When the summer heat rises, it affects older adults more than the rest of us. Why? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that: Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat. They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair … [Read more...]
How to Protect Your Elderly Loved One from Identity Theft
Thieves sometimes prey on the elderly by obtaining and using their personal information to open accounts or make purchases. You can help protect your elderly loved one from identity theft by helping them take simple precautions. The Federal Trade Commission addresses the issue in this video: https://youtu.be/j7UJ6oScjvU The FTC recommends these best practices for identity theft prevention … [Read more...]
HIPAA: Giving Your Advocate Access to Health Care Information
HIPAA is meant to protect your privacy, but misunderstandings about the law can cause unintended snags for you, your advocate, and your health care team. HIPAA stands for “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act” of 1996, which includes the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The Rule was not designed to get in your way! But well-meaning staff in medical settings can sometimes keep medical … [Read more...]
How to Advocate for an Elderly Loved One at Medical Appointments
It’s often difficult for older people to deal effectively with the health care system. By advocating for your elderly loved one in during medical appointments, you can keep their health care on track and increase their well being and independence. How Care is There Geriatric Care Management Can Help If you live at a distance from your loved one, or if your job or family responsibilities … [Read more...]
Everyday Miracles
Among the team at Care is There, we describe ourselves as miracle makers. Miracle makers? Isn’t that a little over-the-top? Sure, we help with all kinds of everyday things, but… miracles? We use powerful language intentionally. First of all, caregiving is difficult. Sometimes it’s a long slog of things that don’t seem very significant. It’s so easy to get discouraged and doubtful about the … [Read more...]
How to Be An Effective Advocate for an Elderly Loved One or Client
Life can become frustrating and discouraging for people who have difficulty perceiving, communicating, or travelling - especially when circumstances are unfamiliar. An advocate can provide valuable assistance by clarifying options, helping their client or loved one make their own choice based on their own values, communicating that choice, and doing the practical things necessary to implement the … [Read more...]
Making a Plan for Successful Aging in Your Own Home
Most older adults prefer to remain living in their own homes as long as possible. Adult children often worry about their parents’ well-being and encourage them to move closer to resources like family caregivers, health care, transportation, and social activities. This can cause conflict and stress for families. Creating a plan for successful aging in place can increase the likelihood that older … [Read more...]
How to Hire a Personal Care Aide
A personal care aide helps their client perform activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, and eating. For people who are frail, ill, or recovering from injury or surgery, the assistance of a personal care aide can prevent problems such as skin breakdown, injuries from falls, malnutrition, social isolation, and loss of dignity. Personal care aides provide needed … [Read more...]