What Exactly is Hospice? My family recently lost a beloved member to cancer. The last days of my aunt’s life were spent at home with her family, under the guidance of a hospice agency. Hearing about their work and the support they gave to Aunt Mary Ellen and her family caregivers made me wonder, exactly what is hospice, who pays for it and how does it work? This first … [Read more...]
Why Our Elders Resist Going to the Dentist and What You Can Do About It
“You are not burying me with a $5,000 crown in my mouth.” Have you heard this statement from an aging loved one? I have. Dental health is so important to physical health and nutrition, why is it neglected by so many of our elders? (Jump to Lessons Learned) Dr. John Raziano of John F. Raziano DMD PA, a family and cosmetically oriented dental practice, outlined the three big … [Read more...]
Medications to Watch Out For When Over 65
How to prevent medication errors and interactions I have written about what it takes for a loved one with a chronic illness to manage their medications in the blog article: 3 Tips for Taking Control of Medication But I am happy to revisit this topic by sharing with you an article from the American Recall Center: Over 65? Watch Out for These Medications. The impact of … [Read more...]
Medicare Payment Impacted by Hospital Observation vs. Admitted Status
Hospitals are now required to explain the implications The Notice Act signed into law August 6, 2016 by President Obama, is a start in resolving the dilemma faced by people with Medicare who must go to the hospital. The dilemma occurs when Medicare patients are treated by the hospital as an outpatient in Observation status vs. being Admitted to the hospital under inpatient … [Read more...]
Suddenly Mom Is Confused. Is It Dementia or Dehydration?
Conditions of dementia such as confusion could be a sign of early stage Alzheimer's. But confusion caused by Alzheimer's does not come on quickly, it is a slow progression. If your loved one suddenly displays confusion, memory problems, delirium, dizziness, agitation or even hallucinations, look for other sources first, such as dehydration or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). As … [Read more...]