Want to Bolster Your Manual Dexterity? 10 Simple Exercise Seniors Can Try

As we age, taking medications often becomes a part of everyday life. Whether it's for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis, these medications are necessary to keep us healthy. But for many seniors, the cost of prescriptions can be a major concern. With a fixed income, paying for medications can sometimes feel like a financial burden.One solution that has been helping seniors save money is something called Cost-Plus Pharmacy.  Let us explain what Cost-Plus Pharmacies are, how they work, and how they can make a big difference in lowering medication costs for seniors.What is a Cost-Plus Pharmacy?A Cost-Plus Pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that operates a little differently from the typical drugstore you might be familiar with. In most pharmacies, the cost of medications is marked upsometimes by a lot. This markup helps the pharmacy make a profit, but it also means youre paying more for your prescriptions than the pharmacy actually paid for the drugs.On the other hand, a Cost-Plus Pharmacy sells medications at a price thats closer to what they paid for them, plus a small, reasonable markup. The idea is to be more transparent and fair about pricing. This can help lower the price you pay for your medications, which is great news for seniors, especially those who take multiple medications.How Does a Cost-Plus Pharmacy Work?To keep things simple, think of it this way: lets say a pharmacy buys a medication for $10. A traditional pharmacy might sell that same medication to you for $20, marking it up by $10 in order to make a profit. But in a Cost-Plus Pharmacy, instead of doubling the price, the pharmacy may only add a small amountmaybe $2 or $3.So, instead of paying $20 for that medication, youd only pay $12 or $13. That small difference can make a big impact when youre taking multiple medications each month.One of the best things about Cost-Plus Pharmacies is that theyre open about their pricing. They usually show customers exactly how much they paid for each medication and how much they are adding as a markup. This transparency helps you understand exactly what youre paying for, making it easier to see that you're getting a fair deal.Why Is This Important for Seniors?Many seniors take several medications to manage chronic health conditions. The cost of these medications can quickly add up, and its not always easy to find affordable options. For those on a fixed income, like many seniors, paying for medications can become a financial struggle.For example, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average senior spends about $1,200 per year on prescription drugs. That number can be even higher for those who take multiple medications regularly.Medicare Part D can help with some of these costs, but it doesnt cover everything. Plus, there are gaps in coverage, like the "donut hole," where seniors must pay full price for their medications after reaching a certain spending limit. This leaves many seniors paying high out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions.Cost-Plus Pharmacies, such as Blueberry Pharmacy, aims to fix this problem. By offering lower prices on medications, these pharmacies can help seniors save money, making it easier to afford the medications they need without breaking the bank.How Can Cost-Plus Pharmacies Save Seniors Money?There are several ways that Cost-Plus Pharmacies help seniors save on their medications.1. Lower Prescription PricesThe biggest advantage of a Cost-Plus Pharmacy is that medications are sold at a lower price than what youd find at a traditional pharmacy. Rather than charging extra fees or high markups, these pharmacies focus on offering a fair price. For example, a medication that may cost $50 at a typical pharmacy could be priced at $35 or less at a Cost-Plus Pharmacy. Thats a savings of $15 on just one medication! If you need several medications, these savings can really add up over time.2. No Hidden FeesAt many regular pharmacies, you might find that your prescription comes with extra chargesdelivery fees, processing fees, or other hidden costs. These fees can make your final bill higher than you expected. Cost-Plus Pharmacies are often more transparent about their pricing. Theyll give you an exact breakdown of the cost, so you know what you're paying for. This way, you avoid any unpleasant surprises when its time to check out.3. Affordable Generic MedicationsGeneric medications are often much cheaper than brand-name drugs, but not all pharmacies carry affordable generics. Many Cost-Plus Pharmacies focus on offering a wide range of generic medications at lower prices. For seniors, choosing generic drugs is one of the easiest ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Cost-Plus Pharmacies make it easier to access these more affordable options.4. Special Programs for SeniorsSome Cost-Plus Pharmacies offer special programs to help seniors save even more money. For example, they may have senior discount programs or loyalty cards that give you even deeper discounts. Some pharmacies also offer free home delivery, which can be a huge help for seniors who may have trouble going to the pharmacy in person.5. Fewer Prescription ErrorsPrescription mistakes can be costlynot just in terms of money, but also in terms of health. If a pharmacy gives you the wrong medication or makes an error on your prescription, you may need to go back to correct it, which can add more time and money to the process. Because Cost-Plus Pharmacies tend to offer more personalized service and fewer customers, they often have fewer mistakes and are able to fill prescriptions more accurately. This can save you both time and money in the long run.As the cost of prescription medications continues to rise, finding ways to save money on those medications is more important than ever. For seniors, a Cost-Plus Pharmacy such as Blueberry Pharmacy can be a great option to lower prescription costs without sacrificing quality or service.By offering lower, more transparent pricing, Cost-Plus Pharmacies are helping seniors save money on the medications they need. Whether youre looking for a more affordable pharmacy in your area or you want to try an online option, these pharmacies can make a real difference in your healthcare expenses.If youre a senior or care for one, its worth looking into a Cost-Plus Pharmacy such as Blueberry Pharmacy. With a little research or by contacting us directly, you could be saving money on your prescriptions every month, making it easier to stay healthy without stressing about the cost. Reach out to us today!

Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.

Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!