Advance Directives – What You Need to Know

Have you talked to your aging parents about their end of life wishes?

Do you know if they have living wills, health care powers of attorney or do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders?

“It’s a very tough, but necessary conversation,” said Teresa Steinfatt, Vice President of Business Performance at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Developing a plan and communicating it to loved ones before a crisis occurs, ensures that their wishes will be honored in the event they can’t speak for themselves.”

An advance directive is a legal document that goes into effect only if a person is incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves. It helps others know what type of medical care they want – or don’t want.

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Ten Tips to Help Manage Medications

How many prescriptions drugs/meds do you take?

If you’re over 65-years-old, you probably take at least one – maybe more.

Studies show that more than 85 percent of those age 65 and older take at least one prescription drug or meds – with more than 35 percent regularly taking five or more prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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Raising Awareness About Fall Prevention

Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) falls in the United States – making falls the leading cause of injury and death in that age group.

The good news, many falls are preventable – which is the focus of National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. From September 18 – 24, we’ll be joining with other organizations to raise awareness about fall prevention and helping older adults live without the fear of falling.

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Seven Benefits of Home Care

Your mom and dad have lived safely and independently in their home for more than 50

years, but lately you’ve noticed things are a little off – there’s spoiled food in the fridge, mom’s hair is no longer perfectly styled and dad spends most of the day watching Gunsmoke re-runs.

Is it time to start thinking about moving them to an assisted living community?

Not necessarily.

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