Leslie Newlife

Caring for Grandchildren During COVID-19

Grandparents know the deep joy that comes from watching our grandchildren growing up. Children help remind us of all the good things in our lives and ourselves. Unfortunately, this year has made it more challenging for us to spend time with our grandchildren because we can’t see them face to face. Instead of believing this is just the way it has to be, if we work with our children and grandchildren, we can help make this a year where our bonds become even deeper.

We all are finding this year to be a year filled with uncertainty, confusion, and even fear. The younger our grandchildren are, the more they need our perspectives as grandparents. Hearing stories of other times we’ve experienced challenges and how we overcame them can put what everyone is experiencing today into context. Various studies show that proximity to grandparents has many scientific benefits for both our grandchildren and ourselves. Some of these benefits include connection to heritage and identity, an extended support system, and a better quality of life – for everyone. Even if we are unable to see our children in person, we can still call and chat with them online.

Depending on our living situation and our particular health context, we can also support our grandchildren by offering to watch them. This might be informal watching like getting on a Zoom call and reading them a story, or having a virtual tea party so their parents can focus on other work. This might also be more formal, like picking them up from a child care provider listed on TOOTRiS.com, or other child care options available close to where we live. Providing either informal or formal assistance can both give our grown children room to breathe and create meaningful moments for our grandchildren. Children love routines, and someday they will tell stories to their children about the summer grandma or grandpa called every day to tell stories and listen to their adventures.

Keeping up with grandchildren can be hard. Grandchildren tend to become Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, bouncing all over the place. If we are connecting more with our grandchildren, virtually what can we do to keep up? One way is to incorporate them into all aspects of our senior fitness plans because staying physically and mentally healthy is important at any age. We might consider regular Wii Fit games or playing a game like Dance, Dance Revolution to get us all up and moving. We might come up with fun challenges like each person going for a walk separately and telling each other five things we saw, five things we heard, and five things we smelled. There are numerous ways to incorporate fitness into our time together. 

Sadly many of us do not have grandchildren or do not have close ties to them. We might wonder if this means we can’t connect with younger generations. The great news is the answer is usually no. There is a growing number of organizations that connect seniors with youth creating meaning and purpose for both groups. This is important because both us seniors and Generation Z are struggling with issues of loneliness and isolation.

While this year has made caring for grandchildren more complicated, it has not made it impossible. With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, we can make this year a meaningful one. We can make this year a year that no one in our families will ever forget.

Key Considerations When Hiring an In-Home Nurse

For some seniors, declining health reduces their ability to care for themselves. From getting dressed and preparing meals to completing household chores and running errands, mastering everyday tasks presents a challenge. It is when this happens that seniors and their families must make a decision on how to improve their quality of life. While some may opt to move their aging loved ones in with them or transition them to a nursing home, many consider hiring an in-home nurse. 

What is an In-Home Nurse? 

An in-home nurse is commonly referred to as a home health caregiver or home care nurse. These are trained nursing professionals that provide medical and other assistance to patients in their homes.  

What Does an In-Home Nurse Do? 

The responsibilities of an in-home nurse are plentiful. Depending on the needs of the client nurses can assist with the administration of medication, injections, and therapeutic treatments. Home care nurses will also assist patients who have difficulties with daily living activities. This can include feeding, dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, and, getting around, using the restroom.

What to Look For? 

If you’ve decided that an in-home nurse is ideal for improved living, the next step would be to find the best candidate for the job. There are several agencies and independent nurses to choose from. In order to narrow down your options, it is highly recommended that you keep these considerations in mind. 

Education – an in-home nurse will be working regularly with their patient. It is their responsibility to administer medications, monitor conditions, and perform certain therapies. As such, it is essential that they have the necessary education. When looking for the right elder care nurse, consider their educational background. What medical education and training do they have? Did they utilize resources like Level Up RN for nursing students to obtain more knowledge and pass tests? Have they passed the required licensing and registration requirements in your state? 

Experience – Experience is another key consideration when hiring an in-home nurse. Beyond having an educational foundation, you want to know that the nurse you hire has had experience caring for seniors with your conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask how many years they’ve been in the industry? Do they speak English fluently? How many patients they’ve assisted? How many problems have occurred (and how they were resolved? 

