May 2014
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.
Posted: 11/23/2017 9:34 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
For the last six months or so, I’ve been having problems with my hips and legs cramping when I walk, although they feel better once I stop. I thought it was just because I’m getting old, but my friend was telling me about a leg vein disease called PAD and thinks I may have it. What can you tell me about this condition?
Limping at 60
Posted: 11/22/2017 2:08 PM by
Interim HealthCare
It is a sobering reality that Alzheimer's disease is a terminal disease. No one who is diagnosed with it will die without it. While advancements in treatment and management have made it so that some people with the disease are living twenty years or more after diagnosis, the average lifespan is between four and eight years after diagnosis. While this isn't something that you want to think about...
Posted: 11/17/2017 4:20 PM by
Interim HealthCare
As a family caregiver, one of your goals for your aging family member may be to help them remain as independent as possible. However, for seniors with arthritis, some tasks can be pretty hard to do because of painful joints. Fortunately, there are many adaptive devices available that can make it possible to do all sorts of tasks. Below are some adaptive tools for people with arthritis that migh...
Posted: 11/16/2017 9:26 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
As a divorced woman, am I entitled to my ex-husband’s Social Security benefits? I was married for 14 years and would like to know how this works.
Happily Divorced
Posted: 11/10/2017 8:53 AM by
Interim HealthCare
If you’ve become a family caregiver to someone with diabetes, you’re probably hearing a lot about insulin. You know it plays an important role in the health of a diabetic, but what it is and what it does is a bit of a mystery. Learning everything you can about diabetes, and how insulin affects the body, is an important part of your new role as a caregiver.
Posted: 11/9/2017 9:22 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior
What can you tell me about assistance dogs for people with disabilities? My sister, who’s 58, has multiple sclerosis and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make her life a little easier.
Inquiring Sister
Posted: 11/3/2017 1:57 PM by
Interim HealthCare
One of the most challenging aspects of caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia are the behavioral changes they may experience. It’s hard to know what to expect because not every person with dementia has the same symptoms. In fact, people sometimes say the experience of being a caregiver to someone with dementia is different for everyone. One of the best ways to be prepared for di...
Posted: 11/2/2017 9:15 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the eligibility requirements to get Medicaid coverage for nursing home care?
Caregiving Daughter
Posted: 10/27/2017 4:17 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Handwashing is one of the most important things that your aging parent, and you, can do to protect them from potentially serious health complications and challenges throughout their later years. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that simply washing the hands with soap and water can prevent one out of ten episodes of diarrheal diseases, and one out of six episodes of respiratory illnesse...
Posted: 10/27/2017 9:13 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about the flu shots made for seniors? I got sick last winter after getting a standard flu shot, and am wandering if the flu vaccine for older adults would provide me better protection this year.
Almost 70
Posted: 10/27/2017 8:59 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Dear Savvy Senior,
How do I find an old 401(k) that I think I contributed money to at a former employer?
Approaching Retirement