Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is here. This is an 8-week period of time when Medicare recipients can opt for different health care coverage. Whether it’s returning to traditional Medicare or signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, the window for making changes opens on October 15th and closes on December 6th every year.

Unfortunately, seniors sometimes find it tough to navigate the maze of options that are available to them. Some stick with their current plan for fear of making a mistake by choosing a new one or simply because they feel overwhelmed by the process. A health plan that might have worked well in the past, may not be the best plan anymore. There may be a different choice that will provide better coverage or one that will save money.

Here are a few tips that can help you make the most of Medicare Open Enrollment this year.

Get Started: It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time

You should have received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail in late September or early October. This notice is designed to inform you of any changes to Medicare—including costs—from this year to next. Take time to carefully review it and identify any changes that are important to your health care preferences.

It’s also essential to reflect on the past year’s coverage, as well as to review and explore other choices:

Reflect: Are you happy with your current providers and how well the plan meets your needs? Have you found yourself paying for an expensive prescription that isn’t covered? Have you been unable to see a favorite doctor because they aren’t part of your plan? Make a list of things you are happy with and those you aren’t.

Review: Gather the receipts from this year’s (or even the past two years) health care expenses. Add up all of the costs associated with your medical care, including premiums for gap insurance, co-pays, and uncovered expenses. This will help you compare the true cost of your current plan with others that are available.

Explore: If you are enrolled in traditional Medicare, you might want to explore Medicare Advantage plans, too. Some of these plans offer a wider range of benefits, even vision and dental coverage, for a reasonable price.

Fortunately, help is available if you are having difficulty figuring out which plan is best for 2021.

Online Resources for Support: If you are comfortable using online resources, the Medicare Plan Finder allows you to use your zip code to search for plans in your area. Easy Path to Choosing a Medicare Plan from the National Council on Aging is another easy-to-use resource. The site walks visitors through everything they need to know about Medicare plans.

State Health Insurance Assistance Plan (SHIP): Should you prefer to ask questions to an expert in real time, the SHIP program is available. SHIP advisors are available in every state. They answer questions about all things Medicare from prescription drug coverage to co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums.

If you found this information to be useful, we encourage you to bookmark and visit the Life Protect Blog often. It’s updated every week with information on aging, healthy living, senior safety, and more.

It’s Medicare open enrollment time again. If you are a Medicare recipient, take time to review your current plan and other options. Here’s how.

Preparing for Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment

When a loved one is a patient in a hospital or skilled nursing center or a resident of an assisted living community, advocating for their care is important. But these settings can be complex and intimidating. Navigating your way through all the decisions you need to make, from medical treatments to daily care and overall well-being, can feel overwhelming.

As a family member or caregiver, your involvement can ensure that your loved one receives the highest quality care and their needs are addressed effectively. Here are a few ways you can advocate for your loved one in these settings.

Understand Your Loved One’s Health Condition

The first step is to gain a solid understanding of your loved one’s situation. Whether they are in a hospital, a rehab center, or an assisted living community, it’s essential to know their diagnosis, care plan, and any specific medical needs. This knowledge will enable you to ask informed questions and confirm providers are addressing the correct issues.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask doctors, nurses, therapists, and other team members about your loved one’s condition, treatment options, and any changes in their health.

Keep track of symptoms: Document any changes in your loved one’s symptoms or behaviors. This information can be helpful when speaking with healthcare providers.

Clear communication is key when advocating for your loved one’s care. Whether you’re speaking with doctors, nurses, or other staff members, it’s important to express concerns, share observations, and ask for clarification when needed. Here are a few tips for communicating effectively:

Get organized: Write down questions, concerns, and important information before speaking with healthcare professionals. This helps ensure that nothing is overlooked during the conversation.

Request regular updates: Ask for regular updates on your loved one’s progress, treatment plan, and any changes in their care. It’s your right to stay informed about and involved in their treatment.

Be assertive, not aggressive: While advocating for your loved one, remain respectful yet assertive. If you disagree with a plan of care, state your concerns calmly and ask for alternatives.

Remain involved: One of the most important ways to advocate for your loved one is to be present. Visit them regularly and stay involved in their care as much as possible. Your presence can guarantee that they receive timely attention and their needs are met.

Every individual in a healthcare setting has rights, whether they are in a hospital, a rehabilitation center, or an assisted living community. Familiarize yourself with these rights to make certain that your loved one’s dignity and preferences are respected.

Patient rights: In a hospital or skilled rehab center, patients have the right to be informed about their care, to give consent for treatments, and to be involved in decision-making. They also have a right to be involved in developing their plan of care.

Resident rights: In assisted living communities, residents have rights to privacy, to make their own choices about daily activities, and to be free from abuse or neglect.

