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Lifestage

A Senior Advisory Agency

What Support is Available in my Home

4/28/2020

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Many people don't know about the numerous services, programs and resources available to help an adult stay safely in their home. These days the options are nearly limitless. It’s not always cheap but you can get almost any type of help you want in your home. Here are just a few services you may want to consider. 

Personal care
If you find it is becoming increasingly difficult bathing, washing your hair or getting dressed there is assistance available. Of course, you can always reach out to a friend or relative, but you can also hire a professional in-home care giver even for a few hours a day and just a few days a week.
 
Household chores
Do you need help with chores like housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, or laundry? If you already have in in home care giver scheduled many of them will help with light household chores. Things like shopping have gotten much easier with the rise of online shopping. Many online retailers will deliver goods directly to your front door, others will allow you to order online and have it ready for you to pick up at the local store. There are numerous cleaning and yard services you can hire, be sure to check their online reviews or speak to someone you trust for a recommendation.
 
Meals
Worried that you might not be eating nutritious meals? Meal kits are all the rage these days. Services such as Blue Apron or Hello Fresh deliver all the pre-measured ingredients you need to prepare delicious chef inspired meals right in your own home. You choose what you like and how often you would like meals delivered.  Meal delivery programs such as Meals on Wheels will bring hot meals into your home. Some of these programs are free or low-cost but not necessary only for those who cannot afford meals. Often these programs will deliver a meal to any senior who has trouble leaving the house or preparing meals themselves for a suggested donation per meal.
 
Money management
Online bill paying is available from most banks and it is easy to set up automatic payments so you can be sure important bills are payed on time. If you need help setting this up, you may be able to set an appoint in person at your bank to get things going. Volunteers, financial counselors, or Certified Senior Advisors can also help. You can also contact your utilities companies or mortgage company and ask to have your bill paid automatically from your checking account. Be careful to avoid money scams. Always check all bills and bank statements for charges you do not recognize.
 
Health care
Remembering to take medications on time everyday can be difficult for anyone. There are numerous tools available to remind you when it is time for your next dose, special pill boxes that allow you set out your pills for an entire week or even medication dispensers that will remind you to take your meds and dispense the right dose at the right time. Have you just gotten out of the hospital and still need nursing care at home for a short time? Medicare might pay for a home health aide to come to your home.
Doctors’ visits can be stressful and it’s easy to forget things you wanted to talk about or things that they told you to do. More and more doctors are offering telehealth services in place of in person visits. Prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss before your visit. It can also be helpful to bring a trusted family member or caregiver with you to the appointment. Don’t be afraid to write down any instructions or recommendations that your doctor gives your or ask them to put it in writing for you.
 
This list just scratches the surface of the services that may be available to you in your home. If you are not sure where to start reach out to a Lifestage Certified Senior Advisor today.

​Phone 509.473.9956
Fax 509.443.5035 
info@Lifestageusa.com
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Know the Risk of Falls

4/22/2020

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Seniors Walking

​The fear of falling becomes more common as people age, even among those who haven't fallen. Overcoming this fear can help seniors stay active and prevent future falls. Doing things like getting together with friends, gardening, walking, or going to the local senior center can help you stay healthy. The good news is, there are many ways to help prevent falls.

“As we age, we are continuously challenged to defy gravity,” says Dr. Dorothy Baker, PhD, Director of the Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention (CCFP) at Yale University School of Medicine. “What makes us vulnerable to gravity is the fact that certain systems of our bodies are not working at peak performance. Many people have been weakened by unhealthy lifestyles, chronic disease, illness, and injury. We have to de-emphasize the environment as the reason why we fall and instead focus on how we can better interact with the environment in order to stay on our feet.”
There are 6 factors that relate to falls:

  1. Balance Problems. The best thing you can do to reduce the risk of falls is some form of regular exercise to improve muscle strength and flexibility.  
  2. Mobility Issues. Use mobility devices that have been fitted for you by a certified therapist and are in good working condition.  Make sure you wear good footwear for traction and comfort.
  3. Medication Errors. Taking 4 or more medications places you at high risk.  Use a single community-based pharmacy who knows your chronic illnesses and overlooks all your medical prescribers. Make sure you tell the pharmacy of any Over-The-Counter supplements and medications.
  4. Low Blood Pressure. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop making you feel lightheaded or unsteady.  Slowly stand and count to 10 before walking.
  5. Sensory Deficits. Eyesight, and reflexes often diminish as we age. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can contribute.  Schedule regular appointments with your medical providers to establish a solid base line to be aware of changes.
  6. Home Hazards. Environmental factors such as uneven surfaces, area rugs, extension cords, and the bathroom can present a hazard. Install grab bars in the bathroom around the commode, bathtub/shower area as well as replacing towel bars for better environmental safety. 

