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Older Woman or Wise Woman

As for many years that I have been working in New York City, I as much as any person, walking, using public transportation and doing business in the city, have seem more than a handful of women wearing their gray hair, so for me it was an easy decision when I was ready, I would do the same.

I am not sure if every single woman that I saw wearing their gray hair goes through what I do; my day goes around as such: having much older like in their eighty’s women telling me that we are the same? Which begs the question? Is she thinking that we are at the same aged and share the aches and pains or is she thinking we both women and sister have chosen life as it comes?

Quite frankly I think the latter is true, I am enjoying being sitting in the first section of the bus wearing above the knee skirts, I see a much older person trying to get me at me but taking a good look at my gray hair and swollen a hard pill.

Often times when I escort and stay over with my client when he is admitting to the hospital, and the younger nurses come to me saying that I look just like their elderly loved one. And yet again one begs the question isn’t the generation Z, all about equality? Non-violence nor discrimination? Aren’t we women all made of strong stucco? Where we all should support and appreciate our victories?

I which I could say that those things that had and still happen to me baffles me, but they do not, humans are unking, unfriendly and jealous. I try my best to come from a place of respect, loved and kindness, but it is not working, my advice for my older self, I must change.

I am not an older woman, not a wise woman I am a woman as simple as that.

Boommates

Google definition: The practice of Baby Boomers sharing housing with others, often younger people, to help with housing costs and combat loneliness and inflation. The term is a combination of the word’s “roommates” and “Boomers”

Things to consider; housing crisis the trend could help housing crisis; home sharing services there are many services that helps making the match. Expectations, its important to set some and communicate clearly to avoid frustrations and misunderstanding; and as always, some problems will rise such as privacy, noise, dishes in the sink, horseshoers and the need for remodeling.

Despite all that would you be willing to Boommate? Do you live in such thigh budget that you see yourself tapping on this what can be a trend?

I personally had and still have experience too many be experiences that my answer is no. I had in the past housing some Brazilian immigrants who did not have the means nor family to assist and turn up the worst time of my life, I wasn’t needing the money. I only thought of helping that person get back in their feet. I also must say that because I relocate a lot for work, such as I do live-in, as I am aging, I don’t want that any longer. I do understand though that finding a place to live its been very difficult and budgeting yourself is even a bigger challenge., for me I can tell it won’t work. So good luck to those brave Boommates out there.

Look And Feel Your Best With These Simple Life Changes

Elderly care

In our quest for self-improvement, adopting a holistic approach is crucial. By integrating certain methods into your daily life, you can embark on a transformative journey toward a more fulfilled and radiant version of yourself. Today, Health Care New York explores a variety of effective techniques to enhance both your mental and physical well-being.

Deepening Social Connections

Fostering strong social ties is fundamental for nurturing mental and emotional health, as these connections provide invaluable support, joy, and a sense of belonging. The art of cultivating these relationships lies in the practice of active listening, showing empathy, and dedicating consistent effort. By prioritizing and nurturing these connections, not only do we lead a more fulfilling and balanced life, but we also create a robust support network that can uplift us during challenging times, reinforcing the resilience and richness of our emotional well-being.

Go Back to School

Going back to school presents a compelling opportunity for personal and professional growth – especially if you take advantage of the flexibility of online programs, which are ideal for adults with other responsibilities. This mode of education allows for learning to be tailored around your existing commitments, be they work or family, giving you the control to advance your education without sacrificing other important aspects of your life. Online universities often offer a wide range of programs and courses, as well. For instance, if you’d like to learn more about psychology, this page deserves a look.

A Skincare Routine for Radiance

A targeted skincare regimen is a cornerstone of maintaining health. Identifying your skin type and needs allows you to select the right products. Once you understand which products you need, a daily routine involving cleansing, moisturization, and sun protection can significantly enhance your skin’s health and glow. You can also stay hydrated, which is a key consideration in keeping your skin looking great.

Practice Yoga

Staying active isn’t only important for your physical health; it’s beneficial for your mental wellness, as well. Yoga is especially great for holistic health, since it incorporates mindfulness with stretches and poses that get your heart rate up. Look for local classes that can help you get started.

Hair Care for Vitality

Healthy hair is a reflection of your overall well-being, and when it looks great, it can boost your self-confidence. Investing in quality hair care products and routine maintenance can keep your hair vibrant and strong. Regular trims, hydration, and protection from environmental damage are key to maintaining hair health. If you’re tired of your hairstyle, look online for ideas to show your hairdresser.

Balanced Caffeine Consumption

Balancing your caffeine consumption is crucial for maintaining consistent energy levels and overall well-being. By moderating excessive caffeine, you can avoid the discomfort of jitters and enhance your sleep quality. Exploring alternatives such as herbal teas or decaffeinated drinks offers a healthier and more balanced strategy to meet your energy requirements.

A Nutrient-Rich Diet

A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, is fundamental for good health and appearance. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugars. Instead, focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you find yourself reaching for chips or candy when you need a snack during the day, bring along healthy options – such as trail mix, yogurt, or granola bars – to have instead. A nutrient-rich diet supports physical health and enhances your natural beauty.

Optimize Your Dental Health

Good dental hygiene is crucial for a healthy and attractive smile, which can have a big impact on your confidence. Not only that, but poor oral health can impact other parts of your body, creating issues such as heart disease and inflammation. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups prevent oral diseases and ensure your teeth remain strong and bright.

Embarking on a journey to your best self involves a wide variety of components, but the process doesn’t have to be stressful. Implementing these simple strategies into your daily life leads to a noticeable improvement in both your physical appearance and mental well-being. Start this transformative journey today and discover a more vibrant, confident, and fulfilled version of yourself.

Health Care New York is here to help you make the most of your time and money while boosting your health. Call 718-909-7729.

Sandwich Generation

Woman doing yoga

As we all know, been a sandwich generation means aged adults are simultaneously caring for their children and their aging parents. This group is between forties and fifty’s, their challenges are:

  • making decisions with or on their parent’s behalf about cable subscription to write checks
  • screen, recruit, hire and fire home care aides.
  • drive their loved ones to outings and appointments.

A study shows that 71% of the Sandwich generation that fell always rushed is 31%, 31% of the same generation are incredibly happy with life these days, and 28% of other adults are also happy with life these days.

The second act that the sandwich generation is accounting for is parenting their own children like choose daycare, school, social media and life as well financial. A growing number of sandwich generation are also the millennials adults between the ages of 1980 and 1996; baby boomers from 1946 to 1964 and generation X from 1965-1979.

The struggles are time management and emotional toll. One way to minimize and manage sandwich generation stress is.

  • prioritized self-care
  • delegate where you can
  • embrace structure and routine
  • know when its time to make a change.

Nursing Home

If you decide to relocate your loved one to a nursing home here is an overview of the cost. In 2018, the average cost for a shared nursing home room was $235 per day. Based on where you live the rate fluctuates. Oklahoma $147 has the lowest daily rate; Connecticut $412 is the highest in the lower 48 states.

Medicare Medicaid:

Medicare as always caps the cost to 80/20 percents, the 20% can be paid as a co-pay or another private health insurances.

Medicaid through its state’s affiliation offers to pay in full as long as the assets don’t go over their limits. Medicaid also must approve the facility, and to qualify for the person’s monthly income and financial assets must be low, in 2018 it could not be above $2250, and the financial value of $2000, (except for a home or other resources. Now considering that one spouse is still living in the home, they can apply for reversable mortgage, in case they own a property.

Childcare and College

Tuition at the other end of the sandwich generation is the parenting part where daycare cost will be determined by where you live. But in a 2016 study the annual cost was around $4320 per year. Not to mention household status, if you are on the high end your company may offer on-site childcare, another option is some parents are getting together and organize their own grassroots preschool, with an option to hire a teacher trained in an early childhood education. If you are on the lower end a head start program is your alternative.

College

For college you will use a different set of calculations, where the average tuition cost is $34740, ti state college where the average cost is $9970 and community college tuition is $3347. As well as you can count on financial aid or scholarships.

Been in the position of Sandwich Generation it’s not been easy, maybe has not been foreseen by many who are going through, and certainly put a strain on marriage, work, social and financial life.

If the task is too much for you, delegate and seek help. You are not alone.

Golden Years, Golden Health: Essential Tips for Seniors to Thrive

Achieving a high quality of life in your golden years requires a commitment to healthy living. Maintaining vitality and well-being during this time involves staying mentally and physically active, practicing good hygiene, managing stress effectively, and continuously caring for yourself. These efforts can significantly contribute to a more fulfilling lifestyle as you age. In this article, Health Care New York explores practical and impactful ways to ensure your later years are as rewarding and healthy as possible.

Maintaining Mental Engagement

Keeping your mind sharp and engaged is a cornerstone of thriving in later life. Activities that challenge your brain, such as solving puzzles, reading, or embracing new hobbies, are vital. Additionally, fostering social connections by joining clubs or participating in community events can enrich your life exponentially. The essence of mental activity lies in continuously pursuing knowledge and nurturing your innate curiosity, which is fundamental for maintaining cognitive health and overall happiness.

Upholding Personal Hygiene and Health

The importance of personal hygiene grows as you age, playing a critical role in preventing infections and promoting a positive self-image. Engaging in regular self-care routines, including bathing, dental hygiene, and grooming, not only supports physical health but also boosts confidence. Equally important is your living environment’s cleanliness, which helps keep illnesses at bay. Regular medical check-ups and screenings are indispensable for early detection of health issues, ensuring timely and effective treatment.

Fostering Self-Motivation Through a New Business

Cultivating self-motivation by engaging in activities or projects that resonate with your passions can enhance your sense of fulfillment. Starting a business in retirement can ignite a newfound sense of purpose and financial independence. Seniors can begin by identifying their passion, conducting market research, and crafting a solid business plan. Setting up a limited liability company (LLC) offers invaluable protection by separating personal assets from business liabilities, shielding entrepreneurs from potential financial risks. Also, a formation service like ZenBusiness can help sidestep expensive legal fees and make sure you’re in compliance with state regulations.

Enhancing Well-Being for Effective Stress Management

Managing stress effectively is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily life can profoundly impact your ability to cope with stress. Building a strong support network and engaging in enjoyable activities can also significantly reduce stress, enhancing your overall quality of life and ensuring a happier, more relaxed existence.

Walking for Health

Incorporating walking into your daily routine offers a myriad of benefits for both mental and physical health. This accessible activity can improve cardiovascular health, elevate mood, and increase overall well-being. You can greatly enhance your quality of life by prioritizing walking – whether in pedestrian-friendly areas or adapting your routine to your environment. Walking represents a versatile form of exercise tailored to fit individual fitness levels, making it an ideal activity for seniors seeking to maintain their health and vitality.

Managing Medications

Regularly reviewing your medication regimen with healthcare professionals is essential to ensure optimal health. This practice helps assess your medications’ effectiveness and identify any potential side effects. Adherence to prescribed treatments and maintaining open lines of communication with your healthcare provider are critical for managing your health effectively, allowing for adjustments as necessary to address any changes in your condition.

Living a healthy and fulfilling life in your golden years is entirely achievable through adopting these practical strategies. By engaging your mind, maintaining personal hygiene, managing stress, reviewing medications, pursuing passions, and embracing walking, you set the stage for a rich and rewarding senior experience. These practices contribute to your physical and mental well-being and ensure that you fully enjoy the beauty and opportunities of your later years.

Health Care New York is here to help you find the care you need. Call 718-909-7729.

Channel Your Passion for Health into Effective Advocacy for Community Impact

If your enthusiasm lies in fostering health and wellness, there are numerous avenues to leverage that zeal to benefit those around you. By engaging in various initiatives, from grassroots movements to broader advocacy, your dedication can drive substantial improvements in community health standards. Embarking on this journey not only enriches your life but also significantly contributes to the well-being of others, making every effort a step toward a healthier society. Today, Health Care New York shares some tips to help you get started.

Initiate Community Gatherings

Kicking off with community gatherings focused on health can significantly impact your surroundings. These meetings serve as a platform to discuss crucial topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mental health, providing a base for education and empowerment. By facilitating these discussions, you spread vital information and create an environment where individuals feel supported in their health journeys.

Starting Your Own Health Advocacy Business

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own health-related business, this is a great way to have a positive impact on your community. Naturally, starting a business comes with a lot of paperwork, but Adobe Acrobat for business can help with everything from signing contracts online to putting AI to work for you. This strategy allows you to showcase your dedication and skills in the health sector more effectively.

Collaborate with Community Organizations

Partnering with non-governmental organizations offers a pathway to enhance your efforts in health advocacy. You can lead health campaigns, awareness initiatives, and volunteer programs alongside these groups. This collaboration broadens your impact and taps into these organizations’ existing networks and resources, facilitating more significant community engagement and support.

Push for Healthier Policies

Venturing into health policy advocacy positions you to influence public health on a larger scale. You can advocate for necessary improvements or champion new proposals by understanding and engaging with local health policies. This involvement in the governmental process allows your voice to be heard in critical public health decisions, demonstrating the power of informed advocacy in shaping healthier communities.

Engage Audiences Online

Utilize digital platforms to amplify your health advocacy, reaching a wider audience than ever before. You inspire and motivate countless people by sharing practical health tips and personal wellness stories on blogs or vlogs. This online engagement disseminates crucial health information and cultivates a community dedicated to health and wellness. Your efforts in the digital realm connect you with individuals who share your commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles.

Foster Supportive Communities

Establishing support groups is crucial for individuals facing health challenges. These groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences and finding communal support, significantly aiding in overcoming obstacles. By nurturing these communities, you contribute to a network of encouragement and understanding, pivotal for individual and collective health improvement.

Organize Educational Events

Organize public health events such as screenings and workshops to significantly impact community wellness. These efforts provide easy access to health education and resources, empowering individuals to manage their health actively. Hosting these events helps expand the community’s understanding of health issues, promoting preventative.

Offer Personal Guidance

Providing personalized support through counseling, coaching, or mentorship can profoundly impact individuals’ health journeys. Tailored advice helps people set realistic goals and navigate the challenges of adopting healthier lifestyles. This one-on-one support can be the catalyst for lasting health transformations, underscoring the value of personal investment in others’ well-being.

Effective Health Advocacy

Transforming your passion for health into advocacy brings about meaningful change in individual lives and the broader community. Each action, whether educating, supporting, or advocating, contributes to a collective effort toward a healthier society. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference; your dedication can inspire others to join the movement toward better health for all. Start with what you can do now, and watch your impact grow, creating a ripple effect of health and wellness far beyond your immediate circle.

Health Care New York has the health-related information you’ve been looking for. Call 718-909-7729.

Senior Security Tactics: Your Armor Against Financial Foul Play

Senior Security Tactics

As seniors are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation and fraud, it is crucial to prioritize the security of your financial health. You can effectively shield yourself from becoming a victim by staying vigilant and adopting strategic protective measures. This Health Care New York guide provides essential tips to fortify defenses against deceptive practices and ensure financial integrity. Embrace these precautions to maintain control over your financial landscape and prevent exploitation.

Keep Personal and Financial Information Secure

Always protect your personal and financial information. Shred sensitive documents before disposal to prevent identity theft. Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts, and update them regularly. Avoid sharing personal details, especially over the phone or the internet. Scammers often pose as trusted entities to extract this information from you. Ensure that your computer and smartphone are protected with up-to-date security software.

Enhance Document Security with Password-Protected PDFs

Convert your financial documents to password-protected PDFs to enhance security by restricting unauthorized access and ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information. This practice adds a robust layer of protection against potential fraud. By choosing to go with a PDF maker, you can effortlessly create or convert any document into a secure PDF format. Safeguard your digital documents with the same diligence you apply to your physical ones.

Take Time to Make Financial Decisions

Be wary of situations where you are pressured to make quick financial decisions, as scammers often use this tactic. It’s essential to step back and thoroughly evaluate the proposal's details. Before proceeding, consult with trusted individuals such as family members, friends, or a financial advisor. By taking your time and discussing your options, you can make more informed decisions and protect yourself from potential scams.

Regularly Review Financial Statements

It’s essential to regularly review your financial statements, such as bank statements and credit card bills, to detect any unauthorized transactions or inconsistencies. Monitor these documents for any signs of fraud, and promptly report any irregularities to your financial institution. Setting a specific time each month to review your financial statements can help you maintain vigilant oversight and catch any fraudulent activity early, reducing the risk of significant financial loss.

Understand Power of Attorney and Joint Accounts

Understanding the responsibilities and potential risks of power of attorney and joint accounts is crucial for financial management. These financial tools can be beneficial but must be handled carefully to prevent misuse. Make sure any person you grant power of attorney is trustworthy and fully aware of their obligations. Exercise caution when adding someone to your bank accounts; thorough consideration and advice can prevent financial abuse and protect your assets.

Designate a Trusted Individual for Financial Assistance

It's crucial to have a reliable person, such as a close family member, a trusted friend, or a professional financial advisor, assist with overseeing your financial activities. This support becomes indispensable when handling your finances, which feels too complex or demanding. A dependable confidant helps to spot dubious activities early on and aids in making sound financial decisions. Ensure this individual fully understands your financial goals and is committed to respecting your financial autonomy.

Stay Informed About Common Scams

Staying well-informed about the latest fraudulent tactics is vital to protecting yourself against scams targeting seniors. Regularly update yourself by subscribing to newsletters and alerts from trustworthy sources, like government bodies or reputable consumer protection groups. Knowing the current scam strategies empowers you to identify suspicious activities and safeguard your finances. Educating yourself about these threats is a proactive step in preventing potential financial harm.

Protecting yourself from financial exploitation and fraud requires vigilance and proactive measures. You can significantly reduce the risk of financial abuse by securing your personal information, taking time with financial decisions, regularly reviewing statements, understanding legal tools, securing documents, designating trusted individuals, and staying informed. Stay alert and safeguard your financial future.

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content at HealthCareNewYork.net!

Surviving the Aftermath: A Guide to Post-Accident Procedures

Old Man in the Car

A car accident can leave you feeling disoriented and uncertain about how to ensure your well-being and protect your rights. Being prepared with the knowledge of both medical and legal actions to take immediately can be immensely helpful in managing the aftermath effectively, particularly if you are a senior concerned about losing your license. This guide from Health Care New York offers insights into navigating the essential medical and legal steps after a car crash.

Seeking Treatment

Your health should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if you feel fine, seeing a healthcare professional is essential. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time. A thorough medical examination can detect hidden injuries and ensure you receive the necessary treatment. Prompt medical attention also creates a record vital for any legal proceedings.

Documenting Any Injuries

Keeping detailed records of your medical symptoms and injuries is crucial. Document everything from minor aches to more severe pains. Note the dates and times of these symptoms, and make sure to report them to your healthcare provider. This documentation will be invaluable when discussing your case with your attorney and can significantly affect the outcome of any legal claims.

Keeping Your Attorney Updated

Share all new information with your attorney to get accurate legal advice. Your lawyer needs to be fully informed about your medical condition and any developments to provide the best representation. This includes new symptoms, changes in your condition, and any medical treatments you undergo. Keeping your attorney updated helps them build a stronger case on your behalf.

Chiropractic Care for Accident Healing

Seeing a chiropractor who can help with recovery can be a vital step in healing after a car crash. It's crucial to choose a practitioner experienced in treating specific accident-related injuries, such as whiplash, herniated disks, and both spinal cord and soft tissue injuries. These skilled professionals can significantly enhance your recovery journey. The duration of chiropractic care varies, ranging from a few sessions to prolonged treatment, depending on the severity of your injuries and how well you respond to the therapy.

Notifying Your Insurer

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant information and follow up with any new developments. This communication is critical to ensure your claim is processed smoothly. Keep a record of all communications with your insurance company, including the dates and details of each conversation.

Keep Active During Recovery

Recumbent bikes offer a low-impact exercise option that is easy on the joints, making them perfect for individuals with mobility challenges, arthritis, or injuries. For those recovering from an injury or surgery, a recumbent bike can be an effective way to rebuild strength and restore mobility. To ensure you choose the best model for your needs, it's essential to explore online reviews before purchasing one, as these can provide valuable insights into the bike's performance, comfort, and durability.

Documenting Every Expense Post-Crash

Keep meticulous records of all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and any other related expenses. Detailed records will help you when filing a claim with your insurance company or if you need to seek compensation through legal means. Having a clear and organized record of expenses makes the process much more manageable.

Filing a Claim

If necessary, begin the process of filing a claim with your insurance company. Gather all the required documentation, including medical records, expense receipts, and any communication with your healthcare providers and attorney. Submitting a well-documented claim increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Be prepared for the process to take some time, and stay in close communication with your insurance adjuster.

Requesting Police Report

Request a copy of the police report for your records. This report is an official document that provides crucial details about the accident. It includes information from the scene, statements from involved parties, and the officer's observations. The police report can be instrumental in supporting your insurance claim and any legal actions you may need to take.

Handling the aftermath of a car accident requires careful attention to both your health and the legal details. By following a structured approach — seeking immediate medical care, consulting with legal experts, and diligently communicating with your insurance company — you can mitigate the impact of the accident. Adopting these measures ensures a smoother recovery and helps secure the support and compensation you deserve.

Taxes Season Has Started.

This time of years is dedicated to crunching the numbers, if you do not have an account chance are that you are on your own. By my own experience, change appointments to the very last-minute cause me big time scrambling to either paid a fine for filing late or do it by myself.

AARP bulleting from March/2024(print edition has few sites for you to check out.

The article has in my opinion a simple division, like military families, elderly and home-grown program and qualification by income which stands at $73000.00.

Go to IRS.gov and either sign up or register for an account, after that choose to have a pin number by the site and hopefully you are in your way to tax preparation.

www.IRS.gov/ippin
www.AARP.org/taxaide
www.IRS.gov/frefile (to find if you qualify and to get started $73.000nor less)

Directfile.irs.gov it’s a separate “branch” for homegrown

Members of the military and their families can get free software and support @

www.Militaryonesource.mil/miltax

People with disabilities, moderate incomes or limited English, can get returns prepared for free from IRS – certified Volunteers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs by visiting www.irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep.