Advocating for your loved one means defending their rights at all times.

Work With a Care Coordinator or Social Worker

Many healthcare settings have care coordinators, social workers, or patient advocates who can assist in navigating the system. These professionals are often a valuable resource for helping you understand the care process and ensuring that your loved one’s needs are met.

Utilize their expertise: Social workers and care coordinators can assist with coordinating services, advocating for care plans, and even helping with insurance or financial concerns.

Request help when needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to these professionals if you feel your loved one’s needs are not being addressed.

Speak Up for Your Loved One’s Mental Health

Finally, don’t forget to look beyond your family member’s physical well-being. Advocacy isn’t just about medical care; it’s also about looking out for your loved one’s emotional and mental well-being. Being seriously ill or experiencing a decline in health can be tough. If your loved one seems isolated, anxious, or depressed, talk with their care team about solutions.

If you want to read more about supporting an aging family member’s health and wellness, How to Support a Senior’s Needs Without Taking Over may be of interest. It’s a great resource with tips on everything from encouraging your loved one’s independence to respecting their space.

Are you a caregiver for, or a family member of, a patient or resident at a healthcare facility? These tips can help you advocate for them.

How to Advocate for a Loved One in a Healthcare Setting

Being a caregiver for a loved one offers many rewards, as well as many challenges. Whether you’re caring for a spouse, parent, or friend, handling all the responsibilities alone can often feel overwhelming. This is especially true if you are one of the many Americans who work outside the home in addition to being a caregiver.

One of the most effective ways to manage the demands of this role while maintaining your own well-being is to build a strong support network. Having friends, family, healthcare professionals, and community resources who can provide emotional, physical, and informational support is invaluable. Here are a few tips for building a caregiver support network you can rely on.

Assembling a Network of Support When You Are a Caregiver

Before reaching out to others, it’s important to identify what kind of support you require. Caregiving responsibilities vary widely, depending on the needs of the person you’re caring for, so understanding your own needs is crucial. Consider the following:

Emotional support: Do you need someone to talk to when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed?

Physical assistance: Could you use help with daily tasks like transportation, meal prep, or personal care?

Information: Are you looking for guidance on medical treatments, caregiving strategies, or legal matters?

Having a clear understanding of your needs will help you target the right individuals and resources.

Your immediate circle of family and friends is often the first place to turn for support. Openly communicate your needs with those around you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people are willing to pitch in but may not know how unless you ask. Here’s how to approach them:

Be specific: Instead of saying “I need help,” try offering concrete tasks, such as “Could you help with grocery shopping this week?” or “Can you stay with Mom for a couple of hours on Saturday?”

Create a schedule: If multiple people are offering help, coordinate and create a schedule so everyone knows when and how they can contribute. One online tool you might find helpful is CaringBridge. It can make communication much easier.

Building a support network among family and friends helps spread out caregiving tasks so you’re not shouldering the responsibility alone.

In addition to family and friends, professionals can be a valuable part of your caregiving support network. Medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and therapists can offer guidance on managing your loved one’s health and provide practical advice for caregiving. Other professionals who can help include:

Home care aides: They can assist with personal care, like bathing and dressing. These tips can help you hire an in-home aide you feel confident in.

Counselors or social workers: They can provide emotional support and help navigate the complexities of caregiving, especially when it comes to managing stress or handling difficult emotions.

Legal and financial advisors: These experts can assist with legal documents, such as power of attorney, and guide you through financial decisions related to caregiving.

Local and national organizations are often a valuable resource for caregivers. Many community centers, churches, and senior service organizations offer programs like support groups, educational seminars, and respite care, which can provide both emotional and practical support:

Caregiver support groups: These groups allow you to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Sharing advice and stories can be comforting and help you feel less isolated.

Respite care services: These programs offer temporary relief for caregivers by providing trained professionals to care for your loved one, giving you a chance to rest and recharge.

Investigate local resources before you need them so you are prepared for the unexpected bumps that caregivers often encounter.

Building a strong support network is crucial, as is identifying the caregiving tasks that cause you the most stress. For many, worries about safety head the list, particularly if their loved one has dementia.

A tool that can give you peace of mind is a mobile monitoring unit. These discreet devices can be slipped into your loved one’s pocket. In the event of an emergency, they can simply press a button to connect with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 for more details!

Are you a caregiver for a friend or family member? Putting together a caregiver support network should be a priority. Here’s how to do it.

The spring season brings beautiful weather, blooming flowers, and longer days to most parts of the country. For many seniors, however, it also marks the return of seasonal allergies. These allergies, which are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers, can make life uncomfortable.

Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and congestion are common, and they can be especially challenging for older adults, due to changes in their immune system and other health factors. Let’s explore the most common causes of spring allergies and go over some tips to help older adults find relief.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies are primarily caused by allergens in the air, such as pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. The onset of warmer weather triggers the release of pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When these particles are inhaled or come into contact with the skin, the immune system can overreact, causing allergy symptoms.

Common spring allergy symptoms in seniors include:

Seniors often are more sensitive to allergens and experience more serious side effects for a variety of reasons, including:

Weakened immune system: As people age, their immune system tends to weaken. This can make it more difficult for the body to effectively deal with allergens.

Preexisting health conditions: Many older adults have underlying health conditions like asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, or heart problems. Allergies can worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

Medications: Some medications commonly taken to treat allergy symptoms can have side effects such as drowsiness. Another challenge to be aware of is that allergy medicines can interact with medications that are often prescribed to older adults for other medical issues.

Tips to Help Seniors Manage Spring Allergies

If you or a loved one are struggling to keep symptoms under control this spring, here are a few suggestions you might find helpful:

Monitor pollen levels: While this number can vary by location, researchers say pollen count tends to rise throughout the morning and peak at midday. Many weather websites/apps and local news stations provide daily pollen forecasts. This allows you to plan outdoor activities around expected times of higher and lower pollen counts. For example, if you like to run or walk, doing so at dusk or after dark might be kinder on your system. And there are steps you can take to stay safe while running or walking after dark.

Create an allergy-free zone: Creating a safe indoor environment can be one of the most effective ways to manage allergies. Seniors should keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times, particularly in the spring. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help reduce airborne allergens. In addition, washing bedding and changing clothes after being outside can help lessen pollen exposure indoors.

Use allergy medications wisely: Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays can be effective in managing allergy symptoms. However, older adults should be cautious and consult their doctor before taking any of these medications to ensure they don’t interfere with other prescriptions or medical conditions.

Practice good hygiene: After spending time outside, seniors should wash their hands and shower to remove any pollen that may have accumulated on their skin and hair. This will help reduce the chances of transferring allergens to the face and eyes. Throwing your clothes in the washer when you come inside can also help prevent pollen from being scattered around the house.

Stay hydrated and rested: Make sure to stay hydrated—drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, easing nasal congestion. Getting enough rest is important, too, as both allergy symptoms and medications can cause fatigue. Good sleep supports the immune system in managing allergic reactions.

Consider allergy shots: Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to manage spring allergies on your own. For seniors whose symptoms don’t respond to medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) might be a viable option. This treatment involves regular injections of allergens to gradually desensitize the immune system, providing long-term relief.

If you suffer from spring allergies or another health condition, you may be restricting yourself from enjoying an active lifestyle because of safety concerns. One idea that may help you gain more confidence is to invest in an emergency response device. These units work off wireless technology that allow you to call for help from almost anywhere. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Wondering what causes spring allergies and how to minimize them, especially if you are an older adult? This information will be of interest.

Understanding Spring Allergies: Tips to Help Seniors Find Relief

Spring is a season when many people decide to tackle projects around the house, from decluttering and organizing to deep cleaning. While few among us get excited about spring cleaning, the end result is usually worth the time it takes. And you’ll likely find your mental health improves when your house is neater and cleaner.

It’s important to approach these tasks with a plan. If you're working with kids, remember that each group has unique abilities and limitations. Here’s how to make the process age-appropriate while keeping it fun, practical, and easy to do.

A good approach to take when you’re spring cleaning is to balance your available time with your long-term organizational needs. While you might want to dig into each and every closet or drawer, it’s important to set priorities that match how much time you can devote to this project.

Here are a few practical tips to get and keep your home organized and decluttered:

Tackle the worst rooms first: People often struggle to figure out where to start spring cleaning. One piece of advice is to begin in the places where things seem most out of control, such as the closets or drawers that bring you the most stress. Work your way through those, and then move on to whichever spots in the home you still have time to tackle.

Adopt the “one in, one out” rule: Professional organizers often recommend this practice to their clients. It’s a simple and effective way to avoid clutter. For every new item you purchase (whether it’s a new kitchen gadget, storage container, or pair of shoes), make sure to donate, recycle, or toss something you no longer use. This helps prevent unnecessary accumulation of items.

Invest in drawer and cabinet organizers: This tip not only makes it easier to find things but also reduces clutter in your drawers and cabinets. You can also use stackable bins in your pantry or under the bathroom sink to organize items. Drawer organizers can be used in kitchens and bathroom cabinets, as well as dressers.

Declutter the counters: Eliminating the clutter on kitchen and bathroom counters can reduce stress. Store appliances you don’t use daily, like the blender or toaster, and leave only the essentials out on the counter.