If you do happen to fall, stay still on the floor for a moment and take a few deep breaths to try to relax.  This will help you gather your thoughts and determine if you are hurt before attempting to get up.  If you have a Medical Alert pendant you will want to push it so that responders can be alerted to your fall incident.
A fall is a time sensitive event. Getting help to someone in under 20 minutes provides for the best outcomes.  A Medical Alert system provides 2-way communication with a response associate to get the appropriate assistance in a reasonable amount of time. Today’s Medical Alerts systems are shower safe and not only work around the home but are mobile and can offer automatic falls detection should a person fall, and they are unable to call for help.  
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Getting Your Meds Right

4/14/2020

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​You may hear your doctor or pharmacist preach to you about medication adherence, but what does that mean? Simply put it is just taking your medications as prescribed. Medication adherence rates of 80% or more are needed for optimal therapeutic efficacy. However, it is estimated that adherence to chronic medications is only around 50%.
 
According to the Annals of Internal Medicine failure to take medications as prescribed results in an  estimated 125,000 deaths annually and at least 10% of hospitalizations. The financial cost of medication nonadherence has been estimated at as much as $289 billion annually. Increasing medication adherence may have a greater impact on health and wellness than any other medical intervention.
 
Adherence rates tend to go down as time passes after the initial prescription is written. Barriers to adherence may include factors such as getting prescriptions filled, remembering to take medication on time, and understanding the directions on all the bottles. Many pharmacies offer automatic refill options, and some will even mail medications directly to your home which can relieve much of the burden associated with obtaining refills. Some medication schedules can be complicated which makes it harder to stay on schedule every day. If you find it is difficult to follow the instructions on your medications or forget to take them on time every day you may benefit from tools such as medication reminders or automated medication dispensing systems.
 
Sometimes people may even quit taking a medication all together due to adverse side effects. While it is understandable why a person may do this, it can be extremely dangerous. Before you quit taking any medication it is critical that you talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. If you are suffering from side effects they may be able to alter the dose or prescribe an alternative that that will work better for you.
 
Knowing that taking your medications appropriately can make all the difference in terms of health outcomes, it is important to come up with a system that works for you. Some people will do just fine with a medi-set, others may need to set up an automatic cycle fill, many would benefit from technologies like medication dispensers or automated reminders and others still may need greater levels of help in an assisted living setting. By taking the time to set up a system that works for you, you will likely benefit in terms of better health and quality of life.
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Getting Your Affairs in Order

4/7/2020

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​Making critical decisions for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to discuss your preferences in advance. Planning for your Legal, Medical, Financial and Personal needs can give a person peace of mind.
 
These important steps can make all the difference:
 
1.Start discussions with your loved ones early while everyone can still help make decisions.
2.Create documents that will communicate and protect your wishes based on your legal, medical, financial and personal preferences.
3.Review these plans regularly. It is common for circumstances to change over time. Remember to update your documents to reflect these changes.
4.Put important documents in one place and make sure a trusted family member or friend knows of their location.
5.Make copies of healthcare directives for each doctor or health facility you visit.
6.Give permission in advance for medical providers to share information directly with a caregiver as needed.
 
Preparation can truly be one of the best gifts you can give. A Lifestage Legacy Review workbook will help you navigate the many aspects of preparing your legal, medical, financial and personal needs in a way that will provide peace of mind for you and your family. Once you complete your legacy review workbook encourage your family and friends to consider making the same gift for their loved ones.
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Lifestage Legacy Review Workbook

$19.99
Buy Now

The information in this workbook will help you navigate the many aspects of your Legal, Medical, Financial and Social factors in a way that will provide peace of mind for you and your family knowing that all of these needs are addressed and accounted for.


Legacy means many different things to different people and no two plans will look alike. The simplest definition of a legacy is, something transmitted or received from a predecessor. Providing a legacy can be as easy as passing along critical information your loved ones will need in order to carry out your wishes in the event you are no longer able to make critical decisions or have reached the end of life.

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    Author

    ​Ty Strahl is the areas leading senior adviser. Her job is to help you navigate the many aspects of aging and to help seniors who are in transition to find the right solutions for their individual needs.

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Why a Certified Senior Advisor?

The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) educates and certifies professionals who work with seniors. The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® credential applies to professionals who are able to demonstrate their competence and knowledge of working with older adults into their professional practices. By creating a network of qualified professionals, SCSA strives to create a strong and safe environment for seniors and those working with them.

To learn more about a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® 
https://www.csa.us/

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Contact Us

Lifestage Inc.
​Office 509.473.9956
Fax 509.443.5035 
1521 E Illinois Avenue Suite 101
Spokane, WA 99207
info@Lifestageusa.com
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  • Home
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