Arthritis is one of the most common health concerns of people over the age of 65. And the condition is more than just a minor irritation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one-third of older adults who have arthritis say it often causes them to change or limit their daily activities. One-quarter even rate the level of pain caused by arthritis as severe. Inflammation is often at the root of the pain and symptoms associated with the disease.

Inflammation impacts more than just those who live with arthritis. It is linked to a variety of chronic health conditions. People who have lupus, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, and even sinusitis all suffer when muscles and joints in the body become inflamed.

What can you do to prevent or reduce inflammation in the body? The old adage You are what you eat applies to inflammation, as do a range of other activities and lifestyle choices.

Menu Choices to Help Seniors Fight Inflammation

First, the bad news. Those sugary snacks most people love to indulge in, especially when we aren’t feeling good, contribute to inflammation. So do highly processed foods, red meat, sodas, and fried foods. Avoiding these types of comfort foods can be a tough addiction to break. For good advice on getting started, see 4 Steps to Reduce Sugar in Your Diet.

Just as avoiding some foods can help lower inflammation in the body, other healthy options might help prevent it from developing. This article from Harvard Health lists foods that may help ward off inflammation, including:

Lifestyle diets like the Mediterranean Diet or the DASH Diet are also linked to lower rates of inflammation and chronic disease.

Activities to Reduce or Prevent Inflammation

Other ways to help manage arthritis pain and symptoms by controlling inflammation include:

Exercise regularly: While it might seem counterintuitive when you are in pain, physical activity might help. Gentle forms of fitness that don’t add stress to swollen joints, such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or chair yoga, are usually best. And regular exercise might help prevent inflammation.

Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight, losing even 5 pounds can help reduce inflammation. Research shows that for every extra 10 pounds of weight you carry, the impact on your joints is actually an added 30 to 40 pounds of force.

Use hot and cold therapy: Instead of just icing painful joints or adding heat, experts recommend alternating between the two. That means rotating between a heating pad and an ice pack when your arthritis is flaring.

Meditate: Chronic stress is another contributor to inflammation. One way to manage stress is through meditation. Free videos on YouTube, such as Meditation for Beginners, might be an easy way to learn more and get started.

Get a massage: Another idea to try is massage therapy. It’s been shown to help loosen and relax swollen muscles and joints.

As a reminder, it’s always a good idea to talk with your primary care physician about exercise programs if you’ve been sedentary for a while. The same is true of making changes to your diet. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to ask for their advice.

Mobile Monitoring Units Provide Peace of Mind

Arthritis is among the many reasons older adults are at increased risk for balance issues and falls. Research shows that an adult with arthritis in their hip or knee is 53% more likely to experience a fall. If you are concerned for yourself or a senior loved one, consider investing in a mobile monitoring unit.

These emergency alert systems allow the user to be connected to help with a simple press of a button. And they work wherever the user is, including the shower. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

If you have arthritis, food choices can impact pain and symptoms. Learn which foods to include in your meals and which ones to avoid.

Anti-Inflammatory Food Choices for Seniors With Arthritis

When you are a caregiver for a spouse or parent who has Alzheimer’s disease, you face many unique challenges. Safety issues, such as wandering from home, are constants. A loss of verbal skills also makes caregiving tough. Added to these is the sense of loss loved ones feel watching their family member decline emotionally, physically, and mentally.

As the disease progresses, an adult with Alzheimer’s often becomes unable to recognize even those closest to them. Alzheimer’s gradually robs older adults of their unique personality traits, such as their sense of humor and disposition. Experts call these ambiguous losses. Trying to navigate the days when your loved one is no longer psychologically or socially present is difficult.

The long goodbye is a phrase coined to express the journey families experience when a senior is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Finding healthy ways to cope is essential for friends and family members.

Survival Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 11 million Americans are caregivers for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. That adds up to an estimated 16 billion hours of care each year. Family caregivers often find themselves feeling lonely, fatigued, and sad. They might know they need to take a break or get help managing their responsibilities but feel duty bound to do it all on their own. By developing healthy coping skills, however, you’ll likely be a better overall caregiver. Here are a few tips to help you manage this challenging situation:

Try to focus on the present: Staying in the moment is difficult but may be helpful in managing tough emotions. While reminiscing on occasion with the senior might be a good way to help them reconnect with lost memories, appreciating small things in the present may allow you to avoid focusing on what’s been lost. Activities like meditating, gardening, knitting, and decluttering/organizing might help.

