Tag Archive for: senior care

Alcohol Awareness for Seniors: What You Need to Know

April 30, 2024

As we age, we often find ourselves looking back on the choices we make when it comes to our health and wellbeing. The role of alcohol in our lives deserves a closer look, especially for seniors. The effects of alcohol can change as we age, and awareness about these changes is important for keeping a healthy lifestyle. Our goal is to shed light on alcohol awareness for seniors, insight, practical tips, and resources for making better decisions about alcohol use.

Understanding the Impact of Alcohol as We Age

As we get older, our bodies handle alcohol differently. Older adults might feel the effects of alcohol more because their bodies process it slower and they have less water in their bodies for the alcohol to spread out in. This means that even if they drink the same amount of alcohol as they did when they were younger, it can affect them more. This can raise the chances of falling down, having trouble remembering things, and causing problems with medications.

Risks of Alcohol Consumption in Seniors

1. Medication Interactions:

Many seniors are on one or more prescription medications. Alcohol can interact dangerously with medications, including but not limited to blood thinners, antidepressants, and even some over-the-counter pain relievers and allergy medicines. Mixing alcohol can lead to problems with the heart, liver, and the effectiveness of medications.

2. Chronic Conditions:

Alcohol can increase chronic conditions that are common in seniors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It’s important to understand how alcohol can affect these conditions and manage its use.

3. Cognitive Function:

There is evidence to suggest that excessive drinking can increase cognitive decline in older adults. Keeping alcohol consumption in check can help maintain cognitive health and reduce the risk of developing dementia-related conditions.

Tips for Safe Alcohol Consumption

1. Know Your Limits:

It’s important for seniors to reconsider their limits with alcohol and change them if necessary. This might mean drinking less than what was thought to the average.

2. Check Medication Labels:

Always read medication labels and consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about possible interactions with alcohol.

3. Stay Hydrated:

Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can help manage the effects of alcohol and keep you hydrated.

4. Eat Beforehand:

Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can increase its effects. Make sure to eat a healthy meal before drinking.

5. Socialize Safely:

Enjoy alcoholic beverages in social settings where support is available if needed. Drinking alone can increase the risk of falls or other accidents without immediate help available.

Resources for Support

If you or someone you know needs help managing alcohol consumption, there are numerous resources available:

Alcoholics Anonymous for Seniors: Offers meetings and support catered to older adults.
National Institute on Aging: Provides educational materials on alcohol and aging.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers a national helpline for those seeking help with substance use disorders.

Final Thoughts

Awareness is the first step toward making healthier choices about drinking alcohol, especially in our senior years. By understanding the changes that come with age, paying close attention to interactions with medications and health conditions, and following easy tips for moderation, seniors can enjoy a happier, healthier life with or without alcohol. Remember, it’s never too late to start making positive changes to your lifestyle.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. Here you are supported by a dedicated team that coordinates all your care needs. With access to highly skilled doctors, dentists, home care, physical therapy and much more, you are able to live a healthier, happier you. To learn if you qualify, visit our contact page or, call us directly at (888) 530-4415 | TTY 711.

Staying Sharp: Everyday Cognitive Exercises for Seniors

April 23, 2024

As we age, staying sharp and keeping our brain in top shape becomes more important. Cognitive exercises are a bit like a workout for your brain — they keep the mental muscles flexible and strong. This is extra important for seniors who, all too often, do not have the same level of daily mental stimulation they enjoyed in their working years.

Here’s a list of easy and enjoyable daily cognitive exercises specific for seniors. These activities not only help keep the brain active but also provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. Engaging in such exercises can benefit cognitive functions, memory, processing speed, and could even reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

1. Puzzle Mania

Puzzles are an excellent way for seniors to improve their cognitive skills. Jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, and word searches are all fantastic for stimulating problem-solving and logic. Here are a few specific ideas to get started:

Jigsaw Puzzles: These exercises in spatial awareness and pattern recognition can be done alone or with a friend, making them great for alone time or social bonding.
Sudoku and Crosswords: These numerical and linguistic puzzles challenge different parts of the brain and can be found in newspapers or books, providing a daily activity that’s as engaging as it is portable.
Word Search: A word search puzzle can be a fun way to improve cognitive functions related to language processing and attention to detail.

2. Learn Something New

Continuous learning is key to keeping the brain agile, and it’s never too late to pick up a new hobby or skill. For seniors, this could be learning a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or taking up a craft like knitting or woodworking.

