Health tips for living a longer, better life.

Health Tips for Seniors: How to Live a Longer, Better Life

November 04, 2019 by Ashley Look in Caregiving

The fountain of youth is perhaps less of a magical well restoring juvenescence but instead, a repository that’s deep in knowledge. Understanding our needs throughout aging and accessibility to benefits and services can help us navigate some age related challenges that can improve upon quality of life. Fortunately, Harry Cline, creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers is here with some tips for seniors on how to live a longer, better life! You can read his suggestions below.

Whole body self-care is important at every stage of life. For seniors, as new healthcare challenges arise, healthy living is critical not only for preventive care but also to actively combat ailments and be proactive in keeping your mind and body sharp. Developing healthy living habits not only helps you live a longer life, but it also improves your daily quality of life.

Health Insurance

It’s imperative to understand what is and is not provided under your insurance so that you can maximize the benefits, get the most out of preventative care, and plan ahead for the uncovered costs. At 65, you become eligible for Medicare, which means you are faced with options. When you apply for Medicare, you’re automatically enrolled in Part A, which covers stays at the hospital, some instances of skilled nursing, and hospice. Most people don’t have to pay for Part A, but there’s a deductible that you’ll need to familiarize yourself with each year.

Part B covers your normal visits to the doctor’s office, lab tests, medical equipment, ambulance, and other outpatient care. Annually, the government sets the monthly premium and deductible for Part B care. Part D covers prescription drugs. If you can afford the extra premiums, Medigap coverage, which is extra health coverage beyond your normal plan, can help you cover some expenses. You will want to keep up with yearly updates to these plans.

Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, are in lieu of Parts A, B, and D. Some of these plans provide added coverage for dental, vision, and access to fitness facilities across the nation.

Self-Evaluation

As we age, our capabilities change. We will become more knowledgeable and skilled, but we may also lose some physical and mental capabilities. Frequently, you should evaluate where you are in your life. For instance, if your knees are not what they once were, pushing yourself in running or aerobics will only hurt you. Try the alternative like water aerobics or yoga.

Driving keeps adults mobile and independent, but as reflexes slow down and vision deteriorates, driving can become dangerous. Fortunately, if you must stop driving, there are alternatives such as public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing options. More than ever before, you have more options to get around that don’t have to involve driving. You will still experience a high quality of life, even if you have to change how you go about it. You will, however, need to budget for this, because most public ride services aren’t free.

Self-Care

As life gets in the way, it’s easy to let things fall by the wayside. When people run out of time, money, or energy, one of the first things to go is self-care. To maintain as much independence as possible and live your best life, you must make your health and well-being a top priority. Even if you spent your whole life eating poorly, it’s not too late to turn things around. Pick up healthy cooking as a hobby, try fun recipes and experiment with new flavors.

Other self-care acts to incorporate into your life include:

Exercising regularly, focusing on balance and strength
Getting outdoors to experience fresh air and soak up natural vitamin D
Seeking help from a physical therapist to assist with posture
Joining a book club, chess club, or walking group to stay social and connected
Playing games and puzzles to keep your brain sharp
Taking time to relax
Taking time to travel

Unfortunately, even with a top-notch diet, you run a risk of not getting enough nutrients out of it. 40 percent or more of adults in the US don’t, but you can make up the difference with a high-quality multivitamin.

A healthier lifestyle can lead to a longer life, fewer years of illness, more independence, and happier days. It’s never too late to start living better. Start by being proactive with your healthcare, schedule regular wellness check-ups, and educate yourself on your health insurance. Also, regularly check in with yourself and your loved ones to assess your well-being and changes you can make to ensure your safety. Above all, prioritize your self-care to ensure your physical and emotional well-being is taken care of.

This is far from and exhaustive list of suggestions for living a better life and we would love to hear yours in the comments. We know that health is not a one-size-fits-all and you never know what suggestion might encourages one to take actions. Share your tips! We want to hear them.

Helping Seniors Prepare for the Funeral Process

July 25, 2019 by Ashley Look in Caregiving

Helping seniors, or anyone for that matter, prepare for a funeral is an emotional yet necessary responsibility. Luckily, How To Feed A Senior is welcoming back Harry Cline, creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers to help prepare us for one of life’s most difficult journeys. I feel fortunate to have Harry here to shed light on a day that is so full of darkness. After laying both my parents to rest I’ve found myself wanting to share a bit about the process but lost on where to begin. I’m happy to have Harry synthesize some important tips and I’ll include some personal thoughts at the bottom.

