From the monthly archives:
Q. 84-year-old mother, who has been in excellent health all of her life, recently fell and spent several days in the hospital following hip surgery. She’s now coming home and my family and I are trying to work through the medical healthcare maze. Can you help? Most families don’t know what Medicare or private insurance [...]
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Continue ReadingThe extreme temperatures and snow of winter can be particularly dangerous for older adults. The elderly and those with heart disease are at special risk, according to the American Heart Association. As people age, their ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature often decreases. Because elderly people seem to be relatively insensitive to moderately [...]
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Continue ReadingQuestion: During my last doctor’s check-up I received abnormal cholesterol results for the first time in my life. What does that mean for me – an 80-year-old senior – and what can I do about it? Elizabeth Britton, owner of Home Instead Senior Care of Greater Boise, Idaho, says that as part of a healthy [...]
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Continue ReadingQ. My 82-year-old mother refuses to address her end-of-life wishes. I don’t like to think about her passing either, but I’d much rather know what she would want. Do you have any suggestions? I’m afraid she will get to the point where she will be unable to make these decisions for herself. Your concerns are [...]
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Continue ReadingYou’ve just returned to your childhood home for the holidays, but things don’t look the same. Are the conditions of aging jeopardizing your senior’s health and safety at home? Complete this checklist and if you see any of these situations, your senior may need extra help. Look in the refrigerator, freezer and drawers. Spoiled food [...]
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Continue ReadingQuestion: As I approach 80, I would like to continue to remain at home. What are ways that can help me do that? Attempting to remain healthy and active is a good place to start. Research reveals that illnesses and injuries, which lead to hospitalization or activity restriction, were associated with worsening functional ability, especially [...]
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Continue ReadingQuestion: I’m a 22-year-old recent college graduate now living on my own who has several seniors to buy for this holiday, including my grandparents. When I was a kid, I often made little gifts and cards for them. But now that I’m grown, I haven’t a clue. What can you recommend? I’m sure your grandparents [...]
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Continue ReadingQ. My parents, who are both in their 80s, are expecting a houseful of people this holiday season. Guests will include a number of small children. My folks haven’t entertained youngsters for years. I’m helping them decorate their home for the holidays as well as purchasing gifts for their young guests. Can you give me some [...]
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Continue ReadingQuestion: I’m very concerned about my 70-year-old mother, a full-time caregiver to my dad, who has been an invalid for years. I’ve been trying to convince her to get additional help because I’m worried the stress will begin to take its toll on her. What can happen with too much stress? And any suggestions on [...]
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Continue ReadingMy 86-year-old dad lives alone at home and I am increasingly concerned about his safety. What are the threats to him as an elderly senior? As seniors age they can become more vulnerable to the effects of aging, which may threaten their ability to remain at home. And one of the biggest threats is falls. [...]
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