The Gift of Time: Simplifying Your Senior Life for More Meaningful Moments

The aging process often begins subtly, with gradual changes that seem manageable. One day, your parent is fully independent, taking care of daily tasks without issue. Then, suddenly, it feels as though the aging process accelerates, bringing new challenges all at once. This rapid shift can be difficult for family members, especially if they haven't planned ahead.Why Aging Can Seem to Happen SuddenlyWhile aging typically unfolds slowly, research suggests it doesnt always progress in a straight line. A study published in Nature Aging found that aging tends to occur in bursts, where rapid changes in areas like metabolism, immune health, and muscle strength happen. These bursts often occur around the age of 60, potentially leading to abrupt physical declines (SciTech Daily)(AARP).If you or your loved one wait too long to prepare, you may find yourselves scrambling to deal with the sudden onset of new health challenges. This lack of preparation often leaves caregivers feeling overwhelmed, under-equipped, and burned out.The Pitfalls of Delaying PreparationMany families delay planning for their parents aging, assuming they'll manage when the time comes. Others might avoid the topic altogether because it can be emotionally challenging to discuss. Unfortunately, this wait-and-see approach often leads to caregiver burnout and strained relationships, as families are forced to juggle urgent medical needs, emotional stress, and time-consuming responsibilities without a solid plan in place.If youre struggling to discuss getting help with your aging parent, check out some of our tips here. Remember, asking for assistance during the aging process doesnt mean youre powerless!How Naborforce Can Help You Plan AheadRather than waiting for a health crisis, Naborforce provides consistent support for families throughout the aging journey. As seniors age, they often need help with simple taskslike grocery shopping or getting to appointmentsthat can quickly become time-consuming for loved ones. With Naborforce, you can arrange for a friendly Nabor to assist, allowing your parent to stay independent longer while giving you peace of mind.By building a relationship with Naborforce early, your parent will already be accustomed to receiving help. When aging accelerates, youll have a reliable support system in placesomeone familiar with your parent who can step in to help with everyday tasks. This helps ease your parents transition while giving you the time and space to focus on your own responsibilities.The Importance of Having a PlanThe key to supporting your parent as they age is to start planning before their needs become urgent. With Naborforce, you can establish a flexible plan that evolves as your parents needs change. Whether its an occasional visit or regular check-ins, Naborforce can tailor its services to fit your schedule and your parents preferences. By starting early, you ensure that you and your parent have the right support in place before bigger challenges arise.Naborforce is just one of many resources available to help with the aging process. Other tools include financial planning, setting up a trust and estate plan, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using technology designed for senior living, and understanding the care continuum.Getting Started with NaborforceIts easy to get started with Naborforce. You can customize the level of support you need, from occasional assistance to more regular visits. Take the proactive step of setting up care before it becomes urgent, so your parent can stay comfortable, independent, and supported as they age.A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve.Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.

As more American families face the reality of aging, in-home care is becoming a preferred option. A recent AARP survey shows that over half of Americans aged 50 and above plan to remain in their homes as they age, and for good reasons. Staying at home offers comfort, familiarity, and with proper planning, can also be more cost-effective while promoting longer independence for elderly parents.With the continuous rise in healthcare and long-term care costs, having early and honest financial discussions is key.If your loved one is thinking about aging at home, weve created this guide with useful tips to help support senior independence while easing the financial burden.Here are steps to ensure your parents or loved ones age safely and comfortably at home.1. Start Financial Discussions EarlyWhile it can be uncomfortable to talk about finances with aging parents, its a vital conversation to have. Begin by reviewing their current financial situation, including assets, debts, and regular expenses. Also, look into possible income sources such as:PensionsSocial SecurityRetirement savings (401k, investments)Being open helps you understand your parents financial landscape while making them feel supported. Approach this conversation with compassion, emphasizing how you aim to maintain their quality of life while preparing for the future.(Need tips on convincing an aging parent to accept help? Check out our blog on how to navigate these conversations.)2. Understand the Costs of Aging at HomeAccording to the National Council for Aging, the average monthly cost of a senior care facility ranges between $4,500 and $5,300, a significant financial strain for many families. Aging at home can be more affordable, but it's essential to account for associated expenses.One of the hidden costs of aging in place is home maintenance and modifications, which can account for up to 52% of out-of-pocket expenses, according to a 2021 AARP study. Personal care services and medical staff, if needed, can also add to these expenses. For a detailed breakdown of long-term care costs, including potential surprises for families dealing with conditions like dementia, check out this Wall Street Journal article.3. Explore Long-Term Care InsuranceWith rising care costs, long-term care insurance can help cover expenses for in-home care, nursing, or assisted living. The earlier you invest in a policy, the more affordable the premiums.However, long-term care insurance may not be suitable for everyone. It can be pricey and may not cover all types of care. For more information, AARPs guide on hybrid policies, which combine life insurance and long-term care benefits, is a good resource.4. Plan for Home Modifications and SafetyTo keep your parents safe at home, certain home modifications, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, might be necessary. These changes can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your loved ones health needs.(Looking for affordable ways to enhance home safety? See Naborforces top 10 safety tips for under $10.)In addition to modifications, budgeting for adaptive equipment or medical technology like alert systems is crucial. These devices help ensure that your parents can access help quickly, contributing to their independence and peace of mind.5. Managing In-Home CareIf in-home care is required, costs will vary depending on the level of assistance needed. While part-time help from a home health aide may suffice initially, your parent may eventually need full-time or 24-hour care, which can cost over $100,000 per year.Before reaching that point, services like Naborforce can offer interim support, providing help with small tasks like running errands or getting to appointments. This can extend your parents independence and delay the need for full-time care.6. Know About Medicare, Medicaid, and Other ResourcesIts essential to know what benefits your parents may qualify for. While Medicare does not cover long-term care, it can provide short-term in-home care under certain conditions, such as after a hospital stay. Medicaid, on the other hand, covers long-term care but is means-tested, so eligibility will depend on a careful review of their financial standing.You should also explore local and national programs, including veterans benefits or state assistance programs, which can help offset the cost of aging in place. In some cases, if you become a caregiver for your loved one, you may be eligible for caregiver payments, depending on your states regulations.ConclusionHelping your parents age at home requires thoughtful financial planning, including income assessments, long-term care options, and preparing for unexpected medical needs. Starting early and maintaining open communication can make the process smoother, providing your loved ones with the comfort and security of aging in their own home. And remember, whenever you need an extra hand, Naborforce is here to help!A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve.Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.What is Naborforce?Naborforce is a service designed to help seniors maintain their independence by connecting them with "Nabors"trusted community members who assist with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, transportation to appointments, light household chores, or simply providing companionship. By offering flexible, non-medical support, Naborforce helps seniors age in place while giving families peace of mind. It's a great option for those who want to delay the need for full-time in-home care, ensuring that older adults can continue living comfortably and safely at home with just the right amount of help!Check out our page at www.naborforce.com