Here’s Harry!

Photo by Francesco Corbisiero on Unsplash

On average, there are 2.4 million funerals held every year in the United States, and the typical cost of burying someone is between $7,000 and $10,000. But neither of those statistics take into account the emotional weight of losing a loved one, or the intricacies of the funeral-planning process. Since the average life expectancy in the US is 78.6 years, it would seem that a great number of older adults either attend funerals or bury spouses or partners. If you’re in that demographic and you haven’t been through this process, read on for some thoughts on how to prepare for a funeral and how to cope with grief and loss.

Funeral Planning Process

The shock of losing a spouse can be extraordinarily painful. People often wrestle with feelings of loss and grief, sometimes for years afterwards. (Increasingly, too, those people are women, who outlive men across the world.) Managing to get through the funeral-planning process can be intricate. Here are just some questions to ask in this process:

Who is handling the death certificate?
What arrangements need to be made?
How is payment to be tendered?
What were the last wishes of the deceased?
Which pallbearers need to be contacted?
Who will send out the funeral announcements?
Who is going to be in touch with the funeral director?

The list goes on. That’s why it’s important to start this process early, even if you’re swamped with grief. So, it’s equally important to have a number of friends and loved ones around you to help you through this time.

The Day

For many people, the day of the funeral of their spouse or partner can be surreal. You still feel like he or she is with you, you’re surrounded by people all expressing their condolences, and you’re quickly exhausted. A lot of that is inevitable. But there are some things you can do that can help the day go smoothly. These include being prepared to give a eulogy well in advance so that you’re comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, or delegating someone else to speak on your behalf. Also, figure out what to wear. This may sound trivial, but being in nice-fitting clothing will make you feel at ease around all the people who come up to share a few words with you. (On that note, it goes a long way if you wear shoes with strong supports, because you may find yourself standing for hours, and your feet and ankles will quickly tire.) Finally, anticipate all the factors you can’t control: You will have to talk to a lot of people, some of whom you may not want to see, and others might share awkward or inappropriate condolences. With all that you’re going through, it’s always okay to simply end the conversation, and to retire to another room when you feel overwhelmed.

Life Afterwards

After the funeral, think about the long-term decisions that will affect you after losing your partner or spouse. You can expect to experience a low appetite, difficulty sleeping, problems concentrating, and a hard time making decisions. During this period, try above all to take care of yourself. Exercise, eat healthy, and get the recommended amount of sleep (7-8 hours for adults 65+). Tap into your support group to stay around friends and loved ones. Consider going to a grief support group, talking to a counselor, or signing up for a retreat in a monastery or other house or worship, if it puts you at peace. Adjusting back to a sense of normalcy following the funeral will take time, but eventually, you’ll find yourself prepared for the future.

Now, what I can tell you from Harry’s questions above, is that I was the person coordinating things. My mom passed rather unexpectedly which is to say I was not prepared. The only information I knew about her wishes was that she wanted a party. And how could she not?! She was a florist and a party planner so I knew our funeral would be a celebration of her life. However, no one mentioned the exorbitant expense surrounding this day. It cost me more than $8,000 just to bury her and that did not not include flowers or memorial services.

If you take away only one thing from my experience let it be awareness regarding death as an industry. The funeral business is a business and you will spend a fortune on a casket, burial plot, services held and obituaries printed, let alone any flowers or receptions you might want to hold in your loved one’s honor. Any emotional burden weighing on you during such times will only be compounded by the financial obligation that’s nothing short of a kick when you’re down. Additionally the pace in which the burial process demands adds further sting. Burials are time sensitive and you’ll be hard pressed to find a moment to collect yourself in the chaos.

Do I sound bitter? Well, I am. Bitter because I feel cheated out of an authentic opportunity to explore the true meaning of loss. I was so inundated with demands that I practically shutdown. I went into some strange autopilot mode where there was no room for grief because there were tasks to get done. I can only describe it as shock. Not shock from the loss (although obviously that is its own emotional layer), but shock around the cultural norm of how we manage death. Nothing slows down. Everything just marches on and you’ll likely be trampled if you are not prepared to stand your ground when it comes to delivering on final wishes. I have never felt so manipulated by an “occurrence”. It’s worth mentioning that those conducting services and offering guidance were well intentioned. That’s partly what made the process so difficult. The funeral industry insiders were nice people, wholly seasoned in every step of the process but that’s what’s hard to swallow. Recognizing that my mother was no different from the gentleman awaiting service a few ours after her’s, or the young daughter being laid to rest the next day… There’s something about funerals operating in assembly line fashion that shook me awake and then tormented me with thoughts of how to be better advocates for the dead.