Language Learning: Online language apps offer courses specific for all ages, giving bite-sized lessons that can be done at your own pace.
Music Lessons: Learning to play a new instrument not only exercises the memory and spatial-temporal skills, but it’s also a wonderful way to express creativity.
Crafting: Hobbies like knitting and woodworking involve complex, multistep processes that keep the mind focused and engaged.

3. Memory March

Engaging in a daily activity that requires memorization can significantly enhance cognitive abilities, specifically memory and recall.

Memorize a Poem or Speech: Select a favorite piece or a short, inspiring speech and try to commit it to memory, repeating it daily to strengthen your retention.
Recall a Day’s Schedule: Try to remember the day’s activities and appointments without looking at your calendar. This is a practical way to sharpen your short-term memory.
Remembering Names: Practice associating names with faces and objects to improve recall in social settings, a small but useful exercise that pays dividends in real-world situations.

4. Stay Social

Fostering social connections is a cognitive exercise often overlooked. Having a deep conversation and keeping relationships can help prevent loneliness and keep quick thinking at its best.

Senior Centers and Community Groups: Joining a local group or activity can provide a daily dose of social interaction.
Networking Online: Social media platforms can be used in a positive, moderated way to keep in touch with family and friends or to connect with like-minded people across the globe.
Volunteering: Becoming a volunteer gives you a big sense of purpose and gives you more social opportunities.

5. Mindfulness and Meditation

Mental exercises focused on mindfulness and meditation have been associated with positive cognitive outcomes, specific to attention and focus.

Daily Reflection: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and reflect, considering thoughts and feelings without judgment, simply observing them.
Guided Meditation: Use apps or audio recordings to guide you through meditation sessions specific to seniors, incorporating calming breathwork.
Yoga: Practicing yoga can be a form of moving meditation and offers the added benefit of physical exercise, which is also crucial for overall cognitive health.

By adding these cognitive exercises into your daily routine, you can work ahead of time to keep and even improve your mental sharpness as you age. It’s never too late to start, and there are many benefits, leading to a a happier and improved life.

WelbeHealth Announces New Chief Operating Officer

March 19, 2024

WelbeHealth, a physician-led senior health services provider, is proud to announce the appointment of Becca Miller Rose as its Chief Operating Officer. The new role underscores WelbeHealth’s commitment to quality and care excellence as it continues to grow its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with the expertise of industry-leading talent.

“Becca’s extensive experience leading operations of value-based community health services for seniors makes her uniquely qualified to advance WelbeHealth’s PACE program and mission of serving the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion,” said Matt Patterson, M.D., President of WelbeHealth.”

As COO, Rose will partner with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Le, who she previously worked with at Landmark Health, to lead WelbeHealth’s PACE operations, delivering community-based services across beautiful center locations and in the home and leveraging WelbeHealth’s proprietary tech-enabled care delivery processes. She will ensure consistent, high-quality care and service excellence as the organization expands access to seniors who need PACE.

Rose is a seasoned healthcare operations leader, most recently serving as COO of the Optum Home-Based Medical Care business. She joined Optum as part of its acquisition of Landmark Health, the nation’s largest provider of in-home value-based care. Rose oversaw tremendous growth in the organization’s scalable national service capacity for frail senior populations.

“Through my professional roles as well as personal experience serving hospice patients, I understand the needs of seniors and their family caregivers for higher quality community-based care,” said Becca Miller Rose. “I am excited to address these needs for our most vulnerable populations through expanding access to PACE as WelbeHealth’s operational leader.”

The PACE model consistently delivers exceptional health outcomes and cost-effectiveness through comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. PACE has demonstrated a 24% reduction in hospitalizations, an 80% improvement in depression scores, and a one-third increase in life expectancy compared with nursing homes. Alongside these health advantages, PACE delivers cost savings to taxpayers amounting to $10,000 per participant annually.

WelbeHealth is expanding its footprint and ensuring that more seniors have access to the exceptional health outcomes and the cost-effectiveness that PACE provides. This commitment is evident in recent leadership appointments and the openings of new centers in San Jose, Rosemead, and North Hollywood.

About WelbeHealth

WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program.

CONTACT: Katie Groenke, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com
Angharad Bhardwaj, Angharad.Bhardwaj@welbehealth.com

Mcknights Home Care – PACE expansion bill draws bipartisan support

March 19, 2024

A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation that would improve care coordination for dual-eligible beneficiaries and expand the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to a larger share of people.

“This legislation is a start at redesigning our current patchwork approach of delivering long-term services and supports,” Katie Smith Sloan, president and chief executive officer of LeadingAge, said in a statement Thursday. “This is a true win.”

