The newest resident at Elmhurst, The House of Friendship in Wheeling is friendly but quiet, has a calm demeanor and a docile nature and enjoys treats. Just your typical resident, right? Well, she also has a few special characteristics: a shiny, warm coat; a cold nose and four legs. Yes, ...
The love and generosity of a Wheeling woman who died earlier this year has inspired her family to continue her good works with the Welty Home giving tree. The tree is a project of the residents and staff of Welty Home, an assisted living residence in Wheeling, to help less fortunate people ...
Dear Savvy Senior, I know there won’t be much of a cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year but what about Medicare? How will the 0.3 percent Social Security raise affect our Part B monthly premiums in 2017? Inquiring Beneficiary Dear Inquiring, Considering the rising cost of health care coverage, the news regarding your Medicare costs for 2017 is not too bad. Here’s what you can expect. Part B Premiums Because the Social Security Administration is giving out a measly 0.3 percent cost of living increase starting in January — that equates to about ...
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, in collaboration with AARP Foundation, has launched a national public education campaign to raise awareness of the growing problem of social isolation and loneliness in older Americans. It is estimated that one in five people over age 50 are affected by isolation, a problem that has been associated with higher rates of chronic disease, depression, dementia and death. This topic is the focus of the annual Eldercare Locator Home for the Holidays Campaign, developed to encourage discussion of important issues affecting older Americans ...
Family members who live nearby often don’t notice the slow and subtle changes that might mean Mom or Dad needs a little more day-to-day help. Home Helpers, a national network of professional in-home caregivers, says requests for evaluations increase this time of year in part because of the fresh perspectives that out-of-town family members bring to the discussion. If you’re visiting elderly relatives this holiday season, take special note of these four key signs that there might be a need for support: 1. Physical appearance — Are they keeping up with personal hygiene? Do you ...
During the long winter months, it is not uncommon for seniors to experience the winter blues. As the outdoor temperatures fall and the days grow shorter, many older adults spend more time cooped up indoors. Since older adults may be less mobile, less active and less capable of doing things on their own, they can be more vulnerable to feelings of depression during this time. In fact, those winter blues may actually be a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, characterized by a period of depression that recurs each year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. ...
