Leslie Newlife

Three Ways You Can Budget for a Senior Living Community

If you decide that you want to spend retirement in a senior living community, or if you have medical problems that require care, finding the right place is only a part of the process. The next step involves having the money to live there. Depending on your wants or needs, senior living communities can be expensive. Unless you have a retirement fund or receive government assistance, you need a way to pay for it. Here is how you can budget for senior housing.

Review Your Expenses

Even as a senior, you still have financial responsibilities. As you begin making your budget, start by going over each and every expense you have. Expenses can range from pretty much anything including:

  • Rent
  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Insurance payments
  • Utility bills
  • Gas for your car
  • Groceries
  • Medication
  • Entertainment expenses

As a senior, chances are you’re in retirement, which means you have no monthly or bi-weekly paycheck to fall back on. But just because you’re not in the workforce anymore doesn’t mean you can’t make any money. You can do side gigs or part-time jobs to earn money. That money you make can go toward moving to your senior living facility.

You’d be surprised at how you can make money these days. Online surveys, selling on eBay, or even starting an Etsy shop are easy ways to make a fast buck. You may even be tempted to sell your life insurance policy, but before you do, it’s best if you take the time to think about planning for the end of your life. Although bringing up the end of your life is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, everyone passes away. Even as a senior, life can find new ways to surprise you whether it’s for the better or for the worse.

Get your family involved and ask them to help make an end-of-life planning checklist. This ensures your last wishes are fulfilled. Something you need to make clear is your medical and financial history. When the time does come, your family and other people involved have an easier time finalizing your wishes.

Find Ways to Cut Corners

In addition to finding other ways to earn money, you should also eliminate any unnecessary expenses. For example, any unused apps, digital services, or programs that you keep saying you’ll use, but never get around to it, must go. It doesn’t matter if it only costs a few dollars. At first glance, a few dollars every month seems harmless, right? Well, that few dollars can accumulate fast. And when you add up the total of how long you’ve been paying for it, it’s well past its original price. This also applies to buying drinks out, eating at restaurants or splurging at the grocery store. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself here and there, however, when you’re faced with a sudden financial issue or find yourself doing something more than usual, it’s time to start really reconsidering making the purchase.

The 7 Best Cities in the U.S. for Seniors


Ever wondered if where you’re living is the best place for you to live? What if there was somewhere else that you could go? 

Many of the older generations tend to live where they retired, but you don’t have to do that. There are so many great places for you to find your forever home. 

Maybe you’re looking for a home near the ocean or maybe you’re looking to live in a rural area. There are so many options it can be overwhelming to figure out which place is right for you. In this article, we’ll break down the top 7 cities for people ages 55 and up to live. 

#1 – Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is located off the Gulf Coast and is perfect for anyone looking to escape big city living. There’s a ton of things to do, including exploring beaches, experiencing the city’s diverse cuisine, and enjoying the art and culture.

A lot of attractions that are downtown are within walking distance, but if you need to drive, there is car insurance for seniors that is cheap and affordable in Sarasota.

Sarasota is the perfect place for folks who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is best known for its beaches, great foods, and fantastic art. This would be a great place for grandchildren to come and visit their grandparents. 

#2 – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster is a lot different than Sarasota but is just as beautiful. This town is located toward the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland. There’s an endless expanse of farmland, and the county is famous for being the home of the Amish. There’s a lot of history in this city and, as a result, a lot of museums and things to learn. 

The Amish market has amazing produce and goods for sale. You can go horseback riding or ride in buggies. There’s so much to do and explore. 

Just an FYI, Lancaster is hilly and it may make travel difficult for some. Here are some tips for traveling with a cane.

This is a great place for people who are interested in good food and history and are looking for a more rustic and rural lifestyle.

#3 – San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is the closest thing to a big city without actually being a big city. It’s best known for its many attractions. Located in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is a great place to do fun activities with grandchildren. The San Antonio Zoo is a great place for grandparents and their grandchildren to spend time together and make memories.

There are tons of restaurants from Mexican and barbecue to American and Italian. There are museums and parks to learn the history of San Antonio. There’s a lot of art as well. 

For those with adventurous grandchildren, there’s even a SeaWorld and a Six Flags. San Antonio is perfect for those who are retired and have the time to enjoy all of what this city has to offer. 

Need help figuring out how to retire? These four essential retirement planning tips might help you.