Commit to a healthy diet: For many caregivers, time is in short supply. It’s easier and quicker to sacrifice a healthy diet for convenience foods and drive-through meals. Unfortunately, these menu choices are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. If your schedule won’t stretch to preparing and freezing meals a week at a time, you might want to consider a healthy meal delivery service, like Green Chef or Purple Carrot.

Get regular exercise: While it might feel like a luxury to take time to exercise each day, it’s important to do so. Maintaining a fitness routine offers mental and physical health benefits to weary caregivers. Among them are better quality of sleep, a stronger immune system, and reduced stress. It also builds muscle mass and core strength, which helps lower risk for an injury related to caregiving. If you can’t exercise for 30 continuous minutes, break it up into 10- or 15-minute blocks of time throughout the day.

Ask for help: Caregivers are often reluctant to ask for or accept assistance. Some are fearful of trusting their loved one’s care to someone else. For others, it is a sense of duty to their parent or spouse that prevents them from seeking help. Those who do accept help, however, are better equipped mentally and physically for long-term caregiving. If you don’t have friends or family you can turn to, respite care from a home care agency or at a memory care community might be a solution to explore.

Make time to laugh: Finally, don’t overlook the health benefits associated with humor. Laughter really can be good medicine for the body, mind, and spirit. Try to enjoy a few laughs with friends on a regular basis. It’s one of the best ways to lower the risk for depression, which is common in people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Whether it’s a cup of coffee with a friend who always lifts your spirits or a night out at the movies, allow yourself to enjoy life.


When a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, wandering from home and getting lost is a worry. Investing in a mobile monitoring unit might be a solution. In the event of an emergency, the user can quickly summon help with the press of a button. Because it uses wireless technology, it will work from wherever the user is, including the shower. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Practicing healthy self-care is essential when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few ways to do that.

Coping with a Sense of Loss When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s

While many people remain focused on COVID-19 and whether it’s time to receive another booster, another virus will soon begin to make the rounds. This one comes with many symptoms similar to coronavirus, such as a cough, fever, and body aches. It is seasonal influenza, and the virus sometimes starts making the rounds as early as October. Peak flu season usually occurs from December through February.

While the flu is no fun at any age, seniors are at highest risk for complications. Here are two reasons why older adults might have difficulty overcoming the influenza virus:

Preexisting condition: As we grow older, the risk for developing some health issues increases. The immune system can also become weaker and less able to fight off disease. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can all be exacerbated by the flu.

Complications: Older adults account for nearly 70% of flu-related hospital admissions every year, and an estimated 85% of flu deaths. It’s often because adults over the age of 65 are more likely to experience complications linked to the influenza virus. Pneumonia is one of the most serious.

While the annual vaccine is considered one of the most effective flu prevention measures, not everyone is on board with being vaccinated. For some, their fears are linked to myths about the flu shot. Others just aren’t clear about the benefits. They believe living a healthy lifestyle is protection enough.

As we head into influenza season, let’s take a few minutes to separate the facts from the misperceptions about the flu shot.

The flu vaccine contains a live virus and makes you sick.

Among the most pervasive myths is that the influenza vaccine builds immunity by giving you a small dose of a live flu virus. Some people believe that in order to be protected, the vaccine must first make you sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that’s not true. The influenza vaccine contains either an inactivated virus or a single strain of the flu. It produces an immune response in the body that protects against the flu without making you sick.

Flu vaccines don’t change much. You only need it every few years.

This is another persistent myth that it’s critical to bust. The flu shot changes every year based on what researchers believe the worst strains of influenza will be for the upcoming season. Because of that, it’s important to get your flu shot every fall.

A flu shot is painful and causes uncomfortable side effects.

Some people avoid getting vaccinated because of a fear of needles and potential side effects. In reality, the needle is very small and causes little discomfort. It helps if you relax your arm as you receive the vaccine and move it around afterward to prevent stiffness. As for side effects, they are typically quite minimal. The most common ones include headache, muscle aches, and soreness at the injection site.

Another consideration is when to schedule your flu shot. Some people worry if they are vaccinated too early in the fall, their immunity won’t last all winter long. While your physician is the best person to answer this question, most health professionals suggest getting your influenza vaccine in mid-October. That gives the body time to build up immunity before flu rates begin to rise.

Flu prevention is just one of many factors that play a role in aging well. For more tips on living your best life during retirement, we invite you to follow the Life Protect blog. We update it every week with information about health, wellness, senior living, and more!

