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Senior Health

Preparing For Your Future Long-Term Needs: A Guide

For many of us, thinking about the future can come with a lot of stress and worry. Even if you have savings for retirement, it’s impossible to foresee what issues might arise down the road. Medical bills, home repairs, and changes in Social Security benefits are all possibilities that can eat into your savings. If you or your partner should need long-term care due to an injury or illness, savings can evaporate.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can prepare. Lifestyle changes can maximize the odds of living longer without long-term care, while building up the savings account can make more options available. The key is to think carefully about how you want to proceed and to look for the best ways to make changes that won’t come at the cost of comfort or safety. The following tips can help you get started, courtesy of Aspen Senior Care.

Live Healthier

When it comes to planning for your future needs, sometimes it helps to look at your lifestyle. If you have health or mobility issues now, what will the next five or 10 years look like? Long-term care is often necessary for seniors who cannot traverse their home safely on their own, or for those who suffer a fall or injury as a result of their disability.

Make positive lifestyle changes now because it’s important to do so. Diet and exercise can play a pivotal role in staying healthy. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to create healthy habits.

Consider the Cost

Long-term care isn’t just expensive, but many of us dread the idea like it’s some kind of surrender. If independence is important, and the current home can continue to be a safe place to live with minor modifications, then planning on staying in the home for as long as possible can be worth it.

Don’t be afraid to admit what you’ll need help with. A housekeeper coming in once or twice a week to help with the chores that have gotten to be more of a chore can be a godsend.

An in-home senior-care service like Aspen Senior Care in Utah Valley can fill in the gaps and keep you in your home longer than without visits. They can also provide an in-home no-cost no-obligation assessment to help you address problem areas in the home.

Reduce the Risk of Injury

Take a look around the home to see if there are changes that can be made now. Home modifications have become very popular as many more seniors are looking to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

The bathroom and kitchen are often problematic areas. There are easy fixes that can be done, like adding more lighting and removing clutter and items like throw rugs that can lead to a fall. In the bathroom, add a shower seat and grab bars to aid in your balance in both the shower and around the toilet.

Need a new shower stall or need to do something about water pressure or move pipes? For major projects, look for certified plumbers near me to take on the job. Compare rates and look at reviews to get one who’s trustworthy. With the right information, you can confidently make an informed decision.

Look at Finances

Many seniors rely on their retirement fund to pay for long-term care costs, but it’s imperative that you understand what your needs will be when you retire. Look at your income versus expenditures, and come up with a budget. Making a realistic cut in your spending now will help you figure out how much you’ll need in the coming years and what you can and can’t live without.

Even with health insurance and Medicare, long-term care can be costly, as these programs don’t pay for everything. Having a cushion in your savings account will be extremely helpful, and one of the best ways to pad it quickly is by selling your home.

If this is an option, consider downsizing to a smaller place that will save you money and work better for your health and safety needs. If your home is paid off or can list for a higher price, that’s a lot of cushioning for future needs.

Thinking about the future can be stressful, so it’s important to look for ways you can reduce those feelings and stay focused. Careful planning is necessary to ensure that you and your partner will be comfortable for years to come. It’s never too soon to prepare for every eventuality, including the need for long-term care.

Aspen Senior Care provides in-home senior care services and senior daycare to Utah Valley. Get a no-cost, no-obligation in-home assessment today!

About the Author

Annabelle Harris is the creator of Elders.Center. Her goal is to help soon-to-be seniors and already-seniors move gracefully into their golden years with less fear and more confidence. The site features a plethora of resources to help answer common and not-so-common questions about aging.

Tying the Knot in Your Golden Years: 8 Tips for Retirees

Elderly Couple Kissing

You were content preparing for retirement on your own – but your vision of the future changed when you met someone truly special in your golden years. Getting married in retirement can be the beginning of a beautiful new phase of your life! If you’re a retiree who has recently tied the knot, you might be wondering what comes next. These guidelines will help the two of you navigate situations that you may face after getting married in retirement.

