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|

Nonprofits And Programs For Seniors

I am honored and proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for two nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of seniors and their loved ones. ARTZ Philadelphia and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey (JFCS) are the nonprofits. Each nonprofit offers complimentary programs for older adults and those living with dementia. ARTZ Philadelphia is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture. Their evidence-based programs connect people with dementia and those they love with artists, cultural organizations, and each other. They help [...]

2024-03-08T10:56:15-05:00October 2, 2023|

The Value of Planning Before a Senior Healthcare Crisis

Recently, Tina Kane, one of our elder care coordinators, and I were invited to speak on the Givnish Spotlight hour on WWDB 860 AM. The show is led by representatives of the Life Celebrations family of funeral homes, a group that advocates for preneed burial and funeral planning. The reason for our invitation to join a few weeks ago was to discuss the value of planning as we age. Simple in concept, complex in execution.   If there's a list of things we dislike or avoid talking about, I imagine death and dying would be near the top. Not far [...]

2024-03-08T11:11:49-05:00February 3, 2023|

Recognizing Changes in Loved Ones Over the Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for families to come together to celebrate the holidays, including with our elderly loved ones. In many instances, this time of year is the first time you may see an aging parent, grandparent, or other relatives after months apart, or even perhaps from the last holiday season. Below are some common age-related changes in loved ones to be mindful of when visiting. Significant weight gain or loss Changes in mobility or balance Fluctuations in mood or behaviors Poor memory or increased confusion It is important to address changes in loved ones such as those listed above early [...]

2024-03-08T11:16:22-05:00December 23, 2022|
Go to Top