As a nurse and care manager who has worked in the homes and at the bedside of older adults for many years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that a good caregiver can have on someone’s life. I’ve also seen the unfortunate effects of when a caregiver isn’t quite the right fit.… Read more »
Recently, the New York Times published an article by Tara Siegel Bernard entitled, “How One Man Lost $740,000 to Scammers Targeting His Retirement Savings.” The victim, a retired lawyer, was convinced by scammers that he was part of a government investigation. The scheme involved several individuals posing as investigators, IRS agents and authorities. They convinced… Read more »
One in three adults in the U.S. is an informal family caregiver for someone who is aging or has health issues,1 equating to 53 million unpaid caregivers.2 Providing part-time or full-time assistance to loved ones can be both challenging and stressful. Building a care team to provide support can help minimize feelings of overwhelm. The… Read more »
As a health coach deeply immersed in the intricacies of natural health, I’ve often pondered society’s fixation on youthful appearances. From a tender age, my perception of aging has always diverged from the mainstream. I remember being 8 or 9, captivated by the older individuals around me. Their wrinkles and lines were not signs of… Read more »
Recovering from surgery or a serious illness is a challenging journey. As an experienced nurse advocate, I have seen firsthand how advocacy can lead to better outcomes and a positive rehabilitation (rehab) experience. Here are some practical steps to help you, your loved one, or friend navigate this critical time effectively and safely. Know your… Read more »
Research shows that the chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) are more common in the summer. As heat and humidity rise, it is easier for germs or bacteria to grow, thus, not staying hydrated this time of year can increase the risk of developing a UTI. There are steps you can take to… Read more »
Long-term care (LTC) is a topic many of us would rather not think about, yet understanding your LTC coverage before you need to use it is an essential step in securing your future health and financial well-being. LTC encompasses a variety of services and support to meet health or personal care needs over an extended… Read more »
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease and recent breakthroughs in treatment are bringing hope to individuals affected by the disease and their families. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new medications to help manage the symptoms or treat the disease. Following is an overview of each. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as Galantamine (Razadyne), Rivastigmine… Read more »
Caregiving is hard, especially for those who circumstantially assume the role for a loved one or parent. Statistics show that family caregivers are at significantly higher risk of developing disease, depression, anxiety – and even dying before those for whom they are caring. Why? Because when caregiving for someone who has given so much of… Read more »
Socialization is important for everyone; but for those with dementia, it takes on an even more critical role. Socialization provides a controlled, yet varied experience of both human and environmental interaction. Some are intended to spark the senses, such as experiencing a new location or smelling fresh flowers in a garden. Others may involve exposure… Read more »
During our five years of helping seniors better understand the benefits of medical and recreational cannabis, Senior-High has maintained one consistent stipulation: when first using cannabis with THC, go “low and slow.” We strongly suggest that first-time users who may have tried cannabis years ago approach today’s gummies, vapes, pre-rolls and tinctures cautiously. Only buy… Read more »
Medicare Advantage plans are more popular than ever. With Medicare Annual Election Period coming soon, we are expecting even more seniors to choose this type of coverage than ever before. Low- or even no-premium plans are the most popular and some plans even offer a “giveback,” a credit to your Social Security benefit, rather than… Read more »
We all look down too much. Our modern culture has us frequently looking down at devices, keyboards, papers and books. However, our neck is designed for us to be looking in the opposite direction. All the muscles in the back of the neck are erector muscles; our hunter-gatherer bodies should be looking forward and up. … Read more »
John* had been living on Mimosa Street* in the desert for nearly 30 years and had grown to love it. He had lived alone since his partner passed away, remaining in the same house, with the same neighbors and the same memories. However, as John aged, it became more and more difficult for him to… Read more »
In the heart of Palm Desert, a remarkable eight-week program is quietly making a profound impact on the lives of older adults and college students alike. The Sages & Seekers program, created and administered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus, offers a unique… Read more »
YMCA of the Desert (Y) is working to bring senior fitness to our community by hosting Vitality Forever’s Senior Classes three days per week in their space at The Shops at Palm Desert (formerly Westfield Mall). The classes are open to any person 55+ whose goal is to move and feel better. The classes, which… Read more »
“Don’t tell lies.” It’s a lesson your parents likely taught you at a young age. And yet, compassionate communication when interacting with someone with memory loss sometimes necessitates the need for “therapeutic lying.” Therapeutic lying or fibbing, as it is sometimes called, is when you tell a fib or bend the truth to fit the… Read more »
Imagine eating dinner with friends and struggling to chew your baked potato, giving a presentation at work when suddenly you start slurring your words or walking up the stairs of your home and finding yourself out of breath. Your legs don’t want to lift the way they should, and when you reach the middle step,… Read more »
Hair loss is one of the most significant concerns for both men and women and affects over 50 million men and 30 million women each year.1 Male pattern baldness accounts for 95% of hair loss, especially in those over 50 years of age.2 It is estimated that men alone spend nearly $4 billion on hair… Read more »
When you think of hospice care, what comes to mind? For many, it is associated with the end of life – a time when a loved one is close to death and receiving special care in their final days or weeks. However, hospice care can also be received long before the final days of life.… Read more »