Consider Opening a Business

As you and your new spouse build your life together, you’re probably making some big decisions about how to manage your finances. Perhaps both of you have saved diligently for years, but now that you’re married and enjoying your retirement, you want to have a little extra income coming in so that you can treat yourselves and have fun. Why not start a business together? It just might bring you closer!

If you do choose to start a business, how can you get the word out about your products and services? You’ll need to engage in marketing. In addition to going to local business events, putting up flyers, and building a website, you should also design a standout logo for your business. This is a great way to make a lasting impression on customers. You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make a custom logo – simply use a free logo maker with pre-made templates that will allow you to add text, images, and colors.

Choose the Right Place to Live

If both you and your spouse owned property before getting married, you may be wondering where you should live now. Consider the value of each property, the connections you have in your current neighborhoods, where you’ll have better access to healthcare and senior support services, and what kinds of amenities you enjoy. Think about what would be the fairest arrangement for both of you – you don’t need to rush this decision.

An Elderly Couple smiling and holding flowers

Update Your Insurance Policies

Dealing with health insurance and long-term care insurance in retirement can be tricky – and this is especially true if you get married in your golden years! You may want to talk to a health insurance advisor who offers assistance to seniors who need help managing their Medicare plans. When it comes to long-term care insurance, you could research companies that provide shared policies for senior couples. It’s important to choose policies that work for both of you.

Decide How to Combine Your Finances

After getting married in retirement, you may feel conflicted about how to manage your finances. At this point, both of you may have been living independently for quite some time, and completely combining your finances may not be worth it. But you may want to open a joint checking account that you can both draw from when necessary. Furthermore, you should take the time to establish a budget and determine what both of your financial responsibilities will be. This process can take some time, so don’t feel like you need to make a decision overnight.

Taxes and Social Security

If you get married in retirement, your tax filing requirements will change. You may also need to change the way you manage your Social Security payments. If you’re not sure what to do next, hiring a financial advisor who works with seniors is your best bet. They will be able to walk you through your new tax filing responsibilities and explain how your Social Security payments might change. Furthermore, if you have questions about combining your taxes, budgeting, or paying for health insurance and long-term care insurance, an advisor can help you in these areas, too!

But how do you go about finding a financial advisor? SeniorCaring recommends asking at your bank first, as they may be able to provide you assistance without charging any fees. You can also usually attend financial education seminars for free held by local organizations that support seniors. If you choose to work with a personal financial planner, make sure that they hold the proper certifications and have no violations on their record.

Try New Hobbies Together

Retirement brings many perks and positive lifestyle changes, but perhaps the biggest benefit of retiring is creating so much time for your hobbies! You and your spouse can try out some new hobbies together. For example, Sixty and Me recommends traveling, learning a foreign language, cooking and baking new recipes, playing musical instruments, scrapbooking, or even diving into the history of your families. You could also get involved with a volunteer group in your area and pitch in to make your community a better place. With so much free time to fill, retirement is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills! It will be even more fun when your spouse is learning along with you.

Introduce Your Families

One of the joys of marriage is bringing both of your families together! Perhaps you and your spouse had the chance to introduce each others’ families before you got married, but now, you can give everyone the ability to get to know each other on a deeper level. You could plan for joint holiday gatherings, take regular trips to meet each other’s families, or simply host your relatives for dinner more often.

Expand Your Social Life

Finally, retirement presents lots of new opportunities for socializing. You and your spouse can introduce each other to your respective friend groups! Plus, you can make an effort to meet new people together. You never know who you’ll meet in retirement, and as a married couple, you can help form new connections amongst your friends.

Getting married in retirement marks a significant lifestyle change. If you were expecting to live alone and manage your finances independently in retirement, you’re probably in the midst of shifting your original plans! While you may encounter some complicated situations, these tips will help you manage the transition smoothly.

To find out more about Aspen Senior Care’s commitment to excellence, please visit AspenSeniorCare.com or call 801-224-5910.

