Today’s seniors face many challenges, though not so different from those faced by their parents, nonetheless, they require a very different toolbox of resources to accommodate.
Health Care Team
A conversation that doctors will not have: Your treatment isn't working…
This New York Times article explores the effects of telling patients that the treatments aren’t working and that death is imminent. A difficult conversation indeed, but who fares better, the informed or the uniformed? We would love to hear comments from health care professionals and those who have gone through this with a loved one. … Read more
Defining Medicare: Part 2: Coverage Options
In the second part of this two-part series from Soundpath Health, we identify the coverage options available for those who are eligible for Medicare. 1. Original Medicare: Original Medicare is Medicare Parts A and B and includes coverage for Inpatient Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Outpatient/Physician Insurance (Part B). Eligible individuals are automatically … Read more
What You Pay Your Doctor Under Medicare Depends
If you have original Medicare, the doctor you visit can make a difference in how much you have to pay. While you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare payments, if the doctor does not “accept assignment,” you can end up paying a lot more. (This does not apply to beneficiaries who are in … Read more
Breaking news for seniors: You can avoid falls… in the FALL
Eric M. Crozier, Copywright 2011 Geriatric Care Manager The changing season is a great time to remind our seniors of the risks of falls. We know that falls can happen at any time, and anywhere, so let’s look at a few steps we can take to minimize those risks. 1) Be aware of the changing … Read more
Returning Home After A Hospital Stay
By Mary Lynn Pannen, RN, BSN, CCM President, Sound Options, Inc. Let’s face it; older adults want to stay at home as they age. When challenged with a crisis or just normal aging deterioration, family members often do not know where to go or where to start planning the care for an aging parent. This … Read more
Our Fragmented Health Care System
Another example of how our retirement system is fragmented (communication between primary care physicians and specialists they refer to have poor communication.) The biggest frustration for most consumers of medical services is the fragmented system that we call the health care system. What is even more striking is that there is just about no expectation … Read more
Negotiating Cost Of Healthcare With Your Physician
High costs of medical care are a concern to everyone. But most to those who have to pay privately because they do not have insurance coverage. Can you negotiate prices? Here is sage advice from a practicing physician.
New Caregiving Methods To Dementia Patients
A refreshing look at how some communities approach caregiving for patients with dementia. Maybe there is something we can all learn.