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Seeking Help Crucial for Independent Living Elderly
Dec. 31, 2005 - Most elders value independence and
quality of life more than longevity, says Paul Takahashi, M.D., a Mayo
Clinic geriatrician. In the December issue of Mayo Clinic Womens
HealthSource, he offers perspective on how elders can maintain a sense
of independence.
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'Hospital at Home' for Seniors Offers Quality Care
at Less Cost Says Study
Dec. 15, 2005 - Being hospitalized can be a
traumatic experience, especially for older persons. Hospitals are noisy,
disorienting, full of strangers and infections often spread among
patients. Read
more...
States Finding Ways to Keep Elderly Out of Nursing
Homes
Dec. 13, 2005 Poll after poll has shown senior
citizens would prefer to stay in their homes after becoming disabled
rather than move to nursing homes. Studies have also shown it is less
costly for Medicaid, which pays for the care of most nursing home
patients, if the needs of these citizens can be provided by home health
care. So, finding ways to care for the elderly in their homes is a
win-win situation but cutting through the red tape is a challenge.
Christine Vestal reports in a recent story for Stateline.org, however,
that state governments are finding ways to achieve this goal.
Read more...
More on
Eldercare - click |
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Adapt your environment to your abilities.
Just as a child uses a step stool to reach the
kitchen sink, use tools and techniques to adapt to physical limitations.
It could be adding a bench to the bathtub or asking for a ride to the
grocery story.
Set goals and plan for the future.
Focus on maintaining your physical health by
exercising and staying active, managing chronic health conditions,
eating a healthy diet and staying connected with family and friends.
Ask for help when you need it.
You might need help making sure your bills get
paid, mowing the lawn or doing house projects. At some point, you may
need to ask about using a walker to get around the house, having meals
delivered or having a nurse visit once a week.
Find the resources you need.
Family members, faith-based community resources,
nonprofit community programs and businesses have options to provide
housekeeping help, yard care, meals, transportation or nursing care.
Talk to your doctor, family members or community service organizations
about what services or options are available.
Whether you are in your own home, senior apartment,
assisted living or a nursing home, keeping your independence means
maintaining the highest level of functioning.
Whatever your situation, dont be reluctant to ask
for what you need to maintain independence.
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Nursing Home Abuse, Medical Malpractice? Contact a lawyer.
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