My Elder Advocate

A Largely Unknown Veterans' Benefit - Worth Knowing About

The Veterans' Administration offers an Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that is largely unknown. Unfortunately, this most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones. Check out www.VeteranAid.org

Check out Barbara Friesner's (www.AgewiseLiving.com) radio show on Radio America. She interviews Debbie Burak, Founder ofVeteranAid.org.

Gay, Lesbian Elders' Health Threatened By Discrimination

Discrimination in many social and institutional environments poses an important threat to the health and well-being of gay and lesbian seniors and their families. This problem exists despite changes in attitude in recent years towards gays and lesbians, according to a recent study.

SEX, LOVE AND NURSING HOMES

SEX, LOVE AND NURSING HOMES

Crisis of age requires cure

Financial Times

Every day an estimated 6,000 Americans turn 65. Four years from now, that figure will swell to 10,000 people a day so that by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. At the same time, geriatrics programmes across the US are shrinking, the number of certified geriatricians is falling relative to the population, physicians are disenrolling from Medicare, and fewer medical students are choosing careers in geriatrics.

Students See the Future, and It’s Elderly People

NEW YORK TIMES
DANCING to the driving beat of 1960s twist music, the three high school students tried to rouse the spirits of the 50 people in front of them. Some in the audience swayed slightly in their chairs or wheelchairs, or clapped or nodded with the rhythm. Others simply watched; a few dozed despite the high decibels from the live singer and his synthesizer.

CONTINUE STORY

Gordon Thomas: The Optimistic Outsider

By Jack Halpern

Today I had the great pleasure to meet a kind and gracious elderly musician.  I attended a Gotham Networking Luncheon. Mr. Thomas was a guest. Once a trombonist with Dizzy Gillespie’s big band in the 1940s, he first recorded and performed his own heartfelt and idiosyncratic songs in New York in the 60s and at age 91, he still has an unwavering belief in the possibilities of life. An inspiration.

Hip Fractures Among Older Adults

More than 95% of hip fractures among adults ages 65 and older are caused by falls. These injuries can cause severe health problems and lead to reduced quality of life and premature death.

The Hardest Challenge: Getting A Family Member To Accept Help

Sometimes convincing a loved one to accept help is the toughest part of being a caregiver. Understanding the factors that contribute to resistance is the first step in meeting this challenge.

Factor: Accepting help is viewed as an admission that the individual is no longer self-sufficient or "in control."

Possible Solution: If possible, it is best for the care receiver to be involved in the decision-making process. Have your loved one become as active as possible from the beginning such as making telephone calls or being present at interviews). This will allow the person to feel more in control and make the outcome more palatable.

Elder Care resident chosen queen of pageant

Monday, July 3, 2006

CHRIS PAGANO ~ Southeast Missourian

 

Beulah Francis was a success at her first pageant.

The 94-year-old resident of Elder Care of Marble Hill, Mo., was crowned queen at the 2006 Ms. Nursing Home Pageant, held at Plaza Conference Center in Cape Girardeau. She was one of eight contestants from area nursing homes.

Nutrition Tips For The Elderly

By Jodi Citrin, MS, RD, President, Citrition LLC.

Jodi Citrin is a Registered Dietitian in New York City and the President of Citrition, LLC.

Try these 10 simple tips to improve the overall health and nutrition of the ones you love.

1. Serve several small meals rather than 3 large meals. Many elders have a decreased appetite and can only eat small amounts of food at a time. Serving more frequent meals helps make eating less overwhelming and can help provide the nutrition your loved ones need.