The cost of prescription medications is skyrocketing, and this can hit older adults especially hard. Seniors take an average of 14 different medications each year, and taking these drugs as recommended can make all the difference in managing their various … Continue reading
Strokes in Adults Under 45
“He’s too young to have a stroke!” is a common line you hear when someone under 45 unexpectedly experiences one. The risk increases with age, but people of any age can experience a stroke. May is World Stroke Month, and … Continue reading
Tai Chi Lowers the Risk of Falls … And That’s Just the Beginning
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society recently confirmed that tai chi can be an excellent exercise to lower seniors’ risk of falling. Researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain examined the data from a number of studies, and … Continue reading
Spring Is Here! Time to Get Into Nature!
After a particularly brutal winter, those of us who live in cooler climates are happily venturing outside to soak up some sunshine and smell the flowers. This is a great idea for people of every age, and especially for older … Continue reading
The FDA Recommends Four-Step Plan for Senior Medication Safety
The medications we take help us manage a variety of health conditions that become more common as we grow older, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and sleep problems. Yet we might take so many … Continue reading
Spring Cleaning Tips to Protect the Youngest and Oldest Family Members from Accidental Poisoning
March 18–24, 2018 is National Poison Prevention Week. This event has been held annually since 1961 to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisoning from substances and environmental hazards. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, each … Continue reading
Warn Senior Loved Ones About “Free Trial” Offers
Cheese samples at the supermarket, little packets of body care products at the makeup counter or that little tube of toothpaste your dentist gives you — marketers like to give away free samples in hopes that we’ll like their product … Continue reading
As Memory Fades, Emotions Live On
If you have a friend or loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition, you might wonder whether the things you do with them have any benefit. “I took Mom out to lunch, and she doesn’t even remember,” … Continue reading
Creative Outlets Help People Living with Dementia Express Themselves
One of the first casualties of dementia is the ability to communicate effectively. The inability to remember specific details of recent events or follow a conversation make it difficult to connect with others, often resulting in isolation and depression. To … Continue reading
Sleep Your Way to Better Health
While making your New Year’s resolutions, did you include getting more sleep? In this busy, goal-driven world we live in, many people don’t consider sleep part of leading a successful life. But quality sleep can improve your health, sharpen your … Continue reading
New Year’s Resolutions that Make Aging More Enjoyable
The New Year is like an annual alarm clock. It reminds us that another year has passed and it’s time to wake up to life’s realities – among them is the fact that we’re not getting any younger! Although making … Continue reading
Caring for Someone Living with Dementia During the Holidays
While the holidays can bring the joy of reuniting with family and friends, for many caregivers, the holidays can add stress to an already challenging role. Along with shopping and trying to squeeze in participating in the events that make … Continue reading
Giving Thanks May Actually Improve Your Health
Every year at this time, the country turns its attention to giving thanks. Families and friends gather over turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie and give thanks for the blessings they are about to receive. For many, unfortunately, that is the … Continue reading
How Seniors Can Beat the Holiday Blues
For many of us, the holidays are an exciting, happy time, as visions of Thanksgiving turkeys, family get-togethers and sugarplum fairies dance in our heads. But for many seniors, who may be facing the holidays without a spouse or other … Continue reading
Do Memory Lapses Mean You’re Getting Dementia?
Henry was out walking his dog, when he ran across his neighbor and her dog. He was about ready to say “hello” when he realized he couldn’t remember his neighbor’s name. Claire was in the middle of making pizza for … Continue reading
Does Spirituality Play a Role in Healthy Aging?
