January 8, 2019 by
A simple Google search for the word “aging” produces topics such as “coping with aging,” “what you can do about aging,” as well as “the cure to aging.” The pessimistic connotations to growing older are, sadly, so deep-rooted in our culture that it is expected that by 2021, we will be spending over $300 billion in anti-aging merchandise. (more…)
December 11, 2018 by
The holiday season is laden with parties, celebrations, and get-togethers. However, for an aging loved one, holiday activities require a little additional planning and preparation. Follow these holiday tips for Syracuse seniors from At Home Independent Living to be able to ensure fun and relaxed outings with family members of all ages this holiday season. (more…)
November 15, 2018 by
Ah, the holidays: they’re either the most wonderful time of the year, or the most difficult. For many older adults who have lost loved ones, are battling chronic health conditions, or are experiencing isolation and loneliness, the holidays can trigger depression. And, the family caregivers who care for a senior loved one are also susceptible to holiday blues, due to the overabundance of stress. (more…)
November 12, 2018 by
Falls among the elderly are all too common and can have dire consequences. Taking preventative measures is key, such as assessing the home for fall risks like throw rugs and other tripping hazards, insufficient lighting, and a lack of appropriate grab bars and railings. But there’s another tactic being recommended now: creating a fall plan of care, which, when implemented properly, is being shown to reduce fall-related hospital visits by as much as 40%. (more…)
November 6, 2018 by
While we may envision a Norman Rockwell-worthy Thanksgiving celebration, with the whole family enjoying quality time together and Grandma’s traditional feast, the reality for many families includes something unexpected: a trip to the hospital. In fact, statistics show that E/R visits for the elderly jump an astounding 10% – 20% during the holidays. (more…)
October 24, 2018 by
Oftentimes, families make the assumption that so long as their senior loved one is covered by Medicare, covering the cost for care at home is not an issue they need to give consideration to. Regrettably, however, this is a prevalent misconception. As we shared in a previous blog post, most people use private funds to cover the cost for care at home. There are several possibilities to investigate though for veterans and their spouses. As the top experts in home care in Syracuse NY, At Home Independent Living outlines the facts to help those who have served in the military to acquire all of the resources available to them to cover the cost for care at home.
First to consider is the Veterans’ Aid and Attendance program, which aids wartime veterans and/or their spouses in paying for care at home, as long as they meet the distinct qualifications required to receive these benefits. The person applying must:
Certain veterans may also qualify for Housebound to cover the cost for their home care services. Housebound is a benefit that is paid in addition to a monthly pension. Veterans who qualify for Housebound benefits:
Legal guidelines state that veterans cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits together, and they must be receiving a monthly pension in order to meet the requirements for either one of these additional benefits.
If you’d like to find out if your senior loved one may qualify for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, the professionals in home care in Syracuse NY at At Home Independent Living are always available to work with you to look into all your options for funding the in-home senior care your loved one needs. You can reach us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) or contact us online to learn more about our services and the help available to veterans for paying for care at home.
October 9, 2018 by
It’s safe to assume that at some point your aging parents will have the need for a little extra support in order to continue to be safe and independent, and if they’re similar to the significant majority of older adults, they prefer to age in place at home. The first concern that normally arises is how to pay for in home care services. The Syracuse elderly home care team at At Home Independent Living hears this question often, and we have the answers you need. (more…)
August 23, 2018 by
Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing issue for those who are impacted by it. The preconception behind the disorder frequently leads to patients having either a lack of facts or trusting in some common misbeliefs about incontinence. The Bridgeport home health experts from At Home Independent Living provide some commonly held incontinence myths and the truth behind each: (more…)
August 8, 2018 by
At Home Independent Living, providers of elder care Syracuse, NY families trust, understands that Incontinence, or problems with bladder control, is an uncomfortable and sensitive matter, specifically for seniors. It can lead to a wide variety of dilemmas, from skin sores to reduced socialization for people who are hesitant to leave home in case of an “accident.” Yet while urinary incontinence can affect upwards of 25 million individuals in the U.S. alone, the affliction seldom gets the attention and discussion it deserves. As a result of the lack of communication and information about senior incontinence, many older adults and caregivers feel as though there isn’t anything that can be done to bring relief. (more…)
July 6, 2018 by
Undergoing surgery for older adults usually involves some inherent risks, but there is a little-known effect impacting a large number of seniors after medical procedures that we all have to be aware of: POCD (postoperative cognitive dysfunction). POCD takes place in more than 25% of older adults during the days or possibly weeks just after non-cardiac surgery, and may present with a number of symptoms, some that can be almost indiscernible: forgetfulness, loss in concentration and focus, along with other forms of cognitive decline that affect standard of living.