The Hidden Epidemic? A senior fall, a broken hip, and a downward spiral from which there is no recovery. This scenario is well documented and universally understood as a risk for our elderly. But what about those small, unreported falls that become cumulative? Can they lead to Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)? The answer is yes. The question is, why are small falls such a risk … [Read more...]
Hospice Care and Palliative Care: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard these terms before, but never fully understood: Hospice Care and Palliative Care, and what is the difference between the two? Palliative Care is appropriate for anyone seeking pain and symptom management. You can receive palliative care at any age and at any stage of illness; you can also have it along with curative treatment and it is not dependent on … [Read more...]
GEP, IEP, Part A, Part B: The Maze of Medicare Enrollment
Medicare General Enrollment Period: 1/1 - 3/31. While some people can qualify early for Medicare due to disability or certain health conditions, most new enrollees in Medicare are people aging in at 65. This can be a confusing time. Most people have never had to make the health insurance choices that Medicare requires. Although Medicare sends a “Medicare and You Handbook” … [Read more...]
Disenrollment from Medicare Advantage Plans is possible between January 1 and February 14.
Healthcare after age 65 can be confusing and complex. During a short window of time, no matter where you live in the country, you can disenroll from an Advantage plan and return to traditional Medicare. Why would you want to disenroll from an Advantage Plan? According to Phoebe Shagan, RN, CCM of Reliable Health Solutions, LLC, it is often a case of “I just found out…” or … [Read more...]
Tips For Staying Connected With Your Senior In Assisted Living Or A Nursing Home
How visits and technology keep you connected. In last week’s blog, we learned how fostering connections in an assisted living facility opens the door to an extended family. Fostering connections helped Jennifer and her mother create family out of non-family, key to adjusting to assisted living or a nursing home. Continuing my conversation with Jennifer, I was struck by a … [Read more...]