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There are many benefits that come with getting older, but there are also factors to be aware of when it comes to our health and wellness. As we age our body’s natural defenses become less reliable and as a result, seniors are more susceptible to infection – including pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs and can range from mild to severe. For some, pneumonia can be fatal.
Older people have a higher risk of getting pneumonia and are more likely to die from it if they do. For seniors, hospitalization for pneumonia has a greater risk of death compared to any of the other top 10 reasons for hospitalization.
The additional steps that older adults take to protect their health can have long-lasting physical and mental effects. And staying healthy is the best way for seniors to continue living the highest quality of life.
Changes to the lungs as we age: Because of changes to the respiratory system that happens with age, seniors can’t always effectively clear secretions as well from their lungs. Those secretions can go down into bronchial tubes, causing the infection.
Weakened immune systems: A senior’s immune system has a harder time fighting off infection. And, some health issues can an even greater negative effect on a senior’s ability to fight off an infection – issues like an organ or bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy (treatment for cancer), or long-term steroid use.
Senior health conditions: Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, chemotherapy, and HIV put seniors at a higher risk for pneumonia, as well as cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and bronchiectasis. Surgery can also expose seniors to infections that can lead to pneumonia.
Signs of Pneumonia
Symptoms can include coughing, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, green or yellow sputum that comes up during coughing, fatigue, and the sudden worsening of a cold or the flu.
Pneumonia Treatments
Typically, a physician will do a chest X-ray and/or blood test to determine if a senior has pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia, it is usually treated with antibiotics. If the infection is viral, an anti-viral medicine may be prescribed. In addition to medication, doctors may give the patient fluids, oxygen, pain relief and medical support.
Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors
Seniors should discuss pneumonia prevention with their physician to determine the best plan. Some options to help reduce the risk of pneumonia include:
Get vaccinated. All people over age 65 should get an annual flu shot, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine, a one-time shot that protects against the pneumococcus, or pneumonia bacteria.
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Don’t Smoke or Take Steps to Quit: Smoking negatively impacts just about everything in our bodies, but the lungs obviously receive a significant amount of damage. Those who smoke are at a greater overall risk of pneumonia because the lungs’ defense mechanisms become compromised.
Practice a Healthy Lifestyle: Seniors should follow a physician-approved diet and exercise regimen. This will help bolster their immune system and reduce the risk pneumonia.
Comfort Keepers® Can Help
Whether senior clients are recovering from pneumonia or looking to protect themselves, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers® can help. Our caregivers remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. Above all, our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.
To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers office today.
Many people assume that once they set up a trust, their assets are automatically protected from probate. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A trust is only effective if it is properly funded with the assets it is meant to protect. Lets explore why a trust might fail and how you can make sure your estate plan works when you need it.The Real-Life Story:One of our clients came to us after his father passed away. His dad had a trust and had worked with a lawyer to set it up. When we reviewed the document, we found that no assets were actually placed into the trust. As a result, the family still had to go through probate.The son could not understand why the trust did not work. He kept saying that his father had taken the time to create the trust. The answer was simple: the assets were not properly funded into it.Why a Trust Needs to Be Funded:A trust only works if you actively place your assets into it. Real estate, financial accounts, investments, and other valuables must be titled in the name of your trust. Simply creating a trust and signing documents does not complete the process.Think of it as a safety deposit box. It only protects what you put inside. Leaving assets outside the trust means they are not protected and may still go through probate.What Happens If Your Trust Is Not Funded:If your assets are not correctly placed into your trust, your estate may still go through probate. This defeats the purpose of creating the trust in the first place.It is crucial to make sure your trust is fully funded. This ensures that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.How to Ensure Your Trust Works:1. Double-Check Your Assets: Make sure your real estate, financial accounts, and other valuables are titled in the name of your trust. Check with your attorney to verify that the funding process is complete.2. Update Regularly: Life changes, and your trust should change with it. Update your trust after major life events such as purchasing a new home, getting married, or having children.3. Get Professional Help: Working with an estate planning attorney ensures that your trust is set up and funded correctly. It is important to have professional guidance to avoid costly mistakes.Empty headingA trust can be a powerful tool to protect your legacy. It only works if it is funded correctly. Make sure your family does not face unexpected probate issues. Double-check your estate plan today. Secure Your Legacy: Book a free consultation https://book.entrustedlegacy.law/#/introcall
