As many of us discovered through shelter-in-place restrictions, spending time outdoors isn't just "nice." It feels fundamentally healing. The research backs this up. Time spent in nature has been documented to decrease cortisol—a stress hormone—and boost the immune system. It can reduce depression and improve attention. The studies are so compelling that before the pandemic, some...
Video visits with doctors are one of the changes put in place during the pandemic that will likely carry forward even after COVID is long in our rearview mirror. While not appropriate for all conditions, it is a convenient new option for care. Here's how to prepare: Confirm that your insurance will cover telemedicine. Medicare...
Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare pays for only a limited amount of the daily care you are likely to need in your lifetime (about 14%). Medicare covers only services delivered by medically trained professionals. That means you need to have savings or insurance and rely on a collection of local programs. Or...
Frank knows they need help at home. His wife's dementia is getting worse, and he has his own health problems. She can't be left alone anymore. Doing all the cooking and cleaning, and now helping her with bathing ... it's just too much. Frank needs to take breaks. But a Google search reveals a dizzying...
Judy had an emergency hip replacement after a fall. She needs to be discharged tomorrow to a skilled nursing facility for several weeks of intensive physical therapy so she can walk again. And after that she may need to move into an assisted living. The discharge planner has a list of options. But Judy and...
Much as we would like to imagine an elderhood free from troubles, the truth is, we are all likely to need help eventually. And on several levels. Informal support. This is the kind of help that friends and family members can provide short term. Someone to run errands or mow the lawn, etc. Make a...
How you pay for care at home depends on whether the service is by medically trained staff or by nonmedical caregivers. Also, what you can mix and match in terms of community programs and help from friends and family. Medicare pays only for care in the home that requires the skills of a nurse, nursing...
Judy fell and broke her hip. She calls 911. She lacks a medication list. As a result, the hospital team is unaware of her chronic conditions. Her daughter lives far away and doesn't know if she should fly in. Accidents by their very nature are unplanned. That doesn't mean you need to be unprepared for...
Imagine your life as a movie. If you are the director, an Aging Life Care Manager serves as your stage manager. He or she is a deeply knowledgeable guide (usually a nurse, social worker, or allied professional) who finds you high-quality help, arranges locations, and advises concerning needed services. Aging Life Care Managers are part of a national organization with training requirements,...
While “aging in place” has its benefits, it is expensive to get such individualized care. Plus, it’s rather isolating. Group options require a move, but are more social and cost effective. Assisted living. People move to assisted living when they are ready to stop cooking, cleaning, and maybe even driving. They enjoy social activities but...
As many of us discovered through shelter-in-place restrictions, spending time outdoors isn't just "nice." It feels fundamentally healing. The research backs this up. Time spent in nature has been documented to decrease cortisol—a stress hormone—and boost the immune system. It can reduce depression and improve attention. The studies are so compelling that before the pandemic, some...
Video visits with doctors are one of the changes put in place during the pandemic that will likely carry forward even after COVID is long in our rearview mirror. While not appropriate for all conditions, it is a convenient new option for care. Here's how to prepare: Confirm that your insurance will cover telemedicine. Medicare... 
Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare pays for only a limited amount of the daily care you are likely to need in your lifetime (about 14%). Medicare covers only services delivered by medically trained professionals. That means you need to have savings or insurance and rely on a collection of local programs. Or... 
Frank knows they need help at home. His wife's dementia is getting worse, and he has his own health problems. She can't be left alone anymore. Doing all the cooking and cleaning, and now helping her with bathing ... it's just too much. Frank needs to take breaks. But a Google search reveals a dizzying... 
Judy had an emergency hip replacement after a fall. She needs to be discharged tomorrow to a skilled nursing facility for several weeks of intensive physical therapy so she can walk again. And after that she may need to move into an assisted living. The discharge planner has a list of options. But Judy and... 
Much as we would like to imagine an elderhood free from troubles, the truth is, we are all likely to need help eventually. And on several levels. Informal support. This is the kind of help that friends and family members can provide short term. Someone to run errands or mow the lawn, etc. Make a... 
How you pay for care at home depends on whether the service is by medically trained staff or by nonmedical caregivers. Also, what you can mix and match in terms of community programs and help from friends and family. Medicare pays only for care in the home that requires the skills of a nurse, nursing... 
Judy fell and broke her hip. She calls 911. She lacks a medication list. As a result, the hospital team is unaware of her chronic conditions. Her daughter lives far away and doesn't know if she should fly in. Accidents by their very nature are unplanned. That doesn't mean you need to be unprepared for... 
Imagine your life as a movie. If you are the director, an Aging Life Care Manager serves as your stage manager. He or she is a deeply knowledgeable guide (usually a nurse, social worker, or allied professional) who finds you high-quality help, arranges locations, and advises concerning needed services. Aging Life Care Managers are part of a national organization with training requirements,... 
While “aging in place” has its benefits, it is expensive to get such individualized care. Plus, it’s rather isolating. Group options require a move, but are more social and cost effective. Assisted living. People move to assisted living when they are ready to stop cooking, cleaning, and maybe even driving. They enjoy social activities but...