What Older Adults Can do to Manage Medications

Oral health is about much more than a clean smile. For older adults, brushing and flossing can become difficult due to arthritis, memory loss, or physical limitations. When dental care is missed, harmful bacteria build up. And they dont stay in the mouth.Research has found links between gum disease and a range of serious health issues: heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes complications, and more recently, dementia. In studies, bacteria associated with gum infections have even been found in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, suggesting a role in inflammation and cognitive decline.The good (but not-so-new) news? Professional cleanings and oral screenings help reduce bacteria, spot issues early, and protect overall health. And theyre not just for those with medical conditionseven healthy individuals benefit from reaching the areas daily brushing and flossing miss.Dental care is healthcare. For aging adults, it plays a vital role in maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life.Mouth health is whole-body healthespecially as we age. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jacob H. Nguyen, RDH. Jacob is a Direct Access Dental Hygienist and Founder of Dental Carvan. For more information he may be reached at 303-210-0999.

May is ALS Awareness Montha time to reflect, educate, and come together in support of individuals and families facing this devastating diagnosis. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily attacks motor neurons, eventually affecting a persons ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. While many with ALS retain their cognitive abilities, nearly half experience some cognitive or behavioral changes, and about 15% go on to develop frontotemporal dementia.An ALS diagnosis doesnt just affect the person receiving itit impacts every aspect of life for the entire family. It can feel as if the ground has shifted beneath your feet. Suddenly, there are medical terms to understand, specialists to visit, equipment to secure, and difficult decisions to make. Its a journey no one should have to walk alone. Thats where Premier Care Management of Florida comes in.As Care Managers, we become guides, advocates, and constant sources of support. Our role is to help families make sense of the chaos, to bring calm and clarity to the overwhelming. We coordinate care across providers, connect families with trusted resources, and gently walk them through the stages ahead. We help put plans in placewhether its advance care planning or finding the right adaptive equipmentso that clients and their loved ones can focus on what matters most: spending meaningful time together.Weve sat with families as they heard the diagnosis for the first time. Weve helped spouses navigate the growing weight of caregiving. Weve advocated for treatments, scheduled in-home care, and been a steady presence during hospital stays. And most importantly, weve witnessed the strength, love, and resilience that define the ALS community.At Premier Care Management of Florida, we understand that every ALS journey is unique, and every person deserves care that honors their dignity, their wishes, and their humanity. This month, and every month, we remain committed to walking alongside those affected by ALSwith knowledge, experience, and above all, compassion.If your family is navigating an ALS diagnosis and needs guidance, please know that you dont have to do it alone. Were here, ready to help. Contact Premier Care Management of Florida:Visit our website: www.PremierCMFL.com OR Call us for a FREE consultation: 941-400-2387

April is National Parkinsons Awareness Montha time to elevate understanding around a condition that affects nearly one million Americans and countless families. Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts movement, coordination, and mood, often creating daily challenges for both those diagnosed and their care partners. At Premier Care Management of Florida, we meet those challenges head-on with a specialized service model known as the Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach.Introducing the Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach Our Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach is a personalized, client-centered model designed to empower individuals and families living with Parkinsons. Delivered by Certified Premier Care Managers, this program provides expert coaching, care coordination, and proactive planning to reduce crisis events and improve quality of lifeespecially during times of transition, like hospitalization, rehab stays, or returning home.A Holistic and Compassionate Support System What sets our approach apart is its focus on the whole person. We begin with a comprehensive Parkinsons assessment that includes motor and non-motor symptom evaluation, medication review, cognitive screening, and functional analysis. We then conduct a full home safety assessment, identifying fall risks, recommending adaptive equipment, and improving medication routines. Everything is tailored to each clients unique needs, values, and goals.Advocacy When It Matters Most Parkinsons medications must be taken on a precise schedule to remain effective, especially during hospitalization. Our care managers advocate directly with hospital staff to ensure proper medication timing and prevent the use of contraindicated drugs. We also coordinate smooth discharge plans, ensuring continuity of care whether clients are transitioning to rehab, returning home, or considering long-term care options.Emotional Support and Family Coaching Living with Parkinsons can bring changes in mood, behavior, and family dynamics. Thats why our program also includes emotional support for both clients and caregivers, coaching calls to guide decision-making, and education around topics like freezing episodes, fall prevention, and disease progression. Families gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind knowing theyre not facing this alone.Connected, Collaborative, and Client-Driven We work closely with neurologists, primary care providers, therapists, and other specialists to make sure everyone involved in your care is on the same page. From managing appointments and insurance details to connecting families with trusted local resources, our team ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.Who Benefits from This Program? Our Parkinsons Disease Coach Approach is ideal for individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinsons, those transitioning between care settings, families overwhelmed by coordination responsibilities, or clients facing cognitive or behavioral changes in later stages of the disease. Its also a lifeline for individuals who dont have a local advocate during hospital stays or complex medical decisions. At Premier Care Management of Florida, we are honored to walk alongside Sarasotas seniors and families impacted by Parkinsons. With expert advocacy, education, and support, our Coach Approach helps clients preserve their independence and live with confidence at every stage.To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact us today. Were here to be your partner in this journey. Serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and surrounding communities 941-400-2387  www.PremierCMFL.com