Care Giver Corner

We must stay positive and focus on what to expect… With the world slowly beginning the reopening process, the seemingly endless life in quarantine now has an end in sight. Looking to the future as Older Adults may not be as soon as we all hope, but we need to start imagining what life will…

It’s especially important for those 65 and over and those with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems… As we enter into the second month of sheltering-in-place in the US, many are growing restless. People are filling the streets without masks on in protest of government regulations, beachgoers are flocking to the coast, and some…

Stay informed to better avoid these types of scams With the world in a state of flux due to the ever-shifting nature of the coronavirus, we must be more diligent than ever about scams. Scams targeting the elderly have been around for ages, but now scammers are utilizing fear about the virus to develop more…

Our communities are coming together in incredible ways… By now, we are all acutely aware of how the coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed our day to day lives. No longer do we enjoy the simple luxury of freedom of movement. However, the small sacrifice we are all making by staying in our homes will help…

It’s especially important right now… No matter our age, at some point, we all deal with stress and anxiety. Feelings of stress and anxiety manifest in many ways, from raised blood pressure and a quicker heartbeat to increased sweating and restlessness. Stress is a normal human response to danger, but chronic stress can be harmful…

Stay-at-home orders are being implemented nationwide.  With information rapidly evolving regarding the coronavirus COVID-19, it may be overwhelming to keep up with constantly changing local, state, and federal recommendations. But one thing is certain, everyone, especially older adults, should shelter-in-place and avoid going out whenever possible. So, staying home can be difficult when you find…

Try these 5 tips… A majority of older Americans manage at least one chronic condition. The risk for developing a chronic disease, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, increases the older you get. Because of this, many seniors find themselves juggling a variety of medications to keep their bodies functioning properly. Medication management is…

Stay safe and stay sane! Every person globally has felt the effects of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. It is a disease that disproportionately affects the oldest and most vulnerable in our communities. These tips to cope with self-isolation are just a launchpad. We must ban together as a society and look for ways to…

Hunger response decreases as we age It’s no secret that as people age, their appetites evolve. Just like a child who dislikes their veggies and then grows up to find themselves craving them, seniors may find both their taste for food and their ability to eat as much as they once did change. If the…

There are people and resources to help  As someone caring for an elderly loved one, you can often feel overwhelmed and alone. Finding a system of support that is robust is essential for anyone who has taken on the responsibilities of caring for a senior. For seniors who are looking to build their network of…

It’s vital for our well-being Aging, and feeling like you can no longer do the things you once could, can be an overwhelming experience. Developing a system of support can be essential for staying in your home and remaining independent. For caregivers looking to establish a system of support, read “Finding a system of support…

Adding this contingency to your daily check-in plan could be life-saving Did you know that a number of Iamfine users are currently utilizing local emergency services as a member of their Care Circle? Local emergency services can provide “wellness” or “welfare” checks which are in-person response calls by local law enforcement to determine a person’s…

Flu season is in full swing Winter is still in full swing, and with it worries over influenza. And, recognizing flu symptoms in seniors isn’t always easy. Most people know the sign of the flu, which comes on suddenly and can include fever, aches and pains, weakness, and a loss of appetite. However, diagnosing the…

In the spirit of Valentines Day, let’s talk about LOVE Love is a beautiful thing, and every February, we are reminded of its beauty as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. For seniors who have lived a life full of love and family, and have experienced loss, the holiday can be a reminder of times past. Even…

Safety first always! As we age, our habits change, we may reach for less sugary cereals, gravitate toward more comfortable clothing, and begin to drive a little differently. Young drivers tend to be more reckless; they drive fast and are more risky with their driving maneuvers. Older drivers tend to drive more cautiously but can…

Utilizing technological resources to your advantage does not mean a diminished capacity… After living your whole life independently, asking for help can be hard. Often asking for help can feel like admitting that you are no longer capable of taking care of yourself. But having technology in place to help monitor your well-being can be…

A story of care from one of our Iamfine customers… When you have been married 57 years, learning that your spouse has Alzheimer’s can be devastating news, but knowing that you have a security net in place to care for them should something happen can mean the world. Knowing that Iamfine, the daily check-in service,…

