Medical care is expensive for American seniors who have a limited income. Even those who have public or private health insurance find themselves having to pay out of pocket for routine screenings, medications and doctors visits. Every penny counts when it comes to saving money on healthcare and seniors can do so by following these tips:

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

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The health of a caregiver is a very important issue. If you are a caregiver, it is essential that you take care of yourself, as well as the senior you are caring for. If you are ill, you will be unable to provide the necessary services to a senior. Proper health care is necessary in order to be an effective caregiver. The following list contains some tips for caregivers in regards to their own health.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.or

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Warning Signs of Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can be a common health issue that develops later in life and affects a large number of seniors. For those who may not make frequent visits to their doctor, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes so that medical help can be sought and treatment started before the health issue progresses further.

Seniors and caregivers should recognize the following as being potential symptoms of diabetes:

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm

It’s no secret that so many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions soon after the calendar has changed, but seniors and caregivers can make New Year’s resolutions they will stick to by following management expert Peter Drucker’s SMART concept.

1. S – Specific – effective New Year’s resolutions require that specific goals be set. If your goal is to lose weight, simply stating that is not enough. Instead, set a specific weight loss amount for each month or the goal you’d like to reach by the end of the year

2. M – Measurable – set goals that you can track whether they’re being accomplished. Many caregivers and seniors alike vow to stay in better touch with family and friends. Decide how that will be accomplished – set a number of emails per month you’d like to send, or how frequently you’ll attend social events

3. A – Achievable – setting goals that are impossible to accomplish aren’t productive. Striving to be “perfect” in 2010 is not something you’ll ever accomplish. But you can pledge to better yourself by attempting to be more patients, control your temper, or spend more time with your family

4. R – Realistic – set goals that make sense with your life, and are things that will be really beneficial to you

5. T – Timeline – New Year’s resolutions should be accomplished within the New Year; set goals that can be achieved within 12 months and work on a deadline!

Via: LifeHacker.com

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Sometimes as we age, it’s harder to get into the spirit of the holiday season. But here is a special holiday poem that’s sure to put that sparkle back in your eye and the holiday spirit back in your heart!

A Senior Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,

And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;

Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker; in hope

That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends,

Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,

Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,

And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,

Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop –

Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,

Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games,

Like “Where Are You Living?”  And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,

Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,

In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow

Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter

But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,

Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

’Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived

Our social security checks had arrived.

We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,

Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds

While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

’fore long you’ll be with us, we wish you the best.

-Author Unknown

Via: MSGR.ca

Image Source: sxc.hu

Buying a gift for a senior can be a challenge. You want to present them with something that has a personal touch, but you do not want to give them something that cannot be used. It takes a lot of thought to come up with the perfect gift for any senior. The following list contains ten ideas that may help this holiday season when you are shopping for a senior.

1. If the senior lives alone, a Medical Emergency Notification System is a great gift to ensure their safety.

2. Cell Phones with Easy to see and use buttons.

3. If the senior is a pet owner, a pre-paid walking service or grooming is a great gift.

4. Gift certificates to the barber or hairdresser, especially if they will come to their home.

5. Pre-pay a season of lawn mowing and landscaping.

6. Wall clocks with a large face so they are easy to see.

7. If the senior is hearing impaired, a flashing light doorbell or telephone will be of great use.

8. Universal TV Remotes with large buttons.

9. Lap tables can be handy to eat on and can also provide a place for small items, such as remotes and eyeglasses.

10. Clothing with zippers or large zipper pulls.

Source: associatedcontent

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Q – My sister cares for our elderly mother full-time. I want to come up with a great gift idea for the holidays that I know she’ll appreciate. What would you suggest?

A – Here are some great holiday gift ideas that can help senior caregivers to put the focus back on themselves!

1. Respite care – a break from caregiving responsibilities is appreciated by most caregivers, whether they’d admit it or not. Hire a service to provide respite or step in yourself, offering assistance once a month, or even just one time!

2. Entertainment gift certificates – send them for a night out at the movies or dinner with a gift certificate

3. Spa services – a day out at the spa can be rejuvenating for a female caregiver. Treat them to the chance to relax!

4. Subscription to a book club or movie service – this is something they can do to relax while providing care. Movies can be enjoyed with their senior, and books can be shared

5. Service to help them at home – caregivers have so much to take care of, help them maintain responsibilities of their own homes with cleaning services for inside the home or for yard work

Via: AgingCare

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A senior’s release from the hospital can be an exciting time, but for families, it’s when the hard work really begins to help with their recovery process and ensure that they receive the best care possible. There are a few things that families can do in order to help the transition from hospital to home:

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

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Caregiving is tough, and it’s a job that can often make family caregivers feel like they’re isolated. They run the gamut of emotions, and feel like they’re going through it all alone. The reality is, while caregivers might feel like they’re the only ones in the world feeling that way, there are others like them who can relate.

To show family caregivers that they’re not alone, the National Family Caregiver’s Association (NFCA) is asking for caregivers to share their stories about family caregiving to give others perspective on what they’re experiencing, and also help caregivers to cope with their emotions through sharing.

In order to join in on the action, family caregivers must join the story project, registering their information. Only those who share their stories have access to view what other people have had to say, because the point is to create a safe environment where caregivers feel comfortable sharing their stories with each other, even when they’re personal or unpleasant.

If you’re a family caregiver, join the NFCA Family Caregiver Story Project, and know that you’re not alone.

National Family Caregiver’s Association

Q – The time has come where I know my mom needs more help at home. I’d love to become her primary caregiver, but that just isn’t realistic for me, so the best I can do is try to coordinate her care. I want to make sure that the caregiver she’s with provides for her needs and ensures that she’s healthy and happy. Do you have any tips for selecting a caregiving agency?

A – Just because you won’t be providing care primarily, doesn’t mean that you’re not a caregiver; you’re playing a major role in the process in finding care for your mother, and here are some tips to help you through it!

1. Know what’s out there – to choose the best option, explore them all. Even if you have home care in mind, visiting a nursing home will only help to reassure you of your decision

2. Ask the opinion of others – the best feedback you will receive on home care places you’re exploring is from other trusted friends and family members who have been through the process

3. Interview someone at the service – before you even meet with a caregiver, interview someone in charge at the home care service about what they provide, and what their specific policies are

4. Ask about licensing – the home care service should have appropriate licenses as required by their jurisdiction; ask about this, and also find out if the home caregivers have any specific level of training

5. Be straight forward – to make sure that that important senior in your life receives adequate care, don’t sugar coat what you’re dealing with. If your loved one is difficult with certain tasks or activities, let them know so they can reassure you by talking about how they’d address these circumstances

Via: Family Caregiver Alliance