Boston

Q – Is medical care available to seniors in Boston at home?

A – While many doctors do continue to make traditional health calls to visit seniors who have issues with mobility that make it difficult for them to get into their doctors’ offices, these services tend to be costly and are often not covered by medical insurance programs like Medicare. However, new technologies which are emerging into the home care market for seniors, hope to make medical care available to all seniors from the comfort and safety of their own homes. General Electric and Intel recently announced their partnership and commitment to donate $250 million dollars towards the research and development of home health care technologies for the elderly over the next 5 years. Already available on the market are the Intel Health Guide, which allows seniors to interact with medical professionals using a 2-way video computer and the GE QuietCare; a home monitoring system which allows senior caregivers to keep track of the senior’s well-being remotely.

Over the upcoming years, these two partnered technology giants hope to create health technologies that will allow doctors and nurses to monitor their senior patients’ health, quality of life and diagnose elderly health issues remotely, while the senior remains in their Boston residence. Hopefully, these new technological developments will help more seniors get the medical care they require in a convenient and affordable manner.

Sources:
1.    New York Times  Steve Lohr
2.    Intel & GE Health Care Alliance

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

While family history does play a role in the likelihood that a senior will have a stroke, there are other stroke risk factors that can be eliminating, therefore decreasing the chance of a stroke. Seniors from Boston can control the following factors that put them at risk for having a stroke:

• Carotid Artery Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Cigarette Smoking
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Warning Signs or History of Stroke
• Lack of Exercise
• Obesity
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• High Cholesterol

According to the National Stroke Association, the above risk factors are controllable with the following behaviors; good news for seniors in Boston!

•    Have your blood pressure checked at least once per year and record your blood pressure somewhere it can be remembered if needed
•    Stop smoking!!!
•    Ensure that any alcohol is only consumed in moderation – 1 drink per day is not likely to increase the risk of a stroke
•    Find out if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, circulation problems or atrial fibrillation and ensure a doctor is taking steps to control any present issues
•    Exercise daily!
•    Maintain a diet low in salt
•    Understand the stroke symptoms and seek medical attention if they’re present

Sources:
1.    Healing Daily
2.   BBC Health

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

When a family comes together in Boston to discuss the care requirements of an aging loved one, it’s a process of decision making that can make or break a Boston family, but nonetheless is a process that the whole family needs to be involved with. As soon as one family member notices signs that concern them about their senior’s health or living arrangements, it’s time to call a family meeting.

While a series of meetings may take place as care decisions are being made, the first meeting should only involve those closest to the senior being discussed, such as siblings and immediate family members. However, the senior shouldn’t be in attendance at the first family meeting, so that family members are able to discuss their concerns about the senior’s health and well-being without fear that they’re upsetting their loved one.  During this initial meeting, the family can discuss future plans and discuss the role each of them will play in the care of a senior. It’s important at some stage, once the rest of the family comes together, to involve the senior in meetings so they can share their own wishes with regards to senior care. A third party, like a Geriatric Care Manager may be in attendance as a resource and meeting moderator.

At each meeting, allow every family member involved to share their views on how to handle home care, and try to stick to an agenda to minimize disputes and keep things on track.

Sources:
1.    Elder Care Online
2.    Suite101

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

According to a recent study completed by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, ballroom dancing is an ideal activity for Boston seniors. As fans of Dancing with the Stars already know, it’s a great activity that aids in weight loss and cardiovascular health; but it has an additional benefit for seniors that you might not suspect. The study, which focused on 469 seniors over the age of 75, found that ballroom dancing is linked with a lowered risk of cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia. According to the study, seniors don’t need to dance all day to get the most of ballroom dancing benefits, a 5 minute warm up followed by a 20 minute ballroom dancing routine is ideal for keeping older adults active, fit and healthy.

Seniors interested in taking up ballroom dancing during retirement can contact dance studios, seniors centers, and community centers in Boston to find out if they offer ballroom dancing classes. Typically seniors can either choose to attend ballroom dancing classes with a spouse or friend or get matched with a partner during the classes.

If you’re an active senior, start ballroom dancing today to benefit both your body and your mind, and have fun while doing it!

Sources:
1.    Senior Advocate
2.    SeniorJournal

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

The National Do Not Call Registry is a great way to safeguard seniors in Boston from unwanted telemarketing calls. While most telemarketers are from legitimate companies offering real services, seniors face a very tangible risk from talking to telemarketers; they might be won over by the callers charms and make unwanted purchases that can drain their finances.

Registering a senior from Boston for the National Do Not Call Registry is quite simple; it can be completed online or by phone by providing a home phone number or cell phone number. Once a phone number has been placed on the Do Not Call list, it requires approximately 30 days to take effect. If a senior continues to receive calls from telemarketers once their name and phone number has been placed on the registry, a complaint can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission. Some telemarketers are exempt from the Do Not Call list, including those from companies that an elderly person already does business with; for example, the financial institution where they have accounts.

Speak to the older adults in your life about registering for the National Do Not Call Registry to save them from hassles and protect them from exploitation.

Sources:
1.   Federal Trade Commission
2.    DoNotCall

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Q1 – Is it a good idea for seniors to have pets? What are the benefits?
A1 – Pets provide Boston seniors with a sense of increased responsibility, and help them focus their attention away from their own problems. Pets also have health benefits by lowering blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular disease, and lowering cholesterol as well as stress.

Q2 – How can an older adult decide what kind of pet is right for them?
A2 – Pet selection for a senior all depends on their lifestyle, their level of health and mobility, and of course, their personal preferences. Starting with a simple fish bowl or aquarium with fish can be a good way to introduce a senior to pet ownership; it helps to gauge their interest and capabilities of caring for another creature, and fish are low maintenance compared to a cat or dog.

Q3 – My granny has voiced interest in getting a cat; would it be a good idea to get her one as a gift?
A3 – It’s always better to let people select their own pets to decide what would be a good fit in their life. To help your granny choose a pet, do some research about rescue organizations and breeders in Boston in advance, so she can choose the places she would like to visit to look at cats for adoption.

Q4 – Does the age of the pet matter?
A4 – Senior dogs and cats are not as active, so might require less exercise and supervision in the home.

Sources:
1.   HealthyPet
2.   About
Images:  pro.corbis.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.