Jillian Day created 508Assist to help people all across the web make their sites accessible to individuals with disabilities. She was inspired to start 508Assist when a close family member, who happens to have a visual impairment, had trouble finding a dinner recipe online that he could read easily. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, Jillian enjoys being outside, whether she’s fishing, hiking, or Geocaching with her family.

Safe and Effective Weight-loss Tips for Seniors

Safe and Effective Weight-loss Tips for Seniors

The obesity rate in the United States has reached epidemic proportions across age groups, including senior citizens. That’s concerning for many reasons, not the least of which are the health risks associated with excess weight. If you’re struggling on the scale, use these helpful tips on safe and healthy weight loss for seniors.

Eat Right

The secret to losing weight isn’t in grunting and sweating at the dumbbell rack, but in savoring a delicious meal – that is, the right delicious meal. Fill your plate with lean protein, fruits and veggies, and whole grains, and try to eat slowly so you know when you’re getting full and you won’t overindulge. Also remember that it’s as much about what you don’t eat as what you do – for example, cutting out two 16-ounce sodas a day saves you around 300 calories.

  • Seniors can add more vitamins and minerals into their diets by making careful choices focused on nutrient-rich
  • Nutritious meals can be easily prepared; check out the recipes here.
  • There’s a healthy way to go about gaining weight, too.

Exercise

Despite those caveats about exercise, keep in mind that working out is crucial to losing weight. Sticking to a fitness regimen may feel overwhelming, but in addition to losing weight, some upsides of regular physical activity include lower stress, a boost in energy, and even a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.

Invest in a Home Gym

If you find you’re not working out because you don’t have the willpower to go to the gym, consider creating an exercise area in your home. One of the perks of a home gym is that it can go anywhere. Although you could invest in fancy equipment, a few dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat are pretty much all you need to create a fully-operational, senior-friendly workout space.

  • Inexpensive workout equipment can be found fairly easily.
  • Invite a friend to join you for exercise. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated and provide support and encouragement.

Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

People who are overworked, sleep-deprived, or chronically stressed tend to pack on the pounds. When stressed, your body releases hormones to steel itself for injury, which often means padding on fat as part of its survival mode. With that in mind, be sure to take care of your mental wellness in your golden years. Your mind and body will benefit from it.

  • Mental health can dramatically affect physical health, so it’s important to take care of both.
  • Diet and exercise affect mental health, too. So be proactive in selecting healthy foods and sticking with your workouts.
  • Getting adequate sleep is important for your mental health and critical for weight loss.
  • Know the signs of depression, and if you see them, seek help.
  • When you visit a mental health professional, they may recommend medication. Anxiety and depression medication prescribed online can alleviate your symptoms.

Losing weight is rarely an easy journey when you’re a senior. The good news is that by making some relatively minor changes to your diet, exercise routine, and mental healthcare plan, you’ll be on your way to a healthier weight and a happier life.

The skilled and compassionate caregivers at Aspen Senior Care can provide quality care services for your senior loved one. Call 801-224-5910 to learn more.

About the Author

Annabelle Harris is the creator of Elders.Center. Her goal is to help soon-to-be seniors and already-seniors move gracefully into their golden years with less fear and more confidence. The site features a plethora of resources to help answer common and not-so-common questions about aging.

Top Side Gigs for Seniors Looking to Earn an Extra Dime

An elderly man holding money

Looking for ways to earn extra income but don’t know where to start? This question is a common stumbling block for anyone looking to start a side gig. And can be particularly daunting for those looking for a job after having been in a stable career for the better part of their youth. But the brilliant thing about side gigs is that they can be a viable source of income for just about anyone looking for a means to earn extra money. You just have to know where to look. So today, Aspen Senior Care presents our best picks for seniors looking for ways to earn an additional income. 

Teach English

LoveTEFL notes that teaching English to overseas students has become one of the most popular ways to earn an extra income today. If you have an affinity for language, enjoy teaching, and love to meet people from all walks of life, this may be the side gig for you. 

Host Your Own AirBnB

Hosting your own Airbnb is a great way to earn passive income without really having to do anything. AirBnBs are ideal for holidaymakers who want to save on their accommodation expenses by renting out a space that is often more affordable than a fancy hotel. So if you have the space available, why not consider renting it out to earn some extra cash on the side. 

