Matt Patterson, MD: Human Connection in Healthcare: How the PACE Model Fights Senior Loneliness – Healthcare Americana
For the original posting, please visit Healthcare Americana
For the original posting, please visit Healthcare Americana
Welcome to Healthy Aging Month! It’s a great time to focus on staying active, healthy, and safe as we grow older. One important way to do this is by preventing falls. Falls can be serious and lead to injuries, but the good news is that there are simple steps we can take to stay on our feet. Let’s explore some easy tips to help seniors prevent falls and stay steady.
As we age, changes in our bodies can make us more likely to fall. Our muscles might not be as strong as they used to be, and our balance might not be as good. But don’t worry! By taking some precautions, we can reduce the risk of falling.
Exercise is a fantastic way to keep your body strong and steady. Here are a few simple exercises that can improve balance and strength:
Be sure to check with your primary care provider before implementing any new exercises.
Making your home safer can also help prevent falls. Here are some tips to consider:
Seeing your doctor regularly is important for staying healthy and preventing falls. Here’s why:
Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to start thinking about how to stay active and safe. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’ll be taking important steps to reduce the risk of falls and enjoy life to the fullest. Remember, staying strong and steady is key to aging gracefully. So keep moving, stay safe, and enjoy the journey of healthy aging!
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. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
It is Healthy Aging Month! This special time is about finding simple ways to stay active and eat nutritious foods so we can feel our best as we get older. Just like a car needs good fuel and regular tune-ups to run smoothly, our bodies need the right care to keep us healthy and happy. Let’s explore how you can make small changes for a big impact on your health.
Exercise is like a superpower for our bodies! It helps us stay strong, makes us feel happier, and keeps our hearts healthy. You don’t have to run a marathon to get the benefits of exercise. Here are some fun and easy ways to stay active:
Walking is a fantastic way to stay fit. It’s free, you can do it anywhere, and it’s easy on your joints. Try taking a walk around your neighborhood or find a local park. Invite a friend or family member for company. Walking not only helps your body but also gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Who doesn’t love a good dance party? Dancing to your favorite tunes is a fun way to move your body. Whether you’re boogieing in your living room or taking a dance class, it’s a great workout that doesn’t feel like exercise at all!
Stretching is important to keep our bodies flexible and ready for action. Try simple stretches every morning to wake up your muscles. Imagine you’re a cat doing a big stretch after a long nap—doesn’t that feel great?
Just like exercise, eating the right foods is essential to staying healthy. Let’s break down what your body needs to stay strong:
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that help our bodies fight off sickness. Eating a variety of colors, like red apples, green spinach, and orange carrots, ensures you get all the nutrients you need. A tasty way to enjoy more fruits and veggies is by making a colorful salad or a smoothie.
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread provide energy to keep us active throughout the day. They are full of fiber, which helps our digestion and keeps us feeling full longer. Try swapping white bread for whole-grain bread in your sandwiches for a healthy boost.
Proteins are like the building blocks for our muscles. Foods such as chicken, beans, and nuts help us grow strong and stay energized. Including a source of protein in every meal can help maintain muscle mass as we age.
Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to start taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Remember, small changes can lead to big differences in how we feel. By staying active and eating well, you’ll be on your way to enjoying life to the fullest. So, grab a friend and start your healthy aging journey today!
Did you know meals and nutritional counseling are part of the benefits you can receive with WelbeHealth? 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. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast is very important, especially for seniors who need to maintain their energy levels and overall health. However, busy mornings can make it challenging to prepare a wholesome meal. A balanced morning meal refills the body’s energy stores after a night of fasting, improving concentration, mood, and cognitive performance. For seniors, a nutritious breakfast can play a vital role in preventing chronic diseases and maintaining a healthy weight. This list offers ten quick and easy healthy breakfast ideas.
Overnight oats are a fantastic make-ahead option. Combine half a cup of rolled oats with a cup of milk (dairy or plant-based), add a spoonful of chia seeds, and sweeten with honey or maple syrup. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning topped with fresh berries or nuts. Tip: Oats are high in fiber, which is crucial for digestive health.
A Greek yogurt parfait is both delicious and nutritious. Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. Greek yogurt is rich in protein, which is vital for muscle maintenance as we age. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of flaxseeds for an extra omega-3 boost.