When your spouse requires long-term skilled care in a nursing home, the last thing you want to worry about is losing your familys financial security.Many couples fear that they will have to spend down their entire life savings before qualifying for Medicaid. Fortunately, thats not always the case. With proper planning, you can protect many of your assets while still ensuring your spouse receives the care they need.Understanding the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA)The good news for married couples in Pennsylvania is that the spouse who remains at home (often called the "community spouse") is allowed to retain a significant portion of the couples assets. This is known as the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA).What Can Be Protected From Nursing Home Care Costs? Primary Residence: The community spouse can keep the home as long as they continue to live there. Vehicle: One car can be kept for transportation purposes. Retirement Accounts: The community spouses retirement savings, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are generally protected. Income Allowance: The community spouse is allowed to retain a portion of the couple's income, including Social Security benefits. Additional Assets: A set amount of other assets can also be kept, which varies by state regulations. Medicaid and Asset Spend-Down RulesMedicaid has strict rules about the amount of assets a married couple can retain while one spouse is receiving nursing home care. However, the community spouse does not need to spend down every dollar.Strategic planning, like establishing a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust or utilizing spousal annuities, can help secure your assets while maintaining Medicaid eligibility.How to PrepareThe key to protecting your assets is early and thorough planning. Waiting until your spouse is already in a nursing home can limit your options.By consulting with an estate planning attorney early on, you can develop a strategy that preserves your assets while meeting Medicaid eligibility requirements.Why Work with Entrusted Legacy Law?At Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of Medicaid planning and asset protection.We understand that your priority is ensuring your spouses well-being while safeguarding your financial future. Our heart-centered approach means were here to support you with compassion and expertise.Empty heading Don't wait until it's too late. Schedule a free consultation today! Book your free consultation today: https://book.entrustedlegacy.law/#/introcall
Planning your estate isn't just about managing finances or protecting assets. It's also about giving your loved ones the gift of clarity and peace during a time of grief. Including your funeral wishes in your estate plan is one of the most thoughtful things you can do.The Importance of Including Funeral WishesWhen a loved one passes away, family members are often left to make difficult decisions about funeral arrangements. This can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are high and details from past conversations are hard to recall.By documenting your funeral wishes in your estate plan, you provide your family with clear guidance. They won't have to rely on their memories of what you may have mentioned years ago. Instead, they can focus on honoring your life without the added stress of guessing what you would have wanted.Pre-Arranging and Pre-Paying: Taking Care of DetailsOne of the most considerate things you can do is to pre-arrange and even pre-pay for your funeral services. This step ensures that your preferences are honored and that your family doesn't face unexpected financial burdens during a difficult time.You can specify details such as: The type of service you would like (traditional, memorial, celebration of life) Burial or cremation preferences Any specific songs, readings, or rituals Special instructions for personal items or keepsakes By handling these details in advance, you remove uncertainty and help your loved ones avoid making rushed decisions under pressure.Keeping Your Wishes AccessibleIt's crucial to keep all important documents, including your funeral wishes, together with your estate plan. Make sure your executor or a trusted family member knows where to find them.Consider including: Your will and any trust documents Power of attorney and healthcare directives Insurance policies and financial documents A written list of funeral preferences Having everything organized in one place saves your family from the added stress of searching through paperwork during a difficult time.A Final Act of LoveIncluding your funeral wishes in your estate plan is truly an act of love. It allows your family to focus on celebrating your life without the confusion and emotional strain of planning a funeral.If you're unsure how to start or need guidance on creating a comprehensive plan, we're here to help. Our team at Entrusted Legacy Law specializes in making estate planning simple, personal, and compassionate.Take the Next StepDon't leave your family with uncertainty. Plan ahead and give them peace of mind. Schedule a free consultation with our estate planning attorneys today! https://book.entrustedlegacy.law/#/introcall