Influenza vaccines are one of the best methods of avoiding the seasonal flu. Learn more about the myths and fears surrounding the vaccine.

Overcoming Fears and Myths About Flu Shots

When an aging parent or parents begin to struggle with caring for themselves or their home, adult children often step in to help. In the early days, families might provide caregiving support with transportation or simple household tasks. While time consuming, they are generally not too hard to manage. As parents’ needs increase, however, adult children are often called on to support personal care and sometimes even clinical tasks.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a growing number of people find themselves in this situation. As the average age in the U.S. increases, the number of unpaid family caregivers continues to climb. Estimates are that almost 43.5 million adults in this country provide care for a loved one.

The result can be a stressful situation that can lead to a health crisis for the caregiver. Many times, caregivers fail to recognize and act on the warning signs of burnout until it’s too late and they fall ill or experience a serious injury.

Common Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Because the symptoms often occur gradually, they are easy to overlook. If you are a caregiver, here are a few red flags that you likely need to take a break:

Developing unhealthy coping habits (e.g., smoking)

If more than one or two of these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to make some changes. Start by scheduling a physical with your primary care physician. They can evaluate your well-being and work with you to create a plan for getting back on a healthier track.

In addition to working with your doctor, you might find it helpful to try these suggestions for managing caregiver stress:

Meditate: There is real science to back up the therapeutic value of meditation. Studies show that meditating helps reduce the stress and anxiety most caregivers experience almost every day. Pausing to meditate for even 10 minutes at the start of the day or during your lunch break can help improve your health. Apps like Calm and 10% Happier can get you started.

Yoga: Don’t let images of people twisting themselves into pretzel-like poses deter you from giving this a try. There are plenty of options for gentle forms of yoga, including chair yoga, which you can do while seated. A couple of routines to get you started are 10 Minute Chair Yoga or this 30-minute Gentle Chair Yoga Routine from therapists at Toronto Rehab.

Journal: Another healthy way to manage caregiver stress is through journaling. Getting your thoughts and feelings down on paper is a great way to find solutions and reduce stress. It can be as easy as taking a few minutes at the end of the day to document your emotions and struggles.

Eat well: A healthy diet might seem like a luxury to a busy caregiver. It’s usually quicker and easier to rely on convenience foods or fast food. But a healthy diet will actually give you more energy. It you can’t find time in a busy day to prepare your own meals, try a home-delivered meal service. It saves time while also ensuring your refrigerator stays stocked with fresh, healthy foods.

Exercise: Another stress-buster you might not feel you have time for is exercising. In reality, physical activity reduces stress, improves stamina, and promotes better sleep quality. You can break your daily exercise into 10- or 15-minute blocks and still reap the same health rewards as 30 minutes of continuous exercise.

One final suggestion is to hire a home care aide to help provide some of the support your parents need. If you decide to go this route, How to Manage a Parent’s In-Home Caregiver has some helpful tips.

Learn More About Mobile Monitoring Devices

If you are concerned about a senior loved one’s safety, one solution that might help is to invest in a mobile monitoring unit. These discreet devices allow the user to summon help from wherever they are with the press of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

The stress of caring for an aging loved one can take a toll on a caregiver’s own health. Stress is often difficult to manage. These tips might be helpful.

Coping With the Stress of Caring for Aging Parents

When a spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, often one of the greatest challenges their loved ones face is home safety. Fall prevention and wandering away from home and becoming lost are usually the two most pressing concerns. Creating an environment that reduces the risk for either of these is essential.

If you find yourself in this situation, these suggestions might be helpful in creating a safer environment for your spouse:

It’s important to remember that people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia often lose the ability to exercise good judgment. This includes not being able to recognize potential dangers around the home. Take a walk through your home, including opening cabinet doors and drawers, to identify possible hazards. Find safe places to lock up firearms, sharp knives, and tools. Even household cleansers should be stored safely out of sight and reach, preferably in a cabinet with a lock.

Falls are another concern. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can cause vision loss and balance problems. Issues that may increase the risk for a fall include throw rugs, poor lighting, electric cords, and uneven floors. It’s also a good idea to install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bed.

If you don’t feel confident conducting a home safety assessment on your own, call your spouse’s primary care physician. They can probably refer you to a physical or occupational therapist who can visit the house to complete a professional assessment.

One side effect of Alzheimer’s that impacts as many as 60% of people with the disease is wandering from home and getting lost. If a person wanders once, they are likely to do so again. Having a home security system that alerts you when a window or exterior door is open can help warn you that a spouse with Alzheimer’s might have exited the house. Another suggestion is to invest in a mobile tracking unit. If your loved one wanders from home and isn’t able to find their way back, they can summon help with the press of a button.