I learned a lot in those few weeks. I learned the hard way but hopefully you wont have to. I encourage anyone considering final wishes for themselves or a loved one to look into cremation. Not only is it considerably more affordable but it’s also free of the time sensitivity that burials demand. Cremation eliminates the clock. Burials do not. A body in waiting requires management and care and is best dealt with swiftly. That is very understandable however the freedom to plan and honor one’s life deserves the space to cultivate authentic closure and that looks different for everyone. Rushing due to time restraints can diminish what’s really at stake; a significant loss of life… I cremated my father. It was still painful. But cremation allowed for us to plan a service that felt personal and meaningful in a way that played tribute to the amazing man he was. It wasn’t fancy, but it was poignant and for that I am grateful.

Long-Term Care: Assessing Your Needs and Planning to Pay

May 24, 2019 by Ashley Look in Caregiving

Have you given consideration to your long-term care needs? Have you created a plan for how to pay for it? The cost of health insurance during our healthiest of years is already reaching harrowing rates. But what about those days (hopefully distant future) when we need a bit of extra help. If it’s expensive now, we can assume it will be even more costly then. Fortunately, Harry Cline, creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers is here to help us with some of these questions. Read below for some suggestions on how you can start to think big pictures for what long-term care might look like for you or your loved ones.

While it isn’t pleasant to think about, there is a good chance you will need some type of long-term care in your senior years. Long-term care doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be put in a nursing home. In fact, assisted living facilities and nursing homes are more expensive than in-home care. Long-term care simply means any sort of custodial care you’ll need for more than two months, whether that be admittance into an assisted living facility, adult day care, or an in-home health aide.

Planning for Long-Term Care Needs

To assess the likelihood of your needing long-term care in the future, take a look at your state of health. Does your family carry any hereditary illnesses or conditions that could show up down the line? Fortunately, there are now predictive genetic tests that you can take to catch some of these early. However, it’s important to know that carrying a condition like Alzheimer’s means you won’t be eligible for long-term insurance.

Barring genetic issues and accidents, your health is largely in your own hands. If you don’t already lead a healthy lifestyle that promotes longevity, make a resolution to change as soon as possible. One of the best things you can do for your long-term health is exercise regularly. You only need 90 minutes of exercise a week to reduce blood pressure levels. Exercise 450 minutes a week, and you’ll significantly reduce your chances of premature death.

As mentioned earlier, in-home care can be significantly cheaper than an assisted living facility or nursing home. If you are part of the 87 percent of adults who wish to age-in-place within their own home, it’s important to make sure the house facilitates that. Either find a home that has accessibility features in place or budget to make the renovations yourself. You’ll need to make modifications such as installing railings on both sides of stairs, removing any loose carpeting or rugs, and changing to automatic night lights.

Paying for Long-Term Care Needs

The further you are from retirement, the more options you have when it comes to saving for long-term care. An easy way to make sure you’ll have the funds no matter what is by investing in long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance is expensive for a reason. Insurance companies know just like the rest of us that healthcare costs are rising steadily, as is the aging population. The chances of someone needing to actually use that insurance is pretty high, thus the high premium.

Another option you have when it comes to saving for your long-term needs is a Health Savings Account (HSA). a Health Savings Account is a compound interest savings program that allows you to contribute a certain amount monthly without having to pay taxes. The funds can be used on a variety of healthcare costs, including custodial care. The best part about an HSA is you can access the funds tax-free for everything from acupuncture to X-rays. If you want to access the funds for any other purchases, you can do that as well! Just be prepared to pay taxes on it.

Long-term care isn’t necessarily as scary as it sounds, but it is serious business. The costs of healthcare are rising every day, so it’s something you need to plan for. When assessing your risk of needing long-term care, there are predictive genetic tests you can take. However, your best bet is reducing your chances of needing long-term care with a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise. If you prefer the idea of in-home care over being admitted to an assisted living facility, you have to make sure your house is ready with accessibility modifications. To pay for your long-term care needs, you can invest in insurance. However, this is an expensive option and ultimately useless if you end up not needing it. A Health Savings Account, on the other hand, allows you to save thousands a year and benefit from its tax-free status and compound interest to pay for long-term healthcare costs when the time comes.

Do any of you have experience with a Health Savings Account? It has only recently popped up on my radar but after struggling financially to afford life crippled under my parents health, let alone my own healthcare, I’m developing a budding interest in all things financial. Share your experience affording care in the comments. Many of us new to caregiving are clueless about this stuff so your input is extremely valued here.