Comfort Keepers provides award-winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in their home for as long as safely possiblea dream come true for many elders. Our in home health care providers can be there when your mom, dad or other relative needs help scheduling appointments, picking up prescriptions or need transportation to social outings.They will also be there to take your loved one to the mall to pick up a present for a grandchild, to walk through the park with or to take them to their doctors appointments. In addition to taking your loved one grocery shopping, to their favorite restaurant or to the park, our home caregivers can perform light housekeeping, do the laundry as specified, provide pet care and prepare nutritious meals. Also, our certified home health aides can help with medication reminders, bathing and dressing, just to name a few. Our home health aides transform day-to-day caregiving into opportunities to engage and enrich the lives of seniors physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Each in home health care provider is are properly to handle the challenges that our clients' families face, including dementia and Alzheimer's. Should you need help with a loved one coming home from the hospital, a relative needing end of life care, or to give yourself a well-deserved break, Comfort Keepers is here to help. Comfort Keepers is a leading provider of in-home, non-medical care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in the comfort of their home for as long as safely possible - a dream come true for many elders.We understand the struggle family members face when a loved one needs extra assistance in their home.Were here to help. Our caregivers alleviate this stress by providing professional in-home care services with a personal touch.Our Mission: Our goal is to enrich the lives of our clients while maintaining their safety, well-being, and comfort as they continue to live independently at home despite disease and other age-related conditions.Our Team: Our caregivers, or our Comfort Keepers, are carefully selected, screened, and trained to provide professional, compassion assistance. Through our unique approach called Interactive Caregiving, our caregivers build true friendships with their clients in order to fulfill their emotional and social needs.Our Story: Our offices are independently owned and operated, allowing each location to have a personal and local touch. With more than 700 offices worldwide, Comfort Keepers has been named a world-class franchise for ten years in a row, as well as one of the fastest growing franchise systems by INC. Magazine.At Comfort Keepers, we believe that an in-home care plan should be customized to each individual's needs, goals, and living situation. The best care improves quality of life by focusing on the care activities that increase engagement, improve physical and mental wellness, and bring happiness, purpose and hope.Our services focus on physical needs and total wellbeing. We believe that everyone should experience the best of life, no matter their age or the level of care that is needed. At Comfort Keepers, we strive to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day.Our in-home care includes:Companion Care to preserve mental health and social wellbeingPersonal Care to maintain activities of daily living, such as dressing and groomingSafety Care, including personal emergency response systems and medication safetySenior Transportation to safely provide rides for seniors to and from appointments or activitiesTechnology support to help keep seniors in touch with family and friendsRespite care to provide temporary relief for family and other primary caregiversSpecialized care services, including Alzheimers and dementia care, 24-hour care, and post-hospital careCaring is KeyEvery individual we serve is important and unique. We provide the best possible senior care tailored to the individual needs of each client we serve. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened, empowered to provide the highest quality of care and highly trained. In addition, our caregivers are screened for empathy and dedicated to bringing joy.Peace of Mind for Loved OnesComfort Keepers brings peace of mind to families and helps seniors to maintain the lifestyle and independence they deserve. We utilize technology to help families stay connected and updated on the health and wellbeing of their loved one. Our caregivers are also available to provide respite care to family caregivers.We strive to provide the best quality care to exceed expectations and support families. We understand that there is peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving the best care from experienced caregivers. We are able to provide a variety of technology solutions for real time updates, transparency, and communication with your loved ones care team all from the convenience of your phone or laptop.Individualized Care PlansOur uplifting in-home care services begin with an in-home visit. Our professionals complete a comprehensive assessment and develop a care plan that is customized for each client.Some seniors need only occasional help with household chores. For others, 24-hour home care is desired. Whatever the case, we will be happy to meet with you and your loved one to create an individualized plan of care for services.We will also complete a free Home Safety Assessment and offer recommendations to improve the safety of the home.Comfort Keepers offers top-rated home care to seniors needing assistance in:Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, PA is a leading provider of home care services. Our expert caregivers provide customized care plans that may include personal care and companionship-homemaker services. We help seniors and other adults live an independent, quality life.We are proud to provide care services to the following communities: Pittsburgh, Coraopolis, Sewickley, Wexford, Cranberry Township, Ross Township, McCandless, North Hills Moon, Mars, McKees Rocks, Glenshaw, Carnegie, Ambridge, Crescent, Bradfordwoods, Warrendale, Leetsdale, Aliquippa, Avalon, Beaver Falls, Bellevue, Crafton, Dormont, Green Tree, Robinson Township, Shaler, Sheraden, Warrendale, West View, Butler and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.