Teach Others

If you have tons of experience in a particular area, why not consider sharing your knowledge with others? Again, this is so easy to do with technology at your side. Because if you don’t manage to find a community learning center nearby, online platforms like YouTube allow you to showcase your knowledge on a global scale. 

How to Find the Right Side Gig

Now that you’ve reached a stage where you’ve decided you’re all in and ready to start that side gig you’ve been dreaming about, this begs the question: where do you start looking? As mentioned before, technology is where almost everything is these days. So looking for your ideal side gig is as simple as doing a quick search online where you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Or better yet, Creative Lives In Progress suggests phoning a friend or using social media to connect with others searching for the same thing. 

What You’ll Need to Consider

You’ll need to consider when starting your side gig if you want to turn your part-time gig into a full-time business eventually. Suppose you’ve always wanted to become a massage therapist or esthetician, for instance, but never had the chance to. If you decide that this is it for you and you want to pursue your dream further, you’ll also need to consider the type of business you want to file, what contracts you’ll need to sign to set up shop in your area, and what tax bracket you’re likely to fall into. 

That said, LLCs are a popular business type that many new entrepreneurs are now choosing for its various benefits, including tax advantages, additional flexibility, the fact that it has limited liability, and so on. But suppose you feel like your plate is already full, and you can’t manage this area of your business yourself. In that case, a formation service can help you by filing your LLC paperwork, for instance, and is often much cheaper than other more conventional routes. 

If you need to brush up on your business skills, consider taking some business courses. You could even go for an advanced degree like an MBA to gain knowledge of the latest software and concepts like accounting, leadership, human resources, and entrepreneurship. You can’t go wrong by taking classes online, which gives you the added benefit of going at your own pace and completing coursework anywhere there’s an internet connection. It’s also usually much more affordable than attending a traditional campus.

If Anyone Can Do it, You Can

In conclusion, if starting a side hustle seems like the best idea for anyone else but you, take heart that many people from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life have managed to make their side hustles a success. And if they can do it, so can you.

The award-winning team at Aspen Senior Care specializes in assisting seniors in their homes by providing caregivers you can trust. Give us a call today for more info! 801-224-5910

Submitted by Aspen Senior Care Contributor Sharon Wagner.

Innovative Technologies That Can Make Life Easier for Seniors

An elderly woman using headphones

In today’s modern and tech-savvy world, more and more people are embracing technology, seniors included. Close to 70 percent of the elderly are now connected to the internet. Undeniably, technology for seniors is growing in popularity and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Nowadays, tech devices have become an integral part of the daily life of most seniors. These ingenious technologies have allowed them to move around, connect with loved ones, and live healthier, fulfilling, and more connected lives.

Invaluable Tech Solutions for Seniors

From managing medications and sleep to assistance with day-to-day life, here are some of the most innovative technologies that have made life easier for seniors:

A photo of a phone, headphones, and a watch.

Hero Digital Pill Dispenser

Hero digital pill dispenser is designed to dispense a senior’s medication at a scheduled time each day. The Hero digital pill dispenser can hold up to 10 different kinds of pills of various shapes and sizes. It can also be tailored to any medication schedule.

The digital pill dispenser can store up to 90 days of medication supply, depending on the pill’s size. This digital pill dispenser is also connected to the Hero app, which tracks the pills’ consumption and doses.

The Hero digital pill dispenser won’t accept half pills, gummies, and sticky dissoluble pills to avoid contamination.

Additional Features

  • 30-day free trial
  • Password protected
  • HIPAA-compliant security for all data
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Notifications (when medication is low)
  • Free software update

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation)

This smart and compact speaker has many senior-friendly abilities and features. Apart from being voice-activated, it is also small, so they can take it anywhere. This imaginative device can also be used to:

  • Stream music
  • Play games
  • Check the weather
  • Receive news updates
  • Set alarms for medications
  • Chat
  • Create grocery lists

When set up to guard the home, this additional feature included in the Alexa app provides seniors alerts about smoke alarms, broken glass, and carbon monoxide.