#4 – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is a great place for seniors who are into the arts. This city is located close to Lake Michigan. It is best known for the Grand River and its furniture manufacturing. There are so many theaters and museums to choose from. 

This city is also a perfect place for people who are into boating, paddling, fishing, and golfing. There are beautiful parks to walk in and trails to trek on foot or on a bike. Staying active in Grand Rapids can help you stay healthy so you can find the best life insurance company for seniors.

For those who are not so active, there are plenty of places to eat and drink. Grand Rapids even has a food trail that you can either walk or drive, depending on your physical limitations. There’s also a wine tour available. 

#5 – El Paso, Texas

El Paso — not to be confused with El Paso County in Colorado — is located close to the border of Mexico. This city is known for its 302 days of sunshine and tasty Tex-Mex cuisine. 

Like the different cities listed above, this city has a lot of fun things to do. There’s a plethora of museums, a zoo, and some casinos. There are also a lot of vineyards to explore.

For when the grandchildren visit, there is an Adventure Zone, American Eagle Paintball, and so much more. You can also walk or bike along the Rio Grande. 

You’re not far at all from New Mexico, so you could also take the grandchildren to the White Sands National Monument. 

All in all, this is a great place for people who prefer sunshine and good food. For those of you who need help staying active after retirement, El Paso might just have what you need. . 

#6 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Nestled on the border of North and South Carolina, Charlotte is a great place for those who are looking to find a lower cost of living. Charlotte is best known for sports. Here you can find the Carolina Panthers Stadium and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

This is another great place for seniors to have their grandchildren come to visit. There’s the Billy Graham Library, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and for more adventurous activity, there’s Carowinds, a fun amusement park. Charlotte might be a perfect place for you if you enjoy the above-mentioned attractions. 

#7 – Chattanooga, Tennessee

At the base of Tennessee, Chattanooga has a lot to offer people looking to retire and find their forever home. Best known for its high-speed internet, this town is great for older people who worked or are still working in the tech field. It’s also a great place to be outside and enjoy nature.

Some of the attractions include Ruby Falls, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the Hunter Museum of American Art. There’s also a lot to do by the Tennessee River. For example, you can go and enjoy a ride on the riverboat.

Chattanooga not only has great attractions, but it has delicious food as well. The city has a wide selection of food to choose from. It even has the Chattanooga Pints and Pedal where you can explore the hotspots of the town just by biking with friends or family. This town might just be right for you if any of these catch your eye.

 These cities are great places to live. Each one has its own character and charm. There are so many places that I didn’t mention that are great places to live if you’re 55 and up. 

Don’t be afraid to do your own research and see which location is best for you. This country is filled with a vast variety of places to live. My best wishes to you as you enjoy your forever home — wherever that might be.


Peyton Leonard writes and researches for the auto insurance site,  AutoInsuranceEZ.com. Peyton is passionate about traveling and seeing new places.

4 Things You Should Look For When Choosing Assisted Living

As the years go by and your parents grow older, they’ll undoubtedly have more needs on their plates. And though you may try your best to provide for them, you still fall short sometimes. After all, you have your responsibilities to take care of, so you might unknowingly neglect your parents’ needs. 

If this is your case, then you might want to consider an “assisted living” service for your parents. 

What is Assisted Living?

Simply put, assisted living is a choice for older adults who require assistance with essential daily activities, such as cooking meals, going to the bathroom, and cleaning the house. 

This service is generally in a residential facility, like a converted home or an apartment complex, and the facility provides 24-hour support and access to care. That said, assisted living facilities still encourage privacy and independence, and they will create a personalized plan for you that accommodates all your needs, both basic and special.

As of right now, the National Center for Assisted Living reports that there are about 28,900 assisted living facilities with nearly 1 million licensed beds in the United States. 

How Should You Pick the Assisted Living Facility that Suits Your Parents’ Needs?

Since an assisted living facility is your parents’ possible home in the future, you need to make sure that the facility you choose is outstanding. The last thing you want is to make your parents live in a facility that doesn’t treat them well. 

But how do you know that a facility is great for your parents? You should examine the four factors below. 

How Skilled and Trained the Staff is

An assisted living facility aims to help older people who can’t live by themselves anymore, so the staff has to be skilled and trained in caregiving. 

As such, when you visit facilities, you should inquire about the education and training of their employees. The staff could be trained at an actual nursing school, or they could have gotten their education with Lecturio. Whatever’s the case, just make sure that the employees know what they’re doing. 