Agency – If you prefer to hire a private nurse for senior care through an agency, do your due diligence. Conduct research to find out how long the agency has been in business, how clients and their families feel about the quality of service provided, what their qualifications are for hiring nurses, what policies and procedures are put in place to monitor nurse performance and patient care, and more. 

Comfort/Bedside Manner – You’re going to be spending quite a bit of time with your in-home nurse. Obviously, you want those interactions to be positive. Part of this means finding a nursing professional that makes you feel comfortable and has a good bedside manner. As you interview candidates to narrow down your options, pay attention to how they make you feel. Are they answering all of your questions? Are they patient and attentive to your needs? Do they have an overall upbeat personality? If you’re not connecting with them on a social level, this could make the in-home care experience complicated. 

Affordability – At some point, you have to consider the cost of hiring an in-home nurse for elderly care. Depending on the type of medical insurance you have, these services may only be partially covered (if they’re covered at all). Therefore, you want to go over the cost of in-home care and determine who can provide you with the best services at a rate you can afford. 

When the need arises in your life that you need assistance from others to care for yourself or perform regular activities, in-home care could be an effective solution. Be that as it may, it is imperative that you do your due diligence and keep the above-listed considerations in mind as you find one that best suits your needs.

The Facts of Senior Life: What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?

Are you you considering moving to an assisted living community? Or maybe are looking into one for your older family member that you can’t take care of or leave on their own.

This can be a hard decision, especially if you’re not clear on what assisted living involves. What are the benefits of assisted living? Many different factors affect joining an assisted living home and we’ll tackle them all.

Learn more about what goes on in an assisted living home with our guide below. Discover why you should be investing in assisted living for you or our family members.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living home or assisted living facility is a housing facility usually for the elderly. It’s for anyone who can’t live or support themselves independently.

It provides housing, personal care, and health care if you have any underlying conditions. Similar to a retirement home or a nursing home, it promotes retirement care but still gives residents an active social life.

When looking at assisted living it’s important to take your time to find the best assisted living community for you to your loved one.

Social Interaction

Loneliness is a big concern and can lead to depression for many seniors. Too much isolation can even lead to higher mortality rates.

While affecting your mental health, chronic loneliness can lead to physical problems. This includes issues linking to dementia and heart disease. It is also correlated with alcohol and prescription drug abuse.

Staying in an assisted living community lets you interact with other people and make strong bonds with those taking care of you. Assisted living is a great way to stay active and engaged and improve happiness.

Increased Health

Most assisted living communities offer different classes for physical fitness. Living on your own might not give you the right push or motivation you need for exercise. But if you’re in an assistant living, there are more opportunities for you to participate in physical activities and programs.

Along with exercising, assisted living also includes healthy and nutritious meals. It can be challenging to make sure that you’re getting the right nutrients even if you have a caregiver. When it comes to assisted living, all your meals are prepared for you.

Assisted living communities will often have a professional chef to cook and serve all meals. Every meal will follow a properly balanced diet and provide the required vitamins and minerals. The staff strives to make each meal delicious to encourage eating.

They also stick to and include any dietary needs and restrictions especially for those who have diabetes or allergies.

Increased Hygiene

As you get older, keeping up with your cleanliness and overall health can be a struggle. Things like bathing and laundry become a challenge when you try to do them yourself. With assisted living, help is always available to tackle these tasks without too much difficulty.

They also help to remind you to keep up your hygiene and follow a schedule.

Less to Worry About

When you’re in an assisted living home, everything gets taken care of for you. This eliminates the stress of worrying about and keeping up with your house responsibilities. Any bills, housekeeping, or chores are in the hands of the staff.

Safe transportation is also available for use whenever you have a doctor’s appointment. This is for medical care that isn’t already provided.

Residents can feel the assurance that they’re surrounded by a community that cares and looks out for them.

24/7 Safety and Care

Since assisted living homes have constant maintenance, there is never a threat of security or health risks. Care is around the clock. Here are some safety benefits that assisted living provides.

Fewer Falls

According to a study from NCOA, every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall. Since there’s 24/7 assistance and monitoring in these centers, there are people to watch over and prevent falls.

