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Bad breath can be pretty embarrassing when youre around loved ones. For many people bad breath usually means you simply need to brush your teeth. Older adults, though, have multiple challenges and ability levels that cause their bad breath. In this post well take a look at some causes of bad breath, when to see a doctor about it, and how to prevent bad breath in older adults.Causes of Bad Breath in AdultsFor old people, bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors. This can range from the type of food you eat to certain health conditions. Some of these causes include:Dry mouth, which can be a side effect of some medicines and cancer treatments or a blocked salivary glandDifficulty to maintain oral hygiene, due to issues such as arthritisCertain foods (e.g. garlic, spices, onions, dairy, canned tuna and horseradish)Tobacco useDenturesGum diseaseDigestive, respiratory or other health problems, including diabetes and Parkinsons diseaseCertain mouth, nose and throat conditions (e.g. small stones that grow in your tonsils can be covered in microorganisms that produce odor; postnasal drip)Certain cancersMetabolic conditionsWhile knowing some causes of bad breath can be helpful, sometimes you need outside help to determine the proper cause. In that case, it is best to see a doctor or dentist. But how do you know when its the right time to see a specialist? Well review that in the next section.When to See a Doctor for Elderly Bad BreathSome older adults may be aware of their bad breath to some degree, but others are not aware at all. Since assessing bad breath can be difficult, it is advised to get the help of a close friend or family member to verify those concerns. If you have bad breath, you should take a closer look at your oral hygiene by making modifications such as brushing your teeth or flossing after meals. If bad breath persists, you should consult your dentist to see if the cause of bad breath is something more serious. The dentist may refer you to a doctor to determine the source.Now that we know more about the causes of bad breath and when to see a doctor, lets take a look at how to improve elderly bad breath on your own.How to Improve Bad Breath in ElderlyBad breath can be pretty disheartening but luckily, there are ways to improve it. Below are some steps to improve bad breath in older people.Brush your teeth. Do so at least twice a day, after meals, with fluoridated toothpaste.Avoid tobacco. This includes tobacco and chewing-based tobacco products.Rinse and gargle. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash before bed.Drink enough fluids, especially if you have a dry mouth. You can also use over-the-counter moisturizing gel.See an oral medicine specialist. They can provide care for mucosal diseases, orofacial pain conditions, oral complications of cancer therapies, salivary gland disorders, and many other conditions.Make regular visits to the dentist. They can help determine the oral causes of bad breath.To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD 

Medicare has been changing yearly and 2026 will be no exception. What is ahead for Medicare this fall and why?Carriers are still feeling the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in 2022, but just took full effect in January of 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications, the donut hole or coverage gap is eliminated and there is a new payment plan to spread drug costs through the year. Those changes came at a cost to other benefits. The Inflation Reduction Act significantly increased the carriers expenses and in response benefit cuts occurred for 2025 and will continue for 2026. Carriers had to absorb the steep cost increase for the mandatory prescription drug plan changes by balancing the budget, which included increases in beneficiaries copays, deductibles added to plans, the plan maximum out of pocket increased, non-medical benefits were reduced, a prescription drug deductible was added, and prescriptions were re-tiered or eliminated from the list of covered drugs. 2026 will see further adjustments as the carriers remove most benefits deemed non-medical. Seniors who have grown accustomed to benefits such as an over-the-counter allowance or food subsidy may see those benefits sharply reduced or eliminated this fall. Plans must be submitted to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for approval in early spring to be ready for the enrollment period in fall to be active for the following calendar year, so carriers have had little time to study the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on overall costs. Insurance moves slowly. The changes we are feeling in 2025 are the result of a bill passed in 2022 and will continue to affect plans in 2026. This fall will feel like a continuation of the benefit cuts seniors faced in the fall of 2024 as carriers work to balance the budget while considering the increased prescription costs and trying to maintain the plan benefits seniors rely on. For more information visit: aismedicareandmore.com Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jolynn Allen with AIS Medicare & More.  Jolynn is the owner of AIS Medicare & More and may be reached at:  719-404-3202

In Colorado, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a Medicaid-funded program designed to assist individuals with disabilities or elderly individuals who need help with daily activities. These services enable individuals to live independently in their own homes rather than in institutional settings. IHSS provides support with tasks like personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication management.Eligible participants must meet specific criteria, including being a Colorado resident, requiring assistance due to a disability, and meeting income and resource limits. Services are tailored to each individual's needs and are delivered by trained caregivers, who may be family members or professional aides.IHSS is an essential resource for people with disabilities or the elderly, enhancing their quality of life by promoting independence while providing necessary care. It also alleviates the financial burden of long-term institutional care, offering a more cost-effective and personalized solution for those in need. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Amazing Care Home Health Services. For more information they may be reached at 303-755-3170.