The Staff-to-Patient Ratio

On a somewhat related note to the previous factor, you should also consider the facility’s staff-to-patient ratio. Are there enough employees to attend to all of the people living inside? Or are they understaffed, thus resulting in several employees exhausted every single day? 

You wouldn’t want an understaffed facility, so find a facility that has a reasonable staff-to-patient ratio. 

Fun and Social Activities

An assisted living facility may be a place for care and support first and foremost, but it is also a place for socializing and entertainment for older people.

For that reason, you should ask about what activities your assisted living facility of choice offers. Do these activities sound like fun to your parents? Additionally, does the facility offer time for their residents to do the things they like to do? 

If the answers to these questions are yes, then it’s a facility worth considering. 

The Residents

Your parents will be living in the assisted living facility for some time, so it’s crucial that they get along with their new neighbors.

To make sure this happens, you should bring along your parents when visiting a new facility and let them interact with the residents. See if they click or not. If they do, then the facility might be the right one for them. 

Price

Assisted living facilities are generally cheaper than a nursing home, and their prices can vary — from $25,000 or lower to more than $50,000 a year. You should choose one that fits within your budget — but you should make sure not to compromise the quality of the facility for a low price.  

The ideal facility should both be affordable and offer outstanding services.

Conclusion

At some point in their lives, your parents might have a difficult time living independently. Because of this, they might be better off taking residence at an assisted living facility. 

Looking for a suitable facility for your parents may seem incredibly daunting, but the four factors mentioned above should be able to help you narrow down your choices.

5 Insightful Sleep Tips for Older Adults

Getting adequate, quality sleep is critical for your overall health and well-being. This becomes even more critical as we age. Unfortunately, many senior adults experience changes and troubles with their sleeping patterns, and this affects their health in different ways. Some resort to taking drugs to overcome insomnia and related problems. Here, we will briefly discuss a few insightful tips that can help seniors enjoy sufficient sleep every night.

Follow a Regular Sleep Schedule

As you age, it will help to adopt a regular sleep schedule. This implies that you should learn to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. This will take a lot of discipline, but the result will be worth it. You can also set your alarm to help you wake up at the right time. Once your sleep schedule becomes a habit, you will enjoy the full benefit of quality sleep.

Exercise During the Day

The importance of exercise for overall health can never be overemphasized. Regular exercise can help improve your daily life. Even as you become older, it is still very important that you engage in physical actvitiy. You should do this during the day to get your body in the right frame for a quality night rest. You shouldn’t exercise within three hours of bedtime, however.

Have an Early Dinner

Eating late will affect your sleep habit as well as the quality of sleep you get each night you sleep late. The negative consequences will even affect you further when you wake up. Try to eat early so that you will have enough time to rest before going to bed. This will also make the food to digest properly without upsetting your stomach while you are asleep.

Identify Underlying Causes of Sleep Disorders

There are different factors that can cause insomnia and other types of sleep disorders in older adults. Some of the major factors are medical issues that can be treated. If you have any of the problems, you can visit sleep specialists like Dr. Krueger Sleep & Sinus Clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment. Stress is another major factor that can cause sleep deprivation. There are different natural ways to combat stress, anxiety, and other problems that can interfere with sleep.

Sleep disorders can be treated by using oral machines. They’re designed to bring constant airflow through a person’s airways through the use of pressurized air. The constant air flow prevents throat collapse and blocks obstructions, paving the way for a good and long sleep. Be sure to consult a doctor before using these machines.

Watch your Diet

Eating right can also help you sleep better. There are food choices and diet habits that can interfere with your sleep habit. Drinking alcohol before bedtime, for instance, can disrupt sleep. Coffee, tea, soda, and anything that contains caffeine shouldn’t be taken late in the day. Eat healthy meals at all times, but avoid big meals at night. Spicy foods just before bedtime should also be avoided.

Endnote

Many older adults experience changes in sleep patterns. You shouldn’t let this become your reality. As a senior, ensure that you keep to a routine sleep schedule, perform regular exercise, take your dinner early, and treat underlying sleep issues. With these tips, you can enjoy a restorative and deep sleep every night.

3 Productive Things to Do in Retirement

Just like any other period in your life, retirement can present you with lots of emotionally rewarding experiences and beautiful moments. You just need to figure out how to get the most out of it.