Assisted living homes ensure residents’ safety. With house features like ramps, hallway hand railings, flat thresholds, and other specially designed facilities.

Less Medical Emergencies

In assisted living homes, you can rest assured that there is a system to notify any staff members available when something unfortunate happens. This gets rids of the struggle to get help yourself when you come across any health problems.

Stop Boredom

When you’re living by yourself, sometimes there isn’t too much that you can do. After retirement, you suddenly have to face hours of isolation and boredom.

Most assisted living communities provide different programs and activities you can join to make staying there more fun and engaging. This allows you to pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, follow any forgotten passions, or make new acquaintances.

 

5 Things You Should Know About Fitness for Seniors

These are supposed to be the best years of your life — the retirement years, the golden years. Your quality of life will likely be a result of two lifestyle factors: diet and exercise. One of the benefits of keeping fit is increased mobility and balance–two factors that are of immense value to seniors. An exercise regimen can help you sleep better, feel more self-confident, lose weight, and alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis. By following a few tips, you can enjoy the benefits of being a fit perennial.

Preventative Care is the Best Care 

Before deciding on changes to your daily routine, talk to your medical provider. Your doctor will have great advice for you and can help steer you towards eating the right foods, getting enough rest, and participating in the right activities that benefit your fitness. 

Even if your overall health is right, you need regular check-ups. Just because you look and feel great doesn’t always mean you shouldn’t have your regular check-ups. Remember, preventive care is the best care. Stay on top of your fitness and overall well-being by regularly speaking with your medical provider–and be honest with them. Regular screenings should include physical and mental health. Both are important.

A safety assessment of your home would also fall under the subject of preventative care. One of the leading causes of death in people over 65 is injury related to falls. While physical fitness can help avoid injury, certain safety measures are also worth considering.

Eat the Right Foods

Research shows that a proper diet can help prevent and reverse heart disease and other chronic issues. These can include hypertension, obesity, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. One of the foremost cardiologists in the field of plant-based science, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, writes: “There is broad evidence that plant-based nutrition is the key to abolishing chronic disease. Epidemiological studies of cultures that have traditionally plant-based diets confirm an absence of the common chronic diseases that kill so many Americans.” You can learn more by researching the works of Dr. Esselstyn and his colleagues, such as Dr. Colin T. Cambpell, Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. John McDougall, and Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, to name a few.

Give Love to Your Mental Health 

If you don’t think that mental health impacts your fitness, think again. When your mental health isn’t sharp, you are not fit. No matter how thin you become or how muscular you appear, poor brain health eventually will catch up with you. More serious mental health conditions can develop for you, and your physical well-being also can suffer. 

Don’t ever be embarrassed to seek care for your mental health. Your primary medical provider can be of service here. And if needed, they can refer you to specialists and other resources that could benefit you. 

In the vein of preventative care, it might be beneficial to try meditation or yoga classes. Life can be stressful, and a calm mind is important. It’s also nice to interact with the types of people you generally find in meditation or yoga class.

Try a Gym Membership 

It’s important to exercise, and one of the easiest ways to do that is to join a gym. Light aerobic exercises like cycling, jogging, swimming, and walking can get you in shape and help you remain fit. Many gyms offer classes specifically for seniors. If you’re really feeling gung-ho, you might want to consider hiring a personal trainer. An additional bonus to a gym is that you can exercise come rain or shine. Going to the gym gets you out of the house; it helps you make new friends and socialize with old ones.

In closing, let’s look at one of the most common reasons perennials avoid a fitness routine. Some believe that they’re too old to start exercising. However, it’s important to know that you’re never too old! If it has been countless years since you’ve worked out, talk to your doctor. And find an exercise routine that focuses on gentle activities. You can work your way up to more advanced exercise slowly and gradually.

How to Make Your Senior Community More Eco-Friendly

As the world becomes more concerned about environmental issues, the demand for greener facilities continues to grow. Retirement communities, nursing homes, and other senior communities are no exception. People of all ages want to do their part to protect the world they live in, and they know that true change starts at home. Fortunately, you don’t need a massive budget to create a more environmentally responsible building and community. Start taking steps in the right direction with this guide on how to make your senior community more eco-friendly.