Additional Features

  • Hands-free calls
  • Privacy Protection
  • Voice control (turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and lock doors)

COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

If your senior loved one has hearing loss, the COWIN E7 can be a great option. Its advanced active noise reduction technology is designed to cancel lower frequencies. This gives them the ultimate listening experience when they listen to their favorite music or podcasts or watching their favorite movies.

COWIN E7 also comes with Bluetooth technology that makes hands-free listening possible.

Additional Features

  • 30-hour battery life
  • High-quality built-in microphone
  • 90 degrees swiveling ear cups
  • Professional padding
Elderly woman wearing headphones and using a cell phone

GrandPad

This easy-to-use tablet is designed primarily for seniors and comes with built-in wireless data. It allows them to listen to music, video chat with their loved ones, and play games with the utmost ease.

This breakthrough technology also allows seniors access to their own private family network where approved friends and loved ones can update contact information and add photos.

The GrandPad is also a practical gift for seniors who are not tech-savvy since it won’t require passwords and won’t need any modem.

Additional Features

  • Unlimited support team access
  • Safe from spams and scams
  • Has enlarged text for easy reading
  • Sends voice-automated emails

Tile Sticker

Seniors who always lose everyday items would sure love Tile Sticker. Tile Sticker is placed on wallets, keys, remotes, and other things that can easily be misplaced. When seniors need to find their lost items, they need to use the company’s app on their phones to locate them.

The Tile Sticker has a Pro version that’s recommended for valuable items. It comes with a Bluetooth range of 400 feet.

Additional Features

  • 3-year battery life
  • Free shipping
  • 30-day guarantee
  • Waterproof

Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a health manager and versatile watch rolled into one. It comes with a heart-rate tracker and provides easy access to information and apps. You can also use it to listen to unlimited music on Spotify, track the weather, and set alarms. What’s even impressive? They can use it to pay the bills while on the go.

Additional Features

  • Personalized clock face
  • Fitbit pay
  • Sleep tracker
  • 24/7 heart rate tracking
  • Built-in Amazon Alexa

Ring Video Doorbell

Ring designs doorbell camera systems that provide notifications to smartphones in real-time when motion sensors are triggered or when visitors ring the doorbell. This product will not only help ensure their safety, it can also help make life easy for seniors.

With the Ring Video Doorbell, they can speak to visitors anytime and anywhere. The device can also be used to monitor the doors around the home. Custom motion settings can be set. Safety and crime alerts can also be sent directly to a smartphone.

Additional Features

  • Advanced motion settings
  • 1080 HD video and two-way talk
  • Night vision

Conclusion

It is reassuring to know that many innovative technologies are now available to help make life easy for seniors. While some technologies require some getting used to, they are a massive step in the right direction for improving their quality of life.

Melissa Andrews - Paradise Living Centers

About the Author

Melissa Andrews is the Content Marketing Strategist for Paradise Living Centers, an assisted living center for seniors with locations in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and going on hiking trips with her siblings and cousins.

Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults: How to be Aware

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Debbie Booth with Adult Protective Services (Utah) provides our caregivers with training on the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults.

What does “abuse” mean? Abuse can refer to any situation in which someone who has more power hurts someone with less power. It may include:

  • Verbal Abuse — saying mean or cruel things to you.
  • Physical Abuse — hurting you intentionally.
  • Emotional Abuse — hurting your feelings intentionally, scaring you, or deliberately making you feel guilty about matters you cannot control.
  • Sexual Abuse — inappropriate touching or speaking about sexual matters.
  • Neglect — withholding things that you need (inappropriately) or refusing to take you to the doctor when you need to go.
  • Exploitation — taking advantage of you, your money or belongings.

It is important to know that reporting elder abuse in Utah is mandatory. You can describe and report the current situation of Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, or Self Neglect and choose to remain anonymous if you desire. 

