By John Hall for Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette
Welcome to our “senior care” issue that will look at a number of areas that impact senior health and related care. As mentioned in our last issue, February is also American Heart Month and relating to that in this issue we are going to look at heart bypass surgery.
As most seniors know, we all become eligible for Medicare at the age of 65. But many people do not know that there are significant benefits provided by Medicare at absolutely no cost. It’s true. If this is something of a surprise to you, be sure and read “12 Free Things from Medicare” to find out more.
We are also taking a look at the value of getting a second medical opinion when appropriate. We tell you when to get one – for instance when you have multiple treatments to choose from, how to get one, and how to talk first with your current doctor and then what questions to ask the second doctor. Find out the details in “Getting a Medical Second Opinion.”
In regards to heart bypass surgery, it is a serious, open-heart operation very commonly done in the United States. It becomes necessary when plaque builds up in the heart blood vessels, which occurs over time as we get older. The plaque slows the flow of blood – and the oxygen it carries – to the heart making the heart weaker. In our article on bypass surgery, we look at the surgery itself, but also how to stay healthy after the surgery. That’s important because your arteries could clog again. Be sure and read “Life after Heart Bypass Surgery” for the full story.
I’m sure many of us are familiar with the situation where a loved one ages and needs care. When that happens, it is often a family member who steps up first to provide it. Over time however, the loved one’s need for care can change, and so too can the caregiver’s ability to provide the care. We examine the options and questions a caregiver needs to think about to determine if a new care-approach is required for their loved one. In “In-home Care vs. Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home” we try to give you good thought-starters in case this situation is part of your life.
Now we probably all have some understanding of the mental decline caused by dementia. There is no cure for it and it cannot be prevented, however, if you have not been diagnosed with dementia, there are scientifically proven ways to lower your risk. Read “Reducing Dementia Risk” to learn more.
So that is our Senior Care issue. We hope the information is valuable to you. Please join us next time when we shift our focus to local community history, and more. See you then!