Many forms of dementia can cause a person’s home to look and feel unfamiliar, even if they’ve lived in it for years. It might be difficult for them to identify where to find glasses in the kitchen or locate the bathroom. You can make it easier by creating and posting visual cues.

Visual cues are often used for seniors living in memory care communities. A poster/flyer of a shower and toilet on the bathroom door might help a spouse find the bathroom. Taping a photo of a glass on the cupboard where you store them is another example. The goal is to provide cues that make it easier for someone with memory loss to maintain a sense of independence.

Finally, a chaotic environment can trigger agitation and wandering. Both are common among adults with dementia. For times when your household gets hectic and loud, you’ll want to create a quiet zone for your senior loved one to retreat to. It might be as simple as adding a comfortable chair to a corner of the bedroom with a television and music source nearby. They can relax in their chair and watch television or listen to soft music until their anxiety passes.

More Information to Support Alzheimer’s Caregivers

While caregiving of any kind can be emotionally and physically demanding, caring for a partner with dementia is especially difficult. The more you learn about and understand the disease, the better prepared you can be. One more concern you should know about is dehydration. Adults with dementia are at increased risk for it. Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms in a Senior is a good article to read to learn more about hydration and older adults.

Creating a safe home environment for a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is vital. These tips will help you get started.

Creating a Safe Home for a Spouse Who Has Dementia

Older adults might feel like they are frequent targets of financial scams, and they’d be right. According to research published in the American Journal of Public Health, 1 in 18 seniors falls victim to these scams each year. Some believe the numbers might be significantly higher, as many people are too embarrassed to admit what happened to them.

Many criminals think seniors are more vulnerable than other age groups, so they seek out neighborhoods with greater numbers of older adults. Door-to-door scams are common and usually increase during the warmer months of the year.

Why Financial Scammers Target Older Adults

According to the FBI, scammers target older adults for a variety of reasons. A few of the most common include:

Financially stable: Older adults are considered to be in a stronger financial position than younger people, such as a home without a mortgage, a car, good credit, and investments.

Home during daytime: Retired seniors are more likely to be home during the daytime, when scammers typically come calling.

Trusting by nature: Those who came of age before the internet are believed to be a trusting generation more likely to fall for scammers’ lies.

Perceived health challenges: Criminals might also think older adults are more likely to have medical issues that prevent them from stopping a crime or remembering the details afterward.

Embarrassment: Scammers count on older adults being too embarrassed to report being the victim of a crime like this. And it’s true that many seniors think telling their adult children what happened will affect their ability to live on their own.

One way to protect yourself or an aging loved one is to learn more about the most common types of summer scams against seniors.

One type of fraud older adults need to be mindful of is a fake contractor saying he’s “working in the neighborhood.” They’ll often offer a senior what sounds like too-good-to-be-true pricing, justifying it by saying they already have a job in progress nearby. Once the victim pays the deposit, the fraudulent contractor disappears and the work is never completed.

Another ploy criminals frequently use is playing on a senior’s sympathies. One way they do that is through promoting fake fundraisers. They might even use unsuspecting children or teenagers in their scam, such as paying them to go door-to-door selling items like magazines or candy. The kids will ask the senior to pay up front, but the product never arrives.

Finally, be on guard for people looking for reasons to gain entry to your or a senior’s home. They may pose as a utility worker claiming there is a gas leak in the neighborhood and they need to check your connection. Or they might claim to be conducting a free energy audit to help local seniors save money. Whatever their excuse, their goal is to gain access to the home. They might steal from you at the time of entry or come back later to rob the house.

One final suggestion is to keep your eyes and ears open for new types of scams. Pay attention to your local news. It’s often a good source of information on what types of fraud are occurring in your community. If you are on Facebook, follow your local police or sheriff’s department. Those organizations often post this type of information on their Facebook page.

If you found this article of interest, we encourage you to bookmark the Life Protect 24/7 blog and visit again soon. We share weekly updates on senior care, healthy aging, caregiving, and more!

Older adults are targets of financial scams for many reasons. To protect yourself or a senior, it’s important to know why, and learn about the most common scams.

Would you be surprised to learn that almost 11 million people over the age of 12 have a vision issue that requires some kind of correction? Many of us take vision for granted until we begin to experience problems. Unfortunately, that approach might prevent the early intervention necessary to keep a small problem from becoming a big one.

