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Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug ProblemsAccording to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are over 33 million people in the U.S. who care for an aging relative or friend. Caregivers need to be aware that drug errors can happen and may be serious, but often are preventable.The problem stems largely from the multiple drugs seniors are prescribed and the complex network of physicians and pharmacists caring for them. According to Medco Health Solutions, Inc., the average senior takes nine prescription medications a year. One in four seniors sees four or more different physicians and uses three or more different pharmacies. To help prevent errors:• Make and take a medication list including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, any vitamins or herbal supplements and present it to the doctor and pharmacist. • Understand how medications should be administered, possible side effects and how to recognize if they occur. Changes such as poor eyesight, hearing trouble or decreased endurance may indicate an adverse reaction to a medication. • Ask any specialist the patient sees to send a full medical report, including drugs prescribed, to the patient’s primary care doctor.Seniors now also have to decide about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It provides much-needed relief for many seniors with little or no drug coverage but may require research to determine which plan is best. Consider the following: • Weighing Medication Costs: Seniors https://bluewaterhomecare.com/ currently on medications should determine if the plan covers their drugs and at what cost. They should also consider the cost of generics since they may be substantially lower. In addition, under some plans the deductible is waived for generic drugs. • Access to Pharmacies: Each plan has its own pharmacy network. If several months of the year are spent in another state, a national plan may be best. Some plans include a mail-order prescription service.• Patient Safety: A plan that includes a drug utilization review (DUR) program that identifies potential errors provides an important safety net.

How to select Memorial Monuments for loved onesThe memorial you choose must stand as an endearing symbol of your love and respect. Your memorial must reflect family pride and dignity in a refined manner. The memorialist you seek to help you with this task must have the proper credentials and should present them. This will assure you the highest quality craftsmanship, finest granites, and the strongest warranty in the memorial industry.For example, for over 100 years, Rock of Ages has designed and crafted granite memorials for millions of families, so they recognize the importance of preserving memories of loved ones for the generations that follow. They stand behind our granite memorials to ensure the craftsmanship https://lorenzoknzn431.timeforchangecounselling.com/fraud-prevention-tips-for-the-elderly-1 and service that make Rock of Ages memorials truly special. Rock of Ages hand-selects only the finest quality granite blocks from their own quarries, and supervises the design and crafting of your memorial from the time it leaves the granite quarry through to its installation at your chosen location. Their memorials are made to last forever, and they deliver the strongest written warranty possible, guaranteeing your memorial in perpetuity.When you are selecting your monument or memorial, consider the fact that this will last forever.

Entertaining The Elderly On Grandparents DayNot all elderly people have family to celebrate Grandparents Day with them. In fact, many of our most celebrated older citizens live lonely lives in retirement or nursing homes. While we are always concerned with our own family members, the first Sunday after Labor Day that is designated as Grandparents Day is about more than celebrating our own relatives. It was set forth to honor all the elderly who have done so much to shape our universe.For this reason, one way to spend the holiday, especially if your own grandparents are no longer around, is to visit a nursing home and provide some companionship and entertainment for other elderly members of our society. And in case you are putting off this visit because you arent sure what to do, here are a few tips for entertaining the elderly. While recognizing that it is a holiday and wishing the residents a happy Grandparents Day, the important thing is to treat them as the respected citizens they are and provide some form of entertainment that they typically would not get. Many older people enjoy playing cards or board games, such as checkers, chess, or bridge. Also, watching a fun family movie with them is a way to spend a quiet, relaxed afternoon.If they are up to it, simply going for a walk can bring their mood up. Perhaps spending time looking through their family photo albums with them can be exciting, as they get to share special memories that bring back happiness.One thing that always cheers the elderly is a visit with animals. Many older people adore dogs, and playing with puppies often literally rids these respected people of depression. If possible, take a puppy with you to play with the residents of the nursing home, and, if pets are not allowed, consider rescuing one or two of these live-ins and taking them somewhere that they can play with these cuddly animals.With so many options, its not hard to entertain the elderly for a single special day every year. More than anything, most of these lonely people are grateful for the company, and if they arent really in condition for any kind of physical activity, https://keegangeds722.trexgame.net/elder-care-services-determining-your-level-of-care at least you can listen to them and let them share their life experiences.