Have you checked in today? Checking in with automated daily check-in calls is meant to be simple and provide peace of mind. Our system calls every single day at any preferred time. All the person checking has to do is answer and press 1 on their phones keypad.  If you do not answer, we try…

By Jason Lewis of Stongwell.org   High-tech gadgets are making life easier for everyone these days, though some seniors may struggle more than others with modern technology. However, achieving a degree of technological fluency doesn’t mean turning everything over to devices you don’t understand. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable and easy-to-use gadgets and services…

Needing help is universal When we are younger, asking for help is a part of life. As we learn and grow, we often become more resistant to reaching out for help when we need it. Seniors may find it challenging to reach out for a variety of reasons, from old habits of living independently or…

It may be cold, but don’t let that stop you… The end of the year is fast approaching, and the holidays are almost here. While the winter season is typically a time of celebration, for seniors living alone, the holidays can be difficult. To spread some cheer to the senior in your life, consider some…

A mess can stress! Spring is right around the corner (we can’t wait), and with that means clearing out the clutter and washing away the remains of winter. However, with each passing year, many seniors find it more and more challenging to clean the way they used to. Often times, it is helpful for a caregiver…

Are you cold yet? We are… With winter weather in full force and months of colder temperatures ahead, it is important to have a plan for the senior in your life to prepare their home for the harsher months. These 5 tips for winterizing a senior’s home aren’t always simple to tell. Most of this…

And what is your plan in the event of an unexpected emergency… Imagine going to bed with a stomach ache and waking up in the hospital. That’s exactly what happened to Vince Arcuri in early July and, if it hadn’t been for Iamfine’s daily call service and quick response from his family, he might not…

Find help and know you are not alone… It is a sad truth that after retirement, seniors often become the targets of financial scams. Adults over the age of 65 are typically set financially and have good credit, both of which make them appealing victims of con artists. It’s important to be aware of common…

How will I know? It can be hard to know when it is time to talk with an aging loved one about getting help with in-home care. Especially those loved ones that have always been fiercely independent, facing the reality of needing help can be tough. To know when it is the right time to…

4 Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe Healthy living comes in many forms, and for seniors, it’s crucial to understand how to make them part of a daily routine. Exercise, a well-balanced diet, social time, and safety around the house are keys to a healthy lifestyle, but many seniors are unsure of how to make…

Having a plan in place brings peace of mind If you live alone, there is nothing quite as comforting as having a pet to greet you when you open the door. But, if something were to happen to you, what would become of your pet? It is important to have an emergency plan in place,…

Thinking about getting a pet? November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. There is no denying the benefits of pet ownership for seniors, but there are also benefits to adopting older pets even as an older adult. There is no denying how cute puppies and kittens are, but often the appeal of younger pets means…

As caregivers, we often don’t know when to ask… Acting as a caregiver for a sick or aging loved one is rewarding in many ways but can also be a stressful and overwhelming job. If you don’t address the stress of caregiving, it can lead to burnout. Often caregivers feel the need to shoulder all…

 It can help save your life From tornadoes and floods to sweltering heat, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is there is always the potential for extreme weather to hit. Some of the dangers can be mitigated by having a prepared emergency kit and a practiced emergency drill, something especially important for…

Say Hello to Tillie… One of the scariest things about getting older is thinking of those you leave behind. Especially now, as more seniors reap the benefits of pet companionship, it is vital to have a plan for what will become of the pet if something happens to the owner. Daily check-in calls for Pet…

The Halloween Season is upon us… Which means buckets full of candy and outrageous costumes. You’re never too old to enjoy the spookiest day of the year, so for seniors ready to embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are five activities to try. If your household or community is anything like ours, then Halloween…

You can’t have Halloween without the treats! From candy corn to caramel apples the October holiday is almost synonymous with sugar. Luckily, with a little bit of creativity, even healthier snacks can help you feel festive. The older we get, the more we have to pay attention to our diet, to combat heart disease and…

Sometimes quick and simple is best (for recipes) As people age, it can become harder to eat well. For some seniors, that stems from changing taste buds or appetite levels, and for others, it can be a lack of motivation, whatever the reason making the right meal choices becomes even more important as we age.…

There are ways to approach eating a well-balanced diet We tell children to eat healthy so they can grow big and strong, but often forget it is important to eat well at any stage in life. Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to prevent a variety of chronic diseases that become…