In honor of National Eye Exam Month in August, we are sharing why it’s a good idea to schedule a yearly vision checkup.

The Importance of a Yearly Visit to the Eye Doctor

Guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend adults over the age of 65 have an annual vision exam that includes dilating the eyes. This simple practice allows the doctor to get a better look at the retina and optic nerve. Doing so helps them identify potential problems and intervene early.

A yearly vision exam helps identify changes in the eye that are common among seniors, such as:

Cataracts: This condition causes clouding of the eye’s lens. It can cause vision to become blurry. Fortunately, cataracts can usually be corrected with an outpatient procedure. Left untreated, however, it can lead to blindness. In fact, research shows that cataracts account for 50% of all cases of blindness around the globe.

Glaucoma: This is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the eye. It is a very serious condition that can cause vision loss and blindness. While the damage caused by glaucoma can’t be reversed, early intervention and treatment may help slow the progression.

Macular degeneration: This age-related vision problem affects the light-sensitive tissue in the eye. Macular degeneration symptoms are gradual and typically not painful. They include loss of central vision, trouble recognizing faces, feeling the need for increased lighting to properly see, and difficulty reading printed words.

Diabetic retinopathy: This vision problem is a complication of diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak or close, stopping blood from passing through. Among its most common symptoms are blurry vision, problems with night vision, seeing floaters in your field of vision, and colors appearing washed out or faded.

Retinal tearing: With aging comes a higher risk for small tears in the inner lining of the eye. These can lead to a dangerous retinal detachment or other conditions that impact vision, like black spots or floaters. Surgery may be needed to repair a torn retina.

Surprisingly, an ophthalmologist might be able to detect other health problems during a vision exam, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and some autoimmune diseases.

Although Medicare usually doesn’t pay for routine eye exams or corrective lenses, Medicare Part B does cover some vision exams. Check with your eye doctor for further clarification on coverage.

For older adults on a limited income, there might be local programs or funding available to help defray these costs. Call the agency on aging to see if they are aware of any resources. Another option is the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation. The organization provides free or low-cost exams to seniors who qualify through the EyeCare America program.

Staying on track with routine health screenings, including a yearly vision exam, is just one of many components of healthy aging. How Lifestyle Impacts Healthy Aging is a good article to learn about other ways you can protect your health as you grow older.

When it comes to eye health, early detection and intervention are important. Learn more about common eye diseases and why a yearly eye exam is vital.

Caring for a senior loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Sometimes a change of scenery might help you unwind. Whether it’s a beach weekend or a lakeside retreat, caregivers deserve a vacation too, even if it means bringing their aging parent along.

It’s understandable to worry about their safety as you travel. Disruption in routine can present unique challenges for adults with dementia. With careful planning, however, vacationing with a loved one who has dementia is possible. These tips can help you plan.

Vacation Planning When a Family Member Has Dementia

A change in environment is often tough for an adult with dementia whose memory is impaired. Agitation and wandering may increase in unfamiliar surroundings. One way to get around these potential concerns is to return to a favorite family vacation spot. Because short-term memory is usually lost first, the older adult might have fond memories of vacation destinations from the past.

If that isn’t possible, consider destinations that might not be as busy as popular vacation spots. Adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia often have difficulty in loud, busy places.

Another consideration is when and how you will travel. Many people with dementia have times of day that are better for them than others. When is your senior loved one usually at their best? Try to plan your travel arrangements around those times.

Also give thought to transportation. Air travel is usually the quickest, but it might also be the most stressful for someone with memory loss. Airports are noisy and chaotic, especially in larger cities. The whole process of getting through security can be time-consuming and even frightening. Flight delays and cancellations are all too common.

Traveling by car, on the other hand, allows you to control the pace of the trip. If your family member becomes restless or needs to use the bathroom, you can usually find a place along the way to take a quick break. Car travel also allows you to create a safe, soothing environment. Soft music, pillows, and activities to keep them busy might help prevent agitation and anxiety.

When you are the family caregiver for a senior who has dementia, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for potential emergencies. In addition to keeping an ample supply of their medications and necessities on hand, create a mobile health file to take with you. Include copies of their medical history, a medication list, physician contact information, and important legal documents.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with hospital emergency rooms and urgent care centers in the areas you will be traveling to and through. While no one wants to think about a medical emergency happening while they are away from home, it’s important to plan for the worst.