Care For CaregiversIf you’re caring for an aging parent or facing the challenges of assisting a loved one or friend who is chronically ill, disabled or elderly, you are not alone. You are one of the 22 million Americans who care for an older adult. Caregivers provide 80 percent of in-home care, but unlike nurses and home health aids, they are unpaid for their labor of love. “Caregiving is a difficult job that can take a toll on relationships, jobs and emotional well-being,” says Dr. Elizabeth Clark, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers. “Those who care for others need to be sure to take care of themselves, as well.”Here are some important tips for caregivers:• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For HelpWe tend to wait until we are in crisis before asking for help and consultation. Seek out the help of a licensed clinical social worker or other trained professional.• It’s Not Easy to Tell Your Parents What to Do The most difficult thing about caring for a parent is the day you have to tell them they need to have help, they can no longer drive or they may have to move from their home. Discuss long-term care wishes and desires before any decline happens. • Take Care of Your Mental HealthIt is not unusual to feel frustrated with your parents or children when they refuse your input and help. Seek a referral to a professional who can help you cope with your personal issues and frustrations. https://rylanyptn857.cavandoragh.org/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers-disease • Stay InformedWe live in a world of constant change. Medications and treatments are constantly changing and the only way to keep up-to-date is to stay informed with the latest news. Attend local caregiver conferences, participate in support groups, speak with friends and relatives, and talk with professionals in the field of gerontology and geriatrics. • Take Time OutCaregivers who experience feelings of burnout need to accept that occasionally they may need a break from their loved one in order to provide him or her with the best care.• LaughHumor and laughter are tremendous healers.• Hire HelpIf possible, you may want to hire help. The most important thing is to find trustworthy people to provide assistance. Use recommended home care agencies, talk with friends about their experiences and interview professionals before deciding on the one you are going to retain.

Maintain Your Brain – Strategies to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s DiseaseMaintain Your Brain – Strategies to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s DiseaseIt’s almost become a joke. Forget the word you wanted to use and joke ‘Must be early Alzheimer’s.’ Lose track of where you left your keys? “Doh! Guess I’m getting Alzheimer’s.” Alzheimer’s Disease is no joking matter, though, and we know it even https://hectorigvs143.almoheet-travel.com/understanding-home-care-agency-options under the casual, joking jabs at our own memory problems. I suspect that more than one of us, when those occasional lapses of memory happen, wonder if we really ARE starting to lose our memories to one of the most baffling and devastating diseases we know.According to the Center for Disease Control statistics, 20% of adults who are in nursing homes have a primary diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease – over 214,000 people. For many of us who are approaching the far side of middle age, that’s a frightening statistic. Those jokes have the air of gallows humor. There is good news on the Alzheimer’s front. Research into risk factors and predisposition have turned up some interesting correlations between general health, social well-being and Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has some suggestions that may help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, and even slow its progression among those who have already started showing symptoms. Eat your fruits and veggies. Mother always told you to eat all your veggies, and this is one more good reason. In one study of over 1,800 elderly men and women, researchers found that those who drank fruit or vegetable juice at least three times a week had a 75% less risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who drank less than one glass per week. Why? The answer probably lies in the effects of antioxidants. Fruit juices – especially berry juices – are among the highest sources of antioxidants around. Dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, berries and citrus juices are all up there as excellent sources of antioxidant goodness. Get out the juicer and drink up!Eat a healthy, balanced diet – and don’t forget your fats. A healthy diet is basic to a healthy brain. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits should be your major source of calories, but doctors are starting to take a closer look at fats again. One source of fat that appears to be vital to rebuilding and maintaining brain cells is fish. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in high concentrations in cold-water fish like tuna and salmon, as well as in shellfish, are an important ingredient in building neural pathways that function properly. Nutritionists suggest including a source of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet at least three times a week. Tuna casserole, anyone?Get social! In a study of over 2,500 men, those who had the least contact with friends and family were nearly 3 times as likely to develop dementia as those who had more active social lives. Social activity and maintaining family and social ties seem to stimulate the brain cells and keep them from atrophying. When’s the last time you had coffee with your sister, hm?Exercise your brain. Recent studies strongly suggest that elderly people – including those with Alzheimer’s Disease, can improve their memories with practice. Researcher suggest that activities like crossword puzzles, memory games and challenging mental activities could help the brain create new neural pathways as old brain cells die off. Get out the word-search books and have some mental fun!Stay physically active. In one study of almost 500 adult children of parents with Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that those who exercised regularly scored better on memory and problem solving tasks than those who were sedentary. It may be that exercise, which promotes healthy circulation and gets the blood flowing through your entire body, helps nourish the brain by getting more nutrients to it on a regular basis. Take a walk or take up swimming – or join a fitness group to combine social AND physical activities in one.The bottom line? Doctors and researchers aren’t sure what causes it, so there’s no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease from developing. They do know that people who share certain traits are much less likely to develop the symptoms though. Stay fit, get active, get out with your friends often and do what you can to enjoy your life. As a prescription for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, it sounds like a great way to live!