Other sites like HR block and TurboTax also offer their sites

https://turbotax.intuit.com/
https://www.hrblock.com/lp/tax-filing
and then click in the box that says free.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus

I have tinnitus, for me started mid to end of 2018 Summer, I used to hear a chirping sound, that I thought was from a garage back them I used to live in an apartment house on the 31ft floor I even asked if my former roommate could hear it, and she said no. Later, September/2022 I watched Dr. Sanjay Gupta special on “Havana Syndrome” where it was discussing that hearing loss leads to lack of balance (I had couple falls) and Dementia.

I was impressed with the special and touch me as a wakeup call, so I went to the audiologist to have my hearings tested. And there I found out that the chirping sound is Tinnitus.

My prognoses were good, no hearing loss, and the doctor gave the choice of sound therapy, which I decided against. I also wanted to mention I have no other symptoms other than chirping. I am still sleeping well.

My Tinnitus was inflicting upon myself by myself, I was going through some depression and to not hear my thoughts, I blasted my earbuds to the maximum. And now I do regret that.

Now that I am aging my concerns are hearing loss and my balance as well as the older, I get Dementia might be on my future and I am scared about that.

The more hearing loss you may be affected by the more your brain will overcompensate and so all I must do is planned checkups.

I am talking about Tinnitus because I read my AARP magazine from September/2023 has an amazing and informative article about Tinnitus. Head to AARP.org/ magazine, there is also American Tinnitus Association where the volunteers will help find a specialist.

Moving Around Safely in your Home

There will always be concerns about how you walk around, especially when you are home, all you need to do is be honest with yourself and them request a home evaluation. Those are some well-known standards of care; few are my personal experiences. 

 

We put together a list to help you even further:

  1. Ask for help when you need to get up from your chair or bed or when doing activities, you know you cannot do it alone.
  2. Sit at the edge of the bed before standing to help from feeling dizzy.
  3. Do not rush. Be sure to take your time when moving around. Use a walker or cane as recommended by your doctor if you are unsteady on your feet.
  4. Wear shoes that have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing just socks.
  5. Install handrails in your bathroom and non-slip strips or a rubber mat in your bathroom.
  6. Remove clutter. Don’t leave any clothes, magazines, bags, or objects lying around on the floor. Be sure cords/wires are out of walking areas.
  7. Remove or secure any loose rugs or mats.
  8. Be sure rooms, hallways and staircases are well lit. Use nightlights.
  9. Install grab bars in the hallways.
  10. Use rise toilet seats. It helps when you have a hard time bend to reach the toilet.
  11. If you have a tv set on your living room and like to watch your shows in there consider buying a lazy chair with remote control where you can rise and lower to your needs.
  12. Use a shower chair or bench to shower.
  13. Have a chair in your room so you can dress there.
  14. Make appointments after lunch, sometimes that also makes a difference

The Secret to Balancing Life and Self-Care: Simple Self-Nurturing Habits

Health Care New York offers you an opportunity to gather around where doctors, nurses, and the whole team of healthcare providers and healthcare facilities are going. Contact us today to learn more! 718-909-7729

Office Worker

Image via Freepik

 

Wellness and self-care often take a backseat in our busy lives. With numerous obligations pulling us in different directions, prioritizing your well-being becomes a challenge.

Yet, incorporating wellness goals into daily life can be fulfilling and significantly benefit your career and personal relationships. This Health Care New York guide reveals seven essential steps to creating a comprehensive wellness strategy and finding the work-life balance you desire.

Setting Attainable Goals and Monitoring Development

Setting achievable wellness goals is the first step toward a fulfilling lifestyle. The objectives could range from improving your physical fitness to eating more healthily and enhancing your mental well-being.

What’s important is that these goals are practical and achievable. Progress tracking serves as a motivation booster and helps you make necessary adjustments to your strategies. MasterClass notes that celebrating small victories along the journey will make the path to overall wellness more rewarding.

Balancing Professional Aspirations

You don’t have to compromise your career goals while on a wellness journey. Returning to school, like getting IT certifications online can sharpen your skills as you seek self-improvement and manage all your other life commitments.

Earning a computer science degree can build your IT, programming, and computer science theory skills. Earning an online degree makes it easier to learn while you work. This adds an additional layer of accomplishment to your wellness path while giving you the flexibility to maintain other aspects of your life.

Instituting a Structured Daily Regimen

A consistent daily routine can bring much-needed structure to your wellness journey. Allocating specific time slots for activities like exercise, healthy eating, and self-care provides a framework for positive habit formation. Once a routine is established, sticking to it ensures that these activities become an integral part of your lifestyle.

The Road to Sobriety

The path to wellness may require additional support for those facing substance abuse issues. Considering a rehab center and taking steps to look into accommodations, accreditations, treatment modalities, location, and reviews from past patients can be vital.

Take time to research available treatment alternatives in your area. Getting the necessary help can be a life-changing decision that positively impacts all dimensions of your personal well-being.

Prioritizing Time for Self-Care

Incorporate self-care activities as an indispensable part of your daily schedule. From journaling and aromatic baths to crafting and painting, these activities are not frivolous indulgences but essential wellness practices. They reinforce the importance of personal time and mental peace, acting as preventative maintenance for stress and burnout.

Allocating Moments for Rest and Revitalization

Remember to punctuate your daily activities with brief intervals of rest and relaxation. Deel.com points out that these short pauses serve as mini-reboots, enhancing focus, diminishing stress, and rejuvenating mental and physical stamina.

The result is an overall improvement in well-being and productivity, affirming that taking breaks is not counterproductive but rather a necessity. Consider taking a brief break every hour to reset!

Embrace Mindfulness for Mental Well-being

Mindfulness and meditation can be your allies in reducing stress and boosting mental clarity. A few minutes of daily practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to tackle challenges with a balanced perspective. It’s an invaluable tool that enriches your wellness journey by giving you the mental strength to cope with life’s complexities.

Achieving a well-balanced life is more attainable than you may think. The key is to start with achievable goals and slowly integrate various aspects of wellness into your daily routine. From setting realistic wellness objectives to balancing your professional and personal life, every step counts. Adhering to these guidelines can pave the way for a more enriching and harmonious life!

Prioritizing Wellness: Creating a Safe Home Environment

Safe Home

A sanctuary of comfort, the home, is often perceived as the epitome of safety. However, it may also harbor silent culprits that undermine our health. Identifying and mitigating these hidden risks are key to maintaining a wholesome living environment. Let's delve into the often-overlooked aspects of our homes that can pose health risks and discuss practical strategies for fostering a healthier living space.

Keep Gutters Clean

A common oversight in household maintenance is the condition of gutters. Left unchecked, these can become breeding grounds for mold and attract pests, both of which can significantly compromise indoor air quality. Ensuring gutters are clean and clear is more than a matter of home aesthetics—it's a critical step in safeguarding your home's health integrity.

Streamline Home Upkeep With an App

When it comes to home improvements and fixes, a proactive approach can make all the difference. Utilizing digital platforms streamlines the process of finding available services, making it simpler to tackle problems before they escalate. Whether it's a leaky faucet, broken appliance, or creaky stair, using an app to connect with professionals can efficiently address issues that, if neglected, could lead to bigger health concerns.

Prioritize Smart Purchases for Home Health

Creating a healthy home environment often involves incorporating certain products. From air purifiers to humidity monitors, the choices are plentiful. However, before purchasing any products for your family, you should read in-depth product reviews from unbiased sources. This due diligence ensures that you're not only getting the best value but also truly enhancing the well-being of your household.

Cultivate Clean Air with Indoor Plants

The absence of greenery in living spaces can deprive inhabitants of the benefits plants provide. Introducing indoor plants is a simple yet effective way to enhance air quality. They act as natural air filters, absorbing certain pollutants and emitting clean oxygen, thereby nurturing the respiratory health of everyone in the home.

Forbid Tobacco Smoke

One of the most harmful pollutants within a home is tobacco smoke. Its myriad of toxins can linger long after the smoke clears, embedding themselves in furniture, curtains, and even walls, posing serious health risks. Ensuring that smoking occurs outside is a crucial measure in maintaining the purity of your home's air.

Choose Furniture With Health in Mind

Furniture selection is not only about aesthetics and comfort but also about health. Pieces with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can emit noxious gasses, subtly degrading air quality over time. Opting for low-VOC furniture safeguards against this hidden health hazard, contributing to cleaner indoor air and better overall health.

Tackle Home Dampness Proactively

Accumulated moisture in domestic spaces is a prime culprit in fostering mold and mildew, leading to potential respiratory problems. The strategic placement of dehumidifiers in moisture-prone zones such as basements and bathrooms is essential in combating mold growth. Keeping these areas arid with the aid of such devices safeguards the home's air quality. This preventive measure is key to maintaining a mold-free and healthful living environment.

Manage Pet Dander Allergens

Pets are beloved family members, but their dander can be a source of allergens. Regular grooming of pets, coupled with the strategic placement of air purifiers, can significantly reduce the presence of pet dander in the home. This creates a cleaner and more hypoallergenic environment for everyone, especially those with allergies.

Your home should be synonymous with health and comfort, not hidden hazards. By taking proactive steps, such as maintaining cleanliness, opting for healthier product options, and utilizing technological advancements for home repairs, one can significantly reduce health risks. Remember, the steps you take today to improve your home environment have a lasting impact on the well-being of its inhabitants tomorrow. Implementing these strategies ensures a dwelling that not only shelters but also promotes a vigorous and vibrant life.

 

Visit Health Care Consulting New York for a range of jobs in the healthcare and dental fields.

Home Care Agencies

Many problems have been identified and are on the rise regarding home care agencies, in New York City there is a flood of immigrants trying to start their lives. What really means is the system must absorb them and at the same time show that the taxpayers aren’t paying the bill.

Neither the government is footing the bill they are redirecting the immigrants to the healthcare industry, more specifically to homecare so it can show that the immigrants are self-sufficient, making their way through.

I have seen an increase in homecare givers that say that they are in line to have their work permit with the government or that they just move to the US. I think that everyone needs to work and start their lives as best as they can, however, the issue is that most of them don’t speak any English, and I don’t believe they have been properly trained for the job.

I have several clients who send them home because of poor communication skills and trained; I had an agency employee tell my client to ask me if I could show their aide what to do?

Something that is really a big concern to me is that because of the demand of seniors who need and want to remain in their homes, agencies are cashing in. Agencies are setting a minimum of 8 hours per visit; clients are forced to have someone in their own homes because the flexibility is no longer there.

The Differences Between Nursing Homes and Group Homes

Each state has a version of a nursing home and group home, here I am showing some of the differences between them. Many of us think that nursing homes are for seniors that can’t afford to be left alone (no family, mental health issues, lack of income counts against the senior) in their own homes, which sometimes may be the case. Nursing homes also offer other services such as skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Services included in the nursing home facilities physical mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident. There is no exhaustive list of services a nursing facility must provide, in those unique resident needs, the facility must provide the required services so to resident can reach the highest level of well-being, to services are stabled in the individual’s plan of care.

Nursing homes also has a slightly variation in names because the meanings most of skilled-nursing facility, care homes, long term care homes also indicate their status as private or public and whether they mostly provide assisted living, or nursing care and emergency medical care.

Nursing facilities in New York since January/2022 need to have daily staffing equals to 3.5 hours of care per resident per day by a certified nurse’s aide (CNA) or a licensed nurse or a registered nurse with at least 2.2 hours of care per day.

A group home, congregate living facility, care home adult family home, etc. It is a structured and supervised residence model that provides assisted living and medical care for those with complex health issues.

In the group homes it’s generally one staff member per every eight residents, some states are one staff member for every five residents. Most group homes have a strong pipeline from families who have a loved one with developmental disabilities where they can live without living in assistance.

The group home in New York state is also seem as independent living from your family when you have a child that has development disability and or special needs.

All what its boiled down is where you can have the best services for your needs? Is there In New York state a group home that will tailor their services to your needs? Or will the nursing home change?

Often people complain about how isolated they are and forget they fell in a nursing facility because they need either occupational or physical therapies If your insurance allowed you to have a professional to your home would be even better however you have to mind that your have to rearrange your schedule, and no complaints regarding that though.

Some physical therapists make house calls and if they don’t belong to the insurance network you may still have a chance to be reimbursed by the service provider.

Whatever your choices, make them wisely, gather as much information as possible nursing home, group home or house calls. Value your time.

Ageism is…

If you take the dictionary version, you will find something along the lines: prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age.

But it is much more than just that. Ageism is when an older women or men thinks its cool to “hang” with people that actually much younger them they are.

Ageism is when a fifty or eighty something person thinks that they can befriend someone else in their twenties.

I have written about ageism before, my blog was not what really was about work place discrimination, I like many thought that would not happened to me, quite frankly it hasn’t been, but I know its there, specially in my case, I worked in New York city, so yet it’s out there.

I have for the second time decided to let my gray hair grow, so I am expecting few unflared comments about how my gray hair ages me.

Ageism is when an older adult does not want to know that it is time to change doctors from a primary physician to a geriatric doctor.

Ageism is when you think you are one of the twenty something and you all are just BFF.

Ageism is you will not accept your own age.

Ageism is thinking that because you are younger you have all.

Ageism is when you won’t accept your getting olde.

Ageism is within us, like racial discrimination.

Ageism is when you are in good health and others think you are a showoff, good body, good health and on and on.

Ageism is when others think you should not use certain types of clothing, make-up, shoes and on and on.

Ageism is when whatever you do, wear, buy, drive make another feel uncomfortable with.

Ageism and worked force were a blog published in December/21

Ageism and Work-Forced

Money Saving Tips

Every year A. A.R.P. publishes 99 ways to help you save money; every year, I write about the ones that interest me, I first try and test the sites myself so I can give you the step-by-step on how to use them.

www.Amtrak.com/nightowl the amtrack offers discounts for passengers who travel later in the evening.

www.Zipcar.com car rental basically works like any car rental.

www.Turo.com works as a car rental like any other.

www.roadfood.com when you are driving the family on vacation search this site for restaurants along the way.

AAA.com offers a free car battery check for A.A.R.P. members (this service is available to house calls. Go to triple a’s site and watch the YouTube video)

www.habit.org/restore

Exxonmobile.com

Exxon offers better gas prices. All you have to do is link your A.A.R.P member.

www.kaiyo.com it’s a site for buying and selling furniture.

floorfoundstore.com also is furniture and some.

www.offerup.com is household items, cars, and some.

If you are interested in going to college, call or contact your community and four-year colleges to see if they offer special programs or free and or reduced tuition for older students. Also, ask about auditing classes for free

www.loc.gov

Is the Congress library and allows you to use and search 20.000 titles for free site is user friendly

Things that Can Go Wrong

For the last two years or so, you have become aware that replacement is an option that unfortunately, you may have to face: Few things hold you back in deciding when and what is the best time to go under.

Let me tell you what you can expect, generally speaking:

After surgery, in the hospital recovery room, you are being tried to test to make sure that you can perform some tasks, nothing major, however, some of us are anxiously wanted to come back home, understandably so.

At this point, you are only trying to buy your ticket to discharge, nothing else or more, when you can perform their assessment, I can guarantee you will be discharged.

When home, you should have an aid to assist you with your everyday tasks and bathroom breaks, commode is a device that you will become remarkably familiar with, it will be your beloved bathroom for day and nights breaks.

An elevated toilette sit also will be part of your daily needs, for when you are able to bend your knee more comfortably. (By comfortably I mean less painfully, with less medication),

Dressing and undressing will be sitting down in your bed, no hopping around to dress the pants legs, sucks (if or when you can bend)

In the bathroom if there is a bath tube you will not be climbing over the wall any time soon, showers stalls will also have to have grab-bars and shower benches.

Do not ever expect that after the surgery you will not be needing any assistance, post-surgery at home means an aid, commode, transportation chair, elevated bathroom seat, can, walker, shower bench, grab-bars. Do not tell others about being disabled, you are not, replacements are quite common, no fun at all, often time necessary to improve your quality of life. If you have a clear picture in your mind. Many others had infections, others not so much pain, however complications are bound to happen when you keep crunching the numbers and think you are missing life. The only thing you are missing is discomfort and pain from the unattended injury.

Two or three days after surgery a register nurse should evaluate your scar, healing and pain management, physical therapy should also start within the same time frame.

What you should not do is expedited hospital discharge. Your aide, home exercises, and register nurse should all be kept for you to have a successful recovery.

Improving Wellness: The Power of Good Posture

Woman Sitting in Wood

Good posture is essential for maintaining a healthy spine and overall physical well-being. However, many people struggle with poor posture due to lifestyle habits and long hours spent sitting at desks or on electronic devices. In this article, we’ll explore several actionable steps you can take to start improving your posture and enjoying the benefits of good posture. 

 

Make an Appointment With a Chiropractor 

Visit a chiropractor to improve your posture and relieve chronic back pain. They diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues, including those related to poor posture. They’ll create a treatment plan to address problem areas and offer exercise and stretch recommendations to prevent future injuries. 

 

Organize Medical Records with PDFs 

Keeping your medical records organized is an essential aspect of maintaining good health and ensuring that you get the best possible care from your chiropractor. One way to keep your records organized is by using PDFs. By scanning your paper records or downloading electronic versions of your medical records, you can easily store and access all of your health information in one place. Additionally, a useful tip for organizing your records is to use a tool to split a PDF file into smaller sections. By doing this, you can break down larger files into individual documents that can be easily accessed when needed.

 

Purchase a Firm Mattresses for Better Spinal Alignment

Improve your posture and reduce back pain by upgrading to a firmer mattress. Soft mattresses can cause your spine to sink, leading to discomfort and poor posture, while a firmer mattress provides the necessary support for spinal alignment. Invest in a high-quality mattress and wake up with renewed energy and better posture for the day ahead. 

 

Strengthen Your Back Muscles 

Enhance your posture and prevent injuries by ramping up your back muscle strength through exercise. Resistance training, Pilates, and swimming are all solid workout options. Customize your regimen with the guidance of a physical therapist to ensure maximum effectiveness.

 

Try Yoga and Stretching  

Practicing yoga and stretching is another effective way to improve your posture. Yoga and stretching exercises can help you loosen tight muscles, improve flexibility, and increase mobility in your joints. Additionally, practicing yoga and stretching can help relieve stress and tension, leading to better posture and reduced pain.

 

Stop Slouching and Stand Taller 

If you like looking tall, it’s important to remember that slouching and poor posture can actually make you look shorter. When you’re standing up straight with proper posture, you’ll naturally appear taller and more confident. On the other hand, slouching can compress your spine and cause you to appear hunched over and shorter than you actually are. Click here to gain inspiration by learning the heights of some popular celebrities.

 

Be Mindful When Sitting

While sitting, it’s essential to maintain good posture to prevent back pain and promote overall well-being. One simple tip for improving your posture while sitting is to push your head and upper back into the chair. This can help align your spine properly and prevent slouching, which can lead to poor posture and back pain. Additionally, investing in an ergonomic chair or cushion can help you sit more comfortably and maintain good posture throughout the day. 

Improving your posture can have significant benefits for your health and well-being. By following these tips and taking proactive steps to address posture problems, you can enjoy better physical health, reduced pain, and increased confidence. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic back pain or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, focusing on good posture is a great place to start. 

 

If you’re looking for work in the health care and dental fields, visit Health Care New York to thrive in your medical career. 

What To Do After You Relapse

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Addiction recovery is an arduous process. Relapse is common and, some will say, a necessary part of eventual success. On one level, you cannot truly know if you can manage your addiction until you experience a relapse. As upsetting as a break in sobriety may be, it is essential for you to treat it like a routine bump in the road and have a plan in place for when it happens again.

Many of the supportive elements of recovery can help minimize relapse, but more importantly, they can help when you temporarily lose your struggle to manage substance abuse. Measures such as exercise, yoga, healthy eating, and self-care not only help support the body and mind through the rigors of recovery, but they can also help prop you back up after relapse. Here, Healthcare Consulting New York presents some helpful strategies to help you to stay sober.

What to Do if You Fear a Relapse

You know yourself best, and if you fear that you will be tempted to use drugs, alcohol, or otherwise relapse, take action before you break your sobriety. Contact your sponsor, physician, or addictions counselor. Speak with family members about whatever stresses may be triggering the potential relapse. The support of family and friends is crucial for recovery; not so they can pat you on the back for remaining sober, but so that they can help you during shaky times.

One tip to self-regulate during times of stress is to engage in self-care techniques. Mindfulness-centric methods such as meditation or yoga provide numerous relapse beating benefits. The first of these is helping to know oneself. Mindfulness accomplished this by slowing life down a bit. When you meditate or practice yoga, you can listen to yourself in stillness. If something seems off, you can make sure to speak to your sponsor or engage in activities that keep you occupied and out of harm’s way.

When You Fall Off the Horse

If you relapse, it’s important to not dwell on the experience as a failure. Doing so can drain vital energy that is necessary for a sustained recovery plan. The important thing is to contain your relapse to a minimal event and get back on the path to sobriety. You can use your faltering as a way to influence how you conduct yourself in the future.

Identify what led you to use again. Whether it was work stress, relationship problems, or maybe being in the wrong place and around less-than-supportive people, your relapse likely did not spring out of nothingness.

Identifying triggers and stressors is part of successful recovery. When relapse occurs, treat the experience as educational and immediately seek professional help. Just like yoga and meditation can help you identify when you might relapse, these techniques can also help you self-regulate to avoid future threats to your sobriety.

How to Manage a Relapse

Relapse during addiction recovery can be a discouraging setback, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define your journey to sobriety. The first step after a relapse is to reach out for support. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers offer various resources such as individual and group therapy, peer support groups, and relapse prevention plans to help you get back on track. Remember that recovery is a process, and setbacks can happen, but seeking help and staying committed to your goals are crucial to overcoming addiction.

The Path to Sobriety

Exercise can also help you power your way back to the right road to recovery. Researchers have identified brain chemical rewards that come from training, and they are identical to those triggered by drug and alcohol use. Incorporating outdoor exposure can also help stabilize mood, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety that might lead to relapse. Hobbies can also distract from relapse triggers and provide personal joy that improves mental states.

Be Patient with Yourself on Your Journey

Most importantly, realize that relapse is often part of the process of addiction recovery. That’s why managing substance abuse is so difficult. It is not an affliction that can be switched off like a light, but instead, think of recovery as a dimmer switch. You can dial down the threat of relapse, but a slight move in the wrong direction can turn the light back to full brightness.

 

If you are looking for other healthcare options, visit Healthcare Consulting New York for a simpler search process.