What We Dont Know We Dont Know in Health Care: September 24, 2024 -Oral Care, Monitored Meals, and Aspiration PneumoniaProper oral care is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Keeping the mouth clean not only helps maintain the protective properties of saliva but also reduces bacteria in the mouth which can be a source of infection in aspiration pneumonia. In addition, monitoring meals and assisting with feeding for those at high risk for aspiration is also a necessity. The process of swallowing involves dozens of muscles that start in the mouth and include the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. These muscles can become weakened with age and from various, often age-related diseases.  The aging population is especially at risk for aspiration pneumonia due to comorbidities, frailty, and conditions that can impair swallowing.  As a result, aspiration pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death from infection in individuals over the age of 65. One study shows that 1 in 10 deaths from pneumonia in elderly nursing home residents may be prevented by improving oral hygiene (Sjogren et al., 2008). Unfortunately, proper oral care and monitoring of meals is often overlooked in the health care setting.  Perhaps the greatest reason for this is the challenge that almost every health facility faces today: adequate staffing. When I started working in acute care as an RN over 20 years ago, nursing assistants (these are the staff generally responsible for proving oral care in an acute care setting) were typically responsible for 5-7 patients. Nurses had 3-5 patients (this was on a step down cardiac unit). Between the nurse and the assistant, we were able to provide oral care at every meal and offer one-on-one assistance to any patient that was at risk for aspiration. This is no longer the case.  RNs oftentimes look after upwards of 8 patients, and there is generally either no nursing assistant on the floor or only 1 for a patient load that can exceed 20.  Consequently, proper oral care is neglected.  I have often seen patients that are aspirating during meals, but do not have adequate staffing on hand to provide them with the supervision and monitoring that they need. This presents a hazardous catch-22: the aging individual needs to eat to maintain nutritional needs yet he/she needs assistance with eating to prevent aspirating pneumonia.   How can this be remedied? If the family is present, they can provide oral care and meal monitoring. If meal monitoring is required for an at-risk individual, its recommended to touch base with the health care team to inquire as to what the specific aspiration precautions are (every individual may have a different need and/or recommendation). A care companion can also be hired to provide the needed care. I hired a companion for my father when he was in a skilled nursing facility. He was not getting his teeth brushed or flossed regularly, and I was seeing a decline in his dentition. Having this extra support provided him with much needed assistance and the care companion had the added benefit of encouraging him to eat more at every meal, something that was a bonus as he was not meeting his nutrient needs. Touching base with staff to request that oral care and meal monitoring be done can also be helpful. Having an advocate to ensure necessary care is getting done can also be very effective in the health care setting.  What is proper oral care and effective meal monitoring?  Proper oral care includes brushing the teeth for at least 1 minute after every meal. It also includes using a soft bristle brush, fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily. A final component of oral care that is often not discussed is denture care. Dentures should be cleaned at least once per day and removed at bedtime. Removing them prior to sleeping can greatly reduce the risk of pneumonia (Iinuma et al. 2014). Effective meal monitoring includes adequate supervision during mealtime for those at risk of aspiration. Such supervision includes ensuring the individual is properly positioned for a meal (head of bed as high as can be tolerated and supine position), takes small bites, eats slowly, swallows a couple times in between each bite, and intermittently takes a sip of liquid to clear the mouth of food particles. The use of straws is generally not recommended for an individual at risk for aspiration as it propels the food to the back of the throat and hence can increase risk. I recall when I was working as a Registered Nurse (RN) in acute care that I was constantly removing straws from the bedside of at risk individuals and often reminding them to eat slowly and swallow at least twice between each bite to ensure food clearance. Individuals at risk for aspiration often require a modified texture diet as it can further prevent the aspiration of food and liquids.   This is a brief summary of the attention to detail needed in addressing oral hygiene and meal monitoring amongst the aging population. Both measures can play a significant role in reducing aspiration pneumonia.  If you would like more information on understanding proper oral care or any other questions that you may have regarding aging life care, please feel free to reach out to me.    Sources:1.      Sjogren P, Nilsson E, Forsell M, Johansson O, Hoogstraate J. 2008. A systematic review of the preventive effect of oral hygiene on pneumonia and respiratory tract infection in elderly people in hospitals and nursing homes: effect estimates and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials. J Am Geriatr Soc. 56:21242130. 2.      Iinuma T, Arai Y, Abe Y, Takayama M, Fukumoto M, Fukui Y, et al. 2014. Denture wearing during sleep doubles the risk of pneumonia in the very elderly. J Dent Res. doi: 10.1177/0022034514552493 3.      F Muller, 2015. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541086/#