Love at Long Distance: When the Burden of Care Falls on You From Across the Country

March 28, 2019 by Ashley Look in Caregiving

Long distance caregiving is a burden full of unique challenges. As a caregiver, how can you provide love and support when you live across the country? How can you manage the care of your loved one when you’re physically not available? Fortunately, Harry Cline is back with us today with some strategies for managing long distance caregiving.

Harry is the creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. He is a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle. He is more than familiar with the challenges and rewards of caregiving and understands the role is often overwhelming for those just starting out. And if you find yourself on the precipice of having to uproot your life to provide care, keep reading. Harry has some suggestions that can hopefully give you some peace of mind while you navigate the complications of a possible relocation.

As adults, we know that there is a time when we may be called upon to care for our parents. However, what happens when that obligation overlaps with your own family’s needs, such as when your children are in school, or you are financially unable to devote yourself to full-time care? The concern may be even greater when you live far away and your elderly parents won’t move closer or you can’t go to them.

What You Can Do

As a long-distance caregiver, you can’t physically be there to provide hands-on assistance, but there are still plenty of things you can do to help. The National Institute on Aging explains that you can pay bills, offer emotional support, and provide updates to friends and family.

One of the most important things you can do is to ensure their basic needs are taken care of. This might mean hiring a housekeeper to keep things clean if they suffer from limited mobility. A tidy home will benefit their health and prevent dangerous tripping hazards. Using an online search tool, you can find a housekeeper, ask for a quote, and see if they will allow you to pay on your parents’ behalf. Similarly, you can schedule lawn care and other essential home maintenance tasks that your parents are unable to do themselves.

When your elderly parents need more in-depth assistance, a home aide can provide companionship and help them take their medications, eat, go to the bathroom, and handle other daily needs. Care.com gives you access to a nationwide directory of non-medical personal caregivers. Many of these professional attendants are available for overnight care and can help with transportation to and from doctor appointments.

Safety

In addition to their daily care needs, one of the most pressing concerns for long-distance caregivers is keeping their loved ones safe. There are many ways to achieve this, and a combination of minor home improvements and tech gear may be all it takes to put your mind at ease. A video-enabled home security system will allow you to monitor their activities no matter where you are. ADT—along with major home security firms—offers smart products and video surveillance for a monthly fee. Similarly, Amazon and Google’s home hubs can double as instant video chatting devices. Amazon’s Echo Show, for example, may be configured so that you can “drop in” on your loved one any time. When you can visit, add grab bars to the bathtub and install motion-activated lights in the hallway.

Echo Show (2nd Gen) – Premium sound and a vibrant 10.1” HD screen - Sandstone

Amazon

Drive Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Grab Bar Safety Rail, White

Drive Medical

No Loose Ends

Going a step further, you can take over your loved one’s finances by setting up direct deposit of their Social Security check and online bill payments for the mortgage and utilities. Their home health aide or a helpful neighbor can get the mail from the mailbox and alert you of any non-recurring bills, such as insurance co-payments or quarterly pest control. You can usually call these companies and take care of the charges over the phone.

If you can’t have an onsite caregiver, look for a local food service that delivers to the elderly. Meals on Wheels, your family member’s local community center, or their church can ensure they have healthy meals delivered. This is especially important if they can no longer cook for themselves.

Finally, when you can visit, establish a relationship with the neighbors. Many police precincts have community programs, often run by citizens that can further put a set of hands within reach when your parents need it the most. Make a copy of their front door key and leave it with a trusted neighbor.

Caring for an aging parent or grandparent from a distance is not always easy. But it is possible, even if you work full time or are yourself physically unable to provide care. Things such as hiring a housekeeper and having prepared meals delivered are small actions that can make a huge impact on their health, well-being, and independence.

Moral of the story: Don’t be like me. I was in denial and hoping the situation would get better on its own. Obviously it didn’t. Instead things escalated until I was forced into an unprepared moved to South Florida with no such assistance in place. If I had to do it over again, I would implement all the above suggestions. Any support in these matters would have allowed for a smoother transition becoming a full-time caregiver while also constructing the beginnings of an infrastructure for support. Hiring help for such matters can be extremely personal and it’s helpful to remember that an aid or service is not just for your loved ones. Such help will alleviate some of the myriad of concerns on your plate and greatly help your personal mental health.

Do you have experience with long-distance caregiving? I’d love to hear about strategies you’ve implemented to help ensure safety for your loved ones.

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