 

Your Guide to Finding the Right Primary Care Physician (PCP) After Your Current Doctor Retires

Finding a new primary care physician (PCP) can be a daunting task, especially when your current doctor retires. However, taking the time to find the right physician is essential to maintaining good health and receiving quality medical care. Here are some useful tips for finding a new PCP, courtesy of Health Care New York. 

Get an Endorsement 

One of the most effective ways to find a new PCP is to ask your retiring physician for referrals. Your current doctor will likely have colleagues or medical professionals they highly recommend to take over their practice. They may also be able to provide you with a list of physicians who are accepting new patients. 

Look Through Online Reviews 

Another way to find a new PCP is to read online reviews. Many healthcare providers have an online presence where their patients can leave feedback about their experience with them. Websites such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc also provide reviews and ratings on medical professionals. Reading these reviews can give you an idea of what to expect from a particular physician and help you make an informed decision. 

Consider an “In-Network” Doctor 

Selecting a new primary care physician is a crucial decision that demands thorough scrutiny of your insurance coverage to prevent any unanticipated costs. Therefore, it is imperative to locate a doctor who is under your insurance plan’s network to avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses. Fortunately, your insurance company can offer assistance in providing you with an extensive list of in-network physicians available in your vicinity. Also, take a look at Health Care New York’s licensed medical staff. 

Find a Doctor Who Understands Your Needs 

Everyone has unique health needs, and it’s essential to connect with a physician who understands your specific health concerns. If you have a chronic illness, for example, you’ll want to find a doctor who specializes in that condition. You may also want to consider a physician who takes a holistic approach to healthcare and focuses on preventative measures to keep you healthy. 

Choose a Doctor You Can Access 

The location of a new primary care physician’s office and their operational hours should be weighed in when making a selection. You need a doctor whose office is easily accessible from your residence or workplace, with flexible hours that align with your schedule. Furthermore, choosing a physician who provides telemedicine appointments can be a valuable convenience when you are unable to visit the physical office. 

Enroll in an Affordable Care Act Plan 

As a freelancer or self-employed individual, securing affordable healthcare coverage can pose difficulties. Nevertheless, enrolling in an Affordable Care Act healthcare plan can grant you access to top-notch medical care. These plans come with numerous benefits, such as preventive care services, emergency services, and prescription drug coverage, among others. 

Organize Your Medical Records for an Easy Switchover 

To ensure a smooth transition to a new PCP, it is crucial to keep your medical records well-organized. Converting your records into digital formats and storing them in secure cloud storage will provide you with quick access to your health history and test results. If you need to share your records with your new physician, try going for a PDF file converter to easily convert your files into the necessary format. 

Don’t let the initial overwhelm of finding a new primary care physician deter you from securing quality medical care. With ample research and evaluation, you can confidently identify the physician who best suits your unique needs. Remember, taking the extra time to make an informed decision will ultimately lead to a smooth and successful transition to your new PCP.

People on Video Call

 

Image via Pexels 

When is Neglection When Isn’t

I am at a crossroads; I have a family who hired my services. The aide tells me that when there is the woman’s daughter, she tells the aide that when her mother wakes up, they allow her to have breakfast with her adult diaper soil. Another issue is they (son and daughter) don’t know how to cook, so what they do is order takes out. I did not know how to cook but learned.

When I was there, I saw that the siblings talked and kept reading articles about nutrition and how to break down the food chain, all because the mother has been recently diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Something quietly frank I never thought would be possible. The siblings keep going. She can eat this but not that. When I have seemed that she is starving, when they bring something like a salad, she either does not want to eat or eats pleasantly.

I feel that they are so wrong that the woman is being neglected. Should I say something? Should I just be a money-grabbing person and not say anything? They think that by avoiding some sort of food, they are combatting her diagnosis. I personally want to help and first respect their vision. However, I can’t shake the fact that, for me, it is neglect.

It is or isn’t my job to say something if not the sibling because, after all, we are all trying our best, and I sure do want to believe in that. However, when looks like fish, smells like fish, it’s fish.

Some may think that neglection is a very strong word. Are the siblings aware of what they are doing? It falls into a new and very dangerous path. Are the siblings ignorant of their demise, and therefore they are unwillingly committing neglect?

What is more important? Count to twenty when an adult diaper is a soil or to take care of personal hygiene. They are so clueless that I mention that she overstimulated the daughter by saying not to give her coffee. I was like. Overstimulation is a Dementia issue. The mother screaming’s when taking a shower, and the daughter jumps like a lunatic, saying that the water is too hot (it wasn’t). I texted her how individuals with mental health issues react towards personal hygiene, bath, changing adult diapers, and the Alz.org website. I told her to read the articles so she could educate herself. Hopefully, she did and will come back better understood of how difficult it is for some to undress and be bath by someone else, their loved ones.

I still dwell. Should I make clear to them that what they are doing is neglect? The fact that they don’t have anything else, only cereal, sometimes they buy sweet potatoes for her to eat.

Empower Yourself: How to Take Control of Your Health

As an individual, you are your own best health advocate. Nobody else knows your body and your overall health better than you do. You are the one who knows when something feels off,
and you are the one who knows what steps you can take to feel your best. With that being said, how can you become your own best health advocate? Here are a few tips to help you take control of your health, courtesy of Health Care New York.

Focus on What You Can Control

One of the most important things you can do to take control of your health is to lead a healthier lifestyle. This includes eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. These simple steps will help you to feel better both physically and mentally. They can also help to reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Find the Right Providers

Another key to being your own best health advocate is to find the right healthcare professionals. You should start by finding a primary care physician that you trust and feel comfortable with. This person should be your first line of defense when it comes to your health. They can help you to manage any chronic conditions that you may have, and they can also refer you to other specialists as needed.

Educate Yourself

It’s important to educate yourself on any conditions you may have. This can help you to better understand your symptoms and how to manage them. It can also help you to work more effectively with your healthcare team. You can learn about your condition by doing research on reliable medical websites or by talking to your healthcare provider.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

When you’re at the doctor’s office or meeting with any other healthcare professional, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your health, after all. You have every right to know what’s going on with your body and to understand the options available to you. Ask questions about any tests that are being performed, any treatments that are being recommended, and any potential side effects of medications.

It’s Okay to Take Notes

Taking notes is another important step in becoming your own best health advocate. After each appointment or phone call with a healthcare professional, take a few minutes to jot down what was discussed. Include any recommendations that were made, any medications that were prescribed, and any follow-up appointments that were scheduled. This will help you to keep track of what’s going on with your health, and it will also help to ensure that you don’t forget any important information.

Keep All Documentation Digitally Organized

Finally, it’s important to keep your medical files organized. You should start by keeping all of your medical documents and records in one place. This can be a digital folder on your computer or a physical folder in your home. To make things even easier, consider scanning all of your documents and converting them as PDFs using this tool. This will allow you to easily share them
with your healthcare team as needed.

Being your own best health advocate requires taking control of your health, finding the right healthcare professionals, educating yourself on any conditions you may have, and keeping your medical files organized. With these tips in mind, you can take control of your health and ensure that you receive the care you need to feel your best.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is a newer approach to organizing Medicare benefits for seniors and other eligible individuals. Also known as Medicare Part C, these plans combine all coverage normally included under Original Medicare Parts A and B in a single monthly premium. Unlike Original Medicare, private insurance companies issue Part C plans and have agreed to meet all of the same coverage minimums of Medicare, except for hospice care, which Part A continues to cover. In addition to these minimums, many Part C plans also include prescription coverage, along with some extras Medicare doesn’t typically cover, such as dental, hearing and vision benefits. Many Medicare Advantage plans also have annual out-of-pocket limits, which Original Medicare does not.

Because Part C benefits are generally more expensive than Original Medicare, seniors who participate in these plans rarely need a traditional Medicare supplement, which reduces what seniors pay for health insurance every month. Issuers can organize Medicare Advantage plans like any other private insurance policy, with managed care packages with their own rules about referrals, network providers and specialist visits. The greater flexibility and potential cost savings make Part C plans attractive to many New York seniors, where over 1.5 million of the 3.6 million Medicare-eligible seniors choose this health coverage path, based on data from 2020. The 41% of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries covered by a Part C plan comes very close to the national average of 42%.

This guide to Medicare Advantage plans in New York state includes information about the plans available, what benefits they offer and who is eligible for coverage. It also provides helpful information about how to apply for Medicare Advantage in New York.

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in New York
Multiple insurance companies offer a variety of Medicare Advantage plans in New York. As a result, Medicare-eligible seniors have substantial choices when shopping for a plan. The table below lists the 10 most popular Medicare Advantage plans available in the Empire State, as judged by their enrollment figures. Because most Part C providers offer more than one plan, the list shows their rates as a range rather than a single average figure. The list also includes the number of current enrollees as of April 2022. For up-to-date information about the number of people enrolled in each plan, refer to the figures provided through Medicare.gov.

Name

Total Enrollment

Star Rating

Min Cost

Max Cost

Plan Types

UnitedHealthcare

391,715

3.5

$0

$84

HMO, PPO

Healthfirst Medicare Plan

227,400

4

$0

$42

HMO

Aetna Medicare

209,363

3.5

$0

$99

HMO, PPO

Excellus Health Plan, Inc

155,026

4.5

$33

$217

HMO, PPO

Wellcare

144,245

3.5

$0

$156

HMO, PPO, PFFS

Humana

114,690

4

$0

$40

HMO, PPO

EmblemHealth Medicare HMO

107,658

3

$34

$261

HMO

Empire BlueCross BlueShield

77,122

3

$16

$105

HMO, PPO

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New Yo

67,870

4.5

$26

$205

HMO, PPO

Independent Health

65,030

5

$65

$225

HMO, PPO

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in New York
It’s important to understand how a Medicare Advantage plan works before enrolling. The companies offering plans typically organize their packages into a few different structures to deliver care. These include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and special needs plans (SNPs). Each plan has its own rules about specialist care, condition-specific treatment and whether or not enrollees need to pick a primary care physician. The four most common plans are listed below.

Medicare Advantage Plan Types Graphic
What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in New York
Medicare Advantage plans must include all of the same benefits that Original Medicare Parts A and B usually include, except for hospice care, which remains a Part A benefit. Services included in all Part C plans include screenings, lab tests, X-rays ordered by a doctor and the care provided during a stay in the hospital. Most Medicare Advantage plans also offer coverage for services that go beyond Original Medicare. This may include vision, dental and assistance with getting hearing aids.

 

Coverage Available With Medicare Parts A & B?

Coverage Available With Medicare Advantage?

Preventive Screenings

Yes

Yes

Hospital Care

Yes

Yes

Durable Medical Equipment

Yes

Yes

Prescription Drugs

No

Yes**

Vision Care

No

Yes*

Dental Care

No

Yes*

Hearing Aids

No

Yes*

*Select plans offer this coverage

** Most plans offer this coverage

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage in New York
To qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, seniors must already be eligible for Original Medicare Parts A and B, as well as meet all of the other eligibility requirements for Medicare participation. It is unnecessary to have a Part D prescription drug plan to sign up for Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage providers are not normally allowed to charge extra or deny coverage for applicants with preexisting conditions, though it is important to apply within one of the designated open enrollment windows to preserve this advantage. Medicare may decline or charge a special penalty rate for applications made outside of the enrollment windows.

Read over the list below for information about open enrollment periods and when applicants in New York are allowed to make changes to their Medicare Advantage plan coverage.

Initial Coverage Election Period: This is the initial 7-month period, coinciding with one’s 65th birthday, during which everyone is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Annual Election Period (AEP): Also referred to as the Open Enrollment Period, this the time of year when anyone over 65 can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time or change to a new plan.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: During this period, those who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare.
Start Date

End Date

Initial Coverage Election
Period

3 Months Before One’s
65th Birth Month

3 Months After One’s
65th Birth Month

Annual Election Period
(AEP)

October 15th

December 7th

Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period

January 1st

March 31st

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plan participants can change their plan outside of these enrollment periods under certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving to a new state.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in New York
Navigating the many intricacies of Medicare Advantage plan types, insurers, and the specific plan options available by region can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Below are several resources we’ve created to help you through the process.

First is a downloadable PDF that you can use as a guide to help you compare plans as you research. Finally, we have listed a number of organizations that you can contact with experts that will help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you and what plans you should consider.

Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan
Download PDF

 

State-Wide Medicare Advantage Resources
Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program
The Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) helps seniors navigate New York’s many medical insurance options. The program employs more than 500 counselors in offices throughout the state, who work directly with Medicare beneficiaries or individuals who are eligible to apply for state programs. These trained representatives provide information and education about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, prescription drug plans and other health insurance options. Counselors can answer questions about coverage, give access to CMS and help seniors resolve complaints with insurers. Counseling is available in person at county offices or via telephone through a toll-free hotline. The program also offers helpful online resources, including the HIICAP Notebook, where seniors can access additional information about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

CONTACT INFO
1-800-701-0501
To access HIICAP’s toll-free benefits hotline, call 1-800-701-0501. At the prompt, callers must state their county of residence so their inquiry can be directed to the appropriate Area Agency on Aging office or a participating community organization.

Community Health Advocates
Community Health Advocates (CHA) provides confidential one-on-one counseling free of charge to help New Yorkers understand their health insurance options and choose the plan that’s right for their unique medical needs. CHA gives community presentations designed to guide consumers through the complexity of the health care system. The presentations focus on a variety of health care topics and serve to educate individuals on insurance options and how changes in health care laws may affect individuals in the state. The program’s outreach services help high-need communities and offer help in more than 170 languages.

CONTACT INFO
1-888-614-5400
New York State residents can connect with CHA through its centralized helpline by dialing 1-888-614-5400 during weekdays from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Seniors can also schedule a call by filling out the online form. A list of CHA affiliated organizations with staff who are qualified to assist consumers with health insurance questions and enrollment issues can be found online at CHA’s website.

Visit Website
New York State Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau
The New York State Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau provides information and assistance to help New Yorkers connect with public and private insurers so they can get affordable medical coverage regardless of age. The bureau educates consumers about their health care rights under the Managed Care Bill of Rights and has outreach programs that serve high-need communities. Through the bureau’s toll-free helpline, consumers can connect with trained intake specialists and advocates who can help individuals understand available benefits and how to secure coverage. The hotline also helps consumers resolve complaints concerning health plan denials, wrongful practices and prescription drug coverage.

CONTACT INFO
1-800-428-9071
Consumers can speak with a trained advocate or intake specialist at the New York State Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau through its toll-free helpline by dialing 1-800-428-9071. Additional information, including tips and brochures, is available through the Health Care Bureau’s website.

Visit Website
Local Medicare Advantage Resources
NYC Health
NYC Health provides in-person assistance at no cost to seniors who need help navigating health care enrollment and coverage-related issues. Certified health insurance enrollment counselors are available at locations in all five boroughs to help consumers explore plan options that are available to them. The counselors can also assist with complex enrollment or the renewal process for public and private insurance, including Medicare Advantage. NYC Health can help local immigrants secure quality health care regardless of their immigration status, and the agency provides assistance in a multitude of languages. Telephone enrollment appointments are also available.

CONTACT INFO
New Yorkers aged 65 and older who need help with health care enrollment can find a counselor in their borough of residence by searching the NYC Health Map. They can also set up an in-person or telephone appointment by calling 311 or texting “CoveredNYC” to 877-877. A list of locations broken down by borough is also available by visiting NYC Health’s website.

Visit Website
New York StateWide Senior Action Council
New York StateWide Senior Action Council is a group that provides health care advocacy and support to New York elders. The organization runs a confidential health and prescription medication coverage helpline, where certified counselors provide information on Medicare Advantage benefits and prescription drug coverage, answer consumer questions and assist with plan enrollment free of charge. New York StateWide Senior Action Council also connects seniors with essential resources at the local, state and federal levels. The council has offices throughout the state and hosts regional chapter meetings, presentations focusing on senior-friendly topics and telephone teach-ins on various subjects. It also sponsors a Senior Medicare Patrol, which empowers seniors and their families to detect, prevent and report potential Medicare fraud.

CONTACT INFO
1-800-333-4374
New York StateWide Senior Action Council’s Medicare and prescription drug coverage hotline is available free of cost by calling 1-800-333-4374. Seniors can also connect with a certified counselor by emailing info@nysenior.org. To find out more information on chapters and events, interested parties should visit the regional section of StateWide’s website.

Visit Website
Email
Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA)
The Jewish Association Serving the Aging is a nonprofit organization that provides a multitude of no-cost services for seniors of all races and religions residing in Long Island and New York City’s five boroughs. JASA’s Sally and Henry Pearce Help Center employs bilingual social workers trained to conduct comprehensive assessments to determine an individual’s health care needs and eligibility. Representatives can also help seniors navigate the health care enrollment process and secure benefits under programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

CONTACT INFO
212-273-5272
Regardless of religion, race or economic background, seniors can connect with trained social workers through JASA’s bilingual Sally and Henry Pearce Help Center by calling 212-273-5272 or filling out a brief online form. Seniors or their family members who are looking for more information on Medicare and other health care benefits can search for association locations throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Long Island by visiting JASA’s website.

How to Know When It’s Time to Step In to Help Your Senior Loved One With Their Finances

Man Reading

Image Source: Pexels

No matter what age you are, finances can be a tricky subject to have to deal with. However, the issue of managing your finances probably becomes even more difficult as we get older when we might not have the mental clarity we once had. Suppose, you have a senior loved one who you notice is struggling right now to handle their finances better. Here's how to know when it’s time to step in to help your senior loved one with their finances.

Inability to keep up with daily activities

A telltale sign that your loved ones might not be prioritizing their financial affairs as they should is not being able to cope with their ordinary day-to-day activities. Because the issue of finances is usually left until last, this may be the perfect time to interject with ways you can help them stay on top of their day - and their finances!

Piles of unopened bills

If their mail is piling up and is being tossed in the corner unopened, then this is usually another clear indicator that help is needed in areas where mortgage loans, various credit card repayments, and utility bills are being left unattended.

They mention that they don't have enough money - a lot

Perhaps, your loved one is raising the subject of not having enough money - a lot. You should take this time to talk through any money concerns that could be distressing for them, even if it is just by lending an ear so that they can process their emotions better.

Incessant creditor calls

If you are noticing that calls are not being answered and that they are occurring more and more frequently then this could also be a sign that creditors and service providers are following up on outstanding bills.

Mishandling money

If they spend too much on unnecessary things, this could also indicate financial trouble. Then again, the opposite is probably more true if you are noticing that there are insufficient funds at the till or that their card is being declined altogether.

What you can do to help

Sometimes, only offering your support is enough to help a loved one through their financial problems. In more serious cases, however, you might need to take over the financial affairs of your loved one. If your loved one's financial situation is especially troubling, here are some tips you can do to help make a difference in their situation.

Be their power of attorney. This is a way to legally manage their financial affairs especially if they are no longer able to anymore.

Access to their financial records: You will need to be able to access their financial records, such as policies, bank accounts, etc., in order to manage these accounts properly. Don’t forget to request access to their pin codes and passwords so that you can access the relevant accounts when the time comes.

Refinancing assets. If you are looking for ways to find financial relief, this could be the ideal time to think about refinancing your home to get the surplus in cash you need to cover urgent bills or to pay for a skilled nursing facility in Brooklyn if they require constant care. Be sure to do the necessary research regarding pricing, and payment options while taking note of any reviews and detailed facility reports to get a better idea of what the facility is about and what they offer to ensure that your loved one is placed in the best care possible.

Taking over your senior loved one’s finances is probably going to be trying - even a little frustrating as you come to terms with your new financial responsibilities. However, you’re sure to be grateful that you did when you see the relief in your loved one’s eyes knowing that they don’t have to face their financial troubles all on their own.

For more informative articles, postings, and blogs related to health and medical care, be sure to spend some time exploring the Health Care New York website.

How to Make Time for Self-Care When You Have a Hectic Schedule

How to Make Time for Self-Care When You Have a Hectic Schedule

Image Source: Pexels

Trying to balance your work, social and family responsibilities each day can be exhausting. And while running behind these responsibilities, finding time for yourself can seem impossible. But, taking ample rest, eating healthy, and staying active is the bare minimum you should strive for, as these will keep stress at bay and give you the energy to tackle what life throws at you daily. In this article by Health Care New York, we’ve compiled five self-care strategies that can be easily incorporated into your hectic schedule.

  • Sleep Early

As the CDC reports, adults require at least 7 hours of sleep each night. But along with the duration, the time you sleep is important as well. Our circadian rhythm, i.e., the body clock functions best when it’s in sync with the timings of natural light. Hence, you should plan to go to bed around 9-10 pm and wake up by 6 am.

Not only will proper sleep improve energy levels and mental sharpness during the day, but waking up early will provide you a head start over others and some much-needed alone time in a household when others aren’t early risers.

  • Drink Plenty of Water

Do you commonly feel tired throughout the workday? It could be due to the simple fact that you don’t drink enough water. Research shows that 3-4% dehydration can reduce productivity levels by up to 25%. The recommended daily intake of fluids for men is 3.7 liters, while for women, it’s 2.7 liters.

One of the simplest ways to keep track of your intake is to buy a water bottle and consistently drink from it every hour. If it is a 1L bottle, you should ideally fill it 3-4 times to reach the recommended limit.

  • Include Physical Activity

Whether it be at home or in the workplace, the convenience brought on by technology has made a living a sedentary lifestyle the norm. Between sitting for prolonged periods at the office and sleeping at night, we now spend the majority of our time in inactive positions. Hence it comes as no surprise that instances of neck, back, and joint pains, even in younger adults, are higher than before. Other common occurrences include weight gain, fatigue, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

If you consider your schedule too packed to make time for the gym, there are still various ways to remain active:

  • Consider purchasing a bicycle to commute to work

  • Make a conscious choice to take the stairs rather than elevators at work

  • Make time for a brief walk around your neighborhood every morning or evening

  • Review Your Eating Choices

What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. If you stay away from donuts and pizza at work but come home and munch on other carb-laden snacks such as cookies, packaged snacks, etc., you’re not doing yourself any favors. A defining characteristic of these foods is the spike in energy that they provide shortly after consumption due to an increase in your blood sugar levels. But when these levels come down naturally, so do your mood, energy, and productivity levels.

Instead, make the switch to a healthy meal and snack choices, which include products made from whole grains, fruits and vegetables of all colors, and fermented foods which are rich in probiotics.

