It's no surprise that most older adults prefer to age in place at home. There's just something about the familiarity of home that helps people feel more confident and comfortable. However, staying at home unassisted may not always be the best idea, and it's important to determine if in-home care is the right choice for […]
Is Home Care the Right Option for Your Loved One? Read More »
Should your loved one age in place at home or move to an assisted living facility? What care options are available in your community? What does Medicare cover when it comes to home care? These are just a few of the many questions people just like you ask every day when trying to help a
Know Your Options for Long-Term Care Read More »
Preparing a long-term care plan may seem daunting. No one wants to think about what things will be like when they are frail enough to require care. However, taking some steps now to plan for your care in the long term will help alleviate the burden when the time comes and it is necessary. Consider
A Step in the Right Direction: Creating a Long-Term Care Plan Read More »
Appetites change as people age, but not eating enough or losing weight without trying could be a sign of an underlying health condition in an older adult. It could also be related to an easily resolved situation such as difficulty grasping cooking tools, loneliness at mealtimes or getting to the store regularly. Helping seniors maintain
Nutrition and Geriatric Failure to Thrive Read More »
Feelings of sadness and isolation aren't uncommon in older adults, particularly for those who live alone. Depression, however, can be quite serious for older seniors, and may lead to a downward spiral in overall health. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that there are four syndromes that appear to be synonymous with failure to
Depression and Failure to Thrive in Older Adults Read More »
All too often, older adults do not take the necessary steps to prevent health problems before they start. Just a few annual preventative health measures, such as getting a flu shot, can reduce illness and result in other significant health benefits. Talk to your loved one and his or her physician about whether or not
Simple Steps to Help Protect and Maintain Health Read More »
You know about the flu and pneumonia, but what do you know about shingles? Shingles, also called zoster or the herpes zoster virus, is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Having had the chicken pox virus puts a person at risk for contracting shingles, and the risk for shingles increases
What is Shingles and How Can You Protect Your Older Loved Ones? Read More »
Both the flu and pneumonia are particularly dangerous for the elderly or others with compromised immune systems, yet many avoid getting annual vaccinations due to common misconceptions about the shots. Independence-4-Seniors is here to help debunk some of the common myths often associated with vaccines: Myth: The flu vaccine will give me the flu. Truth:
Debunking Common Vaccine Myths Read More »
It would be great if we could keep the natural immune systems we had in our teens and twenties throughout our lives. Unfortunately, though, as a person ages, the immune system weakens and becomes more susceptible to illnesses like the flu and pneumonia. In fact, influenza and pneumonia together represent the seventh leading cause of
Importance of Flu and Pneumonia Vaccinations for Aging Relatives Read More »
Caring for an aging loved one is often a full-time job, and like any job, it's important to take some time off once in a while. Taking the time to care for yourself allows you to recharge your mental and emotional batteries so that you can be a better caregiver for your loved one. Having
Time for You: Making a Respite Care Plan Read More »