Comfort Keepers offers a full range of in home companionship and personal care services to support your senior loved one in Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.Welcome to Comfort Keepers of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, where warm hearts and helping hands are there for you and your family! We are proud to offer industry leading in-home care services and around-the-clock care to seniors and older adults. Our services include companion care, home making services, 24 hour care, respite care, and private duty nursing. Home care in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania from Comfort Keepers provides quality, professional, and compassionate care that aims to preserve independence and contribute to a better life.Each individual we lend a helping hand to has a unique set of needs, and we pride ourselves on making sure they receive the best care possible. We create a custom care plan that accounts for all situations, concerns, and requirements. Our care plans include a variety of services and can be arranged for short-term or long-term care. We can work with your family and insurance provider to get you on the track to provide high quality support in your own home.Contact us today for a care consultation!Our company, Comfort Keepers, provides two types of care: in-home care and specialized care. We provide assistance to seniors with a wide range of needs, ranging from simple daily living assistance to hands-on care for individuals with specialized needs. Read through our extensive selection of home care services listed below:In-Home CareCompanion Care: Caregivers work hard to create strong relationships with the people they serve.Temporary or Respite Care Short-tern or long-term caregiving visits so caregivers can take a break without compromising their loved one's quality of care.Personal Care: We help people with their personal care, such as washing, dressing, and grooming, in a polite manner.Senior Transportation Services: Providing transportation help to seniors who want to get out and about is something our caregivers specialize in.Seniors and Technology Services: If your loved one is experiencing social isolation, our caregivers can help them stay connected with friends and family by using video calls, social media, and texting services.Interactive Caregiving: Our caregivers are there to uplift seniors' lives and guarantee that they receive the highest possible quality of care throughout their entire health.Specialized Care24-Hour Care: In order to provide the best care and monitor your loved one's health at all times, our caregivers are available to work in shifts.Alzheimer's and Dementia Care: As a result of our memory care services, people with dementia can remain in their own homes, where they are most at ease. In order to keep you or a loved one safe and healthy at home for as long as possible, our caregivers are trained in the best practices of memory careEnd-of-Life Care: We are here to help terminally ill persons and their families emotionally.In-Facility Care: Even while our organization is known for providing care in the comfort of the client's own home, we also provide services to those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.Post-Hospital Care: Also called transitional care, our caregivers can assist older or disabled persons who are preparing to leave the hospital.Our unique approach to providing care not only focuses on the task at hand, but also more importantly on the person the in home care is being provided for. Comfort Keepers home health aides strive to involve the client and encourage their active participation, as their individual abilities allow it.If you have any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of your senior loved one living at home, call us today at (412) 406-7667 to find out how he or she could benefit from home care services.
Welcome to Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh, South Hills, and East SuburbsComfort Keepers provides award-winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in their home for as long as safely possiblea dream come true for many elders.Assisting residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area since 2001Located in Pittsburgh, Monroeville, and South Park and serving the surrounding area, Comfort Keepers has been offering area residents devoted care since 2001. Our award-winning service happens through trustworthy caregivers who deliver personalized senior care plans that include personal care and companion care. Our work ensures that your loved ones enjoy a life of independence inside their own home. Interested in learning more? Call us at (412) 204-7938.Seniors receive excellent care and companionship, allowing them to "keep" their "comfort" in their older years. We try to give the greatest quality care to our customers by involving them in all parts of their daily lives through our proprietary method of care called Interactive Caregiving. This distinctive approach lets your loved ones remain active and involved in their everyday activities. Because each client we serve is unique, we provide personalized attention.Our local caregivers are one-of-a-kind in the elder care industry They are passionate about what they do, and they bring that passion into your house. They work hard to improve the quality of life of your loved one by involving them in their strong work ethic, ethics, and desire to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Services can range from simple companionship to Alzheimer's and dementia assistance, end of life care, recovery and transitional care, and much more.To find out how our office serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding are may fill your needs or those of a loved one, call today at (412) 204-7938 to schedule a free in-home assessment! With the assistance of family members, we will develop a Plan of Care designed to match your specific needs or those of your loved ones.Personal Care ServicesBathroom Personal Hygiene CareBathing, grooming, and other aspects of personal hygiene can be made easier for elders with the help of Comfort Keepers. Several benefits to bathing go beyond the physical cleansing of the skin. Our caregivers are well-versed in techniques for minimizing patients' feelings of shame or humiliation.Mobility AssistanceKeeping the elderly active has numerous physical health benefits, including decreasing blood pressure, improving digestion and sleep, increasing energy and stamina, and bolstering the cardiovascular system. In addition to accompanying the client on a short walk, your compassionate home helper can offer encouragement and reassurance that prescribed activities are being completed.Transfer and Position HelpTo ensure the health and safety of our clients, all of our caregivers have undergone extensive