  • Tackle Work-Related Stress

There is nothing more stressful than feeling stuck in a job that provides you with no sense of fulfillment. While a good salary can help push on for the short term, in the long term, you’re bound to want a change. Currently, workers have numerous options at their disposal when it comes to making a career change, from making the switch to freelancing to starting their own online business.

Additionally, one can consider completing a professional development course to learn in-demand skills and make the switch to a better role. For those in the healthcare industry, here’s an example of an online medical coding course.

Making small lifestyle changes can help seamlessly integrate self-care into your daily routine. But when it comes to making a career switch, a new accreditation such as a medical coding course will help to accelerate the process and land a new role that you enjoy.

Do Not Trash Until You Know

In the good old days of the 70s, where you were trashing everything, now you have to educate and inform about what is trash, and what is not, where hard plastics go or fit in the recycling world.
If you leave in Manhattan within its five boroughs always call 311 it’s kinda hotline for whatever information one may need. If you are a computer wiz, well there are several websites to go to.

Below you will find your wave:

The site is very easy to navigate, I try myself, you can trash it after you learn a little bit more, and one more reminder, Salvation army also has a pick phone number where you can call and schedule a pickup time, which usually is Wednesdays. Salvation Army is not run by NYC.gov, just thought to share info.

Everything it Could go Wrong it Went Wrong

My mother was adopted by her aunt(the family connection comes from the fact that the aunt who adopt my mother was married to my mother’s biological uncle. So the woman who I grew up calling and knowing as grandma is my second aunt. My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and boy let me tell you how hard was, end of 70’s early 80’s we did not know what we were doing, for how long, or how well we were doing. We were just doing. It was a nightmare. Everything that could, went wrong, my grandma, was a runner, so we need to be paid strict attention to doors, and because she did not have balance, she became prone to fall down, I remember one occasion when I was going out to bike with my friends and I saw her on the floor, I scream for help and off she went to be hospitalized.

Enduring months at a time, in the hospital, and every day we used to go to visit her. Painful and horrifying was to see her sleeping away. My mom did not have any other siblings so no sharing duties or anything else, but my grandma’s siblings used to come every Wednesday to talk to her and cheer her up giving my mom a break, but my grandma, just wasn’t there, my father took upon himself to cut her toenails, I work as her aid, believe or not waking up in the middle of the night to make sure she wasn’t gone, and changing her legs bandages because the water in her body was liking through her skin calves.

Her final hospitalization was her last everything. Alzheimer’s had her after all. Financially speaking no we would not have the means to have her transfer to a nursing home, and quite frankly back in those days, in Brazil people who went to nursing homes were people dean crazy. Now that I worked in the healthcare field for the last 15 years, when a family says they can’t afford, it or they have to talk with other family members to make a pool, I know in my heart they are financially stranded. For all the families out there who have a loved one in need of in-home care and don’t have the means to hire a caregiver I understand.

But I also say whoever needs medical professional help they are better off at home. With a part-time aid and some family members covering the other end. All the family needs to do is come together and pool their resources, have one leader to set schedules, and explain what needs to be done, not only financially but emotionally as well.
Lost for Alzheimer’s we lost big, and continue to lose as long as the disease can’t be treated or have definitive answers. For all the families out there who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s and don’t have the means to hire a caregiver I understand.

Fake? And How do You Identify?

Today I received an email in my business email account saying that my online bank access was blocked due to suspicious activities. Nothing specifying what was suspicious, and of course, one has your lights flashing because I did withdraw from my account yesterday, but what had my lights flashing was the fact that I do have an account with the mentioning bank, but the emails don’t go to the email I received.
So that propelled me to think about why we click on those pesky links and infect our computers with viruses and oftentimes lose our minds and our hard-earned money to scammers? Answer. CURIOSITY

I know that my bank account is not linked with that email account, so why do I have to open the email? Because scammers will count on me to be CURIOS. I want to know why, how, and when, so I open the pesky email. It’s a scam, and the scammers pry on our own curiosity. You live in a building. The buzzer goes off, and you open the downstairs door without asking who it is? And to ice the cake, you open your own apartment door and await in the hallway; to be a mug, God knows what more. If I didn’t order anything to be delivered or expect any visitors, why do I have to open the door? CURIOSITY.

A message from Chase.com would not look like these Chase (otp.ch4023@lcomaztrabels.com) fake.
A real email from Chase.com looks like no.reply.alerts@chase.com, not fake.

I again urge all of us to be alert and related to the fake emails. Just hover your browser over the sender, and if something appears like the fake chase, don’t open delete, or block the sender.
My job is to protect myself first.

Safe Disposal Event

On June/5/2022, by registration, only the event will run from 10 am to 4 pm @ Columbia University/ Teachers College, W 120 St between Broadway & Amsterdam Avenue.
You can finally take your stuff to be safely disposed of. Do you know when you look at your apartment and or backyard and come to the conclusion that its time? Or if your loved one is living in a condition where it is no longer safe to be like it is, then it’s time to assist.

Here are a few more links of information. If you are not sure whether the item is electronic or an appliance, there is a website for that; you need more details because you are still feeling unsure; below, you will find some more links. I try all of them, so go ahead and check them out also. I will bring these reminders on our social media pages @ hhcagency/2011. You can also call 311.

on.nyc.gov/safe-mn | Register Here
nyc.gov/electronics
nyc.gov/safedisposal
Thermostats and Thermometers go to thermostat-recycle.org

Why Your Tax Refund Should Not Just Be a One-Time Surprise Cash Windfall

At some point during the year, many of us look forward to the possibility of receiving a surprise cash windfall after submitting our tax returns. And while it may be tempting to want to splash out on something we’ve been eyeing for a while, here’s why we should rather be putting our tax refunds towards investments and savings that will benefit us in the long run,‌ ‌courtesy‌ ‌of‌ Health Care New York.

Use it for emergency funding

Life is unpredictable – we know that much. And if we haven’t been prioritizing our health as much as we ought to, then this could result in health issues down the line. Certainly, medical bills are expensive, especially if you don’t have spare cash lying around to cover these costs. This, therefore, could be the ideal time to think about putting money aside from your tax refund to go towards these unplanned, often unanticipated expenses.

Looking to the future

In this case, it would be your child’s future if you weren’t able to financially provide for them anymore due to a job loss or health reasons, for example. Again, you could start setting aside money from your tax refund to go towards a 529 plan that will accumulate over the years to eventually be a nice nest egg for your child should they wish to pursue a tertiary education one day.

Invest in a holiday timeshare

Perhaps, you feel overworked lately and your mental and physical health is taking a strain from it. Maybe you’ve decided that a holiday once a year is just not enough to recharge your batteries. In this instance, you could always purchase a holiday timeshare with some of your tax refunds so that you can make going away more often a regular occurrence.

Switching careers

Better yet, maybe you’ve decided your current working arrangements no longer suit what you’re looking to get out of a job. Then you could use some of the cash you’re expecting towards starting a business you’ve only ever dreamed about. So, putting money towards the initial start-up capital to get your business going is sure to be a sound investment that’s likely to be fruitful for many years to come.

Spoil yourself a little

Perhaps, it’s high time you just did something for yourself for a change. For example, if you’ve been longing for a day trip to New York, now could be your chance to spoil yourself a little. Maybe it’s been on your bucket list to climb the Statue of Liberty for some time, so why not treat yourself a bit with some of your tax by taking a trip there?

Or maybe you want to surprise your significant other with ballgame tickets to watch their favorite team. Or, if you just want a special date night, a NY Yankees game can be pretty romantic. You could get discounts on your tickets if you book with TickPick for example, and you can even choose a date, price, and seat rating that would suit you best. Plus, they even offer a 360-degree virtual tour of the view from where you’re likely to be sitting so that you know what to expect.

In conclusion, while saving can be hard to do, it is easy to look forward to when you know that your eagerly anticipated tax refund will probably lead to many surprises, (not just one or a few) down the line.

Image via Pexels

Fall Prevention

We all are at risk, but the more we know we are better off, understanding the whys and why not is what will help, so take steps to prevent falls. For all caregivers out there, always review and evolve within the patient, sometimes you may do something that is not on the books and it is a great hint, to share your ideas on our social media pages. Here I put together 13 ideas.

  1. Exercise to get stronger, by being active helps to improve strength and balance.
  2. Review your medication with your healthcare provider review all your medications.
  3. Keep pathways clear, remove clutter from the home.
  4. Have your vision check regularly.
  5. Wear well-fitting shoes these are very important not to tie very strong or very loose your sneaker and whenever you can use the velcrons type (stay away from sleepers).
  6. Remove throw rugs and eliminate slippery flooring.
  7. Make sure all around the home you have adequate lighting, if you are to wake in the middle of the night to go bathroom have a well-light hallway with night lights.
  8. In your bathroom, if you have a tube or stall have a crab bar and a shower chair, also I would put in a shower mat to assist.
  9. In the kitchen avoid area rugs, they can catch in your shoes and make your trip and fall if you have a low cabinet (under the sink) have a stool to sit on instead to bend.
  10. If your home is a second store consider using the office as your bedroom avoiding going up the stairs.
  11. Carry your phone with you, sometimes you may lock yourself outside the house (done that a few times myself) and when you are in the bathroom or kitchen with slippery floors.
  12. These tips may be seen as a bit controversial when I used to work with families and their loved ones at home, when I had to go down to the basement to do some laundry, I request and was granted permission for a baby monitor to assist me within monitoring my patient in case I had to run to the situation.
  13. When drying or dressing sit down, never try to hurry, and always have devices that can help you put on socks and shoes without bending forward.

With and Without Diploma

The point I am trying to make across is every worker deserves a great salary, no doubt, but when you don’t have a degree, your choices become very restricted; being an aide has to turn into a quick cash kind of deal, I do what I want the job. Many so-called domestic workers are seniors themselves who many had not had a chance to go to college or have a better education and now are flooding the home health care industry with their so call experience by taking care of their own family members.

Every time we onboard a new client, I hear a complaint about they don’t want and are tired of people coming to their homes and not just stealing from them as well as they stay on the phone most of their working hours time. Some aides are afraid to call 911 when an emergency arises. Some are immigrants and are afraid to be taken in custody, unable to explain what’s going on with their patients/clients. They are simply unprepared for a lack of professional experience and training.

On the other hand, I also have great friends that at heart they think they are seeking what is best for their friends, and think that requesting a graduated geriatric case manager worker to assist with a friend’s daily needs, mental health issues, tidying up and grocery shopping and worked for $20.00 to $35.00 an hour that won’t be happening. Why? One would not make an effort to go to college for six years, finance and refinance and actually get in debt for the $20.00 to $35.00 an hour. To hire a nurse to supervise a client at the shower, turn in bed, observe how to perform bowl routine, assist the client with nebulizer and cough assist, copping the nurse requested $75.00 per hour for three days, without sleep in. To attend a home health care class will cost you around $1500.00 for three to six weeks course, including the hours you have to have to experience nursing home facilities.

This has to stop; your friend needs professional medical help at home, they need a home care attendant with Dementia care, or whatever their home care needs, they don’t need a geriatric case manager when there is a diagnosis of Dementia.

You are a good friend, but you should not intervene in what you think it should be. Your intentions are well placed; however reality, it isn’t every single family who can afford the $75.00 per hour, and health insurance also is known for put a break into paying for everything as well, to have health insurance paid for the services, there is have to have a diagnosis first, doctor’s order. Companionship for your parents is out-of-pocket expenses, not health-related charges. Your loved one is alone at home with dialysis needs, and health insurance has to apply. The aide is essential, so your loved one has the means to go to a dialysis center or at-home machines.

When a geriatric case manager crosses over to the private sector is because the salary can be much higher than he/she is making right now. A home health care aide struggles to make a living with $15.00, oftentimes is very demeaning where the geriatric case manager receives the praise and the home health care aide do the heavy lifting. There are situations where a home health care aide is expected to overperform and deliver for the $15.00.

One way we can stop this unbalance? Home healthcare aides need to have a college degree and or refreshed courses. Do you want to work with disabled individuals, seniors, or mental health patients, you have to have certifications training and be limited by its agency the number of times you check your phone; otherwise, you should be interacting with your disabled individual, senior or elderly patient and or client, all these should not be a problem if you were trained and certified. Certification and training are never enough to keep yourself in the job market. If you don’t have the means to go to college, workshops will help. You need to know how to interact with a patient with mental health issues. No one wants to pay for someone else to come to their home, sit down at their couch and talk on their phone. It’s about time to see a home health care aide as a professional, maybe the lowest medical professional in the healthcare spectrum, nevertheless a medical professional. Being an aide means being a professional caregiver, home health care aide, personal care assistant, and certified nurse aids.

There are no formal education credentials required to be an aide, which brings us to many immigrants and uneducated people trying to make quick cash without fully understanding the responsibility of being an aide. Is it the same to say that you are a nurse in your country? How about the country you are in right now?
Without education, you lose your ground for argumentation, you have no bases to prove a point, and the older you get without the diploma you need, you won’t have a chance in the job market, you will be pushed down by those who have the geriatric case manager degree.

There is No Way to Determinate Age

In the UK, a 34 years old man passes on from Dementia, and doctors believe that he is the youngest person in the UK to have and pass on the disease. His dad passed away 25 years ago from Dementia, the family decided to save a DNA sample, and when he was sent to test and compare with him, it was determined that he inherited the disease from his father.

The gentleman left behind a wife and twin who also has Dementia gens. What really was a surprise for me was he learned that he was suffering from the disease because he had shown signs of depression.

I myself had a neighbor whose brother was diagnosed with Dementia when he was 45 years old, then in 2007, and the doctor honestly believed that he probably was having symptoms at least ten years prior.

For those who believe that Alzheimer’s/ Dementia is an old people’s disease, I am sorry to say, but you are wrong. Diseases do not target anyone because they’re aged. It’s well known that many older adults struggle with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and also we have witnessed seniors living well into their triple-digit ages without any signs of mental decline.

For me, the real question here is what causes the disease to manifest very early for some and for others comes later or does not manifest at all. And in some cases, how can we prevent when you are on the other side, and the disease does not run in your family’s DNA.

Better Caregiving Comes from a Daily Needs Assessment Checklist

Providing senior caregiving can be overwhelming at times. You may not know where to begin, trying to meet every need in an effective way.  Often it’s necessary to take a hard look at declining abilities and go from there. Fortunately, there are tools available to help you formulate a game plan — Health Care New York presents a guide to get you started below.

Assessment

In order to offer the best possible help, it’s important to make a thorough evaluation of your loved one’s abilities.  By gauging the areas where assistance is required, you can provide effective and appropriate care.  The University of Michigan Medical School suggests reviewing your senior’s ability to perform certain tasks independently, including two general areas:

Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the basic essentials of independent living. This includes:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Transferring (moving from one position to another, such as from lying in bed to standing)
  • Grooming
  • Feeding

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), items that may require services for independent living. This includes:

  • Self-administration of medications
  • Shopping for groceries
  • Meal preparation
  • Telephone use
  • Driving and transportation
  • Handling finances
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry

Simple solutions

Communicate with your loved one in-depth about how much help is needed in performing both ADL and IADL tasks.  By carefully assessing each area, you can determine ways to help your loved one remain independent.  Sometimes uncomplicated lifestyle alterations can help your older people remain independent longer.

Some professionals advise simple solutions like improved lighting.  Just leaving more lights on, using brighter bulbs, adding lights where rooms and hallways are dim, and adding nightlights can improve safety for many seniors.  Also, decluttering walkways, broadening floor space by moving or removing furniture, and eliminating sharp objects can reduce risks.  If you are concerned, your loved one may wander off; adding a deadbolt higher or lower than normal on a door can help.  Another option is putting a large piece of furniture in front of the door to hinder access, or you can try hanging a curtain over the door to disguise it.  You may want to consider investing in a tracking device if your senior has a history of getting lost.  Sometimes a little creativity can resolve serious risks!

Assistive technology

According to some studies, there is great benefit in enlisting technology to help your loved one remain independent.  Using simple devices such as PocketBuddy can help your senior communicate with a sort of journaling program.  Users record their days and remark about how successful they feel.  Another option can be adding voice-operated internet devices for controlling thermostats, turning on and off lights, listening to music, and reading books.  Users improve not only safety and independence but add more accessible entertainment to their lives.

High risk

Bathrooms, in particular, can be a serious danger zone for seniors.  Approximately 80 percent of falls take place in the bathroom, according to Aging.com…  People over the age of 85 suffer over half of their injuries near the toilet.  The riskiest activities are showering, bathing, and getting in and out of the bathtub or shower.

There are some terrific options for bathroom-related risks, such as grab bars that can be colored for added visibility and raised toilets.  Shower seats and roll-in showers are also great options to explore.  However, make sure you outsource any plumbing-related tasks to professionals with plenty of experience.  Search for local plumbing companies online and read through reviews to make sure the plumber you select can handle the job.

Assessment provides answers

When providing care for a senior, making a thorough evaluation is key in offering good care.  Assessing your loved one’s abilities gives you a foundation for effectively meeting needs.  With creative and proactive solutions, you can keep your loved one safe and independent.

 

Best,
Ted James

Home Care and Beyond

When I started working in the healthcare field in 2005, I had no experience and certainly wasn’t prepared for the home nurse position I was hired for. I had never heard or known about living in or the meaning of 24/7 work. So as I was by my patient’s bedside, we were talking about next week’s doctor’s appointments. I had just brought in her lunch in a tray, so I set the tray down to rise the hospital bed so she could eat. A little background on her, she was bed-bound, has been in remission several times from cancers treatments that did not work for her, had several mental diagnoses and lately had been diagnosed with Dementia, by then her many doctors were doing house calls.

I really wasn’t aware of her capabilities. As I set the tray in her lap, she grabbed the fork and tried to stab me. If I was quick and at least aware of my surroundings, she would have stabbed me on my neck. Needless to say, that shocked me. I then spoke with her ex-husband, who advised me to change, utensils, glasses, and everything that presented a danger to plastic.

A person who has an episode the Dementia can become unstoppable, strong, and even dangerous to themselves. After that, every time I send out our support medical staff to our clients who have been dealing with mental health issues, I advise them to my story. I don’t want anyone to get hurt, not my clients or patients, their loved ones, or my staff. I don’t have to relive the day again.

To read our blogs, click the link Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog – Manhattan, NY | Health Care New York

You Are Not a Doctor, Are You?

When did you become a doctor from the time you received your diagnoses to the minute that you were admitted to the hospital?
Know your body, symptoms, side effect, and being your own advocate for your health is one thing. Other is wide guess what doctors are thinking, why there is a request to go to the hospital, and why doctors aren’t telling everything.

If the doctors are telling everything, maybe there is nothing to tell. We all need to know our bodies, we need to know about medication or food allergies and reactions about everything, but from there to instantly become a doctor, I am sorry I don’t buy.

When you are hospitalized and later on admitted, you have to talk to the doctor and relate to them changes that happened in your routine. The simplest change can send your body into overdrive. I had a case that the client was a quadriplegic, and I want to address that issue. The thing is, the client was admitted because of pneumonia, not because the quadriplegic, been a quad advance everything but that at that point and time wasn’t the issue at hand. Being aware of your rights is also very important. However, not interfering with the diagnoses at hand and medical professionals’ work is also very important.

Bed Side Matters

When a doctor came to a patient round and tell them(the patient) that he/she is very persuasive, and because that they gets everything they wants, (having me as a witnesses) is very disturbing, if you are a doctor and have been working in the hospital system for the last year you should known that be persuasive wont help when the institution hospital is short staff.

One, you have to count the holiday season, two you have to remember Coronavirus resurgence. Have a patient schedule physical or occupational therapies is just plain wrong. However if you recall well burnt out and short staffing and you pretentiously can to say you are very persistent you are also obnoxious to me.

The hospitals don’t necessary leaves on doctors, but they do live from the janitorial services, certify nurses aides, personal care aide’s, registered nurses, security guards, food industry services and last but not least doctors. So you may be the highest paid, but the lowest in the scale in the essential.
So have self control, and do have in mind about team work.

Ageism and Work-Forced

Our blog is designed to inform our readers, not only do we talk about several studies related to Alzheimer’s and other subjects as well as we talk about ageism in the workforce. To read another important input related to that head over https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/joblessness-has-ageist-edge-aarp-5148508/ Click the link to read more about the differences between losing jobs before 50 years old, and younger employees. While long-term unemployment among all Americans remains historically high(37.4%), it’s higher still for those aged 55 and over, at almost 50%.

Head over to our site Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog – Yonkers, NY | Health Care New York on April/2020our blog name is Aging. we already had written about, discrimination, how many of us feel on the daily basis. I go through that myself where I have to “redefine” my career because I am not young anymore. Is interesting to see how people react to explain why they need to have a younger person to take care of their aging loved one and what I tell them is a younger person is more likely to want to work in a medical facility, not with an older person.

The Cost of Professionals you Need

I always recommended that if you want to divorce your spouse, you look for a lawyer, if you have either an adult child who is special needs or an ailing old adult, you need a professional non-skilled medical professional. The non-skilled means that they are there to escort, medication reminders, wake in the middle of the night, change diapers, assist with bathroom, bathing, and dressing your loved one. It does not mean we are stupid, and incapable to check vital signs, calling for 911, or a family member, one very important and often times discount as not important is notice sudden changes that can be rising to concern.
I consult, therefore when I speak with the family member soliciting my services, when a person tells me that their loved one wants to go out, and have a bit for eat and don’t disclose that the person receiving the care is a fall risk, has development disability, I won’t know he needs an expert. Full disclosure, the more skill the candidate is able to hone throughout their caregiver’s career the more expensive it will get.
There has to be a balance where you have a financial reward for the money you expended in learning the skills you need to stay afloat in the job market. I have resurfaced these subjects from an old blog.

ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Unit

If you follow our weekly blog, you will recall when on August/23/2020, I wrote how adult children are helping their parents downsize or age in place. We were talking about an Accessory Dwelling Unit, it is also a.k.a in-laws-suite or alley flats. These are the perfect and ultimate aging-in-place upgrade.

A.A.R.P. re-published on September/2021 an article that reviews the ADUs. To read our article go to our website Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog – Manhattan, NY | Health Care New York to read the A.A.R.P. article or to learn more, go to AARP’s Future of Housing ADU video library at aarp.org/futureofhousing to hear stories from ADUdwellers. For AARP ADU resources, go to aarp.org/ADU.

