Jim, Author at Senior Care Central

About Jim

CFO - Senior Care Central, LLC

Guest Blog: What We Can All Do About Rising Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs are skyrocketing at record rates. This is making it less affordable than ever for Americans to get the care they need. It’s particularly hard for the most vulnerable of our population, seniors and lower-income families. In 2017, U.S. healthcare costs equalled over $3.5 trillion. That’s a number we should all be worried about. Here’s what we can all do about rising healthcare costs.

Image via Pexels

Utilize Low-Cost Health Insurance
The first thing we can all do is look for low-cost health insurance options. For most, this means using a program like Medicare or Medicaid which is available to seniors or those who match certain income requirements.

Aside from federal programs, many families choose a high-deductible plan which costs less on a monthly basis but will still provide protection in emergency situations. This type of plan is known as an emergency plan, and it’s a good option for families who don’t expect to need regular treatment. Visit HealthMarkets´ list of low-cost health insurance companies for more information.

Take Advantage of Telemedicine
Another option is to stop seeing a traditional doctor for smaller problems. Today, you can reach a medical professional on your smartphone in just a few clicks. It’s faster, less expensive, and you don’t even need insurance in many cases.

Telemedicine can help with anything from therapy to the common cold. You can even get prescriptions through apps nowadays, and this saves both time and money.

Image via Pexels

Prepare for the Future
Finally, we should all be preparing for the future. Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves unable to afford the right healthcare. We should all be saving today to prepare our families for a future in which we need more funds to afford healthcare.

In the meantime, we should talk to our politicians about finding new solutions to the healthcare crisis. From electing officials who focus on healthcare solutions to calling your congress representatives, every little action matters.

What are you doing to fight the rising healthcare costs? If you’re not prepared, you could find yourself facing a bad financial situation. Take these steps above today to protect your health. It’s the most important thing you have.

By Jim|2023-01-09T11:16:16-05:00January 31st, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Tips for Making a Home Safer for Seniors

With growing age, keeping up with daily activities can become difficult. Aging seniors cannot do basic chores like cooking and cleaning and even moving around in their homes can sometimes become difficult. Taking care of your aging parents is a noble task, but due to current lifestyles, it has become challenging for children to take care of parents. Since you cannot be with them 24/7, you can change at home to make their lives easier and to avoid accidents. The good news is, now you can get help with your senior care in Dallas or any other city across cities across the nation. There are great options for senior care to simplify and improve your life, putting everyone’s mind at ease.

Here are five of the top things you can do to make life easier for seniors living in their own homes.

Create a fall free zone.

Older people have increased risks of falling or slipping even from the smallest things. The following simple changes can reduce the chances of tripping:

Install a cordless or cell phone instead of using a traditional telephone.
Remove throw rugs from the home, as they can be hazardous for people using walkers.
Place electrical cords for the TV, modem, and telephone should correctly to avoid tripping.
Obtain an alarm bracelet or necklace that sends alert to emergency services with a push-button.
Encourage the use of a cane or a walker at all times instead of holding onto walls and furniture.
Purchase non-slippery footwear or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well.
Change floorings from tiles to wooden.
Create a secure place for pets, so that they do not clutter things in the hallway or the living room.

Teach older adults fire safety tips

The kitchen is a potential area where seniors are at risk of getting burnt. Here are things you can do to prevent danger from fire:

Set up the kitchen so that everything is easily accessible.
Install a smoke detector and check its battery regularly.
Replace faulty appliances.
Avoid putting too many electrical wires in one socket.
Instruct them to call 911 to put out a fire.
Instruct them to avoid smoking in bed.

In case you feel that getting a caregiver is a better resource for your aging parents, you may contact a trusted provider for senior care in Dallas or your local area.

Reduce the risk of bathroom slips and falls.

A risk assessment of the bathroom identifies the potential dangers of slips and falls and highlights any further controls needed to ensure seniors’ safety.

Set the water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding.
Add support and grab bars in the bathing area and near the toilet to assist more natural movement.
Place a rubber mat in tubs to avoid slips due to water.
Install chairs and bars in the tubs to reduce the risk of falling in the bathroom.
Install better lighting or sensory lights in hallways and bathroom areas.