training on how to move and position clients correctly. Moving from one bed or chair to another with care avoids pressure points on the skin, decreases muscle weakness and stiffness, and promotes digestion.Toileting and Incontinence CareWe work to keep the dignity and self-esteem of older people, and other adults high as our team helps them with home care and daily living tasks. Through this kind of treatment, we try to lessen some people's embarrassment about having incontinence and needing help in the bathroom.Feeding and Special DietSome of our clients need help feeding themselves, and it can be hard to let go of being able to eat on your own. People who work for us know this and make extra efforts to make mealtime a more pleasant time for everyone. We also want to ensure that our care providers help their clients stay on prescribed diets to prevent or treat a wide range of illnesses, like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.In-Home CompanionshipConversing as a CompanionOur home care services give our clients someone with whom to talk and eat. Social interaction like this has been shown to improve the health, happiness, and quality of life of people of all ages, particularly the elderly.Meal PreparationMany older people can't go shopping for food and make a healthy meal. We can make hot, tasty, healthy meals for their clients based on what they want. This will help them get the nutrition they need. Clients can help with meal preparation as long as their abilities allow.Washing and Folding ClothesYou'll be happy that our caregivers can wash, dry, fold, iron, and put away clothes at their clients' homes or bring them to a laundry service near their home. We try to ensure that each customer's laundry is done the way he or she wants.Light HousekeepingOur in-home care services include light housekeeping that covers most domestic tasks. Often seniors can and want to join their caregivers in housework, which can help them feel useful and needed. These tasks include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Please be advised that we do not provide outdoor cleaning or maintenance services.Grocery Shopping/ErrandsWe will shop for groceries at the stores their clients prefer and run errands such as picking up prescriptions or going to the post office. Clients may choose to stay home or come along and help with the shopping and errands as an excellent way to stay active and engaged. They will also use any coupons provided by their clients.Incidental TransportationOur care aides can provide incidental transportation for clients, allowing them the freedom to go shopping and attend other activities or get to medical appointments, the barbershop or beauty salon, and other places the senior chooses. Getting a senior out and about is good for the seniors mind, body, and spirit.Medication RemindersOur agency can help ensure that clients take their medications as prescribed. They can assist with opening medication containers, reading labels, and reminding their clients when to take a dose. In instances in which a client needs additional assistance with medications, such as administering or setting up in a pillbox. In that case, we can provide a registered nurse or refer them to an outside nursing agency.24-Hour CareDepending on the clients needs, we can provide home care for seniors for just a few hours a week or provide full-time, in-home care. Through our 24-hour at home senior care service, a team of care providers coordinates caregiving responsibilities in shifts. This offers clients and their families full-time peace of mind. Whether your loved one requires Alzheimer's care, end of life care, or other assistance, we can be there when and how your family needs us. Personal home care is a comprehensive term that supports primary home care, daily living, and personal hygiene. We realize everyones situation is different. As such, our caregivers are trained to assist with moments-notice assistance and complete home care, depending on your needs. Specifically, your needs might include bathing, mobility assistance, cleaning, cooking, or companion care. We can also transport your loved one to and from events, doctor appointments, and errands. Were here to offer emotional and physical engagement through our customized services which involve Interactive Caregiving. Our mission with personal care is to help your loved one enjoy the best quality of life while remaining in the comfort of their home.We proudly assist with everyday tasks such as:Bathroom personal assistanceHelp with movement around the homeTransferring and positioning from room to room and chair to chairToileting and incontinence careMeal preparation, cooking and clean-upTransportation to and from appointments, events and around townCare for your loved one who might have memory issues or cognitive impairmentsMedication reminders Support regarding physician prescribed nutrition and exercise programsAny changes with condition monitoringFall risk assessment and helping with fall preventionDiscover the ways we can assist you with specialized care24-Hour Care We'll be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if needed. Our caregivers work in groups throughout the day to ensure your loved one's needs are always met. We've discovered that seniors appreciate our caregivers' presence and pleasure since it helps them cope with the necessities of life.Alzheimers and Dementia Care It's hard to know what comes next when dealing with the mind and the effect Alzheimer's and dementia can have on it. The result is you're constantly concerned about your loved one's safety. Allow a Comfort Keepers caregiver to keep your loved one safe and comfortable in their home if they have Alzheimer's or dementia. We've been trained to deal with this type of issue and are ready to assist.End of Life Care Our patient-focused care means youre not alone during this difficult time. When our caregivers assist your loved one with end of life care, you get the privilege and peace of mind to focus on your loved one not the labor.In-Facility Care Comfort Keepers caregivers can supplement the care your loved one receives even if they currently reside in an assisted living facility.Post-Hospital Care We can make the transition easy if you return home after surgery or any hospital visit. Areas we cover: Pittsburgh (Downtown, Hill District, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Garfield, Shadyside, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, Point Breeze, Homewood, East Liberty, Lincoln Lemmington, Upper St. Claire, Mount Lebanon, Castle Shannon, Bethel Park, South Park, McMurray, Washington, Jefferson Hills, McKeesport, Braddock, Edgewood, Wilkinsburg, North Huntingdon, Forest Hills, Export, Plum, Monroeville, Irwin, White Oak, Trafford, North Versailles, and MurrysvilleGive us a call today!