Seniors choose to remain in their own homes indefinitely for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the effects of advanced age, chronic illness, and physical or cognitive disability can make their home an unsafe environment. This does not mean, however, that elderly individuals should be forced into a nursing care facility. There are many ways to make an individual’s residence safe, and many of them are even covered by insurance!

Elderly individuals who decide to remain in their own homes as long as possible often need some level of care. Once a need for care is determined, the individual’s family usually steps in to figure out what services are available and affordable.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, older Americans are a rapidly growing population group. There are about 73 million people in the generation known as “baby boomers,” and they will all be over age 65 by 2030. About 70% of those individuals have needed or will need some long-term care. Additionally, the preceding generation of individuals currently over 80 years old are also still a significant population sector.

While some cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, elderly individuals who show severe indications of memory and communication loss may have a progressive disease that affects the brain. Dementia is not the name for a single disease. It is more like a category of symptoms that occur with certain conditions, illnesses, and diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most recognized causes of dementia.

When elderly individuals begin to need more assistance in their activities of daily living, they and their families have several possibilities to explore. Budget is a primary concern in many families, as the need for home care will always come at a cost. While families may try to cover their loved one’s home care temporarily, it often becomes evident that professional care is needed.

Exercise and body movement are essential aspects of long-term health, even for aging adults who have more difficulty moving around in this phase of life. Older adults who do need some assistance with walking or moving around the house may struggle to come up with exercises they can safely do, but there are certainly some great options.

The winter months make it difficult for anyone to maintain a healthy diet, but it can be especially difficult for seniors to eat well during this season. In the winter, most seniors who receive home care services are unable to get outside other than to attend medical appointments. They rely on family, delivery services, and caregivers to handle their grocery shopping. When someone can’t get to a supermarket on their own, it’s much harder to select healthy items.

Most people initially enroll in Medicare near their 65th birthday when they are still physically healthy and independent. As they age, they typically find that they need more extensive coverage. During the Medicare open enrollment period every year, it’s important for seniors to take a close look at their current policies so that they can update their coverage for anticipated needs.

Taking care of another individual, whether that person is a beloved family member or someone you’ve never met before, requires empathy, patience, physical stamina, and a consistently calm demeanor. When it’s a good match, caregivers and their participants develop a special bond that can be very rewarding. Building that relationship takes time, and it can be severely hindered when the caregiver is not properly trained or compensated in their role.

Aging individuals who want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible are often able to do so through helpful Medicaid benefits that cover home care. Non-medical home care helpers, or companion care providers, assist with activities of daily living, which brings peace of mind to participants and their families. Elderly people who continue living at home still tend to feel independent even with this kind of support. Families worry less about their loved one when they know a competent helper is on hand to maintain a safe living environment.

Older adults in Pennsylvania who prefer to age in their own homes rather than move to a skilled nursing facility often find that they need some assistance with activities of daily living. With qualified help, many elderly individuals can stay comfortably in their homes for their entire lives. A major factor in staying in one’s home long-term, also called aging in place, is having a professionally trained caregiver for help.

Routine well check visits to your primary care doctor are one of the best ways to stay healthy later in life. According to the National Council on Aging, 8 out of 10 seniors have at least one chronic medical condition. With proper preventative care, people living with chronic health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes can manage their illnesses well and live fulfilling lives without many complications.

Safety, for both caregiver and client, is the top priority in all home care situations. Maintaining respect for the dignity of everyone involved is a close second. These two priorities are highly evident in caring for clients who are overweight or obese. This kind of care is called Bariatric Care.

While the frequency of loneliness and isolation among seniors has long been a concern, the current COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically raised awareness and sensitivity to the issue. Other communities are abruptly confronted with a new social reality due to pandemic effects, leading friends, family, and service providers to better comprehend the aging human experience and attempt to reduce its negative outcomes.

It can be difficult to determine quality home care services for an elderly adult. After all, this is a life-changing decision that will impact your loved one in a very significant way.

Older generations are some of the most vulnerable regarding scams and navigating the digital landscape. They may not be as familiar with technology, and they can be easy targets for scammers. This blog post will discuss some tips to help older generations avoid scams and navigate the digital landscape safely. We will also provide resources for further information.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes obstruction in lungs due to chronic inflammation. (COPD) affects the respiratory system and slowly worsens.

Many of us may have an idea of what a heart attack looks like: a sudden, sharp pain in the chest that makes somebody stop what they’re doing and clutch their chest. Although heart attacks happen abruptly, many start slow with pain or discomfort. Someone can have symptoms for hours before realizing they’re even experiencing a heart attack.

Many seniors often find themselves living a life full of sickness and disease. This is even more reason why they should be more mindful of the foods they eat. Dieting is not only good for your physical health, but it also has enormous implications for your mental well-being.