Senior bullying and exclusion
About 20% of seniors living in communal settings experience bullying in one form or another. Cliques and power hierarchies seem to be a human tendency. If your loved one is the focus of bullying, you might notice withdrawal from others or depressed mood. Or you might hear them say that a particular person is “mean”…
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“With a little help from our friends”:
The Village movement
Aging in place has great appeal and can be challenging and expensive. Elders who are part of a “Village” help each other with simple tasks, making it easier and more financially feasible to stay at home. Today, there are close to 250 Villages across the country. They are part of a widespread grassroots movement of…
Read MoreMeaningful end of life conversations
Hollywood would have us believe that profound deathbed conversations occur just before the last breath is drawn. Not so! The last few weeks of a person’s life are often marked by extreme fatigue, long hours of sleep, and sometimes distracting levels of pain. Conversations require too much energy. If someone you care about has been…
Read MorePreparing for a heat wave
Make sure your loved one is ready to “take the heat” this summer. Older bodies are less able to cope with excessive heat, so it’s important to ensure safeguards are in place. Check in with your relative’s doctor. Certain chronic conditions and medications increase an older adult’s risk of heat stroke. Get advice on optimal…
Read MoreDementia: Is travel realistic?
If you are considering a trip with your loved one this summer, do yourself a favor and reflect on the realities of travel when a person has dementia. The disease is likely to be a prominent third guest in your plans, requiring consideration every step of the way. The disruption may make this less of…
Read MoreWhat is “elder abuse”?
Exploitation of older adults is an issue none of us likes to think about. But it’s a growing problem. One in 10 Americans age 60 or older has experienced some form of elder abuse. It is estimated that up to 5 million elders are abused each year. Elder abuse includes intentional acts of malice. Also,…
Read MoreTips for vacationing without Mom
We all need time away from constant responsibility. Sometimes the best way to care for your loved one is to take an extended break and recharge your batteries. If your relative is fairly independent, consider these other services that may be helpful: Also ensure that all bills are up to date or prepaid and that…
Read MoreMedicare coverage while traveling
Planning a trip? Your health insurance might not come with you! International travel. If you need medical care outside the United States—an ER visit, hospitalization, ambulance, medical exam, labs, or a medical evacuation—there are very few circumstances in which original Medicare will help out. You should be prepared to pay 100 percent of any medical…
Read MoreCancer screenings covered by Medicare
If found early enough, many cancers can be kept in check. Some even eradicated. To encourage early detection, Medicare pays 100% (in most cases) for screening tests. Your loved one may have a copay and/or Medicare percentage for the doctor’s exam to administer a test. Or a facility fee for a colonoscopy. To get the…
Read MoreTinnitus: Ringing in the ears
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears. But it can also be more of a clicking sound, a humming sound, or buzzing, hissing, or roaring. Ninety percent of people with the condition also have hearing loss. Tinnitus is not a disease. Instead, it is thought to be the brain’s response to a…
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