Health insurance is something that only a small percentage of seniors are fortunate enough to have, and even those that are covered by Medicare or Medicaid may still need to cover a substantial amount of their health care expenses out of pocket. Finding ways to reduce costs is therefore essential and here are some tips:

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

Image: sxc.hu

Many seniors are in need of caregivers. While the support and services received from the caregiver is very important, the overall health of the caregiver is also a concern. A healthy caregiver can make a huge difference in the life of a senior. If the caregiver is not healthy, they will not be able to offer the proper care to the senior. The list below contains some tips for caregivers on how to stay healthy.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Image Source: sxc.hu

What are the Signs of Diabetes?

Diabetes affects a large portion of the American population, especially older adults. But would you know if you were demonstrating the symptoms of this illness in order to determine when medical attention was necessary? Not all seniors are aware, which can result in more serious health problems if diabetes is unrecognized and left untreated. Make sure you familiarize yourself, and if you are a senior caregiver, help the seniors you care for by making yourself aware too.

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm

It’s a New Year, and a great time to start setting goals that will make 2010 a great year. Seniors and caregivers can set resolutions that they will stick to by following Peter Drucker’s SMART principles.

1. S – Specific – effective New Year’s resolutions require that specific goals be set. If your goal is to lose weight, simply stating that is not enough. Instead, set a specific weight loss amount for each month or the goal you’d like to reach by the end of the year

2. M – Measurable – set goals that you can track whether they’re being accomplished. Many caregivers and seniors alike vow to stay in better touch with family and friends. Decide how that will be accomplished – set a number of emails per month you’d like to send, or how frequently you’ll attend social events

3. A – Achievable – setting goals that are impossible to accomplish aren’t productive. Striving to be “perfect” in 2010 is not something you’ll ever accomplish. But you can pledge to better yourself by attempting to be more patients, control your temper, or spend more time with your family

4. R – Realistic – set goals that make sense with your life, and are things that will be really beneficial to you

5. T – Timeline – New Year’s resolutions should be accomplished within the New Year; set goals that can be achieved within 12 months and work on a deadline!

Via: LifeHacker.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Buying a practical gift is the best way to go when purchasing something for an elderly individual. Many seniors do not have a lot of extra space to store things they do not use. When choosing a gift, you want to make sure the gift will be used. More so, make sure the gift is easy to use! Below you will find a list of 10 items that are great ideas for senior gifts.

1. If the senior lives alone, a Medical Emergency Notification System is a great gift to ensure their safety.

2. Cell Phones with Easy to see and use buttons.

3. If the senior is a pet owner, a pre-paid walking service or grooming is a great gift.

4. Gift certificates to the barber or hairdresser, especially if they will come to their home.

5. Pre-pay a season of lawn mowing and landscaping.

6. Wall clocks with a large face so they are easy to see.

7. If the senior is hearing impaired, a flashing light doorbell or telephone will be of great use.

8. Universal TV Remotes with large buttons.

9. Lap tables can be handy to eat on and can also provide a place for small items, such as remotes and eyeglasses.

10. Clothing with zippers or large zipper pulls.

Source: associatedcontent

Image Source: sxc.hu

Shopping for the holidays can be a challenge, but for senior caregivers, the ideas are really quite simple – buy them a gift that allows them to focus on themselves, even for a few hours or a few moments. The following are great ideas that will be a holiday hit with any senior caregiver:

1. Respite care – a break from caregiving responsibilities is appreciated by most caregivers, whether they’d admit it or not. Hire a service to provide respite or step in yourself, offering assistance once a month, or even just one time!

2. Entertainment gift certificates – send them for a night out at the movies or dinner with a gift certificate

3. Spa services – a day out at the spa can be rejuvenating for a female caregiver. Treat them to the chance to relax!

4. Subscription to a book club or movie service – this is something they can do to relax while providing care. Movies can be enjoyed with their senior, and books can be shared

5. Service to help them at home – caregivers have so much to take care of, help them maintain responsibilities of their own homes with cleaning services for inside the home or for yard work

Via: AgingCare

Image Source: www.sxc.hu/

The hard work really starts when seniors are released from the hospital, at least for families who might play a greater role in their care than they did during the period of hospitalization. Families can prepare themselves, starting with knowledge, in order to ensure that they can provide the best care possible to their senior once he/she returns home to finish the recovery process.

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

Image source: sxc.hu

In order to reduce stress, senior caregivers should always be prepared for just about anything, and unfortunately, for many seniors, anything can include a trip or stay at the hospital. In order to reduce the stress that caregivers face after their loved one has been hospitalized, a hospital bag should be packed and kept at home in advance. Here are a few essential items to include:

1. The senior’s necessary medications – include a couple of day’s worth of medications in their original bottles with labels for the reference of the hospital

2. Comfortable hospital clothing – some hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own gowns and robes if it makes them more comfortable, so these are items that can be included

3. Footwear – any footwear provided by hospitals is often unsupportive and provides little warmth. Hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own socks and slippers, so these items should be included along with clean underwear

4. Personal hygiene items – though the hospital will provide personal hygiene essentials, seniors can feel more comfortable with their own items. Hospitals will allow them provided they are not heavily perfumed

5. Clothes to go home in – with all of the preparations for seniors to go home, caregivers can overlook the need for clothes to return home in. Having them in the bag will ensure they’re not forgotten

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month and this year it was officially recognized in a Proclamation issued by US President Barak Obama. Family caregivers do so much for those that they love, but they also make a contribution to society as a whole, offering better lifestyles for the senior generations that have made such huge contributions of their own. Here are some excerpts from Barak Obama’s Proclamation recognizing family caregivers.

The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation’s caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves.

Every day, family caregivers assist loved ones with tasks ranging from personal care and homemaking, to transportation and financial assistance. As the foundation of America’s long-term care system, these individuals give millions of Americans the peace of mind and security that only family can provide.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pay tribute and support those who are caring for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need of assistance.

Via: The Family Caregiver

If you’ve recognized that an important senior in your life needs help at home, it’s no easy job to find someone that you trust to help ensure that their needs are met. Reputable home care companies are, however, out there; and if you cover all your bases and follow these tips, you’ll be able to find the best option that works for their lifestyle.

1. Know what’s out there – to choose the best option, explore them all. Even if you have home care in mind, visiting a nursing home will only help to reassure you of your decision

2. Ask the opinion of others – the best feedback you will receive on home care places you’re exploring is from other trusted friends and family members who have been through the process

3. Interview someone at the service – before you even meet with a caregiver, interview someone in charge at the home care service about what they provide, and what their specific policies are

4. Ask about licensing – the home care service should have appropriate licenses as required by their jurisdiction; ask about this, and also find out if the home caregivers have any specific level of training

5. Be straight forward – to make sure that that important senior in your life receives adequate care, don’t sugar coat what you’re dealing with. If your loved one is difficult with certain tasks or activities, let them know so they can reassure you by talking about how they’d address these circumstances

Via: Family Caregiver Alliance