We all understand the importance of physical activity, eating well and keeping our minds engaged to help improve our overall health and well-being. But the link between spirituality and good health has been less clear. Science is beginning to take … Continue reading
Positive Thinking Can Help You Age Well
There seems to be a lot of negativity in the world today – recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma as well as the earthquakes in Mexico, remind us of the fragility of life. And while we can’t … Continue reading
Six Ways You Can Promote Brain Health
September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Currently, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops the disease. More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for a … Continue reading
Ageism in America is Hurting Us All
Ageism is a prejudice against older people and, just as with any prejudice, it creates serious issues in society. According the World Health Organization, ageism is most rampant in high-income countries, like the United States. Americans, as a whole, place … Continue reading
An Ounce of Prevention
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccinations are one of the best ways we have to prevent many diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several diseases have been virtually wiped out in the United States … Continue reading
How to Help Your Aging Brain Stay Healthy
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, growing older is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer’s. But as we discussed in this post, memory loss in not an inevitable part of aging and there are several things you can do to … Continue reading
Exercises for Those with Mobility Challenges
Many of those living with arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease or other mobility-limiting conditions restrict their physical activity, either because it’s painful or under the mistaken belief that exercise will worsen their condition. The truth is that exercise is one of … Continue reading
Summer Provides Lots of Opportunity to Lose Weight
Today is the official start of summer! For many, this signals a time to lose weight. Summertime provides numerous opportunities for us to be more active and summer heat often reduces our appetite. The very act of eating can increase … Continue reading
The Benefits of Shedding Those Unwanted Pounds
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults age 65 and older were obese during the period from 2007-2010. Since that time, obesity rates for all Americans have increased – and obesity among … Continue reading
How to Use Mindfulness to Improve Your Health
Mindfulness is a powerful practice of bringing one’s attention to experiences, thoughts and feelings that are occurring in the present moment. Many use the terms mindfulness and meditation interchangeably and they have similar characteristics and goals. Meditation’s aim is to … Continue reading
How to Celebrate Mother’s Day when Mom has Alzheimer’s
Holidays can be a challenging time for families who are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s. Beloved traditions may have to be adjusted to accommodate new realities. On Mother’s Day, many adult children wonder how to celebrate a day that … Continue reading
When Is the Right Time to Say Good-Bye?
Jack Harrison, a lifelong smoker, had been diagnosed with fast-growing lung cancer. This was his third diagnosis in the last 10 years. He had a choice – treat the disease aggressively, which would cause numerous unwanted side effects, or manage … Continue reading
Staying Healthy Isn’t All Hard Work
We all know the conventional wisdom about how to live a more healthful life – exercise, eat well, abstain from smoking and drinking, see your doctor regularly. For many, following these rules can seem overly burdensome and may include some … Continue reading
Not All Memory Loss Is a Sign of Dementia
People of all ages suffer memory loss at times. And lapses in memory may become more frequent as we age. But being unable to recall the name of your neighbor when you meet her on your way to work in … Continue reading
How to Eat More Healthfully as We Age
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to bring attention to how eating well can help us age well. Seniors may be at higher risk for malnutrition for a number of reasons, including ailing health, living alone, or a decreased … Continue reading
Exploring Aging’s Most Persistent Myths
You’ve heard it all before – old age means increasing aches and pains, constant visits to the doctor and a diminished capacity to live a full and fulfilling life. But is this really true? Does growing older necessarily mean giving … Continue reading
The Benefits of Home Care
At Senior Planning Services, we are blessed to be able to enhance the lives hundreds of seniors throughout Santa Barbara County every day by providing quality home care. Through our many years of experience, we’ve discovered that many people really … Continue reading
Can Fasting Lead to a Healthier Brain?
Many of us overindulge during the holidays, making the New Year a good opportunity to reassess our eating habits. Some of us may simply want to get back to a more healthful eating regimen. Some of us may want to … Continue reading
Aging Well Requires Some Planning
Many of us use the New Year as a time to take stock of our lives and devise a plan that will help us reach our goals for the coming year and beyond. One things most people look forward to … Continue reading
Helping Lift an Elderly Loved One Out of Depression
More than six million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from depression, which is often exacerbated by the holiday season. Not only can the holidays highlight feelings of loss for those who have lost a spouse, the post-holiday season … Continue reading
Holiday Family Reunions May Highlight the Need for Home Care
Every year, one of the most cherished holiday traditions is gathering with family. Getting together with those we hold most dear is often a highlight of the year. For those who may see their parents only during the holidays, this … Continue reading
How to Connect with Someone Living with Dementia
Meaningful communication is often the first casualty of dementia. People living with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia may be living in a completely different time or place than those around them. Additionally, they may not remember what was said … Continue reading
How to be an Effective Long-Distance Caregiver
As a society, we’ve become much more mobile. Gone are the days when generation after generation continues to live in the town in which they were raised. This has created a society where families may be separated by thousands of … Continue reading
Survival Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Anyone who has the responsibility of caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s can tell you that is comes with its own set of challenges. Many caregivers report feeling isolated, stressed, and living with a sense of grief as the person they … Continue reading
The Benefits of Working Through an Agency for Home Care
The aging of America and seniors’ overwhelmingly desire to stay in their own homes has created a high demand for home care services. This has created a lot of options for consumers to choose from and many get confused on … Continue reading
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