The kicker with the ADU is you are still living in the same neighborhood, close to transportation, healthy food, and interesting shops and parks. In other words, the physical space has changed, not your surroundings. ADU is being approved in several States since 2004.

Natural Solutions to Acid Reflux: How to Relieve GERD Without Medication

Fruits and Salad

Image via Pexels

Most people experience heartburn at some point or another. You’re probably familiar with the burning sensation in your chest or sour taste in your throat after eating something your body doesn’t agree with.

For some people, acid reflux is more than an occasional discomfort. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and is caused by a lower esophageal sphincter that doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus.

GERD causes a range of unpleasant symptoms, including heartburn, chest pain, nausea, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing. Acid reflux can make it difficult for sufferers to eat and sleep, in addition to causing long-term damage to the esophagus and teeth.

The Problem with Conventional GERD Treatments

There are some possible dangers of omeprazole, a GERD medication that’s one of the most commonly-prescribed drugs in the U.S. Despite its warning that omeprazole shouldn’t be used for more than eight weeks, many people take omeprazole long-term. Some studies have suggested long-term use might lead to complications including liver damage, kidney disease, chronic inflammation, and disruption of the gut flora. However, researchers have noted that there need to be more studies conducted. Omeprazole isn’t the only GERD treatment with risks. Antacid tablets and antacid liquids like Mylanta may also worsen acid reflux symptoms, among other side effects, when used long-term.

How to Find Natural Relief from Acid Reflux

How can GERD sufferers find relief from acid reflux without problematic medications?

Cultivate a healthy gut microbiome

When you want to combat acid reflux, start at the source: your gut. An unhealthy gut microbiome causes inflammation and acidification, leading to health problems like heartburn, weight gain, and even depression. In addition to avoiding acid reflux medications, which decrease the diversity of gut flora, diet is key to cultivating a healthy gut. Eating plenty of raw prebiotic fibers and cultured foods creates an environment where healthy flora can thrive.

Change the way you eat

Eating more fiber is a smart choice for nearly everyone: Most Americans eat less than half the recommended amount of fiber, according to Harvard Medical School. This leads to an increase in health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer. Low fiber consumption is also linked to acid reflux, whereas increased fiber intake improves symptoms.

That’s just one change that can improve life with acid reflux. In addition to eating more fiber, these dietary changes help manage GERD:

  • Eat frequent small meals and healthy snacks instead of three big meals. Avoid snacks with added sugar or salt and instead, opt for fiber- and protein-rich snacks like hard-boiled eggs, nuts and seeds, dried fruit, and vegetables with hummus.

  • Avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux symptoms, including acidic, fried, fatty, spicy, minty, carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic products. Opt for healthy cooking methods like sauteing, roasting, braising, or baking instead of frying.

  • Eat alkaline foods to offset stomach acid. Bananas, melons, cucumbers, greens, nuts, and legumes are examples of alkaline foods.

  • Don’t eat before bed. Timing the largest meal earlier in the day and avoiding late-night snacking reduce the likelihood of nighttime GERD symptoms. Sleeping on the left side and raising the head of the bed also provides relief.

Combat inflammation

Acid reflux causes inflammation in the esophagus, but that’s not the only link between inflammation and GERD. Inflammation is also a cause of GERD in some patients, research suggests. That makes fighting inflammation a top priority whether you’re seeking to heal the inflammation and irritation caused by GERD or stop acid reflux at the source.

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Limit processed foods, refined sugar, trans fat, and red meat.

  • Lose weight. Inflammation and acid reflux are more common in people who are overweight.

  • Stop smoking and moderate alcohol consumption. In addition to other negative health effects, these vices contribute to inflammation.

  • Reduce stress. While some stress is inevitable, chronic stress contributes to inflammation. Regular yoga practice is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve well-being.

  • Try acu-therapy to tame systemic inflammation. Achieving results from acu-therapy doesn’t require needles or electric shocks.

Don’t automatically reach for over-the-counter and prescription medication the next time acid reflux strikes. Try the above methods to see if your acid reflux is reduced. If you can’t relieve your acid reflux and GERD by these means, consult your trusted doctor or medical professional.

This informative article is brought to you by Health Care New York.

Senior and Food Insecurity

I grew up with food insecurity. After my father left us, my mother had to make a decision between paying rent or putting food on the table. She didn’t accomplish either.

So now, living in the U.S., I am overly concerned about food waste, overdo and never having enough. Now old Americans with low income are facing the same challenge. Many old Americans count on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
A healthy meal can prevent diabetes; to be able to access a healthy diet, an increase in SNAP from $204.00 to $250.00 a month for one person can make a difference.
The program goal is to put a healthy diet in front of 8.7 million low-income households.
To help sign up for SNAP benefits, go to aarpfoundation.org/SNAP. To read the full article, go to the A.A.R.P. bulletin/ October/2021.

Retirement Planning Tips for Immigrants and Expats

Counting Money

Image: Pexels

There are many benefits of retirement planning, including investing now for financial security when you retire. Interest will accrue over time, allowing small regular contributions to grow into significant savings. If you’re an expat or immigrant, you need to decide whether to retire in your home country or divide work-life between countries. Many who work abroad, still support their families and plan to get back to their home country after retirement.

Even if you’re not close to retirement, there’s no better time to start preparing for retirement than now. While you may have the right intentions to establish yourself back home while working abroad, cross-border finances can be complex.

Here are guidelines for expats and immigrants to help them plan for these situations.

Retiring in Another Country

The first option is retiring in the country you live or work. Review your current retirement accounts, whether they include a 401(k), pension plan, Roth IRA, or another structure of savings. When planning for your retirement in a different country, you need to consider several things, including:

  • Stability of the currency and economy
  • How retirement income is taxed
  • Age restrictions for retirement

To navigate the complex environment of retirement planning as an immigrant or expat, here’s a look at all these three factors.

  • Taxes on Retirement Income: When you start using your retirement investments or savings, they will be subjected to taxation. In a country like the U.S., when you withdraw from your 401(K) after the age of 59.5, all disbursements are treated as income. Tax laws vary greatly between countries, so compare options between your country of residence and home country to know which provides you with a better retirement package.
  • Age Restrictions: In some places, there are age restrictions on retirement. Check the laws in the country you want to set up your retirement savings as this affects when you can access retirement funds. 401(k)helpcenter.com explains that in the U.S., a 401(K) participant can withdraw money from their plan when they reach 59 ½ years without paying a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
  • Economic Stability: The relative stability of your currency back home and in the country, you work in also helps when working out where to set up your retirement plan. A stable economy means you can expect the currency to avoid fluctuations, which gives a predictable rate of return on your investment. Check historical exchange rates to know how far your money can stretch in the new country.

Investing in Multiple Countries

Besides only investing for your retirement in the country you work in, you could also put some money in your home country.  This means having foreign portfolio investment and building a retirement kitty back home. Focusing on multiple countries allows you to explore different options, including funds, real estate, and companies. In some countries, multinational investors reap the benefits of a system that’s easier to navigate. Compare the tax system in your country and where you work to know how much you can put in both.

Talk to a Professional

Navigating retirement planning for expats and immigrants can get tricky. Laws change, and you could find new investment vehicles that will give you incredible returns. An expert will help you understand the complex issues and find the best way to invest for your retirement. An accountant who specializes in foreign investment will be a suitable choice to assist you.

Also, it’s common for seniors to opt for selling their family home for something smaller when they retire. This allows them more freedom. If you plan on getting a convenient place to stay, you can review your plan to include housing in more than one address. Check out the local housing prices for a U.S. home to know what you can expect when you sell or buy; for example, homes in Manhattan averaged a sales price of $1.25 million last year — an amount that would provide for a long and cushiony retirement in several other countries.

Conclusion 

Planning for retirement is important. Even if you’re an immigrant or an expat, you can plan for your retirement focusing on both your host country and where you come from. Consider the laws and opportunities in both countries to decide which country provides the best environment for investors.

To make your next career move in the health care field, connect with Health Care New York! Call 855-299-6757 for more information.

 

benefits of retirement planning – https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-sponsor/benefits-of-setting-up-a-retirement-plan
preparing for retirement – https://money.cnn.com/retirement/guide/basics_basics.moneymag/index.htm
401(k) – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/what-is-401k/
withdraw – https://humaninterest.com/blog/understanding-the-rules-for-401k-withdrawal-after-59-1-2/
401(K) participant – http://www.401khelpcenter.com/401k_education/Early_Dist_Options.html
foreign portfolio investment – https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/061515/what-are-advantages-foreign-portfolio-investment.asp
selling their family home – https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-selling/step-by-step-guide-to-selling-your-home/
$1.25 million – https://www.redfin.com/city/35948/NY/Manhattan/housing-market
long and cushiony retirement – https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/you-wont-believe-how-far-1000000-nest-egg-goes-countries/

I Actually Knew I Was into Something

The other day I gave a short interview related to why I opened up my business? I always knew my problem solve and leadership spirits; I did; however, I received a little push. Since I accidentally started in the Healthcare field, I find myself immersed in a world of possibilities. The push came when I thought that being an immigrant, I would face too many challenges and some obstacles, like me not being a nurse. I thought those two would cut me from the races. I am a former home health care aide; I do have the inside crack of clients’ everyday needs, as well as the families also.

But when a client or their families tell me that thanks to my job, they are at peace, I know I am into something right.

Reasons to Exercise

I will share with you 10 reasons why it’s important to remain healthy. A twenty minutes walk benefit is as follows.

Reason one: Keep weight off, your metabolic balance;
Reason two: Strength your balance and prevent falls, stimulates your strength;
Reason three: Better mind, diminishes depression, anxiety, and stress;
Reason four: Strength your spine, fight back pain;
Reason five: Better bones, fights osteoporosis by stimulating your bones;
Reason six: Strength your legs muscle, by walking you strength the body’s long muscles;
Reason seven: Better G.I. track by walking you reduce constipation;
Reason eight: Better your lungs, by stretch your lungs with air by exhaling and inhaling;
Reason nine: Better circulation, how the blood is distributed to the body and prevent swelling;
Reason ten: Better heart by training your heart to pump and therefore keep your heart clean.

To read our blogs head to Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog – Yonkers, NY | Health Care New York

Be Informed

A new drug for Alzheimer’s that seeks FDA approval has to correct its label and specify that the drug is only working for the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The drug helps reduce the amyloid, but the maker needs to do more trials.

Fake (Erectile dysfunction) pills have been bought by older Americans over shady websites, Do Not Used sites that you don’t know. Those pills sell on are fake pills putting you at health risks, one site that is dangerous. Don’t visit sites you don’t know.

More on both subjects can be found at AARP Bulletin September/2021, for more on past blogs, go to Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog | Yonkers, NY | Health Care New York

Guilt Feelings

My blogs range from very important subjects to much literary ones, and I like that, it's an open space where I can express what's going on. This subject blog is why should you have a medical professional assisting your family member. I have addressed these subject before, and I am going back because just read an article on Vox.com that is an eye opened. Guilt feelings make you assume positions or “stands” that you may not be ready for, to take care of your loved one because it's your loved one is the worse mistake you are making.

It's very taxing, overwhelming, and will drain your mental health and life savings, sometimes we all think instead of doing ourselves and not paid for a service we are saving money. When comes to a caregiver job you are not saving anything. The article I read is “The staggering, exhausting, invisible costs of caring for America’s elderly.”

Living and Learning

For the last five years, I start to read AARP magazine and bulletin, since I have my blog these two have being plenty of subjects and inspiration. I used them to share the information posted on my blog, and to be quite honest, I came to like the knowledge is bringing to me, and every Summer, AARP has published a list to save money.

Full confession, I can’t wait to receive that issue, on my first year I find out that I can have college class for half the price, the second year I learn about most food and exercise I do are right for me, third-year Habitat of Humanity sale their surcharges for less money, year after that I learn that when I turn 55 I should call my cell phone company and I will have a senior plan, this year I learn a website fatfinger.com, where you buy a product for half that price due to the owner misspelling.

We Sometimes Await for the Right Time

I have seen much older adults await the right time to develop a new career, whatever one may excel at, life has its own way to present an opportunity.

In my case I couldn’t go to college because I heavenly lean on my work to live, my way was paved with my working opportunities as a 24/7 caregiver.

When my patient passed on I would lose everything. And with many things that may have a range in the same way or they chose to retire first and then blossom into creativity, I just came across an article at A.A.R.P July/August 2021. To read the full article AARP.org/bulletin. It’s a beautiful story from those who after retirement is enjoying a new career and rediscovering new horizons.

Alzheimer And Exercising

I was reading an article in the A.A.R.P bulletin from May/2021 related to older adults who exercise regularly is pushing Alzheimer’s disease away.

The article specifically suggests everyday workout, is also mention that exercising has other benefits as part of Alzheimer’s, and mention that aerobics as an additional therapy for the disease.

My opinion is to keep moving or engaged in any physical activity, read and solve puzzles will keep your mind active, by going out will keep your spirit engaged with volunteering and social events, on other words live life. You are more likely to not face mental health.

To read the full article go to A.A.R.P.bulletin.org and head over to our website we write really great blogs.

Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog – Yonkers, NY | Health Care New York

Knitting and Computers

Today I went to Mount Sinai hospital in Manhattan to assist a client who needed help being transferred from a power chair to a stretcher in order to have a minor procedure done. As we waited to be called, I observed a lady knitting and checking her texts and emails.

Everyone says that having a hobby is healthy, and she seems to me be very proficient in both. She inspired me to write this blog, and ponder on the circumstances we are living in now—where an older employee is being cast aside in order to have a younger, fresh out of college one.

I don’t have college experience, and I see my employer disbelieved that not I can learn and retain a new skill, as well as use it when needed.
And that makes me think: for how long have senior employees been shown the door?

P.S. I do not understand anything about knitting.

Death or End of Life Doulas

The first time I hear the word doula was on a tv show probably in yearly’s 2000 and it was related to childbirth. Yesterday July/2021, I read an article on Twitter about a mom who lost her daughter and decide to invest her time in a doula course.

Doulas on birthdays assisted the soon-to-be mother with emotional and practical comfort Death or end-of-life doulas are on the same scale. The service seems to be on a volunteer basis for now, although some of these doulas are charging at the lowest as $25.00. To read the full article, read over Twitter.com and search Doulas; or nytimes.com.

Living Longer and Better Lives

When I wrote about living better longer (my first blog last week) I mention that we actually don’t know how much of the sixty items we should do to consider to make the effect is assisting us to live longer.

Whatever the many numbers you decided to do or are already doing, the thing is, most of the suggesting list of 60 items subdivided into fourteen subtitles will improve your living longer by more than fifteen percent.

As I read the article, more I found out that I have been pulling more them half of the suggestion list, and what surprises me most was I came up with my own conclusion that I had to change things around to make it better for my own body.

Again the full article can be found at A.A.R.P.org/ bulletin. And check out our first blog and other blogs on our website @ Health Care Recruiting Company | Blog | Yonkers, NY | Health Care New York

Living Better and Longer

At some point in your years, a switch flips and you start thinking about a better and healthier life, A.A.R.P. offers an incredible guide to live a longer, better and healthier life.
I do wonder how much o the list (it offers 60 tips) one’s needs to pull through or how little from the list will help you have you complete switching.

Let say that for the last 5 years you are not answering the phone at 5 o’clock because you are watching your favorite rerun of your favorite TV show. For half an hour you are disconnect from electronic devices, is that too little?

Check out the A.A.R.P.org/bulletin for the full article and let us know on our social media pages,
https://facebook.com/hhcagency2011 ; https://twitter.com/hhcagency2011; https://myspace.com/hhcagency2011HealthCareNewYork Nobre | LinkedIn and HealthCareNewYork; (@hhcagency2011) • Instagram photos and videos

Couple Has Being Deny from Each Others Company

Mr. and Mrs. Single married for over 50 years, lived in a nursing home for over ten years, when Mrs. Singles went to the hospital for a medical check-up, lost her place could not go back to a place where she knew as home, Mrs. Single also suffer from Dementia. Mr. Single, could not see his wife of fifty years he passed without her, she passed without him.

If this story doesn’t make you angry I don’t know what would. The state of California railroad their right to stay together. It’s a sad story that the Single’s family decided to sue the nursing home that tore the couple apart.

By the time I finish reading the article I did wish that the legal system would bring justice to the now disease couple.
Read the full story, on the A.A.R.P bulletin in June/2021.

Alzheimer’s in the News

New drug to assisted Alzheimer’s, these diagnoses is a very complex road, the basics is a patient who is diagnosed with the disease pretty much loose short term memory.

What causes and how fast or slow progress, its is possible, count its progression?

The new question now is how often should be taken and whom its the best candidates to try, how families will monitor the results. What will actually change for the patient, is the patient really aware that they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? For most of my clients that had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there was a lot of repetition. Will that change? I need more information, more testing, is these too fast.

We All Have Our Recipes

Some think that if you drink a glass of wine a day, it will help your health. I believe that water, exercise, and cook meals as well as sleeping well at night.

A.A.R.P bulletin talks about living longer, stronger, and better.

Eating right, sleeping well, keeping active, exercising your brain with puzzles, and remaining engaged with your friends and family; all the above assist you in staying out of a nursing home and living longer.

My personal recipe isn’t so much staying connected with people, but it is to remain working, it is exercising, it is enjoying free pleasures that living in Manhattan allowed me to engage in. Head over to our social media pages hhagency/2011 and let us know what your secrets to longer and healthier living.

Changes made on the Healthcare field

Things do change fast, in the medical field that happens ten times fold. Its very difficult to keep it up. So I will break it up for you, personal care assistant is the lowest level on the field, include companion and medication reminders and all day living. Home health aide offers a midlevel support including doctors appointment and escort, lay out medication and connection with the doctors.

Certify nurses aide is available to provide medical care to clients, like vital signs and change a dressing the latter has to be supervised by a registered nurse or practical nurse.
A license practical nurse is more intense, vital signs, medical care with or without the registered nurses supervision.

When I started in the healthcare field I was a personal care assistant performing many practical nurses descriptions. I loved, I always know that I could delivery.

Medical Professional

Isn’t everyone who is born to take care of their loved one? Last week, when I published my blog relating to Joan Lundem relating to how hard it was to find her way to care for her mom, it’s pretty much how many feel overwhelmed. I remember my family trying to care for my grandma with Alzheimer’s. She was a fall risk.

You may experience a sense of uselessness, anxiety, and a challenging time making decisions, and it is difficult to make decisions. You are not able to separate decision-making from family members.

Whenever you can, have a medical professional instead jump in. Sometimes you may not have what it takes to do it.

Sometimes No Time to Prepared

I was reading the Joan Lundem said in an interview on A.A.R.P bulletin March/April/2021 said well when she mentions that when one gets pregnant the women have nine months to prep. When your family member gets an unexpected diagnosis, overnight your its turns upside down.
My grandma lived with us she helped my mom raise us, but when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s we bounce off the wall to figure out how to protect here, avoid or prevent wandering off.’
When you have professional assistance you go back to be a visiting family member, our agency offers a range of medical professionals to assisted families.
Our home care professionals assist with making and escorting appointments, vital signs, and all daily living activities or personals hygiene. We relived your daily workload so you can prepare yourself for the road ahead.

Protecting Yourself after a Hospital Visit

For the longest time, I also have been telling my clients and their families avoid to be sent to the hospital, stay away from hospitals at all costs. I call a hospital a germ house, not to say that hospitals aren’t clean or disinfected, they are. When you reach a certain age, say 65 or older there is a bigger chance of hospital readmissions.

When your discharge paper is assigned no one tells you the huddles and hardship that come after discharge. April A.A.R.P bulletin to read more about hospital readmission, the article crunches some very heavy numbers., they also share many precautions and few websites such as medicare.gov/hospitalcompare; qualitycheck.org; leapfroggroup.org, do your homework. For even more detailed information go to acep.org/geda.

These Sites Helps you Keep Safe

When you talk to others about how you were scammed, you will hear their stories, I also have mine. In 2007 as I was looking for a job I was scammed $300.00 that I had in my bank account and the account was closed. As I spoke with the branch manager she makes me feel like was all my fault, and never mention to me to go to the police for a police report.

A.A.R.P. bulletin publishes a list of websites to help us prevent from being a scam. www.OlderAdultNestEgg.com; www.InformedDelivery.usps.com; www.EverSafe.com or www.Idshield.com; www.DoNotCall.gov; www.TinEye.com; www.EverSafe.com; www.Checkr.com or www.IntelliCorp.net and www.GoodHire.com and www.ProtonMail.com; www.Tutanota.com and www.Mailfence.com.

Those emails protect you from email monitoring, mail management, hire a professional to check pictures, all those are a mixture of services and needs. Pick what best fits you.

Therapy for Seniors

Admitting that you are in therapy can put you on the spot as well as make you feel guilty. It’s still a very taboo subject, where most don’t want to be admitted, and for some, they don’t want to open the Pandora box.

After Covid-19, many of us started realizing that it’s okay not to be okay. Therefore therapy starts to open up. The tricky part is when seniors start using or try to reach out for professional therapist help. As a senior, you do have most of your life figure out, but you still some areas where you could use some help.

Therapy should be as easy as when you talk to your primary doctor about high blood pressure or your medication, and therapy sections should be explored to have some things that you can talk about, clear your thoughts, and give you tools to help.

Read the full article at A.A.R.P. org/bulletin.

Covid 19 Lessons

What we have learn from Covid-19 pandemic, first family matters mote than we realize, many of us zoom and face time more than we thought was possible; second the adage ‘ age is just a number’ has a new meaning, experience has a new word for; third we befriend technology, and there is no going back, zoom meting and TeleHealth are here to stay; fourth papering is healthy self-care its a-okay, bubble bath or skin care its a-okay; fifty work is anywhere now a shift that bodes well for older Americans; sixty have a stash ready for the next crisis; seventh we will gather again but very carefully; eighth our trust on one another has frayed, but it can be slowly restore; ninth loneliness hurts health more than we thought; tenth when your world gets small, nature lets you live large; eleventh we have unleashed a revolution in medicine; twelfth for some, hard times bring opportunity.

To read full article go to A.A.R.P.org/bulletin.

