Medicare Certified Health Care at Home Is One Solution. My father’s release from the hospital was the miracle we had been praying for, but I had no idea how we would manage. (Jump to Lessons Learned) Two years after dad was admitted to the hospital, I find myself comfortable with a language I never knew existed: “Event”; “Compliance”; “Case Manager”; the list goes on. My … [Read more...]
Heart Attacks and Sleep APNEA Are Connected
Sleep studies, CPAP's and other technology for sleep APNEA have come a long way. After my father’s heart attack in 2005, would the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) sleeping device have prolonged his life? Possibly. (Jump to Lessons Learned) Dad underwent a sleep study in a lab after his initial heart attack. The study showed he was waking up many times … [Read more...]
How to be a Healthcare Advocate
Being a health advocate for your aging parents is critical. Before I began going to doctor appointments with my father, I asked if it would be OK to be his second set of ears. He readily agreed since background noise often made it difficult for him to hear even with his hearing aids. Later, dad felt so discouraged, he had trouble concentrating and remembering what the … [Read more...]
Beyond Advance Directives and Health Care Proxy
Using the POLST form at end-of-life One of the greatest gifts ever received from my parents are their living wills, appointment of a healthcare power of attorney and their willingness to share that information with my brother and me. (Jump to Lessons Learned) Dad and mom completed their Five Wishes advance directives together, and committed to honoring one another’s … [Read more...]
4 Tips For Taking Control Of Medication When You Have A Chronic Illness
Managing multiple medications can be a full time job. Until the last year of my father’s life I did not understand what a complex process it can be when doctors need to prescribe medication for patients with chronic illnesses. Or the effort it takes for a patient to be compliant. (Jump to Lessons Learned) For eight years after his heart attack, dad managed his failing heart … [Read more...]