The National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP report that nearly 66 million Americans provide uncompensated care to a loved one who is ill, disabled or aged. Many of these caregivers have full-time jobs and families of their own. Juggling … Continue reading
The Healing Power of Humor
We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine. That old adage may turn out to be truer than many people thought. One of the major benefits of laughter is that it reduces stress – almost immediately. Have you ever … Continue reading
Staying Physically Active is Good for Your Body – and Your Brain
Most of us are aware of the benefits of exercise for our body – it’s helps control your weight, boosts your energy and lowers your risk for all kinds of maladies including heart disease, stroke and diabetes, just to name … Continue reading
How to Deal with a Diagnosis of Dementia
There are few things in life more devastating than a diagnosis of dementia. Having to face an uncertain future where life’s most precious memories are no longer accessible is something many of us can’t even imagine. Yet, this is a … Continue reading
Talking With Your Loved One About Incontinence
Seniors who are experiencing urinary incontinence often feel all alone. But they are not. Though the topic seldom comes up in conversation, incontinence affects more than half of women past the age of menopause, and also affects many senior men. … Continue reading
A Free Meal That Can Cost Seniors Plenty
Older adults are often the target of financial swindlers. According to the Investor Protection Institute, over half of adult protective services workers, doctors, law enforcement officials, securities regulators and others who regularly deal with older adults report often encountering elderly … Continue reading
Financial Planning Tips for Working Caregivers
The millions of employed family caregivers in the United States lose a considerable amount of money when they take time from their jobs to care for their aging parents, and spend a good deal of their own funds to do … Continue reading
More Good News About Coffee
The American Heart Association says regular consumption of the beloved beverage is linked to longevity. Drinking a second or third cup of coffee may do more than get you through a long day—it may also reduce your risk of death … Continue reading
A Positive Attitude Can Change Your World
Norman Vincent Peale, author of the book The Power of Positive Thinking, once said, “Change your thoughts and you can change your world.” Repetitive thoughts – such as “Life is hard,” “I’m a failure,” or “I’m not good enough” – … Continue reading
Can Caregivers Go on Vacation?
If you are a family caregiver, this might sound familiar: you use up most of your vacation time to help your elderly parents with their healthcare and other needs. If your parents live at a distance, that’s where you go … Continue reading
For Many Seniors, Gluten-Free is Not “Just a Fad”
Once thought of as a childhood disorder, celiac disease now is recognized as common in older adults. Celiac disease is an inherited digestive disorder that occurs in people who cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. … Continue reading
Give Your Medicine Cabinet a Spring Cleaning
Yes, it’s time for the annual spring cleaning ritual, and what better place to start than your medicine cabinet? In addition to getting rid of things you no longer use—like that six-year-old box of teeth-whitening strips and empty bottles of … Continue reading
Show Your Eyes Some Love
Members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology recently issued a set of tips consumers can use to show their eyes some love. Seniors are at heightened risk for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. The … Continue reading
A New Tool for Heart Health
Recently, the American Heart Association launched a new campaign, Life’s Simple 7, which includes the My Life Check quiz that consumers can use to quickly ascertain their risk level for developing heart failure, a condition in which the heart is … Continue reading
Safe Winter Exercise
The holidays are over, and we’ve probably gained a pound or two from all the rich goodies we ate at parties and family gatherings. We probably let our exercise routine lapse, and no, wrapping presents and repeatedly checking the temperature … Continue reading
Beyond the Food Pyramid: What You Should Know About the New Government Nutritional Recommendations
During the first week of January 2016, Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia M. Burwell and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released updated nutritional guidelines for Americans, reflecting the latest science-based recommendations on diet. What should consumers know? The … Continue reading
Infections Raise the Risk of Senior Falls
As we grow older, we are at higher risk of falling. Millions of seniors are hospitalized each year as a result of falling, often suffering a hip fracture, head injury or other serious injury. In fact, falls are a leading … Continue reading
For Allergy Sufferers, the Holidays May Not Be So Merry
This is the time of year when our five senses are stimulated by holiday foods and decorations. Christmas trees, glowing Hanukkah menorahs, delicious spreads of traditional foods and greenery everywhere create a festive mood. But though the sights and sounds … Continue reading
U.S., China Share Caregiving Challenges
The economic situation in China has been making the headlines for the last few months. Not as frequently mentioned is another growing crisis in China that is in many respects similar to our challenges in the U.S.: the growing senior … Continue reading
Seven Myths About Physical Therapy
October is National Physical Therapy Month. Sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), this recognition event calls attention to the many ways physical therapy improves lives. During National Physical Therapy Month last year, APTA shared some myths and facts … Continue reading
Nurturing Your Spirit in the Later Years
Several studies over the past few years have shown that as we grow older, we benefit from thinking about higher things such as beauty, the meaning of life, the things that connect us, our place in the world—in short, the … Continue reading
New Insights into the Health Damage of Loneliness
For years, researchers have confirmed the negative health effects of loneliness. Social isolation raises the risk of depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and a host of other health conditions that decrease both the length and the quality of our … Continue reading
Study Finds EMTs Are on the Forefront of End-of-Life Care
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are trained to save lives. But they sometimes enter situations where a dying patient’s end-of-life wishes contradict their professional code. What do they do when faced with someone who is imminently dying and whose … Continue reading
Quiz: Seniors By the Numbers
How much do you know about the senior population in the U.S.? The U.S. Census Bureau knows plenty! Test your knowledge of these facts about our older Americans: 1. How many people in the U.S. are age 65 or older? … Continue reading
Democrats, Republicans Alike Say Caregivers Need Help
We don’t hear about many issues these days that draw bipartisan support—but a recent poll from the AARP shows that people of every political leaning recognize the need to improve the lot of family caregivers in America. Maybe this is … Continue reading
“Turn Down That Music!”