Focus on Sustainable Energy

If you want to reduce your community’s carbon footprint, a good way to start is by looking at your energy usage. Look into installing solar panels for your building. While this is certainly an investment, it can save you in the long run as you cut energy costs and even receive potential rebates or payments from your local government or energy companies. However, even without alternative power sources, you can still cut energy costs and usage by switching to more energy-efficient appliances and utilities. You can also implement LED bulbs, high-efficiency showerheads, and smart devices to reduce the amount of energy and water your facility uses each day.

Go Green Inside and Out

In the fight against climate change, no idea or solution is too small. There are plenty of things you can do both inside and outside of your senior community. Try to come up with eco-friendly interior design solutions, such as using sustainable construction materials or purchasing your décor from a secondhand or antique shop. You can establish some outdoor eco-friendly solutions as well. For example, a community garden is a great way to plant more trees and preserve native plant life in your community.

Get Residents Involved

When it comes to how to make your senior community more eco-friendly, the most effective solutions are a team effort. Get your community involved by starting green committees, implementing recycling programs, and encouraging other initiatives. The more people you have working toward these projects, the better your ideas, efforts, and results will be. This is also a fantastic way to bring residents together and create a tight-knit, enriching community within your facility.

5 Key Things to Look for in an Independent Living Community

Are you looking for a great independent living community for yourself or a loved one? Maybe you’re just testing the waters to see what’s out there.

Almost 90% of residents living in independent living communities are enjoying their time there, and nearly as many would recommend it to a friend. Maybe it’s your turn to take the plunge and join one yourself!

How do you find the right community though?

This is where the hard part comes in. There are so many options, especially if you’re not constrained by location. How are you supposed to choose the right independent living facility for you?

We’re here to help you narrow down your search.

Keep reading for a few things that you should look for when you’re deciding on your next home.

  1. Cost

Let’s get this out of the way first. Cost is an important factor when you’re considering a new home.

Everyone has different budgetary concerns. You may have been saving up for this for your entire life! If that’s the case, you may not be as worried about how much your new independent living facility is going to cost you.

Most people, though, don’t have that privilege. They might be limited by the money that they have available to them.

While some communities are definitely closer to “luxury”, they often come with luxury prices.

Make sure that you’re getting the features that you need before the ones that you want and then go from there. Be careful not to overspend.

Independent living communities can cost thousands of dollars per month, and sometimes that price is just the basics. More amenities will require more money. Make sure you know that you’re able to cover the costs.

  1. Amenities Offered

Not all senior living communities are created equally. As we mentioned under “cost”, some of the facilities with more luxurious options are also going to be hard on your wallet.

That said, it’s important that you’re happy in your new community, so looking for certain non-negotiables is important.

Is there free parking or transportation? Is there a laundry service, or do you clean your own? If you clean your own, are the machines free or paid (and are they in your unit)?

You might also be interested in specific amenities. Maybe your new home has to have a gym or a pool. Maybe it has to have some kind of clubhouse where you can congregate and make friends.

Make a list of the things that you need and want and see how your options stack up.

  1. The Community Itself

Sometimes independent living communities will have mixers where you (as a non-resident) can go hang out with the people who are already living there. This is a great opportunity to see what the place is actually like straight from the mouths of those who are staying there.

You can get real answers to any of your questions while socializing a bit with the locals.

This is also a good opportunity to see if you really get on with the people who are already there. Let’s face it, not every community is going to suit every person.

If this group is a bit quiet or uptight and you’re the kind of person who likes to hang out and let loose with friends, this might not be the best community for you. Maybe you just don’t like these people. There’s no shame in that.

You’re doing this to figure out where your place in the world is. Take every opportunity that you can to ensure that you do so correctly.

If the community isn’t fulfilling for you, move on. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this new home, so you need to get the right fit for your own social health.

  1. The Location

When you’re moving into an independent living community you get to decide where you want to live. This doesn’t just mean the facility itself, but also the location.

Do you dream of living in a warm, tropical climate? Maybe the beach is a few steps away and you can sit out by the pool with your new friends.

Maybe you want to live in the mountains. You want beautiful views and to finally see what that fresh mountain air is all about.

You have these options when you’re choosing a new home.

However, maybe it’s more important to you that you live close to your family. Moving into the city where your children or grandchildren live might be a priority.