Now that you’ve devoted so much of your life to your work and child-rearing, you can take coveted time out and indulge in your favorite activities. Different people have different perspectives on retirement. Some see it as a great opportunity to enjoy a new lease of life, while others may dread it, unable to decide what to do at this stage of life. If you also have some worries concerning your upcoming retirement, here are some effective ways to find fulfilling activities and stay productive.

#1 Travel and Photograph

Though this piece of advice may sound trite and somewhat unoriginal, lots of retirees start living their lives to the fullest exactly when they dive headfirst into traveling.

Working long hours to move up the career ladder, constant turmoil, and a hectic pace of life are not really conducive to traveling. But this is not the case anymore when you’re retired!

Note that retirement isn’t just the withdrawal from your working life. It’s an excellent chance to quench your wanderlust and learn lots of new things about people, cultures, and yourself. And you’ll definitely want to capture all the meaningful moments with your camera. You will find yourself captivated not only by your travels but also photography as a process. Such photo editing tools as Crello will help you enhance your images and immortalize your memories. Photography will help you unleash your creative potential and savor your travel experiences for much longer!

#2 Start a Business

It’s a common misconception that most seniors want to spend their retirement enjoying themselves somewhere in the Caribbean. If you’re not one of those guys whose retirement dreams are confined to growing orchids or reading magazines in their comfy rocking chairs, considering starting your own business. We’re not talking about some grandiose entrepreneurial ventures requiring considerable investments. Employ your imagination and interests to come up with a viable business idea that can eventually transform into a profitable undertaking. You can start a small firm helping people watch their houses or take care of their pets while they are away on vacation or business trips. People also need someone to fix their gadgets, repair and revamp their clothes, and drive their children to school. Perhaps you have always had an idea for a product or service. It’s about time you gave it a shot.

#3 Volunteer

There is nothing more rewarding and spiritually renewing than volunteering. Volunteering allows you to be civically engaged and feel needed. It’s also a great way to contribute to a noble cause and help drive needed changes in our world. You can assist at the hospital, mentor kids in child care facilities, or volunteer at animal sanctuaries. Figure out what’s close to you and reach the organization that might appreciate an extra pair of hands.

These are just some of the ideas that won’t let you get bored. You can explore other options and try other activities that will help you stay young, active, and energized in retirement.

Dental Care and Its Importance for Seniors

Dental health is critical regardless of your age, and this includes people who fall into the category of senior citizens. As we get older, keeping up with oral hygiene can become a bit more challenging due to conditions like arthritis making flossing and brushing difficult, as well as a variety of cognitive issues that can lead to forgetfulness. That being said, it’s critical to make your oral health a priority because as we get older, dental issues can begin to have more of a negative impact on our overall health. Here’s a quick look at a few examples of that.

Shifting Teeth

If you didn’t wear clear braces when you were younger, or you’ve lost a tooth or two and haven’t had them repaired with implants, your jawbone can actually begin to waste away. This can lead to the teeth surrounding open places to shift into those spots. This then leads to a jawbone that’s uneven, and can even cause appearance concerns and bite issues.

Respiratory Disease

It’s important to improve dental health when at all possible because the bacteria that are inherent with gum disease can actually migrate to your lungs and create havoc within the respiratory system. This can cause any pre-existing respiratory issues to get worse or even lead to infections in the lungs and severe pneumonia. This is important because much of the time, these types of issues are more difficult for older people to recover from than for younger people.

Heart Disease

What do you think heart disease has to do with dental care? By the age of 65, millions of people in the US are suffering from gum disease. This happens when the tissues in the gums get infected, typically following a buildup of a substance known as plaque on the teeth and gums. People suffering from gum disease are significantly more likely to have to deal with heart disease, and it can even worsen heart disease already in existence while also increasing the risk of the development of clogged arteries.

Diabetes

Gum disease that’s advanced is known as periodontitis, and this can hamper the ability of the body to use insulin, and this is incredibly perilous for those suffering from diabetes. On top of that, blood sugar levels that are high can lead to infections in the gums, which creates a vicious cycle where gum disease leads to even more gum disease.

Preventative Oral Care

In spite of the serious complications to your health that can be the result of letting your dental hygiene slide, keeping up with your oral hygiene doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated. There are a few basic recommendations that can help. One of the easiest is to simply brush your teeth a minimum of two times each day using toothpaste that contains fluoride and a toothbrush that has soft bristles. If arthritis makes this difficult, try using an electric toothbrush. You should also floss on a daily basis or use one of the interdental brushes on the market to get in between your teeth. A Waterpik flosser is also recommended.