You Need to be on the Loop

I always say that it is very important to know where you are financially, when you are a couple, one has the crunch numbers more develop, others don’t. If something happens to your spouse as he/she passes away the other half will be lost. It happens one too many times, couples need to share passwords, logins, type(s) of accounts, every little detail you and your loved one may judge unimportant. So out clients lockout.

It so happens that if you don’t share this kind of information with your spouse, the person in charge of the money in your household, may be suffering from some sort of mental illness, and sometimes they pass away faster them anyone could organize their affairs.

There is a need to share this information, secure location as well as another trusted person.

Drug for Alzheimer’s Seems to be Working

On January/18/2021 I wrote about a drug from the pharmaceutical Eli Lilly testing a new drug for
Alzheimer’s patients, the study was performed with a small group of patients for a very short period of time.

Still give patients with Alzheimer’s and their families hope. We all know that more needs to be done, and more studies need to be performed, however, these study really brings good news for many.
The study, of course, isolated the patients and those patients have to fit the profile for the study along with many questions to be answered but is great news.

That success will be carrying a lot of weight especially because there was nothing like for a very long time.

Please reread our blog Good News For Alzheimer’s Patients @ www.HealthCareNewYork.net/blog and the New York Times Alzheimer’s Shows Promise in Small Trial at Nytimes.com

Brain Damage By Covid-19

I just read Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s report on Covid-19 and the brain. “At least half of People who recover from Covid-19 suffer neurological symptoms for months after”.
Dr. Gupta, in this article, touches on a subject that a few Covid-19 patients have been reporting on: symptoms like anxiety, depression, hallucinations, temporary brain dysfunction, severe headaches, brain inflammation, bleeds and clots, and nerve damage in both young and old patients.

After Covid, will these patients suffer long-term mental health? What is the extended or permanent damage?
Like many questions, these are still being studied through research, and followed-up with those patients that report those symptoms; maybe we need to wait a long time to know those answers.
To learn more about the article, check out the AARP magazine for January/2021. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a medical adviser from CNN. To learn more about posts and blogs, visit: https://healthcarenewyork.net/blog/

A Strategy for Health Care Reform — Toward a Value-Based System

List of authors.
• Michael E. Porter, Ph.D.

Despite many waves of debate and piecemeal reforms, the U.S. health care system remains largely the same as it was decades ago. We have seen no convincing approach to changing the unsustainable trajectory of the system, much less to offset the rising costs of an aging population and new medical advances. Today there is a new openness to changing a system that all agree is broken. What we need now is a clear national strategy that sets forth a comprehensive vision for the kind of health care system we want to achieve and a path for getting there. The central . . .

Alzheimers

The famous singer Toni Bennett has dementia, Mr. Bennett gave an interview to AARP magazine that for the last four years he has being diagnose with Alzheimer.
What more likely help him being function is that he kept working in his projects. And by all accounts music is therapeutic, keep physical activity, learning and exercising.
Like every time we say that everything is connect, mentally and physically sharp individuals has a better chance to bit the bullet.
Alzheimer’s is a very difficult diagnose, a have spoke with few different doctors whom believe that when you are diagnose on your forties is more likely that you already has being displaying signs of the disease 10 years prior to the diagnoses.

Read our blogs on Alzheimer’s over the years we have publish many blogs on the subject.
https://healthcarenewyork.net/blog/

Assisting Living or Retirement Community

Its a trend, many families are downsizing and moving their parents to either assisting living or retirement community. My problem with that is if and when your parents or loved one need a home health care aid, neither of the facilities above will provide, and comes the out of pocket expense.
I would definitely moved my parents to a smaller place, not a minute before readjust their own place to make aged friendly home.
Like your parents or loved one, every evening I look forward to pick up my mail, fix my dinner and take shower and so on. And restarted all over again the next day. Without anyone telling me what to do next. For me all it matters is that your parents are safe and functionality for them should be important.

Our Times

Many companies now are asking for the young employees to return to headquarter, but not the season employees.
We all want to go back to our old lives, we back at the office, the kids back to school, and our precious social life.
Scientists say that as soon as we starting vaccinating the population we will have some used to do, to get over.
Now we have social media and the internet to lean on, how did folks done when the Spanish fly came around without the amenities we have today?
We only can think so far and look back last year, and yet be grateful that we have, which also is hard.
To say that we are learning as we going is what we all want to believe, but we are never prepared enough to face such a turn of events. It’s my belief.

Good News for Alzheimer’s Patients

Dr. Lon S. Schneider, professor of psychiatry, neurology, and gerontology at the University of Southern California, has great news about patients in a two-year trial for Alzheimer’s. A new drug from the maker Eli Lilly has been monitoring 272 patients with brain scans indicative of Alzheimer’s disease.

This study has been monitoring patients whose scans did not diagnose or have symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Participants who received the drug has a 32 percent deceleration in the rate of decline. In six to twelve months, plaques were gone and stayed gone.

Read the full article titled Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promise in Small Trial at nytimes.com.

Medicare will now Assisted Individuals and Families with In-home Dialysis

For years those whom need help with dialysis, had a very difficult time after Covid-19, it became a real issue for whomever need visit a medical facility to have the procedure done.
Now Medical will assisted with payments for patients in need to dialysis, still many details yet to be worked however its a very promising opportunity.
Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) is also looking for to assisted the dialysis patients to perform the procedure at home by doing so its intended to curb a very exposure of some whom is vulnerable to contract diseases to better protect themselves.
Home dialysis expands under Medicare, older Americans with kidney ailments will find easier to get treatments at home. These changes starts January/2021.
To read more about go to A.A.R.P.bulletin/

You Finish the Sentence

As like everyone we promises ourselves that we will. Promises from the New Year, at my aged and with many broken dreams under my belt I stopped renew my wishes.
One thing I did was when I lost my second dog I did started walking for two reasons, one I want to keep myself busy, two I want to fulfill the void from losing my dogs. Its being six year since I started walking.
One thing I did was rewire myself to practice preventive healthcare, and walking six out of seven days is preventing me from stay still, helps me keep fit, sleeping well and its being easier to concentrated and overall health in check.
Whatever you choose to do or not to do, when December/31ft rolls about try to remember the reason why you promise yourself.

Pandemic 2020

This year could not be any more difficult, pandemic or Covid-19 make worse. Doctors have come forward to give us all advice, exercise, social distance, wear a mask, protect yourself and family, one of my favorite doctors Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a CNN chief medical correspondent, and a new book coming out on January/2021.

Step 1) Maintain social connection in a physically distanced world;
Step 2) Eat for resiliency;
Step 3) Move more- exercise remains key to mental sharpness and a healthy immune system;
Step 4) Boost immunity through sound sleep;
Step 5) Ward off anxiety and fears by learning something new to distract from the negative news.

Those are the simplest steps anyone could follow. To read more about the full interview and in-depth about the five steps and Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s new book, go to A.A.R.P December/2020 / January/2021.

Fight and Hope for Alzheimers

We spoke about her journey on December/6/2019, she has Alzheimer’s disease running in her family. Her prognosis was to be diagnose, have offset of Alzheimer’s by the age of 40. On November/10/2020 in her early 70s she past away without Alzheimer’s but melanoma.

A year ago a came across the story of a colombian woman, most of her female family members has being diagnose with Alzheimer’s, but not her for almost 30 years she has agreed to be follow by scientists in Colombia to try to find out why and how she has being “safe” from display signs of Alzheimer’s.

Now that she past away her brain will be study and a through investigation about the whys and hows to be explain. Its an amazing discovery if those scientist will be able to unlocked the secret.
Read more @ Nytimes.com

Alzheimer’s and Plants

There still a lot of studies and research to be done and information to be shared before we started to understand how our body works and what works for our body. To say that this new plant study is the answer, it’s a mistake; we always should be hopeful it will bring us closer to finish the puzzle.

Will plants assisted us in slowing down or prevent Alzheimer’s? Maybe, there is an experimental study going on right now to find the answer to these questions.

In the study, it was observed that plants have the basic makings of the human body, with something more powerful than it may be able to break the plaques often found in patients dealing with Alzheimer’s.

We are developing a treatment for Alzheimer’s using plants. Read more at www.futuresmagazine.msu.edu or whets11@msu.edu.

Oral Hygiene and Our Age

Is a well-known rule of thumb, as we age everything change as well, your body, stamina hair color, and volume & everything in between. That's why it's so important to the mind of your oral hygiene.

You need to make sure you not only floss your teeth, you need to check-ups twice a year.

Whatever is your diet, you need to make sure to visit the dentist, with x-rays and whatever you may ensure a healthy mouth, and just to say, oral problems equal to heart diseases.

Think like health mouth health heart. I, a couple of weeks address in my blog preventive healthcare, and I brush on everything that you should know and hopefully be doing. It's the right thing to do for yourself.

No Place Like Home

Many families make a choice to put their family member or loved one in an assisted living. The thought is that their family member will be safe and for some, there is a belief that being away from home like a nursing home or assisted living is cheaper than keep your loved one at home. It’s a mistake, before starting the process you need to revert your family member assets to the State.

Assisted living is only for seniors that are fully functional does not need any physical assistance, like no mental health issues, you either cook or order in, no dining halls.
Senior that is transfer to nursing homes are a match with a very different reality, it’s a shared room, food is delivered to them by the facility employees and your loved one should eat on their own. So the best way to age is at their own home, surrounded by loved ones.

Preventive Health Care

For years now I see myself on a mission to self-preservation. I used to have two very busy dogs who were very used to be walked three times a day for an hour each time. After my dogs were gone I felt the need to know myself therefore before I decide to have or not another dog I started walking. I also cook a lot, my meals are with vegetable and I eat fruits, I honestly believed that I am fighting for my well being.

I also very proud to say that having a good night’s sleep is very precious to me, it prevents mental health issues, I also read a great deal of books as well as online courses and I solved crossword puzzles.

Constantly learn, good food, great nights of sleep, and twice visits the dentist and eye care.
And just yesterday I hear a woman in the elevator play by the same rules as I.

People Puts their Lives on the Line

Being brave and bold is the first words that came to mind when I read the AARP article about some patients take a step and different options. There are patients out there looking and trying new forms of treatment in order to better their diagnoses as well in the near future assisted more people with their advance and outside a box treatment or technology.

Most patients only try to find a cure for themselves, others are thinking about many and how their pioneer’s treatments will shred a lite-on something new and a better outcome to all.

The Healthcare industry looks for ways to better for all, not only one but millions, read the full article at AARP October/ Medical Breakthrough 2020.

Life Needs Balance

In case you’re wondering if you need balance, I can tell you: yes. If you have high blood pressure, are using any kind of blood thinners, or if you are obese, or smoke, diabetes, then yes.

With Covid-19, the urgency of keeping yourself healthy or balanced is greater than ever.
In case you are not yet convinced that Covid-19 is a killer virus, you are wrong. The weaker is your immune system, and if you are not wearing a mask, then I am really sorry. You are making an unconscious decision to put yourself at higher risk.

When we cross any kind of abnormal times, you better err on the side of caution and protect yourself the best way you can. Have a supply of your daily medication, and verify with your doctor if  TeleHealth is available.

Mental Health

More than 23 million adults Americans, close to 10 percent, have limiting mental functioning, including learning and intellectual disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of Dementia.
Some are young or middle aged but most of the nearly eight million people with with Dementia are older adults. Many will be effectively disenfranchised.

Misunderstanding about cognitive decline does not disqualifies you from voting (which we address in the previous blog) I probably have mention that I used have a neighbor who’s brother at aged 45 as diagnose with Alzheimer’s, and his doctors told him that he more likely has being dialing with offset signs from the his last ten years. If an individual does not get test soon as possible, therefore the diagnose become old people disease. Offset of mental health is quick clear to spat, however no one wants to address the situation, for fear and wanted to distress the family member and loved one.

Everyone Should Vote

Nowadays, everything is highly charged and politicized. However, this blog is far from that, and its indented it to shred a lite for those that are now dealing with any mental health issues.

I came across an article about mechanical engineering born 99 years ago in Siberia, who always thought vote is the highest honor a citizen can give to its country.

Although he suffers from Dementia, he has the right to vote. A family member in case of those who are still living home or a home health care aides if that’s not the case, they can assist the mental health challenge individual in being accomplished that.

Incapacity to follow a recipe and cook dinner doesn’t mean incapacity to vote. If you have a family member living at home or in a medical facility and they express interested in voting, you should help them.

Nytimes.com Having Dementia Doesn’t mean you can’t vote.

Telecommuting

As we all go through the pandemic, many things have and will change. One very important change is how we work; many companies won’t any longer have the office space. Making their employees work from home.

Five reasons for that changes are: Company’s wants see the healthier your, more production, less time off to go to the doctor; Corporations will retain only the employees with experienced for theirs own success; Part-time remote work offers great flexibility for all; Friendly remote job-market may explode; Employees and employers stand to save.

I loved the idea of working from home; however, I am a home health care agency; therefore, I am still dueling with how I can have a job-fair in my two bedrooms apartment, be saved, and make the prospect employees comfortable in being in my house. How will I have an unexpected conference call with the cleaning lady turning on the vacuum?

Read the full article at A.A.R.P bulletin. June/2020

TeleHealth Moment Arrives

TeleHealth starts to be a wonderful option for times like we are crossing with Covid-19 and quarantine. But TeleHealth won’t work without reliable internet service. I read an article at A.A.R.P. bulletin relating to internet services for rural Americans, where the nearest Walmart is 200 miles away and the closest airport is around 100 miles.

Rural Americans will have to wait longer to use TeleHealth. How’s a country with so many choices to pick from leaves their most needy and vulnerable population without basic services?

How do you make a case and convince the telephone and fiber optics companies to come together in favor of their own customers?

The chances are that rural Americans won’t enjoy or participate in TeleHealth for at least 25 years from now.

Many get up to speed; many lack access. For more on TeleHealth, visit aarp.org/health/condition-treatments/.

Hiring Medical Professionals

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about hiring a medical professional instead of calling for the lovely neighbor. Hire an aide that is experienced with cancer to assist a patient going for chemotherapy. When you disclose that your loved one is suffering from mental health issues, we are going to deploy an aide that has experience with that line of care and assistance with medication. We’ll escort to the treatment they need.

A home health care aide is an important part of the care plan, which is based on the aide’s observation, notes, and reports to the registered nurse. Things that a lovely neighbor won’t be able to accomplish.

Hiring a medical professional that can address your own needs is the best thing you can do. You should surround yourself with someone that will advocate for your needs.

Talking About Alzheimer’s

A well-known fact about Alzheimer’s disease: one may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, however, the signs and symptoms were there way before its diagnosis. I recall a neighbor’s brother that had his diagnosis at age 45. His doctor explained to the family that the disorder was there 10 years prior to that first visit and testing.

Now bio-markers started to develop new, more accurate blood testing so one can have a better and more detailed diagnosis. Biological markers can oversee that there is an overproduction of proteins beta-amyloid and tau, which can translate to brain malfunctioning.

Today Alzheimer’s disease testing is based on symptoms, patients, and family’s accounts, as well as memory testing to eliminate other diseases. For early stages, there is a big association with aging, making diagnosis very difficult if not impossible.

For more information, click on gene.com.

It’s Crazy

One Summer morning, my patient and I came to blows, was not the first time, neither it was the least; this time was like always related to a corn that the patient’s foot and I for the last 2 years have been expressing my concern. My patient is a quadriplegic, therefore things like that are important since the quadriplegic does not fell or can prevent things from happening or could later become a bigger problem.

And these person is a mastermind in mind games, manipulations, and lies. And that’s why I am trying to make sense of all. It’s crazy how much lies and manipulation the person tells and applies. And that’s why many of us who live with a person like that kind second guest their own rational thoughts.

My patient is nothing short from be compare by me as Dirty John; there were a lot of lies, manipulation, mary go around, badmouthing, and so on. So when you try to tell some else about what you go through on a daily basis, no one would believe because they act so nice, and yet the character is beyond flaw. They actually go above and beyond to destroy you any way they can, including and not limited to trying to destroy your self steam.

The Science of Life is Science

Renown and acclaimed retiree actor Alan Alda is trying to say so. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he is podcasting Clear + Vivid, a very important conversation.

Science. Science defines our lives, our bodies, our mental and physical health. For a police officer is evidence; for a doctor is DNA; for a layperson, it runs in the family.

By opening up the conversation to make reachable, science will become more approachable.

Alan Alda and doctors alike want that families be around the diner table and talk about science. Everything can be explained with scientific proved and trace.

It’s not an easy job. However, it has to be done, and some have to start.

His passion transforms, and he now shares with anyone that listens to. Read to complete article on A.A.R.P.org and to listen to the podcast Clear + Vivid head to AlanAlda.com

Assisting Your Parents to Staying Home

Most of us will be dealing with our parents downsizing, or stay put. I have being seen for the last few years families unsure and reluctant on sell or assisted their parents to downsizing. Families are instead building an adobe either on the garage or next to their own home.

I have been creating new spaces for aging in place since 2005 when I started working with clients in their own homes that became my motivation to assisted my clients and patients aged in place or transition to hospice.

You will need to do a little researched to find what your state permits, as well as paperwork needs, to assisted you with the Adus (accessory dwelling units).
Read more about at AARP.org.

Taking Care of The Family Members and Loved Ones

Often times, our clients turn to us because the neighbor fails to disclose changes that have been occurring with your family member or loved one.

Many think that mom or dad does not need professional help because the house is clean; their parents are not losing weight; therefore, meals are being cooked, meds are being taken.

And again and again, the scenario is far from the truth. The lovely neighbor is lovely as well as a great person. However, they are not trained, physically, or mentally prepare for the changes and challenges of aged parents.

The benefits of having home health care are how professionals they can be. We train home health care aides to mentally challenge clients as well as the physical demands. Without the proper train, neighbors will not be able to communicate with doctors or monitor vital signs, be mindful of healthy meals. Always look for professional’s home health care aides.

TeleHealth is Here to Stay

After Covid-19, many things change and will continue to do so, many of us are afraid and concern about what exactly to do next.

One concern now is how to handle doctor’s appointments. Will you walk yourself to the hospital and risk to get infected? Or will you ever call your doctors and have a quick conference call, and that will be it?

Many doctors are now offering TeleHealth, you keep your appointment, and have a face-to-face conference with your doctor via the internet.

TeleHealth is here and will stay to assist us with our appointment. However, there are yet work to be done, such as improved internet services to rural areas, get everyone on board, like those who don’t know yet about, and improved the time with your doctor.

For now, I like what I have seen so far, but I do like to see more for my home health care agency’s clients.

You Are With It or Are You Cool

You are a cool old adult if you are still working and enjoying it. You are with it if your company offers you the opportunity to work from home. You are also cool if you are digging a new career path. You’re awesome when you exercise every day and keep a very busy social life.

You are very much with it by being eager to learn new things, and enjoy exploring new opportunities. You are a cool old adult if you allow a home health care worker to come to visit you on a daily or weekly basis.

You are with it driving your grandkids to and from playdates or school.

You are with it if you have an apple phone and socially connect, and actually know how to use it or know when to publish without putting too much out there.

Stay Fit

As we all age, health becomes a concern, keeping active, sometimes it can be difficult. There is a need to know if you would be better off going to a gym or buy and keep the equipment in your own home.

Now AARP is helping communities within 50 states build and maintain a playground design for old adults to keep fit, active, and babysit their grandkids if there is a need to.

Go to AARP.org/fitpark to learn where in your neighborhood will be built.

This specific park is slated to be built in 50 states, and there will be a partnership between States and AARP.

In the third quarter of last year, a new fitness park was unveiled in St. Petersburg, Florida.

African-Americans and Alzheimers

More families are dealing with Alzheimer/Dementia then we think. One of our blogs relates to Alzheimer/Dementia in women. Now we’ll discuss Alzheimer/Dementia in African-Americans communities. We find that the number of African-American who has Alzheimers/Dementia are higher than we ever thought. African-Americans has higher changes and percentages of suffers with Alzheimer/Dementia.

This disease has been tearing families and individuals and the fight that doctors are offering is not being able to catch up with the demand, and truth to be told, it never crosses my mind the African-American population is the most vulnerable ones.
Lesson learn like any disease or diagnostics these disease does not discriminate nor pick or choose. I learn that from an article I read from Oprah Magazine July/August. The Alzheimer’s Epidemic No One Is Talking About.
Go to Oprahmag.com to learn more.

We Cope Differently

It is unrealistic to think everyone is fine to shelter in place and not be able to leave home and be functional. Some of us thrive; others struggle as I wrote in a blog on June, 1st 2020: Skilled at Isolation.

Now, this blog offers a different perspective: in this blog, I related to those who need to be connected.

There is an organization that helps those who need to be connected to be functional.

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults is highly related to dementia to heart disease.

There is a tremendous power in being connected with others; for some older adults found that connective the outreach is important.

The numbers are higher: 1 in 4 Americans over age 65 are socially isolated or alone. If you are in the age range, used our website www.HealthCareNewYork.net to research the website Connect2Affect.org. See what they can do for you or loves ones.

Working Hard to Keep All the Same and All Together

As we make simple strides to keep together and all at the same, nothing may be the same after the summer of 2020. Coronavirus or Covid-19 will change us and will be remembered by what could, should, or would have being, a number of patients or health people that parish from the virus. We will remember the changes we had to face, as well as the ones we did not choose to do. Some of us will start to take all the shots and vaccines that may ever be.

I, for myself, have been an addict to washing my hands and still not touching mail or packages or my own groceries just yet. I wipe the cabinets after and before putting anything on top, I don’t keep plastic bags in any longer than I need to.
Even whats for me the hard thing ever, pet a dog when I am out. I can’t bring myself to do it just yet.

We will remember this Covid-19 as we remember now the Spanish-flu.

Taking Care of Yourself

To say that in this time of Corona-virus (Covid-19) quarantine, most of us start feeling the pressure and crack. I lived and worked in Manhattan, NY, and I oftentimes see myself feeling a little down for the fact that we all are wearing masks, stores are closed, we have been imposed personal sacrifices that sometimes seem too much to bear.

And of course, its all right to feel anxious, unsettled, and all mental health distress one can have or name. What it’s not all right is not seek professional help, have some else to talk to even have a prescription writing.

Its all right to have any medical issue as long the health concern is addressed by a professional, as long the mental health issue that you have been dealing with does not have you. It does not impair your personal or professional life.

Take good care of yourself first; you should come first.