Protect them from strangers.

Older adults are an easy target for scams and crime. You can protect them from these risks by teaching them a few tips:

Don’t welcome strangers in the house for any reason.
Don’t be fooled by strangers in uniform or with an identification badge. Call 911 immediately.
Install security cameras and an alert system so they as well as you can check who is at the door.
Teach your loved ones the emergency contact information.
Tell them not to give personal information on the phone.

Arrange for in-home caregiver services.

Most cities and towns across the United States (New York, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, etc.) now offer in-home caregiver services through agencies like Ultimate Home Health Care in Dallas, Texas. This is a convenient service, because you can simply call to arrange 24/7 caregiver support, just when you need it. That means your aging parents or grandparents can maintain their independence and stay in thir home longer, getting expert care with all of the comforts they enjoy.

Senior care in Dallas is only a phone call away and is always available for your aging parents or grandparents. Ultimate Home Health Care is a great agency to consider for seniors in the Dallas area. Ultimate provides the best 24/7 caregiver services sent directly to the homes of seniors in need of help throughout the DFW area in North Texas. From cooking meals to providing transportation to social events, you can trust Ultimate Home Health Care’s caregivers to assist your parents with love and care.

By Jim|2023-01-30T17:01:39-05:00January 30th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Senior Citizen Guide to Insurance

Becoming a senior citizen is a time in one’s life where things begin to change, sometimes drastically, and when it comes to important things like insurance, there are quite a few things to consider making sure you have the right insurance and that you can stay within a budget for your medications and general practitioner visits.

If you have ever sat down to compare health insurance plans, you already know how stressful it can be to choose one. There are so many different HMO’s, PPO’s, government plans and private plans and other plans to consider. It can be confusing to understand if you don’t work in the insurance business. Before choosing a plan, you need to determine a few things including:

• Make a list of any pre-existing conditions, if any, that you may have.
• Figure out what you can realistically afford to spend on health care.
• Check into healthcare options offered through work if you still work.
• Check into what Medicare offers, and whether you are eligible based on income for Medicaid or other assistance programs for health care.

Know What You Want
You also need to know the difference in various types of insurance plans.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’s)– HMO’s require you to have all your medical care handled by a provider that is in the HMO’s network.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO’s)- a PPO will let you pick your caregiver even if they are not in the network, but the deductible and co-payment will be higher for out of network providers.

Point of service Organizations (POS)– A primary provider will take care of your services, but again, if out of network, the amount you pay will be higher than an HMO.

The best way to compare health insurance plans to choose the one that is right for you is to speak to an insurance agent who can offer the facts for the coverage you need most. Calling a company like Taylor Benefits Insurance, an insurance company that works nationwide, is a good idea to get started on the path to the right insurance plan when you hit those senior years. A good agent can walk you through each plan, explain insurance terms and let you know how much you will spend for covered services that you may need for regular care or even emergencies that may arise.

By Jim|2023-01-09T11:15:26-05:00January 25th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Introduction

Back in the day, the concept of the elderly needing care was majorly related to caregiving by the family or kids. Some fortunate parents got the best care from their family, while the unlucky ones had to suffer misery, depression, and prevailing sad moods, which eventually impacted their health. It is not always the family negligence, but sometimes the situation is so challenging that the elderly themselves have to let go of their families so that the next generation does not miss out on any opportunity to improve their lives.

Some compassionate people understood the need for every senior citizen to have good company, a clean environment, food, and medicine to spend the most crucial phase of their lives in harmony. The concept of senior home care was introduced, where the elderly are provided child-like care to keep them away from any adverse event or energy.

In certain places, there are purposefully constructed home care centers carrying every necessity and plan for a peaceful life for the elderly. On the other hand, we have private caregivers who care for the elderly. People often need clarification on the two types and find it challenging to decide which suits them.

What is Private Caregiver?

Private caregivers are hired and employed directly by senior citizens or their close family. Apart from providing help to senior citizens with ADLs or IADLs, some private caregivers are also trained to provide some medical care such as wound care, injections, and monitoring vital signs. However, this is rare and would cost more at a higher hourly rate.