If you have any sort of dentures – full or partial – make sure you remove them each night to clean them. Drink water that’s fluoridated and eat a diet that’s well-balanced. Foods that are high in fiber and dairy products are both good for your teeth and gums. Try to avoid candy and sugary drinks. Quit smoking if you smoke.

Finally, a bit of common sense. Even for those with full dentures, it’s imperative to visit your dentist on a regular basis for both exams and cleanings.

Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

It’s a day everyone knew was coming but nobody is ever ready for: taking care of aging relatives. On top of that—and depending on the direction life takes you—time and distance may add another challenge to looking after them. So, how do you look after a loved one who lives far away? With some planning and organizing, what seems like an impossible task can become more manageable with these tips for long-distance caregiving.

Get Organized

This doesn’t just mean finances, medical records, bills, and other documents—it goes for people as well. Organize a care team. Hold a family meeting with your elderly relatives, siblings (yours and theirs), and other family members—in person or virtually—to discuss a care plan going forward. Assess their needs and financial status. Determine when people can be with and look after them and the possibility of hiring caretakers to handle specific duties. Explore whether any organizations they belong to—social, religious, professional, or the like—offer services or individuals who can periodically check in on them and report on their condition. Develop a schedule everyone can access to know who’s with them and when. If it’s in your budget, consider consulting a credentialed care manager nearby to handle specific points of care and more.

Safety First

Before heading out to visit them, take your safety into consideration as well, especially if you’ll need to transport them. Is your vehicle equipped to handle someone infirm or otherwise disabled? Can they enter and exit the vehicle safely? Be sure your car is properly maintained with updated tires kept at their standard PSI, fluids that are clean, topped off, and have regular checkups. If they’re still driving, do the same for them and bring their vehicle in for an inspection and proper maintenance.

Take Over the Paperwork

One of the key tips for long-distance caregiving is this: even if you can’t be there in person, you can still watch over them. Offer to handle payment of their bills, deal with insurance, and maintain and protect their medical, legal, and other personal records. Stay in touch to ensure everything is updated and accurate, confirming the facts with doctors, caregivers, and other service providers.

Visits Are Vital

When you are able to visit them, every moment is precious. Precious, obviously, on an emotional level, but also in ways to assess and ensure they’re receiving the proper care. Use the time to observe their living conditions, speak with any caregivers about their mood and the quality of care, and acquaint yourself with any visitors they might have who you’ve yet to meet. Check on their finances and inspect the place where they live for any necessary repairs. Keep an eye out for signs of depression and abuse, missing funds, and potential scammers. Check if they need anything replaced, such as clothing, toiletries, and so forth. Above all, enjoy your time with them and spend more time listening than talking.

Home is Where the Heart Is: 6 Benefits of In-Home Care for Seniors

Caring for an aging loved one requires making tough decisions, resulting in many sending seniors to live in an assisted living or nursing facility. But rather than placing your senior in the care of strangers, consider the benefits of aging in place. Roughly 90 percent of aging adults prefer to remain within the comfort of their own home, allowing them to live out their golden years with independence and familiarity. By making a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle, you can give your elderly loved one the best experience possible.

Not sure how to care for an aging senior? Here are six benefits of in-home care.

What you need to know about senior home care

Accommodating an aging adult in your home may require some alterations. Between widening narrow hallways for wheelchair access and installing a stairlift system, there are numerous accessibility features to consider. Consider everyday tasks that might become difficult for your senior, like showering or using the stairs, and find creative solutions to ease the process.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the financial aspect of home care costs. Determine the expense of medications and health care and take care to factor in your source of income as well as your senior’s.

Encourages socialization

Seniors relegated to the confines of nursing homes often become isolated and depressed. Alternatively, elderly adults who are cared for by family members can maintain a healthy social life. Living in the same space with their family allows them to interact with others regularly, especially if you hire an in-home caregiver. An in-home caregiver will safely administer medications and become another friendly face in your seniors’ life.

Maintains independence

Like anyone, seniors wish to stay as independent as possible for as long as they can. While an in-home caregiver ensures their wellbeing, your elderly loved one can still make everyday decisions themselves in the comfort of their home.

Personalized care

Institutionalized care facilities employ a one-size-fits-all care strategy for the average senior, causing staff to overlook individual needs. Elders who age in place get access to personalized one-on-one care from family members or skilled caregivers. Overall, seniors who receive treatments within their own homes obtain a higher quality of care than those living in long-term facilities.