Establish a deep-cleaning schedule: To maintain an organized home, set aside time once a month for a deep-cleaning session. This includes cleaning behind appliances, wiping down the tops of cabinets, and sorting through your pantry for expired or unused items.

Fun Tips for Including Kids in Spring Cleaning

For kids, organizing and cleaning should feel like an enjoyable activity rather than a chore. Encouraging them to participate in spring cleaning can not only teach them important life skills but also keep them engaged and motivated.

Make it a game: Kids love games, so why not turn organizing and cleaning into one? Have them race against the clock to see how fast they can organize their snack drawer or sort out their sock drawer. Or challenge them to see how many plastic containers they can match with their lids. You can even reward them with a small treat or special activity once your list is completed.

Provide “kid-friendly” cleaning tools: Kids can use cleaning tools that are made specifically for them, such as small mops, sponges, or brushes that fit their hands. Encourage them to wipe down tables, counters, and even low shelves. Not only does it help them feel responsible, but it also allows them to take ownership of their space.

Encourage charitable behavior: This can also be a great time to begin teaching kids how to be charitable. Have them sort through their toy box to identify items to donate to a local shelter. Do the same with clothes closets and drawers.

If your to-do list also includes finding ways to keep a loved one safer at home, investing in a mobile monitoring unit might be a solution. Whether you have a teen who likes to run in a nearby park or an aging parent who lives alone, these discreet devices make it easy to call for help in the event of an emergency. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Need some ideas to help you start spring cleaning? You might be interested in these tips, including a few to get the kids involved.

Repetition and routine are both essential for adults living with memory loss, such as the kind that occurs with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe having a structured, daily plan that balances activity with rest helps people live their best quality of life despite the disease. It allows the person with memory loss to rely less on short-term memory, which is often impaired early in the disease process. That’s why changes in their daily schedule can be so tough.

How the Time Change Impacts People With Memory Loss

If you are a caregiver for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you might have noticed that veering away from their usual daily routine can increase anxiety, restlessness, and agitation. One type of disruption you might not have considered before, however, is seasonal time changes. Those days of the year when we move the clock forward or back can be challenging.

Daylight and darkness contribute to a common condition known as Sundowner’s Syndrome. Also referred to as sundowning, it describes the symptoms and behaviors that people with the disease experience as the sun begins its descent each day. Because the time change causes a disturbance in the body’s sleep-wake cycle, it can be especially difficult for people with Alzheimer’s.

While the cause of sundowning is unknown, scientists have some theories about what contributes to it. One is that as the disease progresses, it interrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which play a role in how the body and brain respond to nightfall. As a result, when most humans naturally begin to feel tired and ready for sleep, people with Alzheimer’s may not receive the cues from the brain that signal fatigue and the need for sleep. When the time change occurs in the fall and the spring, it further disrupts the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

Here are a few ideas family caregivers might find helpful to minimize sundowning symptoms all year long, including during time changes:

Structure the day with care: When you are caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, how you plan your day is important. Try to balance activity with rest breaks. If you notice your senior loved one tires in the late afternoon and falls asleep, rethink how you structure the early part of the day. It might be better to schedule appointments and activity in the early morning so the senior can nap in the late morning or early afternoon. If naps are taken too late in the day, it can make bedtime more challenging.

Utilize interior lighting: Another idea is to manage the light inside your home. If you are trying to prevent your loved one from falling asleep or going to bed too early, close the blinds and turn all the inside lights on. It might help trick the body into thinking it’s still daytime. This approach might also help ease the daily transition from daytime to evening that often triggers sundowning. At best, it can help decrease agitation and pacing, which are common behaviors at the end of the day among adults with Alzheimer’s.

Encourage gentle exercise: Most of us know fitness activities are good for managing stress and promoting better sleep. For adults with Alzheimer’s, exercise also helps prevent or reduce the restlessness and agitation commonly associated with the disease. You could try to work a 15-minute morning walk together into your daily routine. Or maybe engage in chair yoga after lunch or spend time in the garden. These are all good stress busters for adults with dementia and for their family caregivers.

Safety is often a concern for people with memory loss. Family members worry their loved one will wander away and be unable to call for help. One solution is to invest in a mobile monitoring unit. You can slip it into their pocket each day when they get dressed. If the senior experiences an emergency, a simple press of a button connects them with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 for more details!

Are you the caregiver for an adult with Alzheimer’s or another memory-related condition? Here’s what to know about seasonal time changes and memory loss.

How the Start of Daylight Saving Time Can Impact People with Alzheimer’s

Preparing for Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment

Get Started: It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time

Get Help with Medicare Open Enrollment

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