Sens. Bill Cassidy, MD, (R-LA), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Delivering United Access to Lifesaving Services (DUALS) Act of 2024 on Thursday. Already, organizations including LeadingAge, the National PACE Association, Welbe Health and more than a dozen others have announced their endorsement for the bill.

The legislation’s primary function would be to require every state to develop a comprehensive, integrated health plan for dual-eligible beneficiaries, according to a summary. The bill also would require every state to allow PACE programs to be established, open up enrollment to any time in a given month, and extend PACE coverage to people under 55 years of age.

PACE centers serve mostly dual-eligible beneficiaries who qualify for skilled nursing care but are able to remain at home and in their community, a representative for WelbeHealth, a PACE provider, said in a statement to McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse.

“The DUALS Act marks a crucial stride forward in expanding access to care coordination for frail dual eligible beneficiaries through an innovative model called PACE,” Amy Shin, WelbeHealth’s chief mission officer, said. “This bill is thoughtful and represents a significant opportunity to enhance access to the gold standard for quality of care for our most frail and vulnerable seniors.”

Dual-eligible individuals, who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, are responsible for a disproportionate share of government healthcare spending, according to the senators. Innovative, cost-effective care strategies can create payment efficiencies while also producing better patient outcomes, they said.

“Patients dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid have much worse outcomes than other groups even though there is a lot more money spent on their care,” Cassidy said in a statement. “Making Medicare and Medicaid better work together makes patients healthier and saves money.”

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Fall Prevention

March 15, 2024

Falls are one of the common caused of injuries among seniors, and preventing them is a big aspect in having a high quality of life as we age. Here we offer five tips to reduce the risk of falls for seniors, empowering them to live safely and independently. Remember, fall prevention is about taking future steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

1. Home Safety Check

Perform regular safety checks to minimize fall risk in the home. Things to consider include:

Make sure you have clear pathways free from clutter.
Securing carpets to the floor and removing throw rugs.
Installing grab bars and handrails in key areas such as bathrooms and stairwells.

By setting up your home to suit you, you can lower the risk of accidentally falling.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Doing exercises that focus on strength and balance can greatly improve stability and reduce the risk of falls. Consider activities like:

Walking
Tai Chi
Gentle yoga

Talk to your healthcare provider to create a customized exercise program that’s right for you.

3. Vision and Hearing Checks

Both vision and hearing add to balance and spatial awareness. To help prevent falls:

Have regular check-ups for glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
Make sure your hearing aids are correctly adjusted.

Staying current with these health checks is key in keeping your balance in check.

4. Medication Management

Some medications can affect balance and increase the risk of falling. It’s important to:

Review medications regularly with a doctor or pharmacist.
Be mindful of any side effects that could impact your stability.

Knowing what affects your medications have on your balance can help you stay steady on your feet.

5. Practical Footwear

Proper footwear is a must for stability. When choosing shoes, look for:

Non-skid soles
Adequate support
A correct fit

Avoid walking in just socks, as this can increase the risk of slipping.

By adding these tips into your daily routine, you can create a safer living environment and reduce the risk of falls. Remember, prevention is the best protection, and making small changes can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Want to learn more about other resources? Check out our other blog posts for more advice and recipes.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

5 Heart Health Tips for Seniors

February 20, 2024

Keeping your heart healthy is super important, especially for grandparents and older friends. Here are five simple tips for seniors who want to keep their hearts strong and healthy.

1. Let’s Get Moving

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.

It’s really good for your heart when you move around. You don’t have to run really fast or lift heavy things—just walking around the block, dancing to your favorite songs, or playing catch can be perfect. Always chat with your doctor before you start something new, just to be safe.

Sometimes, moving around a lot can be hard. That’s okay! You can still exercise while sitting down. Moving your arms and legs, even while sitting, can keep the blood pumping and make your muscles strong without being too hard on your heart. If you don’t have any light weights, you can use cans or water bottles instead.

2. Foods for the Heart

A heart-healthy diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Eating too much butter, salt, and fat can contribute to heart disease. To reduce unhealthy fats, try cutting back on them and instead focus on including omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish like salmon or trout twice a week.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to how much you eat—having just enough to feel full and happy is the way to go. Using a smaller plate, measuring cups, and portion control can help with this, so you can enjoy your food without eating too much.

When you go grocery shopping, be a detective and look at what’s in the food. Get into the habit of reading nutritional labels. Look for products that are low in sodium and free of trans fats, which can be very harmful to heart health.