Promotes mental health

All too often, seniors living in nursing homes become anxious and depressed. Being separated from their family and home takes a mental toll, which causes long-term complications. Those who age in place, however, are more likely to maintain a positive mindset. Surrounded by familiar settings and a caring family, your senior can fully enjoy the blissful aspects of aging.

Saves money

Nursing homes are notoriously expensive and can put your family under severe financial strain. For an affordable solution to your senior’s medical needs, you can hire in-home caregivers for a few hours each week. Even for elders who require more extensive care, skilled caregivers present a cost-efficient substitute to long-term facilities.

Home is where the heart is 

When cared for within their own homes, seniors receive high-quality treatments that ultimately save you money. In-home care also promotes independence and mental health. Within the warm embrace of their friends and family, your elderly loved one will spend their final chapter in comfort.

Fluid on the Brain: Diagnosis and Life Insurance Implications

As adults, we can generally tell when something is off when it comes to our bodies. So why don’t we just go to a doctor?

It’s a genuine question that only gets met with defense and emotionally charged answers. Often going to the doctor doesn’t seem worth the hassle, and between the possible hospital fees and rise of insurance premiums, it can be easier to blame old age.

However, if you’re over 60 years of age and haven’t been feeling like yourself, there could be significant reasons why going without treatment could be life-threatening.

Life insurance tip: Don’t let fees scare you into not going to the doctor. Even if you receive a diagnosis, life insurance companies will likely issue an APS underwriting for life insurance request that makes any payouts difficult to dispute.

Signs There is Fluid on the Brain

You may have heard not to freak out after telling someone the worst-case scenarios you’ve found online; listen to that.

Make time to take a deep breath because when you don’t know what’s going on with your health, you can’t help but worry, making symptoms worse. Ease your mind by starting with the basics. Knowing what signs to be aware of can help you better document how relevant a doctor’s visit may be. 

Fluid on the brain isn’t as easy as spotting a bruise or broken bone, so journal what symptoms you experience when you experience them. Some symptoms of fluid on the brain for adults may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle soreness
  • Loss of bladder controls
  • Feeling the frequent need to urinate
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or trouble walking
  • Declined coordination
  • Vertigo or imbalance that results in falling
  • Seizures

What to Know About Hydrocephalus 

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. Usually, the bodily fluid produced to cushion your brain is created and absorbed each day. 

In hydrocephalic patients, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is being produced excessively or experiencing a blockage. This results in poor drainage and extreme pressure on the brain, sometimes causing the head to swell.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can be congenital, brought on by physical trauma, or due to many reasons from aging. Getting a hydrocephalus diagnosis may be difficult since the symptoms related to fluid on the brain coincide with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological disorders.

A few forms of hydrocephalus are:

  • Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: If you’ve ever had to squeeze into an elevator before, that’s kind of what’s happening in your brain. This is when a degenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s, brain tumors, meningitis, stroke, or a traumatic injury causes damage to the brain. These causes trigger the brain to shrink, making CSF fill the space and resulting in a hydrocephalus diagnosis.
  • Non-communication (obstructive) hydrocephalus: This is similar to someone trying to communicate with a poor connection. When CSF drainage is blocked from any of the ventricles, the patient experiences increased pressure within the skull.
  • Communicating hydrocephalus: This cause is like being stuck in traffic. Things are moving, but there’s a backup somewhere causing trouble throughout multiple passageways. Communicating hydrocephalus is when CSF is flowing past the ventricles but becomes blocked after leaving.

How Hydrocephalus Is Diagnosed

For some, getting the right diagnosis is a long journey. My grandmother was told by multiple doctors that she had various degenerative disorders before seeking out a neurologist.

To determine if your symptoms are due to fluid on the brain, a neurologist will order one or more of these tests:

  • Physical examination
  • Ultrasound
  • Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography scan (CT / CAT scan)
  • Spinal tap / Lumbar puncture 
  • Isotope cisternography

Life and health insurance tip: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you cannot be dropped from your health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition being diagnosed, and the same goes for life insurance.

If you are already a policyholder, it is illegal for your insurance providers to decline your account after a medical diagnosis.

Living With Hydrocephalus

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus, but treatment options and lifestyle changes can help ease the strain. The first thing you should do is senior safety-proof your home in ways that relate to your most prominent symptoms. 