Smoothie bowls are a fun and flexible way to pack in nutrients. Blend your favorite fruits with a splash of milk or juice and pour into a bowl. Top with sliced fruits, nuts, and seeds. Bonus: Adding a handful of spinach or kale to your smoothie bowl can provide a hidden serving of greens without altering the taste.
Simple yet satisfying, avocado toast can be made in minutes. Mash half an avocado and spread it on whole-grain toast. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice. Avocados are loaded with healthy fats that promote heart health. Suggestion: Add a poached or boiled egg on top for extra protein.
Chia pudding is another easy make-ahead breakfast. Mix three tablespoons of chia seeds with a cup of almond milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Allow it to sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, top with fresh fruits and nuts. Nutrition fact: Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
A veggie omelette is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your breakfast. Beat two eggs and pour into a heated pan, then add your favorite chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes. Cook until the eggs are set. Health tip: Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that are especially important for seniors.
Whole grain pancakes can be prepared in batches and frozen for a quick breakfast option. Use whole wheat flour, add a mashed banana for sweetness, and top with fresh fruits and a drizzle of maple syrup. Fact: Whole grains are rich in fiber and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Cottage cheese paired with fruit is a refreshing breakfast. Choose low-fat cottage cheese and top with fresh peaches, pineapple, or berries. Cottage cheese is high in protein and provides calcium for bone health. Quick tip: Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for added flavor and health benefits.
A nut butter banana wrap is an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Spread almond or peanut butter on a whole-grain tortilla, place a banana in the center, and roll it up. Cut into bite-sized pieces if desired. Did you know? Nut butters contain healthy fats and protein, making them a satisfying and energizing breakfast choice.
Quinoa isn’t just for lunch or dinner—it makes a great breakfast too! Cook quinoa and mix with almond milk, a dash of cinnamon, and a handful of raisins or dried cranberries. Fact: Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, which is particularly beneficial for muscle maintenance in seniors.
Eating a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be time-consuming. These ten breakfast ideas are not only nutritious but also quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you start your day on the right note. Remember to always check with your doctor or dietitian to be sure these breakfast options work with you. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, stay full longer, or simply enjoy a tasty meal, these options have got you covered.
Did you know meals and nutritional counseling are part of the benefits you can receive with WelbeHealth? 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. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
Senior care planning is important to make sure you have a comfortable and secure future. Find out how to get ready for senior care with important information and simple tips to help you through the planning process.
There are many different kinds of care to choose from, including assisted living centers and nursing homes. Choosing a program like Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) or home care services allow you to stay in the comfort of your home longer and is an alternative to assisted living or nursing homes. It’s important to research these options and think about things such as location, features, and cost when making a decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – this will help you determine which one best suits your needs.
Various care types:
If you plan on staying in your own home, it’s important to make sure that it is safe for you to live in. This may include:
Another important part of planning for senior care is to make sure your financial secure. This includes thinking about how you will pay for any care in the future, as well as making sure that any assets or property are managed correctly. Here are some tips on how to plan financially for senior care:
Along with physical and financial, it’s also important to think about your emotional well-being and social connections as you age. This may include staying active through hobbies or joining senior groups, maintaining relationships with family and friends, and seeking support from counselors or therapists if needed.
Before making decisions, look at your current health, housing, and care preferences. Understanding your needs helps in choosing the right care options.
Explore assisted living facilities, in-home care agencies, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and retirement communities. Consider location, services, and costs to find the best fit for your needs.
Develop a detailed care plan with preferences for medical care, daily assistance, and long-term arrangements. Include details about your healthcare proxy and preferred providers.
Share your care plan with family or friends to make sure they support your wishes. Open communication is important for receiving personalized care.
As care needs evolve, review and update your plan regularly. Stay informed about changes in health, finances, and preferences to change your plan as needed.
Planning ahead for senior care is very important for having a happy and safe experience as we age. By knowing what you need, looking into different care options, and talking openly with your family, you can make a good plan that focuses on your health and happiness. It’s also important to be flexible and willing to change your plan when needed. With the right support and preparation, you can look forward to a comfortable future with caring people around you.
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. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
Through the Medicare and Medi-Cal funded Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), WelbeHealth delivers fully integrated care that allows seniors to age gracefully in place
Today, the physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth announced the opening of its Coachella Valley and Riverside locations. The Coachella Valley location, situated in La Quinta, is the first ever Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in the region, with no other PACE center within 70 miles in any direction. The new locations will increase access to care in underserved communities where thousands of lower-income older adults qualify for health care through PACE, a national Medicare and Medicaid program that offers seniors access to comprehensive at-home and community-based services.
