The Not-for-Wussies Guide to Parenting Your Parents
Jan 31, 2012Written by Annette L, Grunseth, February 2012
Oh my gosh - Where do I start? I entered into the world of role reversal with my parents and it was hard to accept that I had to become the responsible one when, for my whole life, I looked up to them for guidance, wisdom, love -- and yes, approval, too. As my mother often said, "Old age isn't for sissies." She was right.
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Twelve Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums in Older Adults
Jan 31, 2012By Annette L. Grunseth, February 2012
Oral health is one of the most overlooked areas in older adults. It is easy to delay preventive care or treatment for teeth, gums and mouth when there may be other health issues to manage regarding your loved one. The health of teeth and gums has a direct connection to overall health of a person, young or old.
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Putting Their Best Foot Forward
Jan 18, 2012Written by Annette L. Grunseth January 2012
Our feet carry us every day, all day for years and years. The aging process can create problems from a lifetime of use. Disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails and wearing poorly fitting shoes can contribute to painful feet. Foot problems can also be a sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders, degenerative joint disease and skin conditions.
As a person ages feet can flatten. Foot bones, ligaments and tendons can loosen as well, increasing the shoe size. While feet do change as people age, pain is not a normal part of aging. Painful feet need to be examined by a doctor or foot specialist, such as a podiatrist.
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Be A Visionary
Dec 31, 2011Written by Annette L. Grunseth January 2012
What to Look for with Vision Problems and Your Loved One
Our vision is so important for quality of life and safety, yet we often take it for granted. Decreased vision is one of the ten most common causes of disability in older adults. As a person ages, diseases of the eye such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and detached retina are some of the eye diseases that can be life-changing in a negative way.
Most eye diseases have no warning signs or symptoms. Did you know - a large percentage of older adults actually suffer vision loss because they didn't think they needed an annual eye exam! Lack of regular preventive care and lack of health insurance for eye care were the main reasons people did not get help in time.
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The Five Wishes Document - An Advance Directive with Heart
Dec 20, 2011Written By: Annette L. Grunseth
How do you or your loved one want to be treated at the end of life? What are the important things you want to talk about? Have you made time to talk about wishes?
A couple months ago, my mother's health worsened, then she caught a cold which turned into pneumonia; the antibiotics did not work their magic this time. I knew from her advance directive she did not want extra means to keep her alive if there was no hope of recovery. At age 91 going on 92, this was the end coming for her. For nine days we were together, keeping vigil.
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Life Review -Sharing Wisdom and Self Worth
Dec 20, 2011Written By: Annette Grunseth
When we think of human development, most of us think of child development where we spent hours reading books or articles about the growth stages of our newborn/toddler/pre-schooler. As the years passed and we were busy with family, teens and young adults, human development was mostly forgotten.
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The Infinite Paper Trail and More: Shedding, Shredding and Tossing
Nov 04, 2011
Written By: Annette L. Grunseth
When the cold winds of November blow and it gets dark during the late afternoon, it is a good time to hunker down, purge files and extra "stuff" in your house; or better yet, your loved one's house or apartment. Someday all of it will be yours -- so why not pare down now, when you have some time during late autumn. It's far easier to reduce the load of paper and things gradually when you have a few hours.
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Estate Planning 101
Nov 04, 2011
Written By Annette L. Grunseth
Be proactive and ask your loved one if they have an estate plan. It doesn't matter the size of an estate or net worth; everyone needs an estate plan to ensure your loved one's assets are protected and are distributed according to their wishes.
An estate plan includes a will, power of attorney for financial affairs and a living will also known as a medical power of attorney. I wrote about power of attorney last April (2011), so now let's discuss assets and how to make sure your loved one's wishes are carried out.
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Open Enrollment - Did Your Loved One's Medical Needs Change This Year?
Oct 05, 2011
Written By: Annette L. Grunseth
It's October and the new health insurance information is out. Did you know that even though your loved one has a Medicare plan you can change it? I was surprised to learn that even though a plan has been signed, each year it can be reviewed and a new plan can be established to belter meet the needs of your loved one.
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Help! My Loved One's Money is Running Out!
Oct 05, 2011Written By: Annette L. Grunseth
A Fixed income doesn't go far with increasing living expenses; add to that, good health care and longevity and soon there can be a big squeeze on financial resources for our elders. As I watched my parents' resources disappearing at a faster rate each year, I also learned about programs that could help ease the burden of fixed and low income people.
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