Long-term care (LTC) is a topic many of us would rather not think about, yet understanding your LTC coverage before you need to use it is an essential step in securing your future health and financial well-being. LTC encompasses a variety of services and support to meet health or personal care needs over an extended… Read more »
Senior Care
New Treatment Brings Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients
- By Patricia Riley
- March/April 2024
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease and recent breakthroughs in treatment are bringing hope to individuals affected by the disease and their families. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new medications to help manage the symptoms or treat the disease. Following is an overview of each. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as Galantamine (Razadyne), Rivastigmine… Read more »
Debra LaCoppola’s Care 360º
- A Review by Lauren Del Sarto
- January/February 2024
Caregiving is hard, especially for those who circumstantially assume the role for a loved one or parent. Statistics show that family caregivers are at significantly higher risk of developing disease, depression, anxiety – and even dying before those for whom they are caring. Why? Because when caregiving for someone who has given so much of… Read more »
Socialization is important for everyone; but for those with dementia, it takes on an even more critical role. Socialization provides a controlled, yet varied experience of both human and environmental interaction. Some are intended to spark the senses, such as experiencing a new location or smelling fresh flowers in a garden. Others may involve exposure… Read more »
Seniors: Go Low and Slow When Trying Cannabis
- By Lewis Lustman
- November/December 2023
During our five years of helping seniors better understand the benefits of medical and recreational cannabis, Senior-High has maintained one consistent stipulation: when first using cannabis with THC, go “low and slow.” We strongly suggest that first-time users who may have tried cannabis years ago approach today’s gummies, vapes, pre-rolls and tinctures cautiously. Only buy… Read more »
Medicare Advantage plans are more popular than ever. With Medicare Annual Election Period coming soon, we are expecting even more seniors to choose this type of coverage than ever before. Low- or even no-premium plans are the most popular and some plans even offer a “giveback,” a credit to your Social Security benefit, rather than… Read more »
Look Up, Lean Back
- By Joseph E. Scherger, MD, MPH
- July/August 2023
We all look down too much. Our modern culture has us frequently looking down at devices, keyboards, papers and books. However, our neck is designed for us to be looking in the opposite direction. All the muscles in the back of the neck are erector muscles; our hunter-gatherer bodies should be looking forward and up. … Read more »
Staying Home vs. Assisted Living
- By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM
- July/August 2023
John* had been living on Mimosa Street* in the desert for nearly 30 years and had grown to love it. He had lived alone since his partner passed away, remaining in the same house, with the same neighbors and the same memories. However, as John aged, it became more and more difficult for him to… Read more »
Bridging the Generational Gap
- By Amanda Michelle Reigle
- July/August 2023
In the heart of Palm Desert, a remarkable eight-week program is quietly making a profound impact on the lives of older adults and college students alike. The Sages & Seekers program, created and administered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus, offers a unique… Read more »
YMCA of the Desert (Y) is working to bring senior fitness to our community by hosting Vitality Forever’s Senior Classes three days per week in their space at The Shops at Palm Desert (formerly Westfield Mall). The classes are open to any person 55+ whose goal is to move and feel better. The classes, which… Read more »
Pros and Cons of Therapeutic Lying
- Compliments of Alzheimers Coachella Valley
- May/June 2023
“Don’t tell lies.” It’s a lesson your parents likely taught you at a young age. And yet, compassionate communication when interacting with someone with memory loss sometimes necessitates the need for “therapeutic lying.” Therapeutic lying or fibbing, as it is sometimes called, is when you tell a fib or bend the truth to fit the… Read more »
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis
- By Kate Stober
- March/April 2023
Imagine eating dinner with friends and struggling to chew your baked potato, giving a presentation at work when suddenly you start slurring your words or walking up the stairs of your home and finding yourself out of breath. Your legs don’t want to lift the way they should, and when you reach the middle step,… Read more »
Hair Loss Options Grow
- By Mark V. Sofonio, MD and Patti Owens, MHA, RN, CNOR
- January/February 2023
Hair loss is one of the most significant concerns for both men and women and affects over 50 million men and 30 million women each year.1 Male pattern baldness accounts for 95% of hair loss, especially in those over 50 years of age.2 It is estimated that men alone spend nearly $4 billion on hair… Read more »
Clarifying Hospice vs. Palliative Care
- By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM
- January/February 2023
When you think of hospice care, what comes to mind? For many, it is associated with the end of life – a time when a loved one is close to death and receiving special care in their final days or weeks. However, hospice care can also be received long before the final days of life.… Read more »
Dispelling Myths About Caregiver Support Groups
- Compliments of Alzheimers Coachella Valley
- January/February 2023
If you are a caregiver for a loved one, it is important to know that you are not alone. The daily toll of personally taking care of – and worrying for – your loved one can induce stress, burnout and have taxing effects on your mental and physical health. To combat these issues, building a… Read more »
The Value of a Second Opinion
- By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM
- November/December 2022
Your doctor walks into the room with your test results. She looks concerned. The symptoms you’ve been worried about indicate a serious problem and she wants you to start a regimen immediately. You can’t think, your heart is racing and your first instinct is just to follow orders. On the contrary, consider this: your doctor… Read more »
Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare
- By Randy Foulds
- November/December 2022
Whether you are turning 65 soon or already enrolled, there are some simple points to remember as you plan your Medicare coverage. Turning 65? DO set up an online account with SSA.GOV. This will be your “mySSA” account. Register at least four months before your 65th birthday. Your Medicare effective date is the first day… Read more »
As a 501(c)3 organization, Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV) is dedicated to providing charitable services and support for persons with impaired cognition and their caregivers. It is in keeping with this mission that ACV is excited to announce the opening of a screening center for Alzheimer’s and other dementias on November 1. Staffed by a geriatric… Read more »
Sepsis: A Medical Emergency
- By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM
- September/October 2022
Vacation plans were set, and Kate had a UTI (urinary tract infection) starting. Her doctor prescribed an antibiotic, and the family hit the road. Day three of the trip, she developed a fever and felt light-headed with lower-than-normal blood pressure. Since she also has diabetes, her doctor sent her to the emergency room – she… Read more »
Projected 2023 Medicare Costs
- By Randy Foulds
- September/October 2022
Each year, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), under the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sets new pricing for Medicare. This involves more than just your Medicare premium, but deductibles, co-pays and reimbursement levels for providers. Fortunately, there is good news for the year ahead. The 2022 Medicare Part B premium… Read more »
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