Care Management Blog

A nurse in blue scrubs, with a stethoscope around her neck, smiles and holds the hand of a patient with a bald head. They are standing near a bright window with natural light streaming in.

Home visits are in!

April 29, 2024

If the person you care for needs therapy or other medical services but has trouble getting out, house calls are a great solution. Historically, Medicare has had strict rules for home-based services and how “homebound” a patient must be for the services to be covered. It also limits the number of visits per week or…

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A caregiver assists an elderly person seated on a red couch, helping them put on a shirt. The caregiver leans over, carefully guiding the person's arm into the sleeve. The atmosphere appears to be one of mutual respect and care.

Adaptive clothing

April 22, 2024

If you have dressed a relative with dementia or assisted a family member with Parkinson’s, you know there are challenges involved. Dressing requires physical coordination, fine-motor skills, flexible joints, and range of motion. Not being able to dress oneself is both frustrating and embarrassing. Fortunately, clothes designers have developed garments with important adaptations.  Adaptive clothing…

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A house engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing into the sky. The fire appears intense, with bright orange flames consuming the structure from the roof and windows. The surrounding area is dark, emphasizing the severity of the blaze.

What is “inflammaging”?

April 15, 2024

Chronic inflammation is like the body (your “house”) catching fire. We have all dealt with acute inflammation. It comes with injury, such as a sprained ankle. Or infection, such as staph, bronchitis, etc. Inflammation is a sign that the body’s defenses are rushing in. In the normal course of events, healing occurs and the immune…

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An elderly man with glasses and a gentle smile is sitting indoors. He is wearing a light green polo shirt. The background is softly blurred, showing people sitting at tables, possibly in a café or restaurant. The atmosphere appears warm and welcoming.

Before you suggest assisted living

April 8, 2024

“On your mark! Get set! Wait!” That is the experience, and in fact the best strategy, when hoping to persuade an older relative to move to assisted living. You may feel sure your mom or dad needs extra help. But they may not agree. This is a common dilemma. For instance, you may have noticed…

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A small group of four diverse seniors is sitting and conversing in a living room. One man is speaking animatedly while the others listen attentively. Two women are on either side of him. The mood appears engaged and relaxed in a cozy, well-lit space.

Choosing a support group

April 1, 2024

Are you feeling isolated, alone, frustrated, anxious, or just plain sad as you care for your loved one?  Meeting with others who are also facing caregiving challenges can be very helpful. You can share anything, from coping with the emotional demands of your role to handling difficult behaviors. Rather than judgment, you’ll find affirmation in…

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A person with short hair smiles gently at the camera, standing with hands on hips. The individual is wearing a black and white striped shirt and is framed by a lush green background of leaves and foliage.

Serving as a special needs trustee

March 25, 2024

A “special needs trust” (SNT) is typically created to provide financial support for a disabled individual. Aging parents of a person with Down syndrome might create an SNT to provide for their child’s needs after they have died.  The SNT trustee must manage the endowment to benefit the person with special needs over time. The…

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An illustration of two kidneys surrounded by abstract red medical imagery. The kidneys are detailed with visible arteries, veins, and internal structures. The background consists of blurred cellular components and molecular structures.

Chronic kidney disease

March 18, 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one out of seven Americans. It is among the top ten causes of death in the United States. At first, its symptoms are very subtle and it progresses slowly, getting worse over decades. People often don’t know they have CKD. By the time significant symptoms emerge, the kidneys have been…

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An older man with short gray hair sits on the edge of a bed, looking pensive. Behind him, a woman with gray hair is lying down and appears to be asleep. The room has a calm, dimly lit ambiance.

Insomnia in older adults

March 11, 2024

Older adults need about seven hours of sleep at night. But they often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They frequently wake up early and are not able to go back to sleep. This is due in part to normal changes of aging. We just don’t spend as much time in the deep phases…

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A group of elderly people gathered in a cozy communal space. Some are playing chess, while others engage in conversation or read. The room is warmly decorated with shelves, plants, a corkboard, and a lamp, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

What is “assisted living”?

March 4, 2024

There are many options for older adults who can no longer live at home independently.  Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are tailored to individuals with health concerns that do not require the 24-hour medical attention provided by a nursing home. ALFs enable residents to be freed from the chore of meal preparation and housework and be…

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