Category: Caregiver Resources

Medicare Open Enrollment: What Older Adults and Families Need to Know

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
hands holding wooden cutouts of medical equipment and a stick person
Every fall, Medicare Open Enrollment gives millions of older adults an opportunity to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for the year ahead. With plan information arriving by mail, advertisements appearing on television and online, and numerous options to consider, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news? Taking... Read more »

Fire Safety for Older Adults: Simple Steps That Can Save Lives

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
image of fire matches
October is Fire Prevention Month, making it an ideal time to talk about an important safety concern for older adults and the families and caregivers who support them. Older adults face a significantly greater risk of serious injury or death in a home fire than younger adults. That risk increases substantially with age, making fire... Read more »

9 Fall Activities to do With Your Senior

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
close up view of pumpkins
Fall is a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy the changing season, and spend meaningful time with the senior in your life. From colorful leaves and crisp mornings to apple orchards and cozy afternoons, autumn offers plenty of opportunities to get outside, stay active, and create memories together. Whether your loved one lives at home,... Read more »

Be Prepared: Create an Alzheimer’s Wandering Kit Before You Need It

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
Senior Wandering
For families caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, one of the most frightening situations is realizing their loved one has wandered away. Wandering can happen unexpectedly—and when it does, every minute matters. Cold winter weather makes a missing person emergency even more concerning, which is why caregivers should prepare... Read more »

Questions to Ask at a Senior Rehab Care Meeting

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
nurse evaluating elder in a rehab care meeting
When a loved one is staying at an inpatient rehab center, you naturally want to stay informed and involved in their recovery. Open family communication isn't just comforting — it's a meaningful part of the healing process. The best rehab centers recognize this and make it simple for families to stay connected every step of... Read more »

Do’s and Don’ts When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
daughter and mother leaning into each other
Providing care and support to a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia can come with unique challenges. The disease causes physical damage to the brain, affecting functions like judgment, memory, and speech. For adult children and caregivers, managing these changes can be difficult. To offer guidance, we’ve compiled a list... Read more »

9 Gift Ideas That Are Perfect for Someone in the Hospital

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare

If your friend or family member is in the hospital, it’s natural to want to bring them something when you visit. But it may be difficult to know what gifts may be appropriate and appreciated. To help you out, here are some hospital gift ideas (that aren’t flowers!) that are perfect for older adults. What to Bring… Read more »

Gift Ideas for Your Senior this Holiday Season

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by Optalis Healthcare
gifts wrapped in paper
This may be our most asked question during this time of year! Finding gifts for our senior loved ones in assisted living or long-term care can be a challenge. Holiday Gift Guide for Seniors If you are hoping to find a more meaningful gift, here are a few ideas you might want to consider: Produce... Read more »