You’ve probably read about the many therapeutic benefits music offers for healthy aging. Music promotes physical, mental and emotional health. Music has been found to boost the immune system, and is even used to help people with Alzheimer’s disease access … Continue reading
The Amazing Health Benefits of Pets
Anyone who has owned a pet knows the joy an animal can bring to one’s life. You often hear enthusiasts describing their pets as their “children” and including them in family vacations and activities. Service animals help people with various … Continue reading
2015 White House Conference on Aging Emphasizes Healthy Aging
For half a century, the White House Conference on Aging has been held each decade to examine the issues of older adults in the United States, and to set goals to promote the well-being of our seniors. One of the … Continue reading
Science Confirms Healthy Aging Benefits of Tai Chi
These days when you enter the activities area of a senior living community or senior center, you are less likely to encounter a bingo game in progress and more likely to see participants gracefully assuming poses while exhaling slowly. This … Continue reading
More Seniors Answering the Call for Volunteers
Medical research confirms that loneliness is bad for our health. Feelings of isolation raise blood pressure and contribute to sleep disorders, cognitive impairment and a host of other chronic conditions. Geriatricians say that spending more time with others can lengthen … Continue reading
Give Yourself a Fall Prevention Checkup
The risk of falling increases as we age. Every year, one in three Americans older than 65 sustains a fall. Many of these falls turn out to be harmless. But many are serious, leading to injury, hospitalization and incapacity. And … Continue reading
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Face Extra Stress
Caring for a loved one with dementia or other behavioral health conditions has major impact on quality of life. The United Hospital Fund and AARP Public Policy Institute recently issued a report with compelling new evidence that family caregivers who … Continue reading
A “Nightcap” Before Bedtime? Not a Good Idea!
Do you have a “nightcap” to help yourself relax before bedtime? This might not be such a good idea, according to sleep researchers. Experts have long known that consuming beer, wine or spirits right before bedtime can cause us to … Continue reading
What Does Successful Aging Really Mean?
When we talk about “successful aging,” many Americans think of models in senior product advertisements who—apart from their silver hair—seem to be untouched by age as they pose on the golf course, walk on the beach or dance the night … Continue reading
With Trans Fats, Foods Last Longer But Memories Don’t
You have probably read that trans fats are bad for the heart. Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids, are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to keep foods solid and to extend their shelf life. Here’s … Continue reading
Raining? Snowing? That’s No Reason to Skimp on Physical Activity
Mom always told us to get outside for some exercise. But if you’re like many of us in the U.S. these days, freezing cold, snow and ice might make it unsafe—at the least unpleasant—to get our workout in the great … Continue reading
Healthy Lifestyle Choices to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Most of us know that we can take “heart smart” steps to promote cardiac wellness. But sometimes, even the researchers are amazed at what a difference these lifestyle choices can make. The American College of Cardiology recently reported on a … Continue reading
The Twelve (Healthy) Days of Christmas
No matter which winter celebrations are a tradition in your family, these twelve great tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will brighten your holidays by helping keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. When … Continue reading
Can You Paint, Dance or Sing Your Way to Healthier Aging?
