The relationship between seniors and adult children can be incredibly rewarding but also extremely challenging. As our parents age, roles tend to get reversed. This is a natural progression, but it can be frustrating for both parent and child. When our parents need help but aren’t ready to accept it, things become even more complicated. As family members, our goal is to preserve our loved ones’ dignity and treat them with compassion while guiding them and helping them stay safe. One of the sticking points for many families is getting mom or dad to accept in-home help or a move to assisted living or long-term care. There’s often a point where children feel this is necessary, but the senior isn’t entirely on board. Cognitive issues, grief after the loss of a spouse, worries about finances and other emotional dynamics can complicate the situation. As the AARP points out, it sometimes … [Read more...]

Making medical decisions for yourself and your loved ones can be overwhelming, especially when there’s a senior involved. It can be intimidating to advocate for your loved ones when dealing with doctors and medical providers in positions of authority. While these providers almost always have your loved one’s interest at heart, they are busy professionals with lots of cases on their plates. So making sure that your loved one gets what they need often falls to family members. The decisions of doctors and other medical providers used to be taken as gospel. But these days, patients and family members are learning to advocate for themselves to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is possible to respect providers while still focusing on your loved one’s best interests. Families are learning that asking questions and even challenging providers’ decisions are allowed and informing yourself is … [Read more...]

As we all know, Americans are living longer than ever and often need support on a short or long-term basis as they age. Long term care and short term rehab offer plenty of growth careers, with new jobs being created all the time. These positions also give compassionate individuals a chance to make a difference in the lives of seniors and folks with disabilities or chronic illness and their families. Medical providers and professional caregivers help seniors and others stay happy, productive and comfortable in short-term rehab or long-term care. Why Consider a Profession Working with the Elderly? Working with seniors and patients with disabilities is one of the most rewarding fields you can choose. It involves working with patients, their families and other healthcare and wellness team members. If you are a “people person” with a compassionate heart and patience, it’s an ideal career … [Read more...]

The transition to long term care can be a challenging one, and the holidays can be especially tough. Mom or dad may already be struggling with losing independence and connection to family and old friends. Add in the emotional weight of Christmas away from home, and it can be a recipe for frustration and resentment. Fortunately, there are strategies for making the transition easier and using the holidays to help your loved one embrace their new environment. It just takes a little flexibility and a willingness on your part to let go of old patterns and expectations. Here are some tips for helping mom or dad have a happy holiday in long term care--and for staying sane for family members. Presence matters. Spending time with your loved one is the most important step you can take to make things easier this holiday season. Don’t attach too much significance to dates on the calendar as … [Read more...]

Your mom has always been active, but lately arthritis in her hip is slowing her down and getting in the way of her quality of life. Hip replacement can be a game-changer: advances in technology have made surgery safer and recovery easier. But hip replacement is still a big deal. Healing takes time and seniors need support from family. Here are some tips for helping mom after hip replacement. Helping Mom Recover from Hip Replacement: Support is Key Hip replacement is one of the most common surgeries for seniors, with more than 300,000 performed each year according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It’s a procedure that can give mom a new lease on life after being sidelined by arthritis or following a fracture. But recovery takes time, and support is essential. The rehab phase, which covers the time until your loved one can walk without assistance, is often the most … [Read more...]

Transitioning to long-term care can be emotionally tough for patients and families alike. We all want to make sure our loved one is being properly cared for and treated with dignity. We also know that in some cases, seniors may have a hard time making the shift to residential care. Initial complaints and grumbling are often par for the course as our loved one gets used to the new setting. If a senior speaks out about treatment in long-term care, we want to differentiate between a challenging adjustment and potential abuse. Here are some guidelines for making sure your loved one is getting the care they deserve and for taking action if you suspect elder abuse. What Is Elder Abuse? According to the Centers for Disease Control, elder abuse is an intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another person in a relationship with an expectation of trust that causes a risk of harm to … [Read more...]

Your 88-year old-father is in good health overall, but a fall and hospitalization have left him weak and in need of extra care. After ten days, he’s stable enough to leave the hospital but not ready to come home. This is where acute care rehab in an inpatient facility can be a lifesaver. This important step between hospital and home is often the key to a successful recovery. But many patients and families don’t fully understand how acute care works and how it differs from long term care. What Is Acute Care? Hospitals usually discharge patients as soon as they are in stable condition. However, in many cases, patients need more time to recover under medical supervision. Short term rehab care is often essential to the transition from hospital to home. Acute care includes both nursing care for basic medical and personal needs and a range of therapies including physical therapy, … [Read more...]

You may have noticed that independent living for an elderly loved one is increasingly challenging. They seem like they’re struggling with basic day-to-day activities or may have medical needs they can’t manage on their own. As a family member, you come to the realization that they need help. But what kind of help is best? Would they benefit most from in-home care or long term care at an outside facility? These are often some of the most difficult choices a family has to make. Two of the biggest factors are cost and level of care needed. Here’s a short breakdown to help get you started in the decision-making process. What Are the Pros and Cons of Home Care? In-home care for seniors is a growing trend, with many seniors seeking to remain at home for as long as possible. The number of home care agencies has exploded in recent years, with different companies offering different options. … [Read more...]

Your father has just had major surgery or a medical event and is going to be discharged from the hospital. He’s still feeling weak and uncertain, and you’re not sure that you can give him what he needs as a caregiver. There’s so much to consider: medications, therapies and fear of relapse or reinjury. How can you best help dad recover safely? The answer is often choosing a short-term inpatient rehab program as your loved one rebuilds strength and function and gradually works up to independent living. What Is Short Term Rehab? Short-term rehab is a kind of step-down care between a hospital stay and going home. It’s a temporary stay, up to 21 days, often just 10 days or two weeks, and is an option for patients who are going to recover and return to their daily lives but just need a little extra time. In that way, it’s different from long-term care or assisted living. Short-term rehab … [Read more...]

An artificial joint is a tiny piece of equipment, but joint surgery is a big deal. Healing after joint surgery can often be a long and sometimes uncomfortable process, but in the end, it’s an incredibly positive game changer for most patients. There are a number of things patients and caregivers can do to help speed healing after joint surgery. These include a nutrient-rich diet, exercise and follow-up care, including physical therapy. The main thing is for patients and family members to follow instructions from doctors and other providers and to be fully engaged and proactive in their follow-up care. How Can I Speed Healing After Joint Surgery? There are a number of positive steps to speed healing after joint surgery, with a good physical therapy program front and center. Here are a few “dos”: Focus on a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet is more important to recovering from joint … [Read more...]