Understanding Medicare Prescription CoverageThe prognosis for Medicare Part D seems to be good. Nearly half of physicians recently surveyed said they think the program will result in improved quality of care. Yet many of those same professionals said the program can be hard to understand and particularly confusing for patients. In fact, according to the survey, doctors and pharmacists report that 95 percent of their senior patients have difficulty understanding the Medicare Part D program and more than 50 percent of patients have trouble understanding how much their drugs will cost. If you’re confused about your coverage-or simply want to understand it better-the following tips may help. Talk To Your DoctorMore than 41 million seniors eligible for Medicare Part D may turn to their physicians for answers-and one of the most frequently asked questions has to do with what medications are covered under each option. Physicians can now answer questions on the spot, using mobile devices or by logging on to the Internet. Most doctors are using free software applications, such as Epocrates Rx drug and formulary reference, to quickly determine which drugs are covered by a specific health plan, whether there’s a generic or cheaper drug alternative and which plans best meet their patients’ clinical and financial needs. The software can also help doctors identify any potential drug interactions. That’s important, considering that the average 75-year-old regularly takes five prescription drugs and uses several over-the-counter medications, according to a 2004 Alliance for Aging Research report. Check https://penzu.com/p/3c6ca5de2b331cdd The WebA number of government Web sites are available to help people sort through the more than 400 Medicare Part D prescription plans. Try checking a site such as www.medicare.gov or www. epocrates.com for some information about your program. Before logging on, make a list of the medications you are taking and any conditions you may have. That can make it easier to see which plan best fits your needs.Talk To Friends And FamilyIn addition to checking Web sites, it’s important to talk to others about their experiences with a Medicare Part D plan. Ask your friends and family about what plan they selected, how they feel about it and what they learned. In addition, don’t hesitate to check with your pharmacist or doctor’s office staff.Your physicians may be able to help you better understand your Medicare Part D program.

What’s The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?“What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?” It’s a common question, and doctors are some of the best at confusing us. Physicians seem to prefer the word “dementia,” possibly because Alzheimer’s has become such a loaded word. “Dementia” somehow sounds less frightening to many people, and now even the experts have started using the words interchangeably.They aren’t interchangeable. Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia are two very different things. Dementia is a symptom. Pain is a symptom, and many different injuries and illnesses can cause pain. When you go to the doctor because you hurt, you won’t be satisfied if the doctor diagnoses “pain” and sends you home. You want to know what is causing the pain, and how to treat it.“Dementia” simply means the symptom of a deterioration of intellectual abilities resulting from an unspecified disease or disorder of the brain.Alzheimer’s Disease is one disease/disorder that causes dementia. Many other illnesses or “syndromes” can also cause dementia. Parkinson’s Disease can cause dementia. A stroke can cause dementia. Even dehydration can cause dementia.Many of the things that can cause dementia are treatable, even potentially curable.If you have taken your elder to the https://jsbin.com/maciqoweno doctor and received a diagnosis of “dementia” you haven’t received a diagnosis at all. Unless you know what is causing the dementia you can’t begin to treat it’s root cause.If your physician has diagnosed “dementia” it’s time for a second opinion. You are probably dealing either with a physician who is not comfortable with the truth, or one who doesn’t know how (or doesn’t want to bother) to differentiate between all the possible causes of dementia. Either way, a skilled geriatrician or a neurologist who is comfortable with seniors would be a good place to start.

Fraud Prevention Tips For The ElderlyOlder people may be victims of frauds like con games and insurance, home repair, telephone, or internet scams. Even trusted friends or family members have been known to steal an older persons money or property. The following tips may help:Dont be afraid to hang up on telephone salespeople. You arent being impolite. You are taking care of yourself! Remember, you can say no to any offer. Dont give any personal information, including your credit card number or bank account, over the phone unless you were the one who made the call. Dont take money from your bank account if a stranger tells you to. In one common swindle, a thief pretends to be a bank employee and asks you to take out money to test a bank teller. Banks do not check their employees this way. Dont be fooled by deals that seem too good to be true. They are often rip-offs. Beware of deals that ask for a lot of money up front and promise you more money later. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to get more information about the record of any company before doing business with them. Do be on guard about hiring people who come door-to-door looking for home repair work. They may not be trained to do the work, and they may overcharge you. You should try to check their references. Always spell out the details of the work you want done in writing. Never pay for the whole job in advance. Avoid Identity Theft How can someone steal your identity? Using your name, Social Security number, or credit card without your okay is called identity theft and its a serious crime. Be sure to protect yourself:Do keep information about your checking account private. Put all new and cancelled checks in a https://privatebin.net/?9795f1e06c8a9be2#Cx71vudRotKneKP3Suyjxrs3ArE1sv3yyrBvMUnyfpM7 safe place, report any stolen checks right away, and carefully look at your monthly bank account statement. Do shred everything that has personal information about you written on it. Do be very careful when buying things online. Websites without security may not protect your credit card or bank account information. Look for information saying that a website has a secure server before buying anything online. Do check with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to find out how to protect yourself from common online scams that can trick you into revealing your personal or financial information.