Care Management Blog

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Medicare Open Enrollment Tips

September 23, 2019

Are you happy with your relative’s Medicare plan? If not, fall is the annual “Open Enrollment” period. This is when you can change plans for the coming year. Open Enrollment for 2019 is October 15 to December 7. Even if your loved one likes the current plan, consider any new diagnoses or prescriptions since last…

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A young female doctor shows an X-ray to an elderly woman, who is touching her chin thoughtfully. They are sitting in a bright, airy room with a few pieces of furniture and plants visible in the background.

A doctor’s visit after a fall

September 16, 2019

A surprising number of conditions, from simple to serious, can cause an older adult to fall. If you observed the fall or arrived soon after, find out if your loved one had a warning or felt dizzy beforehand. Any chance he or she fainted? Was the fall from stumbling on an obstacle? Or more from…

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An elderly man with gray hair and wearing a sweater and collared shirt looks puzzled while pointing at a calendar on the wall. His other hand is touching his head as he appears to be trying to remember or figure something out.

What is MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)?

September 9, 2019

“Senior moments” are a normal part of aging. They happen to everyone. We just don’t process things as quickly as we did in younger years. Some people develop significant memory and thinking problems. These people are eventually unable to live safely on their own. Typically, they have a stroke or develop Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.…

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Two elderly individuals walk along a paved park path, one using a walker. The path is surrounded by green grass and trees with autumn leaves scattered on the ground. Both are dressed in casual clothes and appear to be engaged in conversation.

If Mom is afraid of falling again

September 2, 2019

Many older adults who have fallen believe it is best to “stay safe” and avoid falling again by restricting their activities. Unfortunately, that’s the worst thing they can do! Inactivity is a path to reduced strength and mobility, which increases the risk of a fall and injury. One of the most important things you can…

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Waves crash onto a beach under a clear blue sky. The water appears vibrant, with layers of foamy waves moving towards the shore. The scene captures the dynamic motion and energy of the ocean, providing a sense of freshness and tranquility.

When caregiving ends: Emotions

August 26, 2019

Waves of emotionsWhen a person you’ve been caring for dies, you are likely to have many feelings. Sometimes conflicting feelings. You may find that emotions wash over you unexpectedly, arising suddenly like a wave, and then subside. This is a normal part of life after loss. Grief can be described as a combination of sadness…

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A senior woman with short gray hair, wearing a coral blouse, rests her chin on her hand and looks thoughtfully at the camera. In the blurred background, an older man sits on a couch, holding a cup. The scene appears to be in a bright living room.

How Parkinson’s affects communication

August 19, 2019

If the person you care for has Parkinson’s, you may be surprised to discover the many ways the disease hampers communication. Voice problems alone affect 60%-80% of people with this condition. Low volume and slurred speech may make it hard at times for you to grasp what your loved one is saying. He or she…

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Genetic testing for Alzheimer’s

August 12, 2019

These days, most everyone is wondering if they are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. If someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with the disease, you might feel at especially high risk. There is a test for an Alzheimer’s gene (APOE4). But it’s not 100% certain: Not everyone who has the APOE4 gene will…

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Group of six senior adults walking outdoors in a park on a sunny day, smiling and conversing. The greenery and trees form a lush background. The individuals appear to be enjoying each other's company and the pleasant weather.

Start a safe walking routine

August 5, 2019

Walking for exercise is recommended for every phase of life! Walking is the easiest physical activity to engage in, and it brings multiple benefits. The ability to get around readily is often the deciding factor in whether an older adult can stay living at home. Many older adults are hesitant to walk much. If you…

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An elderly woman is sitting while holding a tissue to her nose, appearing to be emotional or unwell. An elderly man, seated next to her, is comforting her with a supportive hand on her shoulder. The setting appears to be a well-lit indoor space.

Bad news

July 29, 2019

If a person you care for receives a serious diagnosis, it can feel like a gut punch—for everyone in the family. There is no way to sugarcoat such a reality. There are ways, however, to make the emotional journey less traumatic. Grief AND joyEven if your loved one has only months or weeks to live,…

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