Watch the video to learn more about how to be aware of cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Please Note: This training contains images of sensitive content pertaining to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. If you do not prefer to view this content, please reach out to the office for other training material at 801-224-5910.

Reach out to Debbie Booth at [email protected] with any questions. All reports of abuse will be considered serious and investigated to the fullest extent.

Adult Protective Services (APS)
Salt Lake County — 801-583-3567
Statewide — 1-800-371-7897
Web — daas.utah.gov

Four Steps to Successful Hearing Health Care

1-Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash
By: Dr. Jessica Peterson, Au.D CCC-A
Founder and Owner of Audiology Consults LLC — www.audiologyconsults.com

Hearing health can be difficult to understand and manage.  In today’s world, there are many venues to receive hearing health care. Technology can also differ greatly due to an increasing number of hearing aid varieties. As a clinical audiologist, I educate my patients about maintaining their hearing devices and how to maintain their overall hearing health.  Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and your ears all need routine care.  Your daily communication will be greatly improved if you take the time to understand both the technology you are using and how to manage your hearing loss.

1. Routine Hearing Test

Hearing testing should be done routinely.  The majority of hearing loss occurs gradually.  It can be difficult to perceive if a hearing loss has occurred to even the most discerning patient.  Having a baseline hearing test, followed by further testing will ensure that small changes are detected early.  Early detection of hearing loss is important. Studies show that early treatment of hearing loss will significantly improve outcomes. Hearing aids will benefit you even with a mild hearing loss.  Our ears are the gateway to our auditory cortex.  The auditory cortex is the part of the brain that makes sense of the sounds around us.  The auditory cortex is similar to a muscle, and just like your muscles would shrink if you decided to not lift weights, the function of your auditory cortex will decrease function if the sound stimulus is decreased.  Even a mild hearing loss will start to change the way the brain reacts to sound, and if you delay treatment too long regaining the same function will be more difficult and sometimes impossible to achieve.

Some signs that your hearing may have changed:

  • You are asking people to repeat themselves more than before.
  • You have been feeling like people mumble when they speak.
  • Your television has to be increased in volume for you to hear it well.
  • It is more difficult to hear in background noise than it used to be.

2. Technology Management

If you have hearing loss and are wearing technology such as hearing aids or a cochlear implant, routine maintenance is essential.  It is possible that your hearing may change over time and the devices may need to be adjusted.  In addition, Hearing aids are small electronic devices that sit in your ear where there is sweat and wax.  To ensure they are functioning properly, it is important to have them professionally cleaned from time to time and to have your ears looked at to ensure the skin inside remains healthy and that no wax blockages are occurring.

Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash
Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash

3. Communication Strategies

Hearing aides are one part of an effective communication plan.  Another important part of communication is relying on other visual cues like facial expressions and body language.  When tested, most people perform better when they are able to watch the speaker’s face.  Although you may not be conscious of it, seeing a speaker’s face will help you understand what they say, even when you did not clearly hear what they said.   

Background noise is troublesome for speech comprehension because the signal is difficult to detect.  Picture deer on an empty hillside.  With no other objects, it is easy to see.  Now picture the same hillside but with several trees and bushes around the deer.  The task of finding the deer in the trees is more difficult than finding the deer on the empty hillside.  Our ears have the same problem.  When background noise is present it is harder for our ears to focus on the speech we care about.  It takes more work for us to understand speech in the midst of background noise.  Because the task takes more work, it will create auditory fatigue.  Many people experience auditory fatigue but with even a mild hearing loss, the task of listening is more difficult, and auditory fatigue may happen more quickly.  

These are some rules that you can incorporate into your communication routines to give yourself every advantage for communication.  While these things may seem like common sense, they are easy to forget.

Communication Strategies:

  • The speaker should have your full attention before launching into a lengthy speech.
  • Face the speaker so that you have access to visual cues.
  • Make sure you are in the same room with the person you are talking to.
  • Try to dedicate yourself to listening, multi-tasking can make understanding more difficult
  • Reduce background noise when possible.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat or rephrase if you didn’t understand.

