About acw22admin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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. 

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.

 

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.

 

Image via Pexels 

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.

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.

Tuesday, we presented to a Senior Center. Director: Content is so important for the work we do. I need it in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Khmer. Carol: People want more information. Jim: Social workers already have clients. There is a 24/7 helpline. @alzassociation

 

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.

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.

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:

• nyc.gov/recycle
• nyc.gov/SanitationMaterials
• nyc.gov/safedisposal
• nyc.gov/CFCRecovery – this site is for ac, refrigerators, and appliances with chlorofluorocarbons
• nyc.gov/compost
• nyc.gov/donate
• nyc.gov/ecycle
• nyc.gov/refashion (this one is for me)
• nyc.gov/ZeroWasteTraining
• nyc.gov/HowtoGetRidOf
• nyc.gov/dsnynews

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.