We often hear of a person being rushed to the hospital with a heart attack after shoveling snow. Is snow shoveling really dangerous for seniors? It turns out that the extra exertion and the heavy weight of the snow are both culprits, as might be expected. However, a study from Pennsylvania State University shows that cold air itself puts extra…
As a recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report predicted a doubling of nursing home and other long-term care costs, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) released the results of a survey of 335 aging experts that provides advice to families to help them keep aging parents in their own homes and prevent premature placement in a nursing…
Why Fall Prevention Is Important Falls are a major threat to the health and independence of older adults, people aged 65 and older. Each year nearly one-third of older adults experience a fall. And falls can be devastating. About one out of ten falls among older adults result in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury.…
Vitamin D and Iron Over a year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with having a vitamin D deficiency and mild Anemia. For weeks I had wondered why I felt so sluggish and why my hair was shedding like crazy. Eventually, I made an appointment to see my primary care doctor to inquire about the way that I had…
We're in the News! Recently, Steve and Cathy Lorberbaum were interviewed by The Connection Newspaper of Montgomery County. Here is what they had to say about us: Assisting Hands of Potomac Provides Caregivers When a loved one becomes ill, the family is forced into the position of either becoming a caregiver or finding the right person to lovingly provide…
Is there really a “fountain of youth”? Marketers would have us think so! But the reality is, aging is a natural part of life. Instead of purchasing useless but expensive products which promise to turn back the clock, we can make lifestyle choices that raise the odds that we will be healthier and more independent in our later years. This…
Meditation for Seniors Brittany Fleck Brittany Fleck will be a periodic contributor to the Assisting Hands blog. She is a student at the University of Southern California pursing a degree in Human Development and Aging at the Davis School of Gerontology. Brittany’s posts will focus on health, wellness and mindfulness practices for seniors of all ages. We hope you…
Have you begun your annual Medicare plan review? Each year, seniors on Medicare have a seven-week period during which they can switch their Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and their Medicare Advantage plan. The 2014 Medicare Open Enrollment dates are October 15 – December 7. Many people are tempted to just stick with the status quo. Yes, that might…
Medicines play an important part in improving health and prolonging life. They are beneficial in controlling many of the diseases and other health concerns that seniors experience, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and heart disease. Sometimes the right medication can prevent hospitalization or reduce the length of a hospital stay. Remember, however, that all medications, whether prescribed by…
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that the percentage of seniors who are living in a nursing home has dropped by 20 percent in the last decade—yet there are more seniors than ever, and the number is growing. Are seniors just healthier these days? The truth is, older adults need as much care as ever, but they are receiving it…