Don’t exclusively look for places in your direct area. You have options!

  1. The Care

You’re probably moving into independent living because you’d like the security of a community and the ease of assistance when you need it.

Some communities are more independent than others.

If you have specific health needs that should be addressed, you should know whether or not these things will be made available to you.

Are there nurses or assistants available at the community itself for small needs? Is there an in-house medical team? How close is the hospital, and are they efficient with transportation?

Knowing these things ahead of time will help you plan and determine if this new facility is going to be right for you.

Are You Ready for Independent Living? 

Making the transition from a “normal” home to an independent living community doesn’t have to be jarring. It can just be your next big adventure!

Choose a place and community that you can truly blend into. This is the start of an awesome new stage of life, so you should enjoy it!

For more posts like this on senior living, visit the rest of our site.

White House Announces in 2021 $35 Max Copay for Medicare Beneficiaries that Use Insulin

The majority of people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes are Medicare beneficiaries. Of the Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, 3.3 million rely on some form of insulin to manage their disease. Insulin has been the leading treatment for diabetes for 100 years now.

In 1910, a researcher realized one particular pancreatic substance was missing in people with diabetes, and he called it insulin. Eventually, in 1922, the first human received an injection of insulin extracted from cattle. Since then, scientists have developed various forms of insulin, saving millions of people’s lives across the country.

However, as the medical marvel’s popularity and effectiveness grew, so did its price. In 2001, Eli Lilly’s Humalog cost $35 for a one-month supply. By 2019, that same one-month supply cost nearly $300. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are happy to announce that the cost of insulin will soon return to its once low monthly rate for its beneficiaries.

The Part D Senior Savings Model of 2021

As of 2021, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Part D Senior Savings Model plan will spend no more than $35 for their monthly supply of insulin. The Part D Senior Savings Model caps all covered insulin at a $35 max copay. However, Part D plan sponsors have the option to offer even lower copays if they wish.

Part D plan sponsors and drug manufacturers are not required to participate in the Part D Senior Savings Model of 2021. Though, over 1,750 Part D plans agreed to participate. The top three insulin-producing drug manufacturers, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly, have also opted in.

Part D plan sponsor requirements

For a Part D plan to join the new Model, they must meet specific requirements. Model Part D plans must cover both a vial and pen dosage form for each insulin included on the plans’ formulary. All four types of insulin must also be included within the drug formulary – long-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and rapid-acting. If the Part D plan sponsor agrees to these formulary requirements, they can participate in the Part D Senior Savings Model.

By joining the Model, the Part D plan sponsor agrees to a maximum copay of $35 for all covered insulins. This maximum cannot be increased based on brand, type, pharmacy, or plan stage. Basically, $35 is the maximum a 30-day supply of insulin can cost under a Model Part D plan no matter what.

Drug manufacturer requirements

For a drug manufacturer to join the new Model, they must agree to offer all of their insulin products to the Part D plan sponsors as part of the Part D Senior Savings Model. Drug manufacturers participating in the Model can’t choose to exclude any insulin product from the Model.

Potential savings under the Part D Senior Savings Model

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), on average, Medicare beneficiaries pay nearly $4,000 a year on insulin[1]. Under the new savings Model, Medicare beneficiaries will pay $420 or less a year on insulin. That’s almost a 90% discount.

One of the biggest benefits of the new Model is the stability of the lower copay. Instead of paying fluctuating copays throughout the year for their insulin, Medicare beneficiaries will pay the same lower copay all year long. For example, in 2020, a Part D enrollee pays no more than 25% for their insulin prescription during the coverage gap. For an insulin prescription that costs $300, that’s a $75 copay. In 2021, that copay will be cut in half.

Enrolling in a Part D Senior Savings Model plan

CMS expects that there will be Part D Senior Savings Model plans available in all states and Puerto Rico. The available Model plans will either be in the form of a standalone Part D drug plan or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.

The soonest a Medicare beneficiary can apply for a Part D Senior Savings Model plan is during the Annual Election Period that starts on October 15, 2020. However, Model plan information will be available as early as September. Model plans purchased between October 15, 2020, and December 7, 2020, will be effective on January 1, 2021.

