all of that over the years. Illness, injury, loss of driving ability and more can further separate elderly adults from the activities and people they need. As humans, we instinctively w...
Posted: 1/18/2018 8:58 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
What are some financial factors to consider when retiring abroad? My husband and I will be retiring in a few years and are interested in living in a foreign country that’s cheaper than the U.S.
Frugal Couple
Posted: 1/11/2018 8:50 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know of any resources that can help with my mother’s home-care bills? Mom is recovering from a stroke and needs in-home care, but I understand Medicare doesn’t cover it, and she doesn’t have long-term care insurance.
Stressed-Out Daughter
Posted: 1/9/2018 8:02 AM by
Interim HealthCare
If you are a family caregiver for an elderly adult who has recently received a diagnosis of heart failure, you may be worried that this means that they will not be able to live a full, fulfilling, and enjoyable life after diagnosis. Statistics show that the average length of life after diagnosis is five years, but advancements in treatments and improved lifestyles have shown that seniors with h...
Posted: 1/5/2018 7:35 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Your elderly family member might surprise you sometimes with an angry or aggressive outburst that seems to come out of nowhere. The reality is that these types of episodes don't truly come out of nowhere. There's a reason for them, even if it's difficult to sort it out at first.
Posted: 1/4/2018 8:41 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
If the prescription label says “take with meals,” does it matter what you eat? I currently take eight different medications for various health problems and would like to know if there are any foods I need to avoid.
Over Medicated
Posted: 12/28/2017 8:50 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
What’s the best way to distribute my personal possessions to my kids after I’m gone without causing hard feelings or conflict? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms and antique furniture, and three grown kids that don’t always see eye-to-eye on things.
Planning Ahead
Posted: 12/28/2017 8:15 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Setting goals is a fantastic way for your parent to enhance their quality of life and pursue better health and well-being as they age in place. They give your parent the opportunity to discover new sources of excitement and fulfillment, keep them motivated and working toward the next step, and help them to break down larger goals into something more accessible. A great way to start your parent ...
Posted: 12/22/2017 10:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Being a family caregiver means fulfilling your parent's needs, supporting their health and well-being, and taking steps on a daily basis to help support the highest quality of life possible as your parent ages in place. A major part of this is helping them through medical issues and ensuring that they are doing what they need to do to properly care for themselves and effectively receive care fr...
Posted: 12/21/2017 8:44 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
Since retiring a few years ago, my husband has become increasingly irritable and apathetic. I’m concerned that he’s depressed, even though he may not admit it. Where can we turn to get help with this, and what, if anything, does Medicare pay for?
Concerned Spouse
Posted: 12/14/2017 8:36 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
Are there any financial assistance programs that can help grandparents who are raising their grandkids? I’m raising two grandchildren and could use some help.
Struggling Grandma
Posted: 12/14/2017 7:50 AM by
Interim HealthCare
If your aging parent has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, it is important that you as their family caregiver understand that the effects of this disease can go beyond just the initial symptoms. While the symptoms themselves can be difficult and range from the mild to the severe, there are also potential complications of the disease that can lead to further diminished health and challenges f...
Posted: 12/13/2017 6:41 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Have you ever had the feeling, after getting off the phone with your Mom or Dad, that something just seemed off? Did you find yourself wishing you were closer and able to check on them more often, in person? You are not alone.
Posted: 12/7/2017 8:28 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
What tips can you recommend to help make a home safer for aging-in-place? My 76-year-old mother wants to stay living in her own home for as long as possible, but she doesn’t have the money for any big renovations.
Concerned Son
Posted: 12/7/2017 7:29 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Your aging adult may have been driving for decades, but if she's not driving safely, that's not going to do anyone any good. Here are some things to look for when it comes to driving and your aging adult.
Posted: 11/30/2017 7:21 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Your elderly family member may have gradually started to mention that food just doesn't taste good to her anymore and that can present some problems. When food isn't flavorful or even remotely good anymore, your elderly family member may not be as willing to eat. Finding the cause can sometimes help you find a solution.