Many people believe that creativity peaks when we are young, diminishing as we grow older. But this stereotype is a myth. In fact, research shows that creativity can be maintained and even increased as we age. Many lifelong artists have … Continue reading
How Giving Thanks Can Improve Your Health
As we enter the season of thanksgiving (including The Day itself), we are told repeatedly to count our blessings and practice gratitude. Many of us stop to consider all we have to be thankful for only for a moment on … Continue reading
Emergency Preparation for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Disease
During the last few years, our country has seen natural and man-made disasters that have disrupted lives, destroyed property and taken lives. Many in the East are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. The West has experienced wildfires, earthquakes and the … Continue reading
The 100+ Population is Expected to Soar
Will you live to be 100 years old? A study from Kings College London predicts a steady increase in the number of us who will achieve that advanced age. In 2011, there were approximately 300,000 centenarians worldwide. The Kings College … Continue reading
Your Pet May Be Disturbing Your Sleep, Says Mayo Clinic
Rest assured, there may be a good reason you’re dog-tired. While countless pet owners peacefully sleep with a warm pet nearby, a new Mayo Clinic study, presented in June at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, … Continue reading
Memory Slower? You’re Processing a Lifetime of Information!
Older adults have always joked that it takes them longer to remember things because they must sort through their years of knowledge to find the right answer. They might say something like, “My brain is too full!” Is this true? … Continue reading
Not All Senior Financial Advisors Are Created Equal
Not All Senior Financial Advisors Are Created Equal Our nation’s growing senior population means that an increasing number of older adults will need help managing their household wealth, retirement accounts and other assets. In response, more financial advisors are claiming … Continue reading
Helping Someone Move to a Long-Term Care Facility
Moving to a long term care facility is often difficult for an older adult. But there are many things family members and friends can do to reduce the physical and emotional stresses involved. They can help plan the move, participate … Continue reading
Are Generous Seniors Jeopardizing Their Retirement?
Study shows that retirement is a family affair. A recent study from Merrill Lynch looked at some of the family-related factors that determine whether the baby boomers will be financially secure during retirement. The study, “Family & Retirement: The Elephant … Continue reading
Suzanne McNeely Receives Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award
On the evening of May 10 at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, in front of more than 220 attendees, Lynda Weinman, co-founder and executive chair of lynda.com, asked for “The envelope, please,” and announced the ten outstanding women entrepreneurs who … Continue reading
What You Should Know About Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that affects the transmission of messages to the muscles. It is characterized by tremor, stiffness of the muscles, and difficulty in initiating movements. Over one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. It occurs … Continue reading
How Are Today’s Seniors Adapting to Disability?
Only about a third of Americans ages 65 and older are fully able to take care of themselves and go about their daily lives completely independently, according to a recent study published online in the American Journal of Public Health. … Continue reading
Warning Signs That Care at Home May Be Needed
Downloadable Tools and Tips: Click the links to view or right click to print or save to your computer. Warning Signs That Care is Needed When Finance Becomes an Issue Sensitive Solutions to Help with Hoarding Web Resources: Click the … Continue reading
Supporting the Family Caregiver with Respite Care
Downloadable Tools and Tips: Click the links to view or right click to print or save to your computer. Reducing Caregiver Burnout Recognizing Stress Overload and Its Effects Web Resources: Click the links below to access resource Web sites to … Continue reading
Relief for an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
National Family Caregivers Month Reduce Caregiver Burnout Inspirational Quotes For more ideas on ways to research and make wise choices, we recommend the following resources: Help Guide: Understand Respite Care Learn more about the different types of respite care. Achieving … Continue reading
Quality In-Home Care as a Consumer Protection Issue
Downloadable Tools and Tips: Click the links to view or right click to print or save to your computer. Are You an Employer of a Caregiver? Information for Determining Which Type of Home Care is Most Appropriate Why Should I … Continue reading
Information on Geriatric Care Management
Many families need a little extra help planning for and managing care for an elderly loved one. When the need for additional organization, financial planning, or familial mediation arises, a geriatric care manager may be a good fit. Coastal HomeCare … Continue reading
Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention
Tips to Protect Against Elder Fraud How to Protect Against Elder Abuse Signs and Symptoms of Abuse Elder Abuse: Types, Signs, Risk Factors, and Prevention HelpGuide.org provides useful advice for understanding, preventing and resolving elder abuse. National Center on Elder … Continue reading
Difficult Decisions Made Easier Through Assessments
When frailty, an accident or an operation causes a need for additional care at home, determining the kind and amount of care someone requires is a difficult task. Each person’s situation is unique, and there is no “one size fits … Continue reading
Caregiver Tools & Tips from the Alzheimer’s Association
March 2012 Issue In this issue: Getting the Help You Need Helpful Resources Community Education and Events Be an Advocate
Important Tax Information
View Full Item Signs of Spring are in the air, and for most of us so is tax season! We recognize that the costs for in-home care and care management can be significant and want everyone to know of the … Continue reading