What is Home Care?

Home care agencies are licensed businesses that hire a team of caregivers. The agency then contracts with families to send caregivers to their loved one’s homes to provide the necessary long-term care services. Some agency-based caregivers may be certified nurses or nursing assistants who can offer medical care. Some others provide legal assistance with ADLs or IADLs.

5 Differences between Home Care and Private Caregiver

Cost Difference

Private caregivers offer services at an affordable rate. They are averaging around $15 per hour—which can be between 20 and 30 percent lower than caregivers hired via an intermediary home care agency. On the other hand, While costs can vary significantly from place to place, home care agencies are more expensive than independent caregivers across the board. Nationally, the average hourly rate for home care through a home care agency is $20+ per hour—approximately 20 to 30 percent more than an independent caregiver.

Certification

The home care service centers are registered with the government, and there are regular inspection raids to ensure the quality of services. The strict check also provides that the caregivers are well-trained and certified; they even have to attend regular workshops to improve their skills.

An individual hires private caregivers, so quality assurance or checks must be made by the individual, which could be more satisfactory due to the lack of resources. The certification checking services are also not available to ordinary people, so you cannot guess whether a person has a valid, accurate degree.

Family Involvement

No matter how excellent care you get from any outsider, no one can match the happiness one brings from the love, respect, and attention received from family members. They say blood relations never fade away, which is the world’s reality.

Everyone craves love from their loved ones. In the case of in-home care service centers, family involvement is minimal as the senior citizens have to stay within some building or boundary. However, the private caregivers attend to the senior citizens in their own homes so the family can also pay attention to their elderly and keep a check on the private caregivers.

Facilities Available

In-home care services are packed with facilities necessary for the well-being of senior citizens.

The available equipment, medicines, and other necessities are provided to the elderly in need within seconds.

On the other hand, in private caregiving, the employers have to take care of the necessities themselves, meaning they have to wander in the market to get medicines and medical equipment.

Availability

Since the in-home care centers are buildings based, they have a minimum or maximum capacity, so they may get overcrowded or run out of space. In the case of private caregivers, if you hire them full-time, they can focus on an individual elderly’s care without any competition among themselves.

By Jim|2023-01-24T12:12:22-05:00January 24th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: How You Can Find the Best Multivitamin for Senior Citizens

As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. That is why it is important for senior citizens to take a multivitamin to ensure they get the necessary vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and active. But with so many multivitamins on the market, it can be difficult to find the best one for your needs.

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the different types of multivitamins available and the factors you should consider when choosing the right one for you. Discover the best multivitamin for senior citizens and achieve optimal health and well-being.

What are the benefits of multivitamins for seniors?

As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. If you do not take a multivitamin, you are putting yourself at risk of developing diseases like anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer. Taking a multivitamin daily can help promote optimal health and wellbeing. There are various authentic online supplement stores from where you can purchase your desired multivitamins.

A multivitamin can help you meet your recommended daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and folic acid. These can be difficult to get from food alone, especially if you have certain health conditions or a restricted diet.

A multivitamin can also help you meet your recommended daily intake of certain minerals and vitamins, like Vitamin D. These are important for optimal health and wellbeing as they can affect your mood, immunity, and even your metabolism.

Different types of multivitamins for seniors

There are many different types of multivitamins available, each with its own unique benefits. Multivitamins have no harmful effect if taken properly even doctors prescribe multivimins to people going through IVF treatment as well. Below are the most common types of multivitamins for seniors. If you have a specific health concern, such as heart disease or breast cancer, you may also want to look for multivitamins with specific ingredients tailored to these conditions.