What To Do Next

Eat right, sleep well and exercise often what all that actually means? How to know when the things you are doing are right for you?

Your body will tell, the food and exercise you respectively eat and moved will show when you have your next check up, like the commercial says you digest system will thank you by shown good numbers, the water you drink will assisted you skin shine and you bladder will keep functioning.

The same goes for your sleep patterns, you will less agitated and angry, more restful, and alert as well your disposition will increase.

Your daily walk or any exercise you practice will help cholesterol numbers and whatever pain you may have go away. And last but not least you will fell in tip top shape for your whatever age.

Even when you skip a day, wont change the overall good affect that you should fell.

Mental Health Research

What happened with one’s after being diagnose with mental health issues. Is there any resources outside being medicated and psychiatric meetings.

What really change for you, will you stop work, school on and all put your life on hold, deal with the diagnose, talk to your friends about your new found reality?

Or will you stay quiet, learn how to managed the symptoms and do your best to push forward with your own life.

Would you disclosed that for your future husband? Are you a kind person that would like to have some answers?

Would you like some else like me who if notice over a period of time notice something that I quit could actually put my finger, would you be okay with me if I recommended for you to look for mental professional help?

Book Hearing Voices, Living Fully.

Mental-Health Researches Ask: What is “Recovery”. nytimes.com

Skilled at Isolation

The present time where we need to be physically isolated to not contract or transmit COVID-19, most families’ concerns are about the aged in-laws and parents — rightfully so. It is an unknown infection. However, many individuals rather be on their own — not having to deal with some personal life daily deals. Like when some is very demanding.

When I first started working as a home-nurse, I gave up my social life to start a brand new career in the healthcare field. For some of us, we are skilled at being alone, not fearful about their career prospects and emotionally more experienced at managing the great disruption of everyday life that is affecting everyone.

But its important and does help to have an active life of the mind.

Every challenge is basically tapping into skills that you may not have known you had.

I Like It, Actually: Why So Many Older People Thrive in Lockdown
Nytimes.com

Essential Workers

Home health care aides, patients care assistants and companions are essential workers, without them your loved one, wouldn’t stand a change of getting off bed, shower and change or have a meal.

Some may disagreed with that position, you should not mind every one is entitle to have their opinion, theirs is unrelated to what a domestic worker do.

My many years working in the front line of health care work, I had a client whom used tell me that I could not learned anything, and I used to think how sorry I felt for that person. You should be proud of the work you do, there would not be any person to do the kind job you are doing now. Be proud.

Every single medical professional out there whom assistants with the Covid-19 deserves the recognition and so does those that assistants their clients at their homes.

Do You Eat an Apple a Day

As a child we all believe that one apple a day would keep the doctors away. Nothing could be more simple, so we thought back them. However that wont cut anymore, as we grow older our bodies needs for instance, our thirsty decrease so older adults needs focus on more liquids. Often times in order to pay for electrical bill, medications and everyday expenses you don’t eat properly.

These article at AARP highlights that issue. For more information and assistance few to the website www.aarpfoundation.org/food

ESAP stands for Elderly Simplified Application Project which is supported by AARP Foundation with grants and other work help seniors apply and enroll to SNAP which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

An apple a day just won’t cut it, is the article from AARP magazine April/2020.

Mental Health

Was interesting to me that we at HealthCareNewYork has publish our weekly blog of May, with a blog that talks about Women and Alzheimer’s. May is mental health month, and because we are quarantined many TV personalities and zoom’s group meetings are stressing the mental health issue. I would like to mention that mental health is predisposition. Genetic, runs in the family. It often times skips a generation, and does carry a stigma, you are crazy and that is that.

No.

There are range of disorders and stages in the books. Treatment with medication is the best way to approached, there is cure, it has ups and downs however stick with the plan your healthcare provider develop with you and you will have a productive and manageable life.

Woman and Alzheimer’s

I just read another article at AARP magazine and AARP April/2020 bulletin about women’s and mental health issues, more specifically Alzheimer’s and Dementia. What is the connection? (Health care researchers) don’t have a clear answer yet.

Woman count as two-thirds of the diagnoses, AARP has posted a 30 days challenge to keep your brain health to accept the challenge, post your own health habits, highlights, and benefits- @hhcagency2011 at our social media pages (Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram/ MySpace or G+).

I do have to say that I strongly believed that the disease is within all of us, just like cancer, some people may develop, some go to remission, and some don’t. Women make up two-thirds of nearly 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. And women bear the heaviest burden when Dementia strikes.

Go to aarp.org/disruptdementia or www.StayingSharp.org.

Aging

One day I read an article at AARP bulletin about ageism and discrimination about old adults, the next article I read talks about rebooting ones careers.

Its fine line to be crossed and when you are a fresh out of college you wont be interest in rebooting.

When you turned 35 years old rebooting, reinventing, cross career path, revamp is more likely to be part of your vocabulary.

Discriminated against older adults in the work force and assisted them to revamping their work status is two very different ways.
An older workers has the know-how, all hands on deck kind approach, a younger generation is more concern about, easy and fast, kind ignoring that there is a process. Like beginning, middle and end. It shouldn’t however discrimination, ageism and harassment still happening.

Helping Your Parents

One day you received a call from Mom saying that your Dad went to hospital. You of course panic and yet managed to asked all the right questions, and connect with the doctor and started called family members.

And on the midst of all you came to realized that you know nothing about their financial and living situation. You panic even more to know that they are in troubles. So after the facts you need started help them get organized.

Few things to started are bank accounts, living will, power of attorney, doctors and last but not least recruit and delegated assistance. Find family members with talent, or hire professionals to do the work. Your parents may shown some resistance, however those things has to be done, cant wait. So started the conversation.

Google Home Mini or Amazon Alexa

An article at AARP February\2020 talks about how home devices will assist in finding out if the person suffers from cognitive impairment.

Researchers are confident that these two voice recognition devices will assist them in their studies, mainly because the data is already entered and, more importantly, have a diagnosis sooner rather than later for those suffering from mental health issues.
The future looks promising for those with the stigma and unawareness of their diagnosis and unexpected mood changes; from that point on, there will be more clarification and information, not to mention researchers will have more answers.

Mismatched Goals or Just Stubbornness

Stubborn is more likely if your loved one has no balance and has been falling three or more times each or every other week; I am sorry to say that you are stubborn.

Life, as we know, is a balanced act. However, if a family member doesn't step in and take away the car keys, make the doctors, hairdresser or barber and call in the plumber for appointments, there is no balance. For some, there may be a feeling of you are crossing the line. I would risk asking for forgiveness than permission, as no one wants loose what they call freedom; not myself either. However, I need to outsmart the situation: drive and hurt myself or someone else, or rely on public transportation? Go to a grocery store or fresh-direct? As we age, your groceries are no longer easy to get as they were when you were younger.

A study with 189 older adults and their aging parents find that 77% of the children from the older adults say they have seen stubbornness from their loved ones. Two-thirds of those parents admit being stubborn.
Think Your Aging Parents Are Stubborn? ‘Blame Mismatched Goals’ says the Nytimes.

Understanding Self-Isolation and Physical Contact

Now where everyone is concerned about the coronavirus, many still have a question about quarantine, self-isolation and physical contact. When I go out to perform my exercise, I make myself physically distant from everyone, as I have been told by doctors and the government.
That does not mean that I should not keep in touch with my family and friends, neither that I should not know my next-door neighbor.
Every time one sneeze came from outside, wash your hands, change your clothes and disinfect all objects that are coming from outside.
On March 9th I wrote a blog talking about spending time with yourself.
Everyone should be one phone call away from your loved ones, neighbors, and/or those that belong to your social circle.
I urge everyone to stay safe.

Lineman Became a Doctor

A lineman with a beautiful family and an impressive career as a gynecologist has to retire at 42 years old due to his diagnosis with Dementia.

He was a lineman who took one to many head concussions, as a young man he was a gloried in his fraternity.

Seven years ago he started to notice how, here and there, he would start to forget things, once he even was performing surgery and he had to excuse himself and make an excuse to try to recall what he was supposed to do.

A heart-wrenching story about a lineman. Who has a beautiful family, an awesome future and a wonderful family, that was all cut short because Dementia robbed him of all of that.

Read more about at Nytimes.com A Lineman Became a Doctor, but Dementia Made Him Retire. He’s Only 42.

Find Time to Be With Yourself

Everything we do to improve our lives and ourselves is important, spend time with friends, going out, exercise, read, and the list is long. An amount that is very important to spend time with ourselves.

That’s right spending time with ourselves is very important, teach us on how to deal with everyday issues and also help us interact better with other comprehend others better, and in the process, you learn about what, when and why you like and dislike, as well as understand ourselves deeper.

I, a couple of years ago, wanted to see the Broadway show Riverdance, I remember I begged for others to come with me, I ended up not going. I would not go by myself. Years later, I started working with some else that agreed with me. That was a bad idea. Nowadays, I would not choose between a bad company and myself.

In 2018 I wanted to see Jersey Boys. I went by myself.

Why You Should Find Time to Be Alone With Yourself. Nytimes.com

Two Sides of A Troubling Situation (Part II)

Last week I spoke about some companies trying to retire or let go of employees that are 50+ years old and replace with younger, fresh out of college ones. I did not mean to sound hasty, and if I did, I apologize, I intended to explain the balancing act to not be so fast at dismissing an older employee and quickly replace them with someone else younger. Having life experiences are precious and helps solve problems in the work environment.

Being fresh out of college is precious, and will also help solve problems in the workplace. Both sides have to come together. The fresh out of college and the senior employee have to come together and solve the problems. We (myself included) have to learn how to cross this bridge and met in the middle.

Two Sides of a Troubling Situation

On the one side, we have people thinking that after 50 years old, you should be put to pasture. I see employers think that it is cheaper to hire younger employees. It’s not. It’s very difficult to connect with younger employees; their interests, emotions, and financial resources are limited and restricted compared to older adults. As a veteran in life, my counter partners and I have a better understanding of our emotions and surroundings; we are better prepared.

And the second point is we spent millions every year. Americans 50 and older are fueling America’s economic engine. The financial muscle of people over 50 is growing. Spoiler alert: it’s time to pay attention to that fact.

A “senior” American spent $0.33 of a dollar in 2018, and by 2030, we will spend $0.66 of a dollar, not to mention jobs we hold.

Signs of Dementia

    • Lack of sleep (sleeping acts to clear your brain). With no sleep your brain can't perform its functions.
    • Hearing loss, without noticing people are addressing you, the feeling of isolation will grow in you.
    • Lack of socialization, either by going out with friends or checking in with an elderly neighbor, will make your brain slow down, try out this Sudoku puzzle to help keep your mind working.

Read More

Alzheimer’s and Aging

Last week I talked about keeping yourself busy. It was a glimpse of myself. Like many other women, I  juggle many different hats. However, I want to express that since I turned 50, I heard my boss’s friends tell her that from now on, she needs to pay attention to my aging.
 
I will start easy, and won’t go down the age discrimination issue. I will stick with the Alzheimer’s issue.
 
Alzheimer’s isn’t an old age issue; it’s an issue period. Alzheimer’s is growing and maybe undiagnosed from some patients, which is why I stress and urge all of you people to listen to my experience.
 
Another note of my personal observations is it won’t be a surprise for me, if the so-called generation X will be the most ones with mental health issues, in my opinion, there isn’t much learning and more repetition.
 
Make’s me wonder that those on any age who copy these new generations may be signing up for an unwanted diagnose of Alzheimer’s, and that is a big concern. You can’t reverse Alzheimer’s damage.

The Hidden Costs of Care giving

I have approached this subject before saying that it will always be cheaper to keep and assist your aging parent yourself. There is no mortgage to pay, more often the only expenses are electrical and water bills.

Other expenses are unexpected health-related expenses. Often times the caregiver recipient (patients and or clients) pay out of pocket at around 78% for a caregiver. On average that amount is around $7,000.00 per year. If you live an hour or more from work your amount increases to $12,000.00 per year. On average 25% of their retirement savings and loss from investments.

23% of people take on more debt, which is difficult since you are closing in on retirement. 32% of caregivers have left a job because of the overwhelming demands of caregiving. Another point to be made; caregivers spend about 80 minutes less per day on paid work, besides that, you pay less attention to your own health. One example is you get 23 minutes less sleep per night.

Concerns About Whom Would Help You Take Care of Your Financial, When You May Not be Able To.

I am not married nor I have children. As I am aging, I am having many concerns about housing, financial, career and everything in between. I just learn that I am a solo ager, which pretty much describes what I already explained, not marry, no children, I also don't have a great relationship with my siblings, and that makes me concern rise ups. Who will protect her Finances is an article that I read from AARP December 2019/ January 2020.

When you like me and have no trust in your family, you should ask your doctor, banker, or anyone who you may feel comfortable with. There is a lot to learn, search to ask and don't let solo ager title scary you or shy away from your goals. And one should also the extent that to its personal belongs, and bank accounts, medical information.

People Age Well Where They Have a Purpose

The title above is an article from the AARP bulletin from September/2019.

It’s long known that when any person has a meaningful life, they live and age well. As we age and some of us are transferred to a nursing facility, we see signs of age; becoming debilitated, motionless, and elderly seniors.

Anyone who has a senior loved one should invest their efforts to help and fight to keep their seniors at home and active. I am not talking about family and friends only; I am talking about volunteering, go out with a mission to help those who need it.

Retirement from work does not mean you should give up your life; keep yourself active, exercising, volunteering, and be involved in your community.

10 Symptoms of Dementia

  1. short-term loss of memory
  2. trouble communicating
  3. confusion
  4. moodiness
  5. inability to understand sarcasm
  6. inability to perform simple tasks
  7. repetition
  8. loss of interest
  9. falling
  10. problem coping

These symptoms do not always come in a single package, they appear one at a time, and is not to say that because your client does not like to clean house he/she has Dementia, there usually has a history.

Long Term Care? What Is It?

Everyone who plans to live longer is taking the risk of needing long term care. Usually, the thought is if you are old, that’s the cue to need any type of care, especially long term care. The case is not quite like anyone who may need daily help like cooking, bathing, and dressing is likely to need a companion or a home health care aide.

There is the same confusion about nursing homes and assisted-living, and there is the cost, how much will it cost me to transfer my parents to a facility? Would it be less expensive to keep them home and hire someone else to check on them and actually assist with whatever needs to be done?

I think I have learned over the years that it is cheaper to keep your loved ones at home when you know how to delegate and manage the time spent with your family members. If you are the type that does not know how to delegate and you keeping hovering around to micromanage the aide, you are losing money.

Back to long term care is some who has diabetes and or any other chronic disability. It is costly when their illness is left for an emergency or last-minute decisions.

The best course of the action is educated yourself on what are your options, whenever possible, attend workshops to learn what cost is out of pocket or what insurance pays.

Nurses Roles has Being Changing

Americans are aging with that the role nurses used to fill now has change, forcing nurses to expanding their role.

The number of nurses that being visiting patients/clients at their homes has being increased, the goal now days is to deliver a high quality services, when a client and or patient needs assistant the primary medical staff to be deploy is a nurse with a range of duties, included but no limited to medication change and or adjust as well educated the patient and their loved ones, best choices and care plan.

Today is all about empower the nurses with tools and training they need to help patients, despite challenges the nurses are embracing new diversities all an all nurses are being train to became an advocated for the patient/client.

The idea is to empower and assure that the nurse seeks to purse four year degree as should be standard and assist them to achieved the baccalaureate degree hopefully by 2020. Nurses should be introduce themselves as patient advocates.

Great article that can be found at the AARP bulletin of September/2019.

Protecting Mom and Pap

A few months ago, I wrote a blog about protecting your parents at home, things that you should do, replaced and removed to make sure accidents would be reduce to a bare minimum. Today I came to you to protect your parents from being rob.

Start by having the conversation request permission to have them give you a power of attorney, in case would make your parents uncomfortable and resist, you can asked to have their financial institution send you a copy of their account(s) statements.

Few steps to start:

  1. Protect their identity, by having their financial statements being mail to you, make sure there is no one open credit cards on their names, and freeze their credit;
  2. Safeguard their phones, there devices that has block and call ids, asked them to do not answer unknown numbers;
  3. Upgrade their tech, smart landlines, internet with password, help them manage their password.
  4. Became their advocate, check the credentials of your parents financial adviser by linked to brokercheck.finra.org

Women and the Workforce

When your loved one is diagnosed with a disease some will either volunteer or force to volunteer, when I said forced to volunteer I mean the circumstances will present themselves for that to happen. When my parents were alive, the circumstances always manage to find me, I was the go to person. That is also true for others.

When her mother is diagnose with Dementia, she became the primary caregiver, often times being a women we are caught on the guilt trip of am I a bad daughter for not take care of the woman who bear me? No you are not a bad daughter, some woman don't have what it takes to care for another loved one. Is a very stressful situation where your have to be a daughter, mother and caretaker sometimes at the same time, like the diagnose of mental health issue, wont have a cure, only a steady decline and the end.

Read more about the story of one particular woman, telling a hidden story behind many closed doors, she has a college degree, is 35 years old, and since her mother's diagnoses, went on a date 3 times. Nytimes.com Why Aren’t More women Working? They’re caring for Parents.

In Illinois They Crack the Code

There is a new program in one of the nursing homes in Illinois.  Now older Americans, with limited mobility, are getting outside much more thanks to a program that matches cyclists and the seniors.
The pedicab has the seats in the front and a pilot in the back which started in Denmark and its starting to catch up in the United States several chapters.

So far it's been a success in Pennsylvania and Illinois, and I am pretty sure it mainly put a smile on the nursing home residents' faces.

To be able to see new faces and the fresh air. It's wonderful. The program is called Cycling Without Age.  For more information please log in to these www.CyclingWithoutAge.org/.

Happy cycling to everyone!

Seniors and Technology

Internet, cell phones, apple phones, blue tooth and everything in between, and the latest is the senior apps.  There are 10 applications dedicated to assisting seniors.

I will first explore the first five and the second blog will be the other five.

First app: Epicurious; is a food-related recipe app with 35,000 recipes cooking videos, and seasonal ingredients.

Second app: Locus Map; this app is for hiking and navigation, is available by paid and free, it wasn’t made for seniors it has started to catch on with the third age folks.

Third app: Can I Retire Yet? Personal finance expert Darrow Kirkpatrick helps users track their progress toward retirement.

Fourth app: Luminosity; staying mentally sharp. Do I need to say more? And last but not least;

Fifth app: Homeaway; the popular app for vacation booking, which is similar to AirBnB.

I personally haven’t download any of these apps, and I confess, I am an old school body and love be home and use my landline and make the booking and appointments I need, and when I am done I print the confirmation.

Cancer Survivor and Exercise Go a Long Way

When the horrible diagnosis is confirmed and the doctor actually tells you that you indeed have breast cancer, many things go through your mind and your head spins. How is this possible as you look to your breast and ask yourself. Why? Why you? And how your kids and extended family will handle it.

The most important thing is to ask all the questions and follow your oncologist care plan and you probably think that your doctor went bananas when suggesting that you should exercise.

You are just out from radiation treatment and recovering from reconstructive surgery and the doctor tells you to start exercising. The truth is that by advising you to exercise the whole idea is to help you to regain everything the diagnosis almost took from you – there are your body’s strength and balance.

There is a very interesting article in the Hadassah Magazine about a cancer survivor that tells us her battle with cancer and how physical exercise assisted her.
I believe in exercise to keep one in healthy body weight, mentally sharp, and mood control, as well to prevention from getting sick.

LPN and LVN

License practical nurse or license vocational nurse ( are the same, some states refer to them differently) work under the supervision of a nurse, at these level of the medical field you have basically two choices of employment, you either work in a medical facility such as home health care settings or a hospital and the other choice you have is work with a home health care agency and provide care to a client in their own home.

Because you must go to school your level to responsibility bigger in an overall picture, you are one step ahead of a CNA, companion care or PCAs and home attendants.

I may be bias to these cases because I did work as a cna for many years and when I did have the financial means to move on up and became an LPN.

I am afraid of the labeling, the lack of sympathy for the millions of hard working hhc, or maybe I am just plain afraid.

LPN’s salary is $20.76, more education better the salary and options, fair, absolute; however still the home health care aides are the person whom is under rated. How can we change that?

Home Health Care Aides

To be a home health care aide, there is no need to have a degree of any kind, most of H.H.A or home attended and the Patient Care Aide or companion are middle age women or men, who never went to school and that considered themselves as an important part and front liner of the healthcare business. Salary is $10,91 between 5-9 years of experience and 10-19 years of experience the salary rises to $11.07 at best.

What really gets to me is besides not had a college degree, whatever you do deserves the respect like anyone would give to a college grad. When I used to work as hhc, I change the name for home-nurse, I started working with some else whom had many mental and physical challenges from the patient’s side. I on the other hand was trained as I was going along by the client who was a former nurse and her ex-husband.

I am not talking about get high paid for being train I mean the lack of respect from the ambient towards the medical professional.

Home health care aides, deal with many things such as personal hygiene and change diapers, prepare meals and takes care of all day living plus medical needs escort to appointments.

New York Times Article

You Should Not be Embarrassed, Ashamed or Afraid

When you are the primary caregiver of your loved one, like a spouse taking care of a spouse, being scared to look for outside help is just plain crazy.

If you feel that some else is judging, from afar because you are “unprepared“ to take on more than you bargained for; it’s because that person has never had to walk in your shoes.

Everyone thinks that being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/ Dementia is memory loss. There is a truth to that, however, for some the memory loss is much faster than for others. For some family that means that their loved one may be physically lost; like they opened the door and are heading to where they think home is. When a patient does this they become what is called a patient with mental health issues and is a runner.

Oftentimes when we sign a client up that has mental health issues, we try to send out two aides to assist and serve the client better. One aide is cooking the other interacting with the client.

Any time that you need help, help is available to you. You can call and set up an interview by calling 855-299-6757. We are here to guide you.

Scammers Are Out There to Get Us

I have been the victim of a scammer. Years ago when I was looking for a job, because I was desperate, I let my guard down and was scammed.  The thieves offered and forwarded me a fake check that I was supposed to deposit in my bank account and the minute that the check was clear, so were my funds.

The bank suspected phishing activity in the account and closed it down.  Funny to say the bank suspected, however, not the teller. And even more interestingly, when I went to talk to the branch manager about the situation it was the same manager that cleared it and the same teller that days earlier assisted me. They acted like I was a criminal.