3. Relax

Being stressed or worried all the time isn’t good for your heart. Chronic stress has been proven to negatively affect your heart health. Doing things like meditation, taking deep breaths, and yoga or tai chi can help you reduce your stress levels and produce calming effects.

Spending time with people you love makes you feel good and can actually be great for your heart. Joining clubs or engaging in community activities can also provide emotional support and help reduce stress.

4. Know Your Health Numbers

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, especially in seniors. Blood pressure is like a balloon inside your body—if there’s too much air, it’s not good, so regular monitoring is critical. Many pharmacies and stores offer free screenings, and home monitoring devices are also widely available.

Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. These appointments are key opportunities to evaluate heart health, manage existing conditions, discuss concerns, and adjust treatments.

There are some health numbers like cholesterol, sugar level, and your weight that tell a lot about how your heart is doing. Keep an eye on these to make sure you’re on the right track.

5. Quit Smoking, Limit Drinking

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. It’s never too late to quit. There are a lot of resources available, from local support groups and phone lines to medications and therapies prescribed by your doctor.

If you enjoy having a drink, that’s fine—just make sure you don’t have too much. Set a limit and stick to it to keep your heart happy.

Keep it Up

Taking care of your heart doesn’t mean you have to change everything overnight. Just do small things every day that will add up to a big happy heart. So go ahead and be the boss of your heart health. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a wonderful life full of energy.

Remember—move around, eat tasty and healthy food, relax, check on your health, and stay away from smoking and too much alcohol. These five tips are your treasure map to a treasure chest of heart health and lots of joy in your golden years!

Ask your health professional before implementing any big changes.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

Understanding Thyroid Health for Seniors

January 19, 2024

Our thyroid health is a pivotal factor in our overall well-being. By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your doctor, you can support a healthy thyroid even as you age.

Brain Fog After Quitting Drinking: What Can You Expect?

January 5, 2024

You may experience brain fog after quitting drinking. Learn more about what this means and what you can do by clicking here.

WelbeHealth Opens Bay Area PACE Center

January 4, 2024

New center extends WelbeHealth’s collaboration with Sutter Health to underserved communities in San Jose and surrounding areas

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

SAN JOSE, California—The physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth, in partnership with Northern California-based health care system Sutter Health, announced the opening of a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Jose. The new center will provide essential health care and wrap-around services to diverse low-income older adults. WelbeHealth San Jose is now enrolling new participants, with services set to begin Jan. 1, 2024.

“We are excited to work with our Sutter Health partners to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion in the San Jose area,” said Si France, MD, CEO at WelbeHealth. “Through this expansion, we are ensuring that matriarchs and patriarchs can age in place and thrive in their communities.”

Sutter Health is one of the largest health systems serving Northern California’s Medi-Cal eligible population and has partnered with WelbeHealth to improve healthcare for underserved seniors.

“WelbeHealth provides nursing-home eligible seniors with the wrap-around services they need to remain safely at home in our communities,” said Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President at Sutter Health. “San Jose is home to a rapidly growing aging population that will benefit from greater access to PACE.”

More than 4,000 PACE-eligible seniors reside within 15 miles of the San Jose location, and the population of these seniors is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts that Santa Clara County’s senior population will surge by more than 200% by 2060, while Alameda County’s senior population is expected to increase by 150% by the same year.

“Many seniors in San Jose have been left out of the region’s broader economic growth,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth. “It’s difficult for low-income older adults to make ends meet and get the care they need amidst high rent, home care labor shortages and stretched family caregivers. WelbeHealth and Sutter Health are committed to delivering the PACE model, ensuring vulnerable seniors are not left behind.”

PACE is a proven, high-quality, cost-effective solution to address the care gaps left by the underfunded and patchwork system for long-term care in San Jose and across the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. The price for long-term care is expected to reach half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, yet the current infrastructure cannot support this growth and the United States lags behind most other wealthy countries in long-term care investment. PACE is one obvious solution because it delivers better health outcomes at a lower cost.

WelbeHealth is committed to addressing the long-term healthcare crisis for low-income seniors through PACE expansion. In addition to San Jose, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Pasadena, Long Beach, North Hollywood and Rosemead. All locations deliver fully integrated care, allowing frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, homecare aides and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities and transportation address social determinants of health.

View the original article here

Tips for Seniors Dealing with Depression During the Holidays

December 21, 2023

The holidays can bring both joy and loneliness for seniors. WelbeHealth offers tips to help cope with feelings of sadness, loss, and health issues during this special time.