Finally, consider investing in a mobile medical alert system. If your senior loved one becomes separated from you, they can press a button to connect with 911 or a Life Protect 24/7 operator. The choice is yours. Either option can allow you to be reunited wherever you are.

If you have questions about mobile monitoring devices or would like to learn more, call us today at 1-844-203-5617. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help!

Vacations might not seem feasible when a senior family member has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. These tips might make planning easier.

Traveling When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's

As newly or soon-to-be retired adults plan for their futures, a topic that often comes up is how to pay for senior care. While no one likes to think they’ll need it, research shows that nearly 70% of older adults will need long-term care at some point. In some cases, the need is temporary, such as after a hospital stay. For others, however, the change will be permanent. For both situations, long-term care insurance (LTCI) may be helpful.

While both men and women should discuss long-term care insurance with a trusted financial planner, women should take it especially seriously. Most women earn less than their husbands, which often translates to lower social security payments and less (if any) pension. Add to that the fact that women live longer than men.

Here's a quick overview of long-term care insurance along with what it does and doesn’t cover.

Many seniors and adult children are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn’t pay for non-medical home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. It is a health insurance program that focuses on a senior’s medical needs. By contrast, long-term care insurance helps pay for expenses associated with activities of daily living (ADLs).

ADLs fall under the category of custodial care. That incorporates tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, using the bathroom, and transferring safely to and from a chair or bed. When a senior can no longer perform these tasks safely on their own, their long-term care insurance policy might help.

LTCI might also be used to support older adults who are not safe living alone. Adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, for example, are often unable to live alone. Their disease causes cognitive losses that can put their physical well-being in jeopardy.

While long-term care insurance covers at least part of the cost of nursing homes, many newer policies pay for more than that. Depending upon the plan, an LTCI policy might also pay for part or all of the care in other settings, such as:

If the policyholder meets the company’s criteria—often that an older adult requires help with two out of five recognized ADLs—their LTCI will usually pay a pre-determined daily rate. One caveat to look for is that most companies have an elimination period, typically 90 days, that must be met before payment begins. This is comparable to the deductible on your health care insurance.

The cost of long-term care insurance varies according to each person’s age and health. Because women tend to outlive men, they usually pay more for LTCI. Couples often receive a discount.

If you are looking for a price range, the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index says the average cost of long-term care insurance in 2020, based on a three-year policy, was:

Single male, 65 years old, in good health: $1,400 a year

Single male, 65 years old, with some health issues: $2,100 a year

Single female, 55 years old: $2,675 a year

Single female, 65 years old, in good health: $2,100 a year

Single female, 65 years old, with some health issues: $3,100 a year

Couple, both 55 years old: $3,050 a year (combined)

Keep in mind, these are estimates. You’re or a senior loved one’s unique circumstances might result in higher or lower expenses.

Use a Mobile Monitoring Device for Peace of Mind

Whether it’s a chronic health condition or the risk of experiencing a fall, seniors who live alone might benefit from a mobile monitoring device. These discreet units allow the user to connect with an emergency operator who can summon help 24/7. It offers older adults and those who love them peace of mind.

Call us at 1-844-203-5617 or email info@lifeprotect247.com to learn more!

Are you or a senior loved one considering long-term care insurance but not sure what it really covers? This article will help provide a basic overview.

As worldwide travel is once again on the rise, older adults might be looking for senior-friendly international destinations. While ancient ruins and centuries-old churches are enticing, many aren’t easily accessible.

Fortunately, there are many international travel options that aren’t as challenging for older adults to navigate. This includes cities that have made great strides in accessibility. If you are looking for some interesting and fun destinations, one of the following suggestions might be appealing.

5 International Vacation Ideas for Seniors

River cruises allow older travelers to set their own pace. Central Europe has become a popular destination for senior travels through France, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and more. These smaller vessels offer an up-close view of popular attractions along the river, ranging from vineyards and castles to picturesque villages. River cruises offer an additional benefit of being a home base. You won’t have to repack, drag a suitcase around, and unpack at each destination!

Hiking the Inca Trail in the Andes in southern Peru is a popular bucket list item. But the physical aspects of that dream may be unrealistic for many. Fortunately, there is another option: train travel. Luxury trains like the Andean Explorer allow passengers to traverse the Andes on some of the world’s highest train routes. Private sleeping quarters, a spa, a dining car, and an observation car with an open deck make this the ultimate getaway for people of all ages.

