Senior Guide
Choices for long-term care Five ways to protect your
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Being able to care for oneself independently can be a source of pride . However , illness or age can affect people in ways that require them to seek assistance with medical needs or daily activities for an extended period of time . In such instances , long-term care services can fill a need .
Long-term care assists people in their homes , in the community or in various types of facilities with various daily and medical requirements . According to WebMD , research shows that many people are unaware of long-term care options or may be misinformed about what ’ s out there .
Home care Various services can be utilized in the comfort of home . According to the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office on Aging , services can include home-delivered meals , pest control , minor home modifications , or visiting nurses and health aides . Other benefits may include shopping or physical therapy .
Community care
Community services can include adult day care centers , meal programs , senior centers , community transportation and others . Community services enable people to continue to live in the community with some support . They also may help family or friends serving as caregivers enjoy a break from the assistance they have been providing .
Care facilities Long-term care may be mistaken as strictly nursing homes , but facilities extend to places that provide other services . Here ’ s a look at the care facilities .
• Independent senior living : Independent living facilities may provide assistance only when needed . Amenities are designed to make things easier and more convenient for residents . Fitness centers , pools , dining venues , and transportation may be included . These facilities tend to provide the most independent form of senior living . Some independent living facilities are part of larger continuing care retirement communities that have staged
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• Assisted living : These homes provide 24- hour supervision , meals , healthcare services , and other forms of assistance in a home-like setting . Types of services include laundry , housekeeping , medication dispersal , and dressing .
• Skilled nursing homes : Nursing homes provide care for those who cannot care for themselves at home or in the community . These facilities offer many services all under one roof , like rehabilitative services , meals , activities , and around-the-clock care . Some skilled nursing homes offer temporary care after an injury or illness and are used in lieu of an extended hospital stay .
It is never too early to begin planning for elder care that may include long-term care possibilities . Individuals are urged to work with an elder care lawyer to help navigate the complexities of planning for medical care and their potential financial needs .
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The saying “ you don ’ t know what you ’ ve got ‘ til it ’ s gone ” is never more true than in regard to hearing . It ’ s easy to take hearing for granted , but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing .
People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music , stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before . Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly . Overall , 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears . Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports approximately 15 percent of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing , and the risk of hearing problems increases with age .
Once it ’ s gone , hearing cannot be restored in many cases . To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss , consider these recommendations .
1 . Ask for a baseline hearing test . It ’ s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured . During your annual physical , ask for a hearing test or a referral to an audiologist . This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss .
There are steps you can take now to protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss .
2 . Wear hearing protection . There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound . Many earplugs , like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts , can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB . Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction , in upwardsof35to40dB . They are optimal for highnoise environments , such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery , according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing .
3 . Turn down the volume . Experts recommend adhering to the 60 / 60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones . This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day . Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing . If possible , choose over-the-ear headphones instead .
4 . Have custom molds made . Rather than turning up the volume , people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones , suggests Johns Hopkins . The custom ear molds will block outside noise , allowing for higher quality listening .
5 . Keep your ears dry . Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow and potentially lead to infections . Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming . Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears . For the most part , ears are self-cleaning , and using a cotton swab can push wax and cause it to become compacted in the ear canal .
In addition to these tips , discussing hearing health with a doctor is a wise idea .
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