The Do’s and Don’ts of Alcohol Intervention for Seniors
IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT an elderly parent or grandparent's substance use, you're not alone. Americans over the age of 65 should limit their weekly alcohol consumption to no more than seven drinks, according to guidelines from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Yet some estimates suggest that as many as 15 percent of older adults in this country exceed this healthy limit (above which drinking is associated with various alcohol-related issues and constitute
Epilepsy Affects People of All Ages, Including Seniors
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE are experiencing epilepsy for the first time after age 65, you're not alone. Among seniors, epilepsy is one of the top three most common neurological conditions. In fact, epilepsy starts more often in old age than in middle age, reflecting the parallel increase over time of some of its causes – such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors. Epilepsy poses special challenges for seniors. The first may be receiving the correct diagnosis. Gathering a
Home Healthcare Market Anticipated Growth Projected to Hit Nearly $350 Billion by 2020
The healthcare industry in the United States continues to experience strong growth, and the home health care sector is also booming. According to some estimates, the home health care sector could reach $350 billion in revenue by 2020. This level of growth is due to numerous factors, not the least of which is a desire by more people to remain home as opposed to spending time in a nursing home or hospital environment. More than simply providing care and support for patients at
Care at Home for Patients Has Been Saving Money for Years
As news organizations seem to be focused on the seemingly recent revelation that caring for patients at home saves money, it’s been done this way for years. In fact, tracing the health care industry back to its roots, house calls were the norm, especially in more rural regions of the country. Over time, hospitals and doctor clinics began to replace home visits and then nursing homes became the main source of support for long-term health care. Today, more Americans prefer othe
An Ongoing Fight to Make Home Health Care Work for More Seniors
Increasing numbers of seniors and other Americans approaching retirement age are beginning to understand the value that home health care offers, especially in its ability to allow a person to remain at home as opposed to other long-term care options. Unfortunately, due to rising costs, stagnant wages that make it difficult to recruit and retain valuable caregivers, and a number of preconceived notions and misconceptions, it doesn’t seem to work for all seniors. One issue that
Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse
Abuse can happen to any older person. Learn about the different types of abuse, how to recognize the signs, and where to get help. Share this infographic and help spread the word about the spotting the signs of elder abuse. Click on the social media icons above, or copy and paste the URL and post it to your account (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Share on Social Media About 1 in 10 adults over age 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. Find out what signs of abuse to
What to Consider When Aging in Place Looks Uncertain
Seven steps stand between me and aging in place. For almost eight years, they presented no problem. But after Achilles tendon surgery last September, they were a huge problem. Things got better for me until early April, when I strained the calf muscle on my “good” leg while protecting the leg with the new tendon. Then, the steps became, once again, a huge problem. “You need a plan for what’s next for you,” my son said as we drove to the Injury Clinic after he had helped me cr
Broken Heart Syndrome: Illness After Loss
Much ink has been spilled about George H.W. Bush becoming seriously ill after the death of his wife of 73 years, Barbara. Similarly, the father of fashion designer Kate Spade died a day before her funeral recently. Former British Prime Minister James Callaghan died of pneumonia at 92 in 1995, just 10 days after Audrey, his wife of 67 years, according to The Telegraph. Musician Johnny Cash died in 2003 four months after the death of his 73-year-old wife, June. We could list ma
5 Life Lessons From End-of-Life Experts
You’ve heard it countless times: Life is short, so appreciate each moment. People with life-limiting diagnoses know this intimately: When they come to terms with their mortality, their priorities often change, and they may try to squeeze as much substance into their lives as they can. This often involves trying to resolve long-standing problems with loved ones and strengthening important relationships. Very few healthy people live this way, though. We get caught up in the det
The Best Caregiving Books of 2018
Family caregivers selflessly care for their vulnerable loved ones, often without accolades or even thanks. From budgetary constraints to emotional stress, caring for an aging loved one can stretch you beyond what you think you’re capable of handling. As isolating as this role can sometimes be, it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone. There are a wealth of resources available to help you ensure your loved one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being without comprom