4. Hearing Health Education

Fully understanding your hearing loss, your hearing test, how to make a communication plan, hearing aid technology, and the hearing aid process is essential to making sure you are getting the most out of your hearing.  A frequent misunderstanding is that hearing aids only will fix hearing loss.  Hearing loss is complex and requires technology in conjunction with deliberate communication strategies

It is important for the patient, their family, their caregivers, friends, and others to understand how to navigate communication.  Many audiologists and hearing instrument specialists are excellent at providing patient education but are limited by appointment times. Due to the lack of easily accessible education on hearing loss I have created an online course that walks you through all of these topics in depth.  If you would like to learn more about hearing loss, hearing aids, communication strategies, the process for managing hearing loss and more, I would encourage you to join me in my course.  You can find the course at www.audiologyconsults.com.  You may also contact me  there if you would like to connect or have questions.

The Ultimate Handbook on Trifocal Lenses

Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels - pexels-rfstudio-3867185

Trifocal lenses improve distant, intermediate, and nearby sight issues. You might be aware of the far and near sight issues and their relevant corrections. But the intermediate vision, too, is essential for most of our everyday tasks. To cater to all three, trifocal, as the name suggests, consists of three separate lenses that re-establish a complete vision range. 

Ideally, trifocal lenses work for people over the age of forty who are suffering from existing conditions or have developed presbyopia due to age. They are made up of an anti-reflective layer to promote the comfort of thoroughly clear eyesight. The coating provides better vision in low-light situations. 

Whether you are finding a good solution for yourself or a senior loved one, a local eye doctor will be able to help you understand if a trifocal lens is a suitable option. 

Advantages of Trifocal Lenses

These multi-purpose lenses have a range of benefits:

  • These are three-in-one correction lenses saving you from the hassle of managing multiple glasses. 
  •  Enable a broader viewing area in case of nearer vision. That makes it easier to use a screen or read with reduced strain on the eyes in case of dimmed surround lights. 
  • From the beginning, you will experience enhanced visibility and brightness in the colors around you. 
  • Trifocal glasses offer you the ability to see adequately in all kinds of lighting conditions, including dim lighting, bright lights, low light, and even daylight.
  • Another significant aspect is that you will endure fewer glares from bright lights, which will make driving at night easier for a lot of people. 

Disadvantages of Trifocal Lens

As is the usual practice, here I am presenting the other side of the story as well for better perception:

  • Since trifocal lenses correct multiple sight problems simultaneously, you might experience some visibility issues when seeing through another section of your glasses.
  • The trifocal lens within the case of cataract IOL might cause reactions such as blurred sight or intolerable glare because of the presence of the implant.
  • Unlike progressive lenses, there is no possibility of customizing these glasses. 

How to use them?

It is essential to note that the trifocal lenses are easy to use. Below are some of the measures you can take to make the transition convenient:

  • Learn the proper technique of using your new glasses from your optometrist and make sure they fit you well. 
  • They should be well adjusted on your nose to avoid slipping, and for you see through them appropriately.
  • Always ensure that you continue looking in front and not downwards when walking. That will avoid vision distortions due to the glasses.
  • When reading something, it should be held at a convenient distance for you to be able to read it properly without much strain.

Can anyone use trifocal glasses? 

Although they can overcome a variety of visibility issues, trifocal do have their limitations. In patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), advanced glaucoma, diabetes, and cataracts, the trifocal lenses are not a suitable solution.

The ideal candidates for trifocal lenses are people over forty who are suffering from presbyopia that prompts them to need to change or begin their eyeglass prescriptions. Trifocal glasses can restore enhanced visibility in all ranges and can be chosen as an alternative to avoid correction surgeries. 

If so far, you have been able to figure out that you need trifocal glasses, you can go a step further by visiting an eye doctor in your local area. They will be able to understand your prevalent eye ailments and then prescribe the most suitable lens options for you. Remember, trifocal glasses and contacts ensure a close-up, intermediate, and faraway view. 