Vitamin-only multivitamins: These are the most basic type of multivitamins, containing only the essential vitamins and minerals we need daily. They are generally inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk. They can be taken daily in combination with a B-complex.
B-complex multivitamins: B vitamins are essential for our health and wellbeing. They can affect our metabolism, mood, and immunity. A B-complex multivitamin can help you meet your daily recommended intake of B vitamins.
Multivitamins for seniors with heart disease: There are specific multivitamins for seniors with heart disease. They contain higher amounts of Vitamin C, E, and B-complex vitamins.
Multivitamins for seniors with breast cancer: These multivitamins contain higher amounts of Vitamin C, E, and folate. They can also be taken by women without breast cancer.
Multi for seniors: This type of multivitamin is made for people with a wide range of health conditions. They are often combined with other nutrients and minerals like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Important factors to consider when selecting a multivitamin for seniors

When you are looking for the best multivitamin for seniors, you should consider your age, health conditions, dietary needs, and the brand of multivitamin. Here are some important things to keep in mind when selecting the right multivitamin for seniors.

Age: It is important to select a multivitamin that is age-appropriate. Multivitamins are generally recommended for adults over 50. While some seniors may benefit from a multivitamin, others may find it unnecessary. This can depend on your health and dietary needs.
Health conditions: If you have certain health conditions, you may need to be extra careful when selecting a multivitamin. For example, people with heart disease or high blood pressure may benefit from a multivitamin for seniors with heart disease. If you are on medication, you may want to consult with your doctor to see if you should also be taking a multivitamin.
Dietary needs: You should also consider your dietary needs when selecting a multivitamin. If you have certain dietary restrictions, it can be difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals you need daily. This is where a multivitamin can come in handy, as it can provide you with everything you need. – Brand: Finally, you should select the best brand of multivitamins for seniors. In order to do so, you will need to consider the factors above, as well as the price and reputation of each brand.

Tips for selecting the best multivitamin for seniors

Begin by taking note of your dietary habits. What do you usually eat? Do you take care of your diet? After you know what your dietary needs are, you will be able to select the best multivitamin for seniors. Here are some tips for selecting the best multivitamin for seniors.

Do some research: Before you head out to buy the first multivitamin you see, take some time to do some research. Read reviews and find out what other people are saying about different brands. You can also consult your doctor for recommendations.
Look at your dietary needs: After you know what your dietary needs are, you will be able to select the best multivitamin for seniors. You will want to look for a multivitamin that has the appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals for your needs.
Consider your budget: You should also consider your budget when selecting a multivitamin. Multivitamins are available at a wide range of prices. You can find quality multivitamins at every price point.

The risks of taking a multivitamin

There are several risks associated with taking a multivitamin. They can cause negative interactions with certain medications, such as blood thinners, or certain diseases. They can also cause excess iron in your body, which can lead to anemia. If you are considering taking a multivitamin, you should consult with your doctor first. Your doctor can help you select the best multivitamin and can also help you avoid the risks of taking a multivitamin.

What to look for in a multivitamin

When it comes to selecting the best multivitamin for seniors, there are several things to look for in order to ensure that you get the most out of your daily supplement. Here are some things to look for when selecting the best multivitamin for seniors.

Amount of vitamins and minerals – You should look for a multivitamin that contains essential vitamins and minerals. This will help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals.
Amount of nutrients – You should also look at the amount of nutrients each multivitamin contains. This will help you determine which multivitamin is best for you based on your dietary needs.

Popular multivitamins on the market

There are many popular multivitamins on the market. Below are some of the most popular multivitamins for seniors.

Centrum Silver: This is one of the best multivitamins for seniors. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals and does not contain artificial coloring or flavors.
Nature Made Adult Multi-Vitamin and Mineral: This multivitamin for seniors is made of 100% natural ingredients. It contains 22 essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and calcium.
Nature’s Bounty Senior: This is a multivitamin specifically designed for seniors. It provides essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, E, and B vitamins.

The importance of speaking to a doctor before taking a multivitamin

While it is important to select the best multivitamin for seniors, it is also important to discuss your dietary needs with your doctor. After you have selected the right multivitamin and you have spoken to your doctor, you should take your multivitamin as directed on the packaging.

In order to get the most out of your multivitamin, it is important to take it daily. When you are deciding which multivitamin is best for you, you should consider your dietary needs, your age, and any health conditions you may be dealing with. You should also select the best brand of multivitamins for seniors. A quality multivitamin can help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals and promote optimal health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. This is why it is important for senior citizens to take multivitamins

By Jim|2023-01-22T17:02:21-05:00January 22nd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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