Medicare beneficiaries can use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool to browse available Model plans in their area prior to enrolling. Once enrolled, beneficiaries can kick back and wait for their savings to start rolling in.

[1] https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/how-much-does-medicare-spend-on-insulin/

4 Tips to Help Seniors Successfully Apply for SSD Benefits

You may have worked hard your whole life when an injury strikes and takes you out of the game. For seniors that haven’t reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 and become injured or disabled, there are many questions and concerns about their future.

The most important thing to know about applying for Social Security Disability benefits is that your application must be thorough and correct to avoid any delays or unwarranted rejections. Filling out endless paperwork to get the benefits that you have paid into your entire working career can be intimidating and frustrating but it is a necessary task that will take time and care.

Filing for SSD can be done online or with the help of a family member or attorney. The disability system is very strict about who will qualify and under what circumstances to help discourage fraudulent claims. It’s in your best interest to take your time and get the right advice to ensure that your application has the best chance for approval. We are going to take a look at a few tips that can help seniors successfully apply for SSD benefits.

Application Stages

Applying and receiving SSDI benefits can be a long and complex task. It’s good to know what to expect from each stage of your application process.

  • Filling out your initial application and including your medical information and declarations.
  • The Disability Determination Department will review your application and decide whether you qualify for benefits.
  • After 3-6 months you will be notified whether your application has been approved. If approved you will be advised on the amount and type of benefits that you will receive.

How To Prepare For Your SSD Application

If you can’t prove that you are medically qualified to receive disability benefits, your application will be denied. Your first step when considering whether to apply for SSD benefits should be to visit your primary care doctor. Your doctor will be able to provide you with your medical records and a formal recommendation that you will need to submit with your application.

You should also request all of your records from any specialists that you have been dealing with. Next, you need to request a record of your full medical history that includes any past injuries, surgeries and treatments. Once you have all of your medical records, you can apply for your SSD benefits either online or at your local Social Security office.

Tips For Success

The SSD application process can be complex and time-consuming. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your application and increase your chances of successful approval.

  • Get a copy of the Social Security Administration Blue Book to help you determine if your injury or illness is something that is generally covered under SSDI benefits. This will give you a better idea of whether you will qualify or not.
  • Prepare your application with as much detail as possible. Your application is the only means of investigation that the SSD board has to work with, so give them as much to work with as you can. Never leave a question blank, and avoid “yes” or “no” answers. Give all details and make sure to send all paperwork with your initial application.
  • Continue to stay in contact with the review board and update them on any changes to your condition or submit any new medical records.
  • Talk to a disability lawyer to help you file your application and navigate the process with you.

Over 9 million Americans are currently collecting SSDI benefits and that is only a small percentage of people that are living with disabilities. If you are unable to work for 12 months or longer due to injury or illness, review these tips and make your SSD application today with confidence.

Managing Aches and Pains in the Elderly

As one ages, aches and pains become a common occurrence. However, there are instances where these pains can be a symptom of underlying health problems. For this reason, managing aches and pains have become a challenge for geriatric medical practitioners. Those with advanced age often complain of arthritis, cancer, and other diseases associated with pain. According to an early study published in the Journal of American Geriatric Society, elderly individuals in senior care homes are more likely to experience pain.

One of the most effective ways of managing aches and pains in the elderly is knowing the common aches and pains that afflict the elderly. Here are some of them:

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is the most common complaint in America, even in the younger population. For those aged 50, the cause of pain is often due to prolonged sitting. For the elderly, the reason could be due to underlying health conditions such as arthritis. One common way of managing it is by doing strength and cardio exercises. It increases blood flow to core muscles that help support the spine. The elderly can also benefit from receiving physical therapy or chiropractic care as part of their health and wellness program. There are exercises and activities that they can do to relieve back pain and increase mobility.

Headaches and Migraines

Another one of the common complaints in the elderly is headaches and migraines. While its cause is still unknown, the triggers are easy to pinpoint. Stress, dehydration, weather changes, and some food items can trigger headaches. The elderly should manage them by avoiding triggers and using non-pharmacologic therapy as much as possible.

