Category: Health
As we grow older, it’s not unusual to have trouble finding the right word or recalling a name on occasion. If trouble with word-finding or recall persists, or performing everyday task like meal preparation or managing bills becomes uncharacteristically difficult, it might be a sign of something more serious. It’s important to stress that not […]
“Gratitude is associated with a personal benefit that was not intentionally sought after, deserved, or earned but rather because of the good intentions of another person” (Emmons & McCullough, 2004).
Using medications and supplements appropriately optimizes their efficacy. Taking them as prescribed also helps avoid unwanted side effects and interactions. Whether you’re managing prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or herbal remedies for yourself or an older adult in your care, these four tips will help you manage medications properly and optimize safety.
Falls among older adults continue to be a national public health concern. Fall-related injuries are the most common reason for visits to the Emergency Department by adults 65 and older. Falls remain the leading cause of injury or death for older Americans. It is Fall Prevention Awareness Week, a nationwide observance sponsored annually by the […]
Weather alerts and advisories in other parts of the country should serve as a bellwether of what we can expect and should prepare for this summer. Higher than average temperatures have persisted in California, Oregon, and across the Southwest and Southeast. We’ve even experienced unusually hot days here in western Washington state. Excessive heat and […]
The holidays are here and with them come an increase in family and in-person gatherings, time constraints, high expectations, schedule disruptions, and associated stress. With those realities in mind, we offer these tried-and-true tips to help you stay healthy and safe during the holidays and beyond!
October 15–December 7 is Medicare’s annual “open enrollment” period. This is when you can switch plans. Are you getting a lot of mail about the cost savings of Medicare Advantage (MA)? The initial outlay may seem less than your current plan. And if you have “original Medicare,” plus a supplemental plan for the 20% Medicare […]
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an opportunity to discuss this often-stigmatized topic. Let’s use this awareness to spread hope and critical information to people affected by suicide. Understanding the reasons someone may consider suicide, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing how to support someone with suicidal thoughts can go a long way in […]
Especially for older adults living alone, the ability to summon help in the event of an emergency—such as a fall—is a very real concern. With a cell phone in your purse or pocket, it’s easy to feel well set. Think again. The bathroom is where most falls occur. Do you take your cell phone in […]