By Nancy Webre, BS, MS My parents are resisting in-home care help even though their clothes are regularly soiled and their personal hygiene is increasingly neglected. They have never had help in the home and do not want strangers coming into their home. Their physician has recommended they get in-home care assistance to help with daily tasks. I don’t even know what kind of in-home care services are available in [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS The average life expectancy for women in the United States is among the highest in the world and has improved markedly over this century. Furthermore, women who were 65 in 1996 can expect to live approximately another 20 years. There is a lot of wisdom out there that isn’t being tapped into. Age adds value, the older the better, the older the wiser .…. all [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Nothing feels better than after a good laugh, our bodies feel lighter, our moods have become more upbeat, and any problem that was once overtaking our minds has somehow lessened or vanished completely. Laughter is a natural relaxer. It relieves muscle tension and stress. It may also protect the heart by improving blood flow which may protect against heart attack. On average, a child laughs [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Summer is a traditional vacation time. “Hitting the Road” on a summer vacation with your elderly loved one can be one of the best times of being a family caregiver or friend. However, traveling with elderly loved ones may present unanticipated challenges. As with any other vacation, preparation and planning ahead is key. Planning out in advance the logistics and considering all of the little [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS, CMC Oregon has long been recognized as a national leader and innovator in community based options for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living such as personal care assistance, dressing, mobility and movement, nutrition and feeding. These services do not include curative or rehabilitative services. In-home care agencies are not home health agencies and do not receive Medicare funding. Oregon was the first [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Keeping up with the twists and turns of the 2016 primary season is enough to give any voter whiplash. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, it is important to understand where candidates stand on the issues that matter the most, including health care. This issue effects every American, but any changes will have a significant impact on family caregivers, seniors and those [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS The demands of caregiving can be very overwhelming. According to the 2012 Stress in America report by the American Psychological Association, caregivers are among the three most-stressed groups in our country. Surveys indicate as many as 70 percent of family caregivers show signs of depression, far higher rates than for peers who aren’t in a caregiver role. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS When is the right time for my parents to move into a retirement facility? In reality, there is no “right time” for someone to move into a retirement setting. Everybody wants their parents to live independently as long as possible but the ability to care for one’s self and make good decisions can slowly decline. It is important that adult children be able to recognize [ READ MORE ... ]
By Nancy Webre, BS, MS Caring for an older loved one can be challenging, particularly if they are resistant to care. Many older persons prefer to stay living at home but this can be a challenge for those who have increasing cognitive or physical needs. Getting an aging loved one to accept our suggestions for help can be difficult. However, before pushing too hard, try to understand their fears about [ READ MORE ... ]
What’s on the Horizon for Baby Boomers? By Nancy Webre, BS, MS A study from the Institute for the Future and Metlife’s Mature Market Institute predicts that baby boomers will reshape the face of aging, taking advantage of new technologies to tackle the challenges of a changing world. Baby boomers may not recognize themselves and their surroundings 20 years from now as a result of an evolving global environment and [ READ MORE ... ]