Medicare: Wellness and prevention
If you are used to having an “annual physical” and ask for that, original Medicare won’t pay for it. That is, original Medicare won’t pay doctors to do a general physical exam “to see what turns up”; you’ll pay out of pocket. (Medicare Advantage might have this as an “extra.” Check with your plan.) Medicare…
Read MorePositive connections with staff
Your loved one’s daily experience in a hospital, rehab, or assisted living community—even at home with paid home help—greatly depends on the aides who care for them. You can help ensure a good experience by building a positive relationship with those staff so they are inclined to go the extra mile, even on a bad…
Read MoreChoosing a “senior tablet”
Much of life’s interactions occurs online these days. If your loved one is not tech savvy, has mild dementia, or has little access to support in a facility, you might consider a “senior tablet.” They have limitations compared to the typical consumer tablet, but could well be worth it. They are streamlined and simplified so…
Read MoreDementia: Navigating the airport
As exciting as a trip can be, for a person with dementia, the loss of routine is confusing. And the loud, large, busy terminal spaces are often distressing. Too much stimuli! Your job is to keep the process as calm and unhurried as possible. If you are rushing, flustered, and anxious, your loved one with…
Read MoreWhy Mom doesn’t take her pills
Did your mom teach you to “do what the doctor says”? If she’s not following doctor’s orders for medications now, you’re probably feeling confused. And concerned. It’s common for patients not to take pills as directed. Some typical reasons: Are you worried about medication management? You are not alone! As the Metro DC experts in…
Read MoreMaking friends in later life
We tend to think friendships should grow organically. They don’t. Particularly in our later years, when we often lose friends—to death, illness, or moving away—we need to be much more intentional about making new ones. This is especially so for “solo agers,” those without children and grandchildren. The younger generations in the family typically make…
Read MoreHow nutrition affects breathing
Food and oxygen are the basic fuels that we need for the cells of our body to do their jobs. People with COPD have to expend more energy breathing. Because their exhales are not always efficient, they tend to develop high levels of carbon dioxide. Not good. Fortunately, there are food choices that can reduce…
Read MorePacing yourself
If you develop health problems—mental or physical—what happens to your loved one? Their well-being depends on yours. So it’s vital that you keep yourself healthy and in balance, for your sake as well as theirs. Not taking the time to do this is the biggest regret of former caregivers. There is always a way. Take…
Read MoreFinancial/legal aspects of caregiving
Look for financial support for caregivingMedicare doesn’t pay for home care or other nonmedical support. You’ll need to find other options. Get paperwork in order Are you concerned about finances?As the Metro DC experts in family caregiving, we at Aging Well Eldercare find that paying for care is the number one worry. Understandably so! Many…
Read MoreFamily Caregiving 101
Family caregivers typically spend four to five years caring for an aging relative. While gratifying, it can also be overwhelming. Pacing yourself for the long haul is part of the solution. This issue of our newsletter outlines the top support strategies recommended by millions of family caregivers who have come before you. Take advantage of…
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