Alternatives to Nursing Homes

For many families, placing a loved one into a nursing home facility can be a daunting and emotional decision. Fortunately, the spectrum of care has expanded, offering several alternatives to nursing homes that better suit older adults' and their families' needs and preferences. From adult daycare to innovative AgeTech solutions, the landscape of elder care has evolved to provide personalized, quality care. Adult Daycare Adult daycare is an excellent option for families who need support but wish to keep their loved ones at home. These centers provide socialization, activities, meals, and sometimes health services during the day, allowing caregivers to [...]

2024-04-10T14:12:05-04:00April 11, 2024|

Colombia Is Calling – Will We Answer?

Recently, Bryan Adler and I traveled to Colombia for a week-long trip as part of an elder law delegation from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), learning about the delivery of legal and social services to older adults in Colombia. Colombia is a fascinating, beautiful place. The people are warm and welcoming. Nursing homes generally do not exist. Virtually all take care of their loved ones at home. Walking multiple dogs at a time in Bogota seems to be a thing. I have no idea how the dogs are so well-behaved. There are still serious issues with the [...]

2024-03-29T20:59:04-04:00April 1, 2024|

The Importance of Crisis Planning for Seniors

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Oftentimes, families contact our office for crisis planning for seniors in their lives, struggling to manage the needs of their loved ones, while caught up in the emotions and stress that comes along with navigating a challenging situation. When in this heightened state of desperation, crisis planning for seniors makes it difficult for families to find appropriate and reliable long-term care options for their loved ones. Our team of care coordinators, including social workers, support our clients through these trying times, helping them access the best care [...]

2024-03-20T15:52:52-04:00March 21, 2024|

Smart Home Devices for Seniors Aging in Place

Smart home devices for seniors are changing how people age in place. Style, convenience, aesthetics, and comfort have long been the primary concerns of the home setup. However, for seniors, successful aging in place also requires a well-implemented plan for home safety. The good news is, with so many advances in smart home devices for seniors, implementing home safety for seniors no longer means compromising style, budget, or comfort. Furthermore, using technology to optimize home safety and function to age in place is often inexpensive and does not require permanent changes to the structure or aesthetics of the home. The [...]

2024-03-08T10:44:03-05:00March 7, 2024|

Unsupported Seniors: Challenges and Solutions

With an aging population and changes in family structures, many seniors are finding themselves without the necessary support to navigate the complexities of senior living, called unsupported seniors or solo agers. The challenges unsupported seniors face include financial struggles, healthcare hurdles, emotional isolation, and more.  Understanding the Challenges of Unsupported Seniors As people age, the support system they once relied upon might dwindle due to various reasons such as family relocation, the passing of a spouse, or changing social dynamics. Unsupported seniors often grapple with various challenges, from finance to healthcare and even isolation from living alone. Let’s go a [...]

2024-03-08T10:40:18-05:00February 22, 2024|

Involuntary Nursing Home Discharge: “We Have No Long-Term Care Beds”

I recently met with a family regarding their ailing father and a potential involuntary nursing home discharge. Their father fell in his home and was subsequently hospitalized. He then transitioned from the hospital to a local nursing home for rehabilitation covered by Medicare. The amount Medicare pays a nursing home for a resident undergoing short-term rehabilitation is significantly higher than what the nursing home would receive via Medicaid. However, Medicare will only pay for a maximum of 100 days if the resident needs skilled care. The 100 days is by no means guaranteed. With this client, the nursing home discharge [...]

2024-03-08T11:18:32-05:00January 25, 2024|

6 Steps to Establishing a Sustainable Exercise Routine

If you've recently met with a healthcare professional, you've likely been reminded of the benefits of healthy habits, such as balanced nutrition and a sustainable exercise routine. However, knowledge alone doesn't translate to healthy habit formation. So, it's not surprising that many people need more support than a verbal reminder to "move more" or "start exercising." A sustainable exercise routine should be individualized since each person has preferences, needs, interests, and health considerations that all play a role. Here are six ways to help establish an exercise routine and adopt a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Six Ways To Start A Sustainable [...]

2024-03-08T10:49:53-05:00December 7, 2023|

Exercise for Seniors: How to Maximize Active Aging

We know that exercise for seniors is important. We know that exercise is especially important as someone reaches their golden years, yet older adults remain the most sedentary group overall. So, where’s the disconnect? Is it the lack of knowledge about exercise? No, probably not. Is it that older adults can’t exercise? No, absolutely not. So, it likely has more to do with knowing what to do and how to do it. Active aging requires the combination of both regular structured exercise programs and being physically active as much as possible. And the truth is, being active is easier than [...]

2024-03-08T10:50:14-05:00November 22, 2023|

Wellness Programs for Seniors

Wellness programs for seniors are highly beneficial—but what do they encompass? What does “wellness” cover? “Wellness” is a broad term used in various ways, from healthcare to the workplace and everywhere. For instance, primary care annual appointments typically include wellness services, such as health screenings, risk assessments, and routine blood work. In the workplace, employers may offer wellness programs, promote stress reduction, fitness memberships, nutritional education, or healthy living. Other health professionals also offer wellness services aside from those found within medical practices or employ organizations, such as health spas or fitness centers. Regardless of the setting, these services have [...]

2024-03-08T10:50:22-05:00November 16, 2023|

Physical Therapy for Seniors: How It Can Help

Physical therapy for seniors: what is it and how can it help? Suppose you have ever had an injury, pain, recurrent falls, or changes to your walking or otherwise daily mobility. In that case, you’ve likely heard of physical therapy or have been a patient yourself. Physical therapy for seniors is a form of healthcare that combines prescribed exercise, therapeutic activities, functional mobility, patient education, and rehabilitation to help heal and restore everyday function. Physical therapists are movement experts in rehabilitative and preventative care, working to improve one’s quality of life. As of 2016, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy is [...]

2024-03-08T10:55:15-05:00October 11, 2023|
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