Your health & well-being matter too As a caregiver, it is easy to get caught up in everything that needs to get done for who you are caring for, from doctor’s appointments and medication refills to grocery shopping and cooking nutritious meals. In the midst of it all, it is easy to forget to take…

Stay comfortable in your own house There is no greater comfort than being able to remain in your own home as you enter your golden years called aging-in-place, more and more seniors are deciding to forgo retirement communities and senior living homes in favor of staying put. However, with age comes challenges and houses may…

Tips For Making Friends as We Age When we were young, we didn’t give a second thought to making new friends. In school, forming bonds on the playground was as easy as asking someone to play with you. As parents or office employees, we developed relationships with others over shared interests and tasks. In retirement,…

Heart Attack Symptoms in  Men vs. Women The number one symptom associated with a heart attack is pain or tightness in the chest, and while that is one of the most common signs, it is not the only one. A heart attack can be a lot less dramatic than a sharp pain in the chest.…

5 Dog Breeds For Older Adults There is no denying the enrichment that dogs bring to our lives. From keeping us active to boosting our mood, dog ownership can be beneficial to people of all ages. However, these benefits may be even more apparent among seniors. So for those over the age of 65 looking…

The world is in a state of change. Fertility rates are dropping as life expectancy rises, meaning soon the number of elderly will outpace children for the first time in history, according to the World Health Organization. Projections show that by 2050 the number of people over the age of 65 around the world will…

Testimonial from a user – helping keep seniors safe April 2019 Falling as a senior living alone can be a scary thing, but thanks to Iamfine when Miss G. fell in her home earlier this month she was able to quickly get the help she needed. At 89 years old Miss G is fiercely independent,…

Exercising is one of the best ways to stay healthy at any age Exercising is especially important for seniors. Staying active can help reduce risk of falling, help combat chronic diseases, maintain muscle mass, increase bone density and decrease the frequency of doctor visits. Ideally, adults should get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per…

Rewards for caring for an aging loved one Taking on the roles and responsibilities of caring for an aging loved one can be stressful, especially when it happens unexpectedly, but being a caregiver can also have many rewards. From building stronger relationships with a loved one to personal reflection, taking on the role of a…

 There is nothing quite like waking up to a kiss from a four-legged friend or watching their tail wag as you come back in from checking the mail. Pets love us unconditionally. Having an animal around may reduce stress, lower blood pressure and combat feelings of isolation especially for seniors. People with pets may…

3 Habits That Can Help Seniors Live Healthier and Happier The keys to health and happiness for seniors may be simpler than you think. Living your best life during your golden years doesn’t require a secret potion or complicated practices. All it really takes is a better understanding of your health and how to improve…

There are many benefits to seniors remaining in their homes as they age, a sense of familiarity, independence and a lower cost of living. However, at times, ageing in place can lead to a sense of isolation, especially when the senior is living alone. There are several things you can do to make sure your…

We tell children to eat healthy so they can grow big and strong, but often forget it is important to eat well at any stage in life. Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to prevent a variety of chronic diseases that become more common as we age.   According to the…

Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. We are active as children and young adults. In those times of our lives, we often take the ease of mobility for granted. As we age it can be harder to do simple physical motions which can cause us to not be as active and can lead to…

Thoughts on caregiving from a distance Long distance caregiving is defined as when you live at least an hour or more away from your loved one. It can be stressful and a huge responsibility to take on as a son, daughter, or family member. However, living far away from a loved doesn’t have to make…

Living alone with your pet – what happens to them if you are incapacitated? It’s always interesting to hear from our users on how they find value in Iamfine I recently spoke with Marcus from Atlanta, Georgia. Marcus lives alone with his pet German shepherd, “Tessa”. His house is a few hundred yards from the…

Technology and daily terms have changed significantly during our lifetime Let’s look at the world through the eyes of a senior citizen…..   One who was here before: the pill, television, frozen food, cell phones, Bluetooth, GPS, plastic surgery, contact lenses, and credit cards and even before the jet engine airplane. For us, timesharing meant togetherness,…

Falling down as a child was normal. Some dirt would be on our knees, and maybe a bump or scrape to cry about before getting back up and playing. Falling is one of the leading causes of death in those over 65 years old. As a senior citizen, the thought of falling down can be…