Aaron Barriga

Author Bio:

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, eye care center, Fresno. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

Aspen Senior Care’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Photo by Branimir Balogović from Pexels

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response – March 24, 2020

Aspen Senior Care is taking extra precautions to keep our clients, caregivers, and office staff safe. This is our top priority at this time. We want to do all we can to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our Aspen family. Here are the most critical steps we are taking:

1. Frequently reminding all employees to follow the important CDC guidelines. These include washing hands often for 20 seconds with warm soapy water, cleaning objects and surfaces often which are frequently touched, covering up any coughing or sneezing, not touching their faces or shaking hands with others, staying away from all sick people and practicing social distancing at all times. 

2. Proactively enforcing our Stay home if you are sick policy. This goes for all employees who might be exhibiting any symptoms of respiratory illness, flu, or cold viruses.

3. Proactively screening all caregivers. We are calling and visiting with our caregivers often and screening them with the following questions:

  • Have your recently traveled out of state or country or to any infected communities?
  • Do you have any symptoms of respiratory infection such as fever, cough, or sore throat?
  • Have you been in contact with anyone who has or is being tested for COVID-19 or are ill with respiratory illness?
  • Are you aware of coronavirus spreading in the community where you live?

4. Asking all employees working with clients exhibiting any respiratory illness symptoms to call the office immediately and ask the client to contact their primary care physician ASAP. All caregivers will wear masks and gloves when working with any at risk clients.

5. Any employees who travel will first check with our office team before working. Those traveling to high risk communities, states, and nations must take 14 days off when returning home to monitor for symptoms of respiratory infection. 

At Aspen Senior Care, we encourage the highest standard of health safety practices to ensure the health of both our clients and employees. We have a great 15-year record of doing just that. Please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions at 801-224-5910

Aspen’s Top Priority Is the Health and Safety of Our Clients.

AspenSeniorCareLogoUpdate2018

Covid-19 Update 2021

At the beginning of January, our caregivers had a window of opportunity to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. We are happy to report that about 30% of our caregivers were able to get vaccinated. We know that protecting them protects you as clients!

In an effort to help diminish the spread of this virus, we strongly encourage you and all our clients and staff to consider immunization. We suggest consulting with your personal physician to make this decision in regards to your personal needs and circumstances. The Utah County Health Department has now opened up immunization times for those who are 70+ and all previous groups. We have found that the slots usually come open after 7:00 p.m. most evenings and fill up very fast. You can check the Utah County Health Department website for further updates. Please reach out to us if you would like our assistance.

Dear Clients and Families,

Our top priority is the health and safety of our clients and employees. With the coronavirus  (COVID-19) in the news, we want to share with you our protocol to minimize the spread of viruses, bacteria, and other serious bugs. We’ve always been careful and now we’re taking even greater measures to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Here’s what we are doing:

  1. Reminding our employees to wash their hands often for at least 15 seconds with warm soapy water, especially before and after helping clients with any food or personal care. We help our clients keep their hands clean as well. 
  1. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects which frequently get used by others. We like to use Clorox or Lysol wipes to wipe things down if you have any in stock. Otherwise, we’ll use warm soapy water to keep things bug-free.  
  1. Proactively enforcing our Stay at home if you are sick policy. This goes for all of our employees because we know that our clients already have enough challenges and they are more vulnerable to all viruses, bacteria, and any other serious bugs.  
  1. Asking employees and clients to always cover up any coughing or sneezing. And to stay away from sick people or others who have come in contact with people who might be sick.
  1. Strongly discouraging handshakes and the touching of mouth, eyes, and nose by employees and clients.

We remind our employees often of this protocol, especially during flu season and now even more with the coronavirus spreading. From what we’ve studied and been told, this virus is a lot like the respiratory flu virus (both in its symptoms and the way it spreads). We see no need to panic, but we want to stay alert, be smart, and keep our clients safe, healthy, and happy.

At Aspen Senior Care, we encourage the highest standard of health safety practices to ensure the health of both our employees and our clients. We have a great 15-year record of doing just that.

Please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions or additional suggestions at 801-224-5910.