Do You Have A Secured Life Savings Account?

As our loved one's age, it becomes increasingly important to monitor their well-being in various aspects of life, including their finances. Its not uncommon for seniors to struggle with financial management. For seniors experiencing cognitive decline or physical limitations, staying on top of finances can become a real challenge.Recognizing the signs that your senior loved one may need help with their finances is crucial for their financial stability and overall well-being. In this article, well explore some red flags that could indicate your loved one is having difficulty managing their finances and discuss some practical ways to offer support. Spot the SignsWhile everyones financial situation is unique, looking out for signs that your loved one is struggling can help you determine when intervention may be needed. Spotting unpaid bills, unopened mail, or overdue notices at your loved ones house may indicate that theyre having difficulty keeping track of their financial obligations.You may also notice unusual spending patterns or strange purchases that are out of character for your loved one. If your loved one is expressing concerns about budgeting or affording their basic needs, this could be another sign theyre having trouble managing their finances effectively.Consider Senior Living OptionsProblems with financial management may indicate memory problems or other age-related issues. For example, AgingCare recommends evaluating your loved ones health and functional abilities when you visit, looking for signs that they may need assisted living care.If you think your loved one needs care 24/7, start looking around online for nursing homes in your area. The earlier you start looking, the more time youll have to compare facility pricing, payment options, reviews, and amenities. For example, Frasier offers a variety of care options, from independent living to skilled nursing care, to meet the needs of seniors with varying care needs.Start a Conversation About MoneyWhen you notice signs that your loved one may be having financial trouble, its time to broach the subject. Conversations about money can be uncomfortable but do not delay, especially if your loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline. As early as possible, start asking questions to get a clearer picture of your loved ones finances. For example, ask where they keep their financial documents, how much debt they owe, who serves as their financial advisors, and what planning theyve done for the long term.Seek Guidance from a Financial Advisor If you dont feel comfortable offering financial advice to your loved one or are unsure how to best move forward with their financial situation, dont hesitate to speak to a professional. A certified financial advisor (CFA) will create a financial plan that aligns with your loved ones immediate and long-term financial goals. A financial advisor can also help your loved one avoid financial scams and exploitation.Consider looking for a financial advisor who specializes in senior finances, as these professionals will better understand planning for living on a fixed income, budgeting for long-term care, and investing in retirement accounts.Set Up Automated SystemsThanks to innovations in financial technology, managing money can be largely automated. Set up automated systems so your loved one has fewer financial matters to keep track of. For example, Clever Girl Finance explains that you can automate bill payments and contributions to savings and investment accounts. Start by signing your loved one up for automatic debits from creditors and service providers. For providers that dont offer this option, set up bill payments with your loved ones bank.Supporting a senior with money management requires a great deal of patience, compassion, and open communication. Remember that each situation is unique, and the level of support required by your loved one may vary from help paying monthly bills to long-term care in a skilled nursing facility. By keeping an eye out for potential financial struggles and acting promptly when you notice a need for support, you can ensure your loved one maintains a high quality of life.

When temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with heat, especially for older adults.Older individuals may not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature, and with possible chronic health conditions or certain medications, extreme heat may cause negative health outcomes.Kavod Senior Life is well aware of these potential issues, sharing four best practices to protect people in the second half of life against the heat. Here are some tips we've learned from our 50+ years of housing and supporting older individuals in aging well!Stay HydratedWhy It Is Important: Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration because they may not feel thirsty as often as younger people, and as mentioned above, certain medications can increase the risk of dehydration.Tips:Drink water even if you dont feel thirsty.Eat water-rich foods like fruits (e.g., watermelon, cucumbers) and vegetables.Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.How Kavod Responds: Hydration stations are set up in the lobbies of each building during the hottest days to give residents, staff and visitors easy access to ice cold water (with lemon and cucumber, even!)Create a Cool EnvironmentWhy It Is Important: A cool living space is crucial to preventing heat-related illnesses.Tips:Use fans or air conditioning. If air conditioning is not available, consider spending time in public places like libraries, shopping malls, or community centers that are air-conditioned.NOTE: Do not rely on fans as your main cooling source when temperatures are extreme for heat.Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun.Use light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, which are more breathable.Try to avoid using the stove or oven to cook it will make your home hotter.Take cool showers or baths to cool down.How Kavod Responds: A cooling center is set up on campus where the temperature stays at 72 degrees. Residents can get out of their apartments and socialize there without having to go outdoors, helping abate social isolation. Dietary AdjustmentsWhy It Is Important: Certain foods can help keep the body cool and hydrated.Tips:Encourage smaller, more frequent meals that are easier to digest.Include hydrating foods like soups, smoothies, and salads.Limit heavy, hot foods and opt for lighter fare like yogurt, salads, and chilled fruits.How Kavod Responds: Kavod staff serves residents cold lemonade and fresh watermelon over the weekend in the cooling center, both terrific ways to stay hydrated.Educate and EquipWhy It Is Important: Knowledge and preparation are key to preventing heat-related issues.Tips:Educate yourself about the risks of heat and the importance of staying cool.Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnessHave access to emergency numbers and know what to do in case you experience these symptomsHow Kavod Responds: The management team reviews, prepares and hand-delivers updates to residents to best ensure everyone is educated and can take appropriate actions against the heat.ConclusionBy following these four important steps, older individuals can stay healthy and safe while enjoying all the good things summer has to offer. If you know an older person who would benefit by living in our community, please contact us for a tour, or check out our website for more information. Stay cool, everyone!Resources used in article:Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/risk-factors/extreme-heat-and-older-adults-aged-65.html#:':text=Older%20adults%20do%20not%20adjust,control%20its%20temperature%20or%20sweatNational Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/hot-weather-safety-older-adultsHarvard Medicine: https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/effects-heat-older-adultsChat GPT

As the summer heat intensifies across the country, dehydration becomes a common and potentially dangerous concern. This condition can have severe implications, particularly for seniors who are more vulnerable due to several physiological factors. Seniors face unique challenges, especially when it comes to the impact of their medication on hydration. Why Are Seniors More Prone to Dehydration?Seniors are at an increased risk for dehydration for several reasons:     Reduced Thirst Signal: As people age, their bodies lose their ability to recognize thirst, making it harder to drink fluids.      Lower Body Water Volume: Older adults generally have a lower total volume of body water, meaning they have less fluid to lose before dehydration sets in.      Kidney Function Decline: Kidneys become less efficient at conserving water with age, further contributing to fluid loss.     Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes can worsen the risk of dehydration since they affect the body's ability to control water. In addition to these factors, medication plays a significant role in influencing fluid balance in seniors.The Impact of Medication on DehydrationAs a clinical pharmacist, I've seen firsthand how medications can contribute to dehydration, especially in older adults. One of my clients, an active senior, nearly passed out while cycling in the summer. As it turned out, he was on a diuretic medication, commonly referred to as a "water pill." Diuretics are a class of drugs that increase urination, leading to reduced fluid levels in the body. These medications, often prescribed for conditions like hypertension and heart failure, can inadvertently lead to dehydration if fluid intake isn't carefully managed. Some commonly used diuretics include bumetanide, chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide, and furosemide (Lasix). But diuretics aren't the only medications that can cause dehydration. Other drugs like these can also affect your body's water balance.     Antihistamines: Often used for allergies, these can cause dry mouth and reduced fluid intake.     Blood Pressure Medications: Certain blood pressure medications can increase urine output.     Laxatives: They can cause fluid loss through increased bowel movements.     Chemotherapies: These treatments often lead to side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, contributing to dehydration.Managing Dehydration RisksIt's important to be aware of dehydration risks, particularly for those taking medications that impact fluid balance. Regardless of whether one feels thirsty, its important to drink water throughout the day. Staying alert to the signs of dehydrationsuch as increased thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizzinesscan also help address the issue early. These symptoms are early warning signs that the body may need more fluids.  Finally, anyone concerned about dehydration should consult a healthcare provider. They can adjust medication and advise seniors on managing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.   At Deeper Dive Horizons, one of my priorities is to guide you and your loved ones through the complexities of medication management to improve your well-being. With over 22 years of experience, my goal is to dive deeply into your health and ensure you maintain a balanced and healthy life, even in challenging conditions like extreme heat. Schedule a consultation today to get started 888-984-8895.