In addition to the new Riverside and Coachella Valley centers, WelbeHealth operates programs in the cities of Modesto, Stockton, San Jose, Fresno, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Rosemead and Long Beach. 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, home care aides, and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.
“WelbeHealth’s mission is to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion. We do this through the work of our dedicated care teams and our courage to love culture that values every employee and participant in our care,” said Si France, MD, Founder and CEO at WelbeHealth. “We are honored to serve Riverside and the Coachella Valley, enabling access to care that will have ripple effects in these communities.”
Services began on July 1 and both centers are currently enrolling new participants. *Over 12,000 PACE-eligible seniors reside within the combined service area of the two centers, and this number is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts Riverside County’s senior population to surge by almost 250% by 2060, representing the fastest growing 60+ population in California.
“The growth of the aging population in Riverside County, where both new centers are located, highlights the need for more cost-effective options that enable seniors to thrive in their home and communities,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth. “By expanding access to PACE in areas like Riverside and providing PACE services for the first time in areas like Coachella Valley, WelbeHealth is working to meet the growing needs of California’s seniors.”
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 across California and the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors.
“WelbeHealth’s new PACE center in the Coachella Valley marks an important milestone” said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans. “Having spent over 35 years working in the healthcare industry with the goal of ensuring access to care, I am proud to support WelbeHealth in bringing PACE services to vulnerable older adults and their families in our community.”
PACE median survival is higher compared with nursing homes and waiver programs despite caring for a frailer population. Importantly, in addition to better outcomes, PACE saves taxpayers $10,000 per participant each year.
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.
For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.
*12,000 PACE -eligible seniors based on WelbeHealth’s analysis of U.S. Census data
Crafting can be a powerful tool for increasing cognitive function and helping overall well-being, especially for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Doing creative activities not only excites the brain but also makes it feel accomplished and full of joy. Let’s explore a couple of simple yet exciting crafts to boost brain exercises for older adults with Alzheimer’s.
Creating a memory collage is a wonderful way to revisit joyful moments and help your brain remember past events. By adding personal photos, mementos, and labels, individuals can create a visual of happy memories, making your brain think back which stimulates cognitive function.
Crafting sensory bottles filled with different items like beads, buttons, or rice provides a feeling when touching that can be both soothing and exciting. These bottles let you explore and play with different textures and movements.
Painting or coloring helps you be creative and improve fine motor skills. It’s also a relaxing way to express yourself. By making art, you can improve focus, concentration, and show your feelings.
Crafting offers a lot of different benefits beyond just making beautiful pieces. It can help people with Alzheimer’s by giving them mental stimulation, emotional happiness, and social interaction. Crafting activities like exploring different textures, making art, or remembering things can improve their brain health and make them feel better overall.
Remember, the journey of crafting is not about the end product but the process itself—the joy of making things, using your senses, and connecting to your inner creativity. So, grab your crafting supplies, unleash your imagination and start a creative journey that makes your brain stronger, warms your heart, and fills you with happiness.
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. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
In today’s digital world, seniors are more connected than ever before, but with this comes the risk of online scams and threats. It’s important for older adults to know common ways they are targeted by scammers so they can protect their information.
Staying informed about possible online dangers is important for online safely. By understanding how scammers work, older adults can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to fraud and schemes.
Seniors are often targeted by scammers because they feel that they are more likely to fall for their tricks. It is really important to recognize and avoid common online scams. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
Protect yourself against online scams and fraud, by following these common tips:
By staying aware of online dangers and being informed, seniors can enjoy the benefits of the internet while lowering the risks associated with online threats. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against cybercrime.
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. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
Arthritis can cause achy joints, especially as we get older. But did you know that doing exercises can actually help with the pain? Discover easy exercises for arthritis relief in seniors that can make your body stronger and lessen arthritis pain. These exercises are gentle and aimed at keeping you healthy and happy.
For additional guidance on creating an exercise plan made to your needs, think about consulting with a healthcare professional or a provider specializing in senior care.
Remember, senior arthritis exercise can significantly improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. With the right approach and commitment, you can lead a fulfilling and active lifestyle despite arthritis challenges.
Discover exceptional senior care with WelbeHealth! Our comprehensive resources and tailored services, including the innovative PACE program, are designed to support older adults in maintaining their well-being. Explore how we can help today!