People fortunate enough to have gone on an African safari often say it was the “trip of a lifetime.” While the process of getting there is lengthy, you’ll find a senior-friendly destination once you arrive. Unlike some locations where walking is a primary means of transportation, most visitors to South Africa travel in all-terrain vehicles. Kruger National Park is one of the best-known safari destinations. Beaches and vineyards are other day trips to explore.

Recognizing that ancient churches and buildings are a core attraction in this beautiful old city, leaders knew that accessibility issues were limiting tourism. They successfully fought to change that. Older visitors will now find sidewalks and businesses with ramps to make it easier for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Instead of having to drag a scooter or another mobility device around the world with you, they can be rented easily. Public transportation is also accessible.

This German city has also worked diligently to improve accessibility. In fact, Berlin is working to be 100% accessible. The city has done everything from making all galleries and museums easy for people in wheelchairs to navigate to widening sidewalks to better accommodate mobility devices. Berlin also has hotels, restaurants, and lounges that go as far as to have wheelchair lifts and raised toilet seats.

No one wants to prevent a senior loved one from enjoying their retirement and living life to the fullest. One way you can help protect an aging family member’s independence is by investing in a mobile monitoring unit. If they experience an emergency, a quick press of a button will connect them with an operator who can assist.

Because the units work wirelessly, older adults can call for help from wherever they roam. That brings peace of mind to the senior and those who love them. Call 1-844-203-5617 today to get started!

Seniors may fear their days of traveling to international destinations are behind them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to consider.

Senior-Friendly International Travel Destinations

Many older adults dream of traveling once they retire. While families often take weekend trips or vacation getaways, the time demands can make extended travel more difficult. So, retirees and people nearing retirement age often envision lengthy holidays to faraway places.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, made traveling more difficult, especially outside the country. Many of us settled for planning staycations at or near home. As restrictions ease both in the United States and abroad, people are once again planning vacations.

For seniors, it’s important to keep unique safety issues in mind. That includes everything from getting health insurance to taking important medical information with you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you plan.

Plan wisely: Our first tip is to set reasonable expectations for yourself and other older adults traveling with you. Group vacations often involve a lot of walking, including up and down hills and stairs. If you are trying to take advantage of the savings packaged vacations typically provide, make sure you and yours can safely keep up. You might be better served by working with a travel agency that caters to older adults. They will be better able to plan holidays that meet the needs of seniors.

Prepare for emergencies: No one likes to imagine a medical emergency will occur far from home, but it’s important to plan for it just in case. Photocopy lists of your medications, key health issues, and physicians’ contact information. Bring enough medication to last in case travel delays keep you from returning home on the planned date. However, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol advises against taking more than a 90-day supply. Also keep medications (including vitamins and supplements) in their original bottles. Obtain a note from your doctor to confirm the necessity of all prescribed medications. Store medications in your carry-on bag to make sure they aren’t lost.

Obtain health insurance: Many Medicare recipients are surprised to learn their health insurance won’t cover trips outside the country. If you have a traditional Medicare plan, you’ll need to obtain a short-term health insurance policy before you leave home. Ask your travel agent for advice during the planning process. If you are a member of a Medicare replacement insurance plan, call them to clarify what is covered when you are abroad.

Protect assets: Confirm with your travel agent that the hotels you will be staying at have an in-room safe. This will allow you to tuck money, credit cards, and a copy of your passport away. Use a money belt under clothing or a crossbody purse to lower the risk of pickpockets targeting you. Some of the most pickpocketed cities are also the most popular destinations for tourists, including Rome, Barcelona, Prague, and Madrid.

Check vaccines needed: Beyond COVID-19 vaccines, specific shots may be required to travel to certain regions. While yellow fever or typhoid typically aren’t found in the United States, they can be a threat in other countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Traveler’s Health section on their website you will likely find useful.


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If you are looking for a device to allow your aging parent to call for help in an emergency, consider the Life Protect 24/7 mobile monitoring unit. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Are you a senior starting to plan an international trip? This information will be of interest. We tackle topics ranging from health insurance to vaccines.

Safety Tips for Older Adults Traveling Outside the Country This Summer

After the COVID-19 pandemic and a long winter stuck indoors, many people are looking forward to a season of outdoor living, from gardening and family reunions to outdoor concerts and trips to the beach. As we head into the heart of summer, it’s important to be mindful of the need for good hydration.

For older adults, the summer months present unique health risks, one of which is greater potential for dehydration. While heat and humidity can increase the dehydration risk for people of all ages, older adults are especially vulnerable.

