Senior Care Confidential

All seniors prefer to live at home and age in place. On this episode, we speak with Girish Sabari about telehealth and remote patient monitoring in the home, creating a pathway of communication between the patient and the doctor.  This helps prevent unnecessary ER visits and medical crisis situations.

01-13

26:56

Hospital Acquired Frailty is a precipitous multi-system decline due to immobility while in a hospital that is often preventable. This lack of movement creates a cascading ‘doom loop’ that can happen with breathtaking speed. Learn what it is as well as how to avoid it on this episode.

11-22

40:54

28% of seniors live alone in the United States, and there are great ways to stay at home and avoid moving to a nursing home. Laurie Miller, with Apple Care and Companion & Age Tech Now, discusses safe ways to stay in your home as you age using technology, community resources, and Medicare services.

11-06

31:57

Did you know that 90% of people with Parkinson’s are at risk of developing a weak voice that can lead to life-threatening swallowing complications? Aspiration, choking, reduced cough reflex and even malnutrition can be consequences of weakened muscles that control speech and swallowing. To make matters worse, some studies show that over half of adults with communication disorders experience suicidal ideation. On today’s episode, we’re talking about the Parkinson’s Voice Project with their COO, Hilary Byatt. We’ll learn people with Parkinson’s have much more control over their movements than they might think. Understanding the role of dopamine and the concept of INTENT can help people with Parkinson’s and their families live better lives.

10-16

36:07

Since the onset of COVID, standards of care have been compromised. What was once not acceptable, is now often the norm. How do you protect your loved ones with dementia living in memory care communities?

10-02

33:50

There is no such thing as a free lunch, or in this case ‘free or lower premiums’. There is ALWAYS a cost. Open enrollment is about to begin for Medicare and Advantage plans. As providers, we handle a lot of questions around these plans…specifically: Why they are no longer on Medicare when they were told they were being signed up for a ‘cheaper Medicare plan’? Why are there denials when my plan was supposed to cover everything Medicare covers? How can I change back to my original Medicare plan? We’ve gotten to see firsthand the tradeoffs of these plans that many seniors were not prepared for. This show will uncover the history of Medicare and Advantage plans, their intended use, as well as the hidden side of the actual costs of these plans.

09-19

35:09

There are 8.2 Million seniors are affected by wounds in the U.S. annually. Medicare spends $97 Billion dollars per year to treat them. We’re seeing more wounds and higher severity since the pandemic. Today, we are joined by Dr. Jenna Wishnew and Marina Lakhmanchuk, PT, DPT to discuss prevention, treatment strategies, as well as when to call in the specialist.

09-04

31:04

Medicare has been prohibited from paying for weight-loss medication since 2003. The Treat & Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 is opening up discussions to make Ozempic available.

08-21

33:59

In this episode, we'll dive into best practices, strategies, and real world examples that demonstrate how effective case management can improve patient outcomes, streamline hospital operations, and reduce costs. Our expert guest, Lesley Williamson, RN will share their experiences and insights on coordinating care, navigating complex healthcare systems, and how to find the best resources in order to enhance patient outcomes. Tune in to learn how hospitals can optimize patient care and achieve better health outcomes through effective case management.

08-14

34:56

Did you know that approximately 1 in 1,000 people worldwide are affected by lymphedema, with over 200 million individuals suffering from this chronic condition? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of lymphedema, a condition causing painful and persistent swelling, often in the arms or legs. We'll be joined by a leading expert who will discuss the latest statistics, uncover the root causes, and reveal innovative treatments offering hope and relief. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, you won't want to miss this insightful and empowering conversation on lymphedema and the groundbreaking therapies transforming lives.

08-07

35:14

What if comorbidities (multiple medical issues) aren’t isolated events requiring numerous medical specialists to treat? What if there is a root cause that is the culprit in many of these? Today, Jo Alch and I delve into the concept of metabolic dysfunction and talk about a new book, Good Energy, by Dr. Casey Means.

07-31

25:09

No one ever says, "When I get old, put me in a nursing home." Many seniors have disabilities that make it no longer safe for them to be at home. Assisted living communities are a great option for seniors who want to stay active and independent. There are some challenges with moving in that can be avoided by working with the right professional individuals.

07-10

30:39

Listen as Dr. Peralta discusses hospice, palliative care, palliative sedation, and euthanasia.

06-12

39:01

Financial fraud against the elderly has doubled in the last couple years to more than $3 billion annually. Perverse individuals and companies are taking advantage of seniors, stealing their hard earned money they need for their sunset years. Many older adults and their families have no idea until it’s too late. On today’s show, Melissa George, a gerontological nurse practitioner, joins us to discuss situations her own patients have been exposed to and some simple steps families can take to prevent this happening to their loved ones.

05-15

29:33

While there are a lot of resources in helping care for an aging loved one, the variety of care options, rules and who pays for what can create a maze of confusion. We get common questions on what Medicare and medical insurance covers as well as some misconceptions. For example, what is the difference between home care and home health? Who pays for it? How long does Medicare cover care? And many more…On today’s show, Jo and Brian discuss some of these misunderstandings as well as some myths about senior care.