According to the Alzheimer’s Association, around 16 million Americans dedicate their time to taking care of a family member with dementia. While it is good for these people to devote themselves to their loved ones, it can be a burden to ensure home health care without falling sick or affecting their careers. More importantly, time will come when the increasing needs of dementia patients exceed our capabilities. Even relying on caregivers is just a temporary solution. It is the time when we have to carefully consider moving a loved one…
Expat Elder and Long-Term Care in Colombia
Want to retire long-term in Colombia and wondering what the elder care situation is like? Colombia is on International Living’s best places to retire list. The country has several fabulous things going for it. The climate is uniformly spring-like nearly year-round. A retirement visa isn’t a huge hassle for most people. Your dollar will go further with the high exchange rate. WHO ranks its health system higher than both the U.S. and Canada. However, you may want to think again about relocating to Colombia as you age. Quality of Colombia’s…
Portugal Elder Care and Assisted Living Options
Portugal appeals to many when it’s time to think about retirement because of its lower cost of living when compared to other European nations. It has been rated one of the best places to retire in 2020 and ranks above both Canada and the United States when it comes to the quality of healthcare. Rent, even downtown, is inexpensive comparatively. You can expect to pay about $500 per month. It’s an even better option to buy an apartment. A two-bedroom apartment can be found for $100,00 to $160,00 depending on…
Are Pets Allowed in Assisted Living Facilities?
Seniors moving into assisted living facilities often face a difficult choice if they are also pet owners – what to do with their pet. The decision is never easy as most assisted living facilities do not allow pets. Some however, do. Pet ownership for seniors as they move into an assisted living facility has apparent benefits and risks. Depending on the case and situation, as well as the existing conditions, the pros and cons may vary. But, it is worth noting first that there are facilities that allow pets upon…
Costa Rica Eldercare and Assisted Living for Expats
Are you an expat or aspiring expat in your senior years thinking about moving to Costa Rica? When planning for your golden years outside the U.S., Costa Rica is a good choice. Those over the age of 65 are given the moniker “ciudadanos de oro” (golden citizens) and are a well-respected segment of Costa Rican society. The cost of living in many areas in Costa Rica is a fraction of the United States, while the quality of life is high. Budget-conscious ex-pats can live comfortably in Costa Rica for less…
What Happens After Senior Respite Care?
Being the primary caregiver for a loved one is a weighty responsibility. Not only are you responsible for their physical needs, but you often find yourself providing emotional support for your loved one. Although you may feel that you are capable of doing it all, you don’t have to. There are several respite care options available to help you manage all of your caregiving responsibilities. How much help you accept, or how little varies according to your situation. What is Respite Care? Before we talk about what happens after respite…
Comparing Long-Term Care in Canada and the United States
When elder care in the United States is compared to other countries, it ranks near the bottom in certain aspects including affordability, care coordination, access, and timeliness of care. Canada comes out looking better, however, there are loads of out-of-pocket expenses that make elder care management quite difficult at times. Overview of Canadian Long-Term Care Canadian long-term care assistance varies from state to state, both with the cost and what the government will provide. The majority of the elderly remain in their own home or with family members and receive…
Nursing Home Coronavirus Safety
Senior care communities were in the news early on. For a short period in February 2020, the epicenter of the novel (new) corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nationally, could be found at the Life Care Center, a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington. Nursing home coronavirus safety was an immediate concern. Since the first resident tested positive for the virus on February 19, it saw a disproportionate number of its residents affected by corona virus. Since that time, and as of this writing, 37 deaths have been linked to the COVID-19…
Who Qualifies for Meals on Wheels?
The U.S. population is rapidly aging. There are more than 46 million U.S. citizens aged 65 or older. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. By 2050, the number will be almost 90 million! The in demographics comes with a profound impact on social services that serve seniors. Many of these people will qualify for Meals on Wheels. What is Meals on Wheels? Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to individuals – often home-bound individuals – who are unable to purchase…
Top Ten Best Alzheimer’s Caregiver Books
More than 5 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There are many Alzheimer’s caregiver books to inform those providing the care as experts predict that by 2050, there will be nearly 14 million people living with Alzheimer’s. There are more than 16 million unpaid caretakers that provide about 18.6 billion hours of care. Caregivers are subject to depression, guilt, loneliness, and psychological distress. The quality of their life and health suffer. Family caregivers may have little or no training when it comes to dealing with…
Eldercare and Assisted Living in Mexico for Expats
This is a guest post written by Jolina Flowers, a self-described “Expat Prepper” (What is a prepper?). She lives in Mexico. Wondering about eldercare in Mexico? Many people are. With the cost of medical expenses and nursing homes rising, while pensions and social security benefits dwindle, it’s no wonder that many older adults are considering Mexico for their golden years. Traditionally reliant on families for eldercare, Mexico has begun transitioning away from home care in many areas to accommodate the influx of expats. Senior Living Care Options in Mexico The choices…
Protecting Older Adults from Coronavirus Covid-19
The coronavirus outbreak is all over the news and there are no signs the outbreak is letting up anytime soon. Just the opposite, actually. All indications are it’s just getting started. Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that our seniors, older adults, are in the highest risk category along with people who have underlying conditions (heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease). Older adults with underlying health conditions are particularly at-risk if they contract Covid-19. There is no guaranteed approach to staying safe from the virus, but there are…