With some seniors, the increased risk is the result of a medical condition that impairs their sense of thirst. Other older adults might have problems adjusting to fluctuations in temperature. Their body’s ability to sweat diminishes, so they can’t cool down as efficiently. Both can lead to serious health complications, like dehydration and heat stroke.

For adult children, it’s essential to know how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and to learn how much liquid a senior loved one should be consuming each day.

While many of us know that dehydration is a serious health condition, few people understand just what it is and what the warning signs are.

In short, dehydration is the result of the body using more fluids than it takes in. When you don’t take in enough fluids, normal bodily functions can be compromised. The result can be problems ranging from headaches to kidney failure and even death.

It’s important to learn to recognize the warning signs that indicate the early stages of dehydration. Here are a few of the most common ones to be on the lookout for:

As dehydration progresses, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

If a parent or senior you are the caregiver for is exhibiting these symptoms, seek treatment at an urgent care center or a hospital emergency room without delay. They may need IV therapy to restore fluid levels.

Fluid Intake to Prevent Summer Dehydration

If you are wondering how much fluid you or a senior loved one needs in a day, it’s a question that isn’t easy to answer. It can fluctuate depending on the heat and humidity, as well as your personal health and activity level.

The Centers for Disease Control generally recommends adults consume 48–64 ounces of fluid a day. If you will be spending time outdoors when it’s hot or humid or if you are indoors in a space that isn’t air conditioned, you’ll likely need to significantly increase that amount.

It’s important to know that fluid consumption extends beyond just water, and some liquids actually contribute to dehydration. Fruit and vegetable juices, soup, water, and milk, for example, promote better hydration. But sodas and coffee shouldn’t be counted in your daily fluid consumption total. If they contain caffeine, a diuretic, they can actually increase the risk for dehydration.

To learn more, visit Summer Dehydration and Seniors: What Adult Children Should Know.

Keep a Senior Loved One Safe With a Medical Alert System

Being able to call for help when you’re home alone, whether it’s for a medical concern like dehydration or another type of emergency, is vital. A mobile monitoring unit makes it easy for a senior to quickly speak with an emergency operator 24/7. Call 1-844-203-5617 for more details!

Dehydration can pose a serious health risk to older adults. Learn more about this condition and the warning signs that indicate a senior is dehydrated.

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms in a Senior

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most people spent the majority of their time alone or with members of their immediate family. As the crisis wore on, we saw the media begin to spotlight loneliness and the health hazards associated with it. For older adults living alone, however, isolation was identified as a health risk years ago.

Why are older adults more likely to experience isolation than younger people? Seniors might become isolated for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are:

While it’s easy to understand why isolated seniors are more likely to develop depression, it’s not the only health problem to be concerned about. An older adult who is experiencing isolation is often at increased risk of other conditions, including:

Research also seems to indicate that older adults who are isolated are more likely to die prematurely.

If you or a senior loved one is spending much of your time alone, it’s important to find ways to reengage with others, even if you can only do so virtually. These suggestions might make that easier to do.

Ideas to Help Isolated Seniors Connect with the Community

Most cities have a wide variety of senior organizations. Some of them even offer transportation services for older adults who have given up driving.

One to consider is your local senior center. Most offer free or low-cost events and activities, such as chair yoga, musical entertainment, art classes, card groups, movie nights, and more. Many also serve a hot lunch for a nominal fee. Use this Senior Center Directory to find a location near you or your older family member.

Other senior groups to explore could be those at your church or synagogue, wellness programs at a local YMCA or fitness center, and retiree groups from your former employer.

If a lack of transportation is what’s causing you or a senior loved one to be isolated, it may be time to learn more about local transportation services. While ride-share services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in most communities, not all older adults are comfortable using them. Fortunately, most cities and rural communities have other options for seniors. The best way to learn more is to call your nearest agency on aging. Ask if they maintain a list of transportation options for older adults. You will probably discover that they have programs and partnerships, including volunteers, that are reliable and reasonably priced.

When you can’t be with friends and family in person as much as you’d like, video chat services are the next best thing. They offer an opportunity for near face-to-face conversations. Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime are all easy to use and have free versions. They make it easier to chat with loved ones from your favorite spot on the couch.

Another way to stay engaged via video chat is to use it for volunteer work. Call local nonprofits or the United Way to see if they know of any opportunities. If they don’t, websites like Points of Light or Volunteer Match allow you to search for virtual volunteer projects.

Consider moving to a senior living community

Would you be surprised to learn how dangerous isolation can be for older adults? Here’s what you should know, along with some prevention tips.

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