Lifestyle Changes

The last thing you probably want to think about is more change, but with no medical cure available, making your treatment plan a lifestyle will help you combat your symptoms. 

What we put in is what we get out when it comes to our diet. A list of foods that help increase brain and CSF function is:

  • Honey 
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Lemon
  • Avocados 
  • Spinach 
  • Kale 
  • Broccoli 
  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Beans 
  • Lentils 
  • Brown rice
  • Granola 
  • Oats
  • Salmon
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic 
  • Ginseng 
  • Tea 

What to avoid:

  • Candy
  • Processed foods
  • Chile
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate (raw cacao is fine)
  • Dairy
  • Meat
  • Refined flour
  • Vinegar

Most of all, staying hydrated is key. Water aids both brain function and blood flow, which will help your CSF levels and moderate your symptoms. 

Adjusting your lifestyle to incorporate more of these foods, regulated forms of safe exercise, and meditation will help support the treatment plan you and your doctor choose.

Surgery Options for Hydrocephalus

The word surgery is scary, but without it, fluid on the brain can cause severe complications for both your mental and physical well-being. 

Treating hydrocephalus patients will require surgery, but modern technologies are making brain surgery seem as breezy as getting a root canal. (My grandmother’s words).

The list of medical treatment options is:

  • Shunt – This less intrusive option is what my grandmother chose. It may be available depending on the severity of your case. A shunt is a thin tube with a valve placed in the brain to divert the excess fluid away. Normally the shunt will connect to the abdomen but can be put in other places as well.

For adults, this procedure could be the last major medical step needed to live a healthy everyday life, but the shunt may need adjusting, requiring additional visits.

 

  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) – Neurosurgeons will use a camera to drill a small hole under the third ventricle of a patient’s skull, allowing the excess CSF to drain away from the brain.

 

Trust the treatment plan that your doctor suggests, and know that being diagnosed with hydrocephalus isn’t the end to life as you knew it. You can still do the things you enjoy but allow your body time to adjust and recover.

Watching a loved one live with hydrocephalus and go through treatment, I know the storm of emotions you and your family are likely experiencing. I am thankful that my grandmother got a shunt because she is coming back to herself every day.

Fluid on the brain doesn’t have to hold you underwater. Seek out a proper diagnosis right away if you think your symptoms are being caused by hydrocephalus.

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the life insurance site, EffortlessInsurance.com. She researched hydrocephalus when hearing of her grandmother’s condition. Knowing that medical reports can be intimidating and confusing, she hopes that this article helps anyone with a loved one diagnosed or who is struggling themselves with hydrocephalus.

Tips for Moving Your Dog to an Assisted Living Facility

You don’t need to give up your canine companion when you move into an assisted living facility. Keep your dog by your side as you care for your own health by moving out of your home and into an assisted living option that allows you to maintain your independence. While you’ll still need to take the same precautions with your pup that you would moving anywhere else, there are also some extra tips for moving your dog to an assisted living facility.

Before You Choose an Option: Check If It’s Pet Friendly

Sadly, not every assisted living option for seniors will be a pet-friendly one. Before you begin finalizing your big move, check to make sure that it’s a pet-friendly assisted living facility. Whether you’re living in a large building with other seniors or a quaint home, the care services may have rules against pets or restrictions on certain kinds of pets.

Read the fine print of their rules before deciding to live there. Call the facility if you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s residency.

Have Someone Care for the Dog During the Move

Dogs tend to stress out when they notice a big change is on the way. Stressed dogs may bolt out the door while you and your family move boxes and furniture out of the home. Avoid the chaos of a chase by finding somewhere for your dog to stay during the busiest parts of the move.

Your family may normally take care of the dog for you, but if they’re helping you move, then they may not be an option. Consider researching local boarding services and giving your pup a vacation at the local doggy hotel.

Slowly Introduce Your Dog to Their New Environment

Adjusting to life in assisted care is a slow process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Introduce your dog to your new caretakers with treats. Your new assistants may enjoy meeting your dog and providing treats whenever they visit you.

Keep a reminder of your old home out for your dog—if they had a favorite bed or if they liked their kennel, keep it somewhere so they can have a safe space. The right tips for moving your dog to an assisted living facility are different for every dog. Some dogs adjust instantly to their new home with new people to meet, while others may feel anxious. Be patient with them and provide them with plenty of love, walks, and treats.