Osteoarthritis

As much as 33% of adults are suffering from osteoarthritis. That’s why this condition is often referred to as the illness of the elderly. Pain occurs because the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the joint and the bone wears out, which leads to friction, which causes pain. The key to easing the ache is maintaining an active lifestyle. Staying active helps your blood to circulate appropriately, thereby strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, which removes the pressure on the bone and joint.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that passes through the arm to your palm gets squeezed or pressed. This pressure causes pain on the wrist down to the fingers. It is commonly associated with numbness and a tingling sensation as well. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often due to doing repetitive actions such as constant typing or operating machinery. However, it can also have other causes, such as genetics and hormonal changes.

In severe cases, the best way of managing carpal tunnel syndrome is with surgery. If this is not an option for you, you might want to talk to your doctor about prescribing occupational rehabilitation therapy or pain relievers.

Muscular Strains

As you age, it is pretty standard for your muscles to become sore easily. This pain results from less dense muscle fibers. As your muscle fibers thin out, they become less flexible, resulting in a higher probability of getting sore muscles and injury even when doing activities that you commonly do. Muscular strains get worse as one ages. How do we avoid it? The best way is to avoid doing activities that make your muscles more vulnerable. As much as possible, do not lift and push heavy items. It would also help to engage in stretching exercises like yoga and Pilates.

Pelvic Pain

Pain in the pelvic area is more common in women, as it is often associated with endometriosis and irritable bowel system (IBS). For pelvic pain, doctors usually advise against waiting before it becomes too painful. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of your pelvic pain, but they commonly include physical therapy and prescription medicines.

Managing Pain in the Elderly

The success of managing aches and pains in the senior population starts from getting a comprehensive pain assessment. Without it, medical practitioners would find conditions hard to diagnose, treat, and monitor. One of the crucial things to help you achieve success is by applying a consistent method for pain assessment. Consistency in measurement and evaluation allows you to get a better picture of whether your patient has pain that resolves following your treatment.

Final Thoughts

There are many considerations when it comes to managing sore muscles and joints and headaches. Medical practitioners should be aware of any possible underlying conditions before they proceed with their treatment programs to ensure that they are not doing more harm than good.

Dealing with Aging Parents: How to Keep Them Happy and Healthy

The last thing any parent wants is for their children to worry about them—and that concern only grows as they age.

It can be difficult, though, dealing with aging parents as they grow older and face more struggles, even if they’re in excellent health.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your elderly parents safe and happy! But what’s the secret formula for comfort and good health?

We’re here to help you out. Check out our guide below to learn various steps to help your aging parents!

Dealing with Aging Parents Sensitively

It can be difficult to help aging parents, as they’re often concerned about losing their independence. There is less they can do on their own, but they staunchly refuse help from others.

It’s important for children to approach their aging parents with sensitivity if they’re proposing something that could limit their freedom, such as an assisted living home or a caretaker.

It’s critical to start a meaningful dialog when dealing with elderly parents. Consider their priorities and wants and build a care plan around them.

Familiarize Yourself with Their Health Status

There are times when a health emergency strikes a family out of the blue. It’s important to stay up to date on your parents’ health conditions, so you aren’t caught off guard by a trip to the ER.

In the event of an emergency, it’s good to have a plan laid out, so you aren’t panicking. Depending on your location and situation, you can call a traditional ambulance or an Air Ambulance in order to fast-track the care your parent receives.

To avoid any surprise hospital visits, it’s wise to keep a calendar of doctor visits your parents attend. If you have a flexible schedule and live in the same vicinity, you could even attend visits with your parent to ensure you’re familiar with their health status.

Engage Them Socially

A study run by the University of California, San Francisco found that 43% of older adults reported feeling lonely. Loneliness can lead to mental health issues, which can, in turn, lead to physical illness as well.

It’s important that your aging parents maintain healthy social lives. You can assist them in this by visiting as regularly as possible.

It’s important to note that a “check-up” is not the same as a proper visit. Be purposeful with your visit—take the time to engage with your parents and greet them as you would with friends around your own age.

Along with spending time of your own with your parents, assist them in finding external communities to get involved with. There are plenty of clubs and social groups that exist for elderly folks who don’t have a workplace or school to make friends through!

One Step at a Time

Dealing with aging parents can be challenging, but it’s rewarding to see your parents thriving and enjoying their lives with your assistance. The steps above will help you get started as you care for your elderly parents!

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