I did file a police report and I filed all-suite and procedures I was supposed to follow, from that day on I became convinced that such scammers weren’t so far overseas as some want us to believe.

My trust was shaken and I am more aware. I no longer answer my phone without checking the caller id. When I am unsure, it goes to my answering machine. When I am not comfortable, I hang up. I never even called back to see what the person wants in order to not have my number registered in their caller id. I also urged our clients and their families to do the same. Don’t share anything, even on social media, I wait a couple of weeks.

Building a Health Team

When working with a client/patient the health care worker must overcome the many barriers that clients may build. In case the client only needs companionship care many times the family may “impose” on making decisions and call all the shots. I can understand the sense of urgency the situation may have however, the most important part is including the senior family member in the decision-making process. When that isn’t an option, try a videotape and or have a POA (power of attorney) sign.

No one appreciates having a stranger in their house telling them what to do, and secondly, that imposition can cause friction and propel the client to build a wall of resistance and not accept the help they sometimes desperately need.

My suggestion would be for patients to be prepared to make a convincing argument about their physical and medical needs at the point and time when there is no family member with full-time availability to take charge of their care needs.

Always make an effort to include others, talk about and share your plans with all of the family that wants to be included, and include home healthcare aides with your ideas. Its important to build a team not walls.

Clean up after your yourself

Life is stressful. Some people manage to make that ten times fold. I am a very simple person, therefore when I see my desk, closet or whatever needs organizing and or cleaning, I just got to around to do it.

Only will take few minutes each day to keep in a good standard, when you are running the dishwasher or the washer or dryer, organize one draw from the desk.

Over the years working with some of my clients that had a diagnose mental health issue, I used to do one little thing at time. However also did worked with another client whom used to plan around, overly analyze and at the end does not accomplish anything. And always blaming me to not being able to do what she thought was needed to do.

Others think that clean-up is like writing where the first narrative is a draft and after that comes a lot editing and by the time you wake up you haven’t written anything.

Some people created walls impossible to climb over, these specific clients build several walls, making the client/ aide relationship non-existent, unpleasant and very difficult.

Should you or Shouldn’t you disclose a disability to your employer

Just read an article in the New York Times about how or when to disclose a disability to your employer or co-worker. When I first started working with my last client, before leaving for school and beginning to work on my own business, I did tell my patient that I sometimes would forget things. Right then and there I signed my death sentence.

The client calls her friends to tell them that I had mental health issues as well as a learning disability. I have never in my life had those diagnoses. However, it was easy for her to label me as one. Her mom even mentions to me that I had Bipolar disorder. A disorder that I have known because I had worked with a client who had the diagnoses. And thanks to that client I had to participate in her psychiatric sections, which helped me in understanding how to better help her.

Mental health disabilities and chronic pain are known to be an invisible disability, physical disability is known to be visible. I just learn.

Because I did had that bad experienced I would say don’t say about your disability, however, I also do understand that would be easy to assist you to perform your best if your boss has the knowledge about what makes you tick. One thing that personally bothers me is enough already of having the conversation, let’s work on it.

It does not matter if you do not have a disability or not, we always will have some else trying to make us feel bad about ourselves. The power is within us to not allow that to happen.

Who Helps our Doctors with their Mental Health Issues?

How often we all fantasize and even glamorize a doctor’s life, however, how many of us think doctors, our beloved doctors, may have a dark secret and or are overworked, or underpaid, and could be strangling to make their ends meet or suffering from mental health issues?

Does anyone realize that many doctors start their day by 3 am, where there is a need to perform surgery, by 6 am giving rounds in the hospitals and visiting their patients, by 17 pm maybe eating lunch, and by 12 am going home to start a few short hours later? Who assists the doctor in recovering and or talks to them when a patient passes on? There should be an easy situation, life takes a turn to the worst. Who is there for them with their difficulties?

Nowadays everyone is bound to deal with a mental health crisis Doctors are the same as any person, alone dealing with their own feelings. How do you help a doctor with their own health crisis? Where should begin, how do we make sure that doctors seek help as they prescribe it to us?

Here is my question: would you recommend a good psychiatrist for your doctor?

Front Liners of the Medical Professionals

You can’t start talk about the Registered Nurse or doctors without mention the from line folks that are the core of the medical field, home health care aides and emergency medical technicians.

Being a home health care aides is the thankless job ever anyone can possibly desire, no one consider their everyday observance and acknowledgement, no one appreciates the fact that in order for a family safely choose to keep their loved one aging at home, both client and family members will really heavenly in their caregivers. When a caregiver needs a day off for a medical appointment all hell breaks loose because no one can and more often them one imagen wants to stay with their loved one. Family members don’t know how to or don’t care to know how a caregiver perform their job.

All it knows is that some else must stay with mom or their choice will be transfer mom to a nursing home. Home health care training cost $ 1.300,00 plus uniform and maybe a book, should last a year.

Now, I know very little about EMTs however I do know that they deal with clients with mental health issues, perform CPR on and all are dealing with a very stressful situation, make life changing choices in split seconds time, and more often them we think never make back home. They are training should last a year, cost $ 1.000,00 plus $ 500,00 on books, room and boar all coming from the candidate.

And both paid $ 15,00 an hour, for the candidate to make a decent living, most has two or more jobs, and neither require college degree, making their cost not worth. My personal advice, no one should think their they are in a career, those professionals should consider moved on as fast as they can.

Assisting your loved one Downsizing

Start small, start with an idea or suggesting that maybe its time to downsizing. Explain the safety issues with their current living situations. Plan, do not ambush your loved one, don’t think by a minute that you are taking the charge and pack things and moving your loved one from their home to a smaller place there won’t be challenges, or fights and even anxiety. You are wrong, even a person diagnoses with Alzheimer’s/Dementia you will have a problem.

Take the lead, not take the charge, do not go ahead and start making decisions, lead the way. The best way is to start to point out how the winter is brutal that winter times require to winterize the whole house and that how difficult it became to go up and down the basement stair to do the laundry, remember your loved ones they are included in the process.

Make appointments to visit some senior apartments, encourage the fact that some of the senior complex offer home health care services.

For the most take away here is explain that you are assisting your family member rightsizing for the future. For many senior, making the decision to move to a retirement community isn’t about downsizing to a smaller place- it’s about finding  the right place, social activities, plan a different kind of future, to a space that better fits their new life and goals.

Stopping your Life to Take Care of your Loved One

Lately I have being seeing a lot commercial about one’s taking care of their family member and getting paid for. I have a very strong against position about this. All the commercial says that my son or daughter takes care of “me” and have a financial means to care for their own families and “I” feel safe to know that a family member is here with me.

What it really concerns me is what its not being say, a family member taking care of a parent of a loved one stops living their own lives, being a caretaker means giving and not receiving. In case you are single and in school, how can you leave the person to go to school or go out with friends so the loved one does not stay alone. Now if you are married with children of your own, how can you not disrupt your family routine to be with your loved one around the clock.

Getting pay is not enough for a very taxing and demanding work, clients wants and needs around the clock attention, and this to mention that diagnoses such as dementia and sometimes when the elderly falls. In some cases, the children are spread around the country, or does not had a great family structure to fell close enough to their loved one neither they have a comfortable level to embrace the caregiving.

When you choose to an agency to assisted you in hire an aide you also are getting the “village” need to assist your loved one.

Safety At Home And Out

For the past ten years we have being seeing an increased-on Seniors scams. How can we be one step ahead of the game? Lately it is not only seniors, is everyone.

Scammers are out to prey on any one whom give than their time.

I learn few tricks am gladly will share with you.

1)I only open the door when I order take out or am expecting deliver, and when the deliver people came, I asked who it is;

2)I never disclosed on social media when I am traveling, I await to post after I came back. I also never disclosed pin-point precision location;

3) I text my relatives one by one where and when I am off traveling;

4) I only have one social media page wish is used to keep in touch with my family living abroad. Notice here that I do not mention location;

5) I don’t answer my phone call I let them go to voice message;

6) when I am driving and some else knocks at my window, I do not roll down and exposed myself, making myself vulnerable;

7) when I first start in 2005, I started off by being a 24/7 living in aide, my client who used to lose everything lost the key from the main door, we lived day and night without lock the door. I never disclosed that info until I went to jobs interviews;

8) Put a mat into the shower stall or tube, if you leave by yourself bring your phone with you;

9) Do not open your wallet on the street, do not give to people coming to you asking money on an organization behalf, usually an organization or any other group has a webpage design to donation collection.

Character Assassination

Many people believe, and freely use, the word “normal” to their standards. Not being “normal” does sometimes not comply with ones believes.

I have witnessed several occasions where many believed that I am not “normal”, the reasons vary, usually is related to my reaction, or lack thereof.

I am a very (proudly) calm and collected person, where often gets to annoy some to their core, expecting to attract a reaction or surprise me, which none holds true for me.

When the person came to terms that I am blank with no reaction or facial expression the labeling starts, I am not “normal”.

Usually, it starts with a normal person would or should say this or that or act these or that way. The lack of reaction that I bring is due my personality, I do not enjoy engagement at the level with no one. I don’t participate in confrontations or argumentations and rather defuse the situation I carefully have study myself, and the lack of reaction that so many claims, is because being there done that. And even at the first time around is my self-defense mechanism.

Addiction

When a family is afflicted by a family member that has an addiction problem it can drive a family (not just parents and siblings) everyone is dragged into, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles alike. It can become very emotional to everyone involved, and not to mention financial bankruptcy.

Many parents feel obligated to financially support their addict family member. For some families, treatments can start as $ 2.000,00 monthly to a six-figure expense. Some parents even paid off the child drug debt.

Some parents find support with groups from churches, some decide to no longer “panic” or act towards their own child until the addict decides to look for medical help. Instead of a quick solution.

Some decide to take baby steps, cutting out their child little by little, such as cutting off from the phone family plan and giving their kid a pay as you go phone (disposable).

Each person must come up with their own action plan, if you are a kind of doer and rather cut off ties faster than later, so be it.

Whatever works for you, do not give up, bear in mind that many families and thousands of American households have gone through, or are going through this now. Do not expect to be in and out in one year, I am sorry to say that is one day at a time, a long process, there are many failures throughout and there is always support groups, you are never alone.

After Caregiving

How do you find your footing after years caring for your loved one?

The day after your loved one passes what do you do first?

These is the question that only you can answer (whenever you are ready to). You cannot accept that some else make those choices on your behalf. Years ago, when I lost my mother (I was 26 years old) my older sister could not slept in the house, leaving me by myself with her dog, I woke up the next morning had a cup of coffee walk the dog and went on a practical mode, I packed all my mother belongs and call the salvation army to came to pick up. By the time my sister came back everything was set and resolved, I did not had formulated a plan.

The question is what you want to do with the time suddenly open on your life. Make short term plans, like not have dog (s) for a while, ( no numbers) slowly finding out more about yourself, reinvent and remember what your likes and dislikes are, remember who you are, grieve, get upset, cry when you fell you need to, reach out to others, many people lose their loved ones also, remember you are not alone, other went through the loss.

My point is, its fine not always have the answers, they will come over time, do not put pressure on a very stressful situation, do what’s right for you.

Mental Health Diagnosed and Undiagnosed

Do we always know when an individual is acting or is their mental health issues is there mental health diagnoses symptoms?

I consider myself very good on reading a body language and I by my own experienced determine that when one’s told the same story more them three times, I find to be true. For that there is no scientific knowledge.

I think that if someone is diagnosed with mental health and the family can help me and give me some insights about the client’s character, that gives back up information to assisted me on my day to day dealings.

I came to work with many clients were the family has very little interaction with them, making work more difficult, for that I need used my own skill to call the shots and keep an honest daily report about activities, reaction to my assistance and response to everyday tasks.

I am very intrigue by the brain and its functionality, therefore try crack the code is a good exercise for me.

Conspiracy theory, a dispute among landlord and tenant, or bad blood between neighbors? What actually happened?

Today as I was coming down from visiting a client (I was in the elevator) I said hello to whoever was inside the elevator and as the woman said hello back, she mentions that she is not certain if she should have said hello to me because she didn’t know if I was in their side. Or I was a friendly person without any intentions what’s so ever.

She then proceeded to tell me that she had several times caught the building staff listening behind her door, slid treat, and mistreatment towards her and some other terrible things. She also advised me to no tell anyone that I am an immigrant because American people do not like immigrants.

And these elevator rides were the longest in my whole life. Are people losing touch with reality or all does things really took placed, is this person sane?

Did the professionals always acting in a professional like manner? Or are there slip ups and from time to time is does get personal?

As I am writing I can see myself dwelling on everything she has told me. Am I struggling to see what is crystal clear?

The Flu Shot

This week I want to talk about the flu shot and season, every year we hear the news saying that this will be the worst influenza season, and the reason is weather changing, meaning global warming if you pick this very October/22nd temps you will realize that its more like to be mid-November temperatures. Unbalance.

It is the same with your body, unbalance it will cause you to be bodily unprepared for what the weather its throwing in your way.

Flu shot and all the other healthy habits you keep will assist you and help protect you from catching the flu, for some of us it only minimizes the effects, for others will complete block.

Either way is worth to take the shot, I make a tradition, every October/1st I take the shot, either by my doctors’ clinic or at the pharmacy.

RachelNobre

HealthCareNewYork

Must be an aide Kindness

Another day as I was coming to visit one of HealthCareNewYork’s client, I came across the most beautiful scene. I saw an aide holding hands with her client. It could be one million reason for that action.

Few things that comes to mind is the client may have balance issues, they were late for an appointment and in need to walk fast, or could be he was a runner( sometimes when one works with clients that are suffering with Dementia, they may try to run away from the aide), could be because they need make a run for the bus. Another possible explanation is family orders.

I choose to think that the aide was giving her 10+ self, or using a different wording, personal touch.

When we start our classes on home health care, we talk about one’s hygiene, how to safely transfer and assisted any medical and all-day living needs that client may or may not need.

However never prize or reinforce on personal touch.

My congratulation for the aide, taking one steep to make some else’s life even better. What I regret is not take the time to congratulated her on her action.

 

HealthCareNewYork

RachelNobre

MEDICAID

Last week I spoke about Medicare, this week is Medicaid. Medicaid is governing by States and is a social service program designate to assisted families and individuals who lives below the poverty line and or qualify and depends on annual income.

Each state regulates Medicaid at its own discretion, and just in case you would like to use your NY state Medicaid in another State or vise-versa you need to re-apply, below you will find the chart.

Family size annual income with some conditions such as Blind, disable and 65+:

  1. $ 10.100,00
  2. $ 14.800,00
  3. $ 17.020,00

Singles, couples without children:

  1. $ 16.754,00
  2. $ 22.715,00
  3. $ 28.677,00

Often is Medicare vs Medicaid, so in any case this is an information that I felt compel to share, any more question we can research and answer for you, please give us a call 1-855-29WORKS. You always can find using our website https://healthcarenewyork.net/ or at our social media pages HealthCareNewYork.net/Facebook; or twitter and Instagram @hhcagency2011.

Understanding Medicare Mechanism

Medicare is pay by you on your very first on the books job, it’s a medical insurance offer by the government, it comes, deduct from your paycheck, monthly and most companies offers a third-party insurance coverage, so when you are an active duty employee you used your company’s health, insurance.

When you retire Medicare kicks in and them you make choice to keep or not your company’s third-party health insurance or pay out of pocket, to cover whatever Medicare does not cover, the famously 20%.

Medicare offers doctors, hospitals and medical supplies or equipment, upon your coverage.

Medicare it only be used when you retire, many retire folks does not have a secondary coverage and decide to pay out of pocket. It’s worth it.

7 Ways Medicare is Getting Better

  1. Doughnut Hole
  2. Therapy cap gone
  3. Better information
  4. More telemedicine
  5. Potential life-style support
  6. In-home help
  7. Plan test-drives

Caregiver or Caretaker

I consider myself a person whom cares, I took care of my grandma when she was diagnosed Alzheimer’s in 1982, years later I also took care of my mom when she with her divorce.

In 2000 I assisted my old brother with his needs. So, in 2005 when I had my cross-career path from nursery school teacher to patient care assistant I found out that I was in the right field.

I am a caregiver, I put other’s needs first.

Making arrangement and the let my clients know even that I am on my day off I am one phone call away if an emergency arise.

I am reliable, trustworthy and ready for the tick and thin of life. I win every single benefit from any client that I ever work.

And I feel that my attitude towards my work and job has paid me off, I am a very satisfy human being I achieved my goal professionally.

How about you, do you feel that you are happy professionally?

 

HealthCareNewYork

RachelNobre

Working with the unpredictable

Sometimes when we work with clients on a private setting the best way to prepare yourself is prepare for the unpredictable of any situations. I used to work with a client whom not only did not knew what priority were as well would not put the cell phone or phone down.  The patron wanted to check the phone every would ring or in the cell case make a noise, on the account could be important.

So, a task that should last may be an hour would stretch the whole morning. And one day when I finally asked what the priorities where? It did not surprise me at all that I could not had an answer. Not only that, when the “statements” a.k.a. complains used to come around and I asked who you would like me to perform these or that I never received an answer.

I everything could and did change in a second, once when the client an I was ready to leave and the go out, the client decide to do the pills, yeah you hear right pocketbook, sun glasses, lipstick everything, all was missing was us (the client and I) cross the trash hold, lock the front door and make our way to the elevators.

Used to as I am to deal with the unpredictable without complains from my end, we set the pills for the week, setting us back another half an hour.

That’s life when you work with the unexpecting of one’s lack of goals set.

 

RachelNobre

Worked as a private home-nurse for 15 years.

Are You Really Sure You Are Changing Your Client’s Life?

As I have mentioned before, I worked as an independent home-nurse for 13 years, and recently as I was talking with a friend of me, she says that I was changing my client’s life, and I was quick on my feet to state that none one is interested or has hired me to change their lives. I never felt like I changed anyone’s lives, I was hired to perform tasks and activities.
Here are few of my reasons : 1) none has the time anymore to help a loved one or a family member;2) stress with its own ongoing life;3) is cheaper to recruited hire an assisted a loved one at home to age in place; 4) it takes an emotional toll on everyone’s involved with the care; 5) if the loved one is diagnosed with mental health issues family members tend to live in denial about the diagnoses.
Back to my point I personally don’t believe on change one’s life, and besides all the changes you want to see start with yourself, in my opinion, every time you are hired to perform a task and believed that you are changing your client life I believe you are making a mistake.
I want to stress that I only am expressing my own opinion and I would like to hear if you may disagree or have a different point of view.

HealthCareNewYork
Rachel Nobre

Committing to the Unknown

From 2005, until up to very recently were I worked as a private home nurse, the so called one-on-one, directly with the clients in their own homes I basically committed to the unknown. I am not sure if everyone is having the same issues that I had, however I decided to tell my side of the story.

When we are hiring to work as… (you fill in the blank) we do not know what will happened, a friend once told me that I was changing my client’s life and I answer that I wasn’t there for that, no one wants make changes, no one wants a strange in their houses telling them what or not to do. And everyone knows that every change that I want to see in the planet begins with me.

I used to have a friend in the dog park who used to say that no one knows what happened behind closed doors, he could not be righter. When we closed the door and the one-on-one begins, often begins verbally abuse, bullying, high maintenance personality, high demand, lack of ethics, disrespected, withholding food, and not mention gossiping about us, our personal life or life style, naming calling , not to mention co-workers whom do not perform as high as you do, develop caddy behavior, complains about you and your performance, and its all-around mean, without working ethics at all.

So, when we agreed to work as a privately, we don’t really know what we will get. Whomever is your lucky, I wish you good luck, I know that sometimes does not look promising, but I urge you to think and consider be the better person, however does complains won’t stop after you leave, its always be whom they are.

 

Rachel Nobre

Former private home-nurse

Social Media/Email Manners

Today I would like to talk about a simple that some of us are not quite sure, such as manners online, what should you publish or not, pictures of you on family gatherings or peeking in the toilet, in a perfect word and nonjudgmental work environment the family gatherings would be the best choice, however my advice is none.

If you have an email and social media platforms the best practice is to keep professional and personal as far away as possible. I personally recommend having two distinct emails one with your favorite (pet, doll, ex-boyfriends name) and one professional with your professional industry attached to it.

By doing so will give the job seeker a better distinction. The employers will evaluate your skills and appearance on both fronts. I want to approach the subject of social media platform where nowadays everything is done on the World Wide Web, think twice to before you hit the send button, it will get you in so much trouble, that you must exercise discretion. One can not expect privacy when taking advantage of your favorite coffee shop. Your privacy, it’s your job to keep private.

Is essential that you try your best to keep separate both worlds, is like the old say “whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, private or too personal information may be offensive to some.

I remember when I first start looking for a job, my first advice was, comb your hair, don’t bite your nails, wash your clothes, in other words, groom yourself to make a good first impression. The same goes for those silly and natty pictures and text messages. Companies nowadays have access to everything that happens in any one’s life.

One last thought your personal life should not get in the way of a better job, work environment, higher salary, and its personal to you and your loved ones, it belongs yours, family and friend’s memories.

Rachel Nobre
Worked as an independent home nurse.

The Person Behind the Alzheimer’s

I would like to welcome you to my website and blog, today I am writing about the person behind the Alzheimer’s disease.

The challenges caring for an Alzheimer’s patient are tremendous, you are also caring for family and friends, often I saw myself going against the family to protect the client. Family and friends have a very difficult time accepting that Alzheimer’s patient is a new person. I personally never like to force a memory on my former clients.  Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to me means that you must start from scratch and uncover the person that is being hidden underneath by the Alzheimer’s, learning everything you can about that person.

Besides everyday medical needs such as diaper changes, hand feeding, and escort to doctor’s appointments, a constant remainder of home, family members, friends as well as likes and dislikes there is also the need to build trust and understanding. Alzheimer’s is a loss of one’s family member and a friend, as well one’s whole life. Often when the diagnoses are revealed it means the disease is already in progress. Now a days there are several medications and activities to slow down the disease’s progression. Your family member is no longer the same person nor can they play the same role in the family dynamic. He or she is rewriting an old, yet new, story.

I did enjoy hearing their stories, whether their recollection was accurate or not.

Rachel Nobre,

Worked as a private nurse for clients who suffer from Alzheimer’s

 

Next week we will talk about social media manner.