"The youth gets together his materials to build a bridge to the moon, or, perchance, a palace or temple on the earth, and, at length, the middle-aged man concludes to build a woodshed with them."
- Thoreau, Henry David

Online Guide for Senior Citizens Resources in the USA

Including Families and Caregivers

"What would you like your family to know?"

Family and informal caregivers play an important role in the lives of their loved ones. They also play an increasingly important role in how the health care system functions. By communicating effectively with all the individuals involved in your patient's care, you can help him or her while making efficient use of time and resources. Informal caregivers may be important "informants." They can also help to reinforce the importance of information you give or the treatment you prescribe. When a companion is present, be aware of communication issues that arise in three-party interactions. Too often, the conversation may be directed at the companion and not at the patient; in some cases, the encounter can become a "two against one" match, which no one really wins. Whenever possible, try to sit so that you form a triangle and can address both the patient and companion face-to-face.

To protect and honor patient privacy, be sure to check with the patient on how he or she sees the companion's role. In many cases, the caregiver or companion can be a facilitator, helping the patient express concerns and reinforcing what you say. But it is best not to assume that a companion should be included in the medical encounter. First, check with the patient. Conducting the physical exam alone protects the patient's privacy and allows you to raise sensitive issues. The best time to conduct a "mini-mental" exam is during a private exam, so that a family member cannot answer questions or cover for the patient's cognitive lapses.

Families may want to make decisions for a loved one. Adult children especially may want to step in for a parent who has cognitive impairments. If a family member has been named the health care agent or proxy, under some circumstances, he or she has the legal authority to make care decisions. However, without this authority, the patient must make his or her own choices. Try to set clear boundaries with family members, and encourage others to respect them.
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Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency

Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper - or even outside near an open window.
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Upper GI Series

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The upper GI series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.
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Pet Travel

Many injuries, deaths, and escapes can be attributed to either the pet trying to escape the kennel and as a result hurts its paws and/or gums, or due to actual escape. Find out how to protect your pet during travel.
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Federal Whistleblower Protection in Jeopardy

Special Counsel Scott Bloch, appointed by President Bush in 2004, is overseeing the virtual elimination of federal whistleblower rights in the U.S. government.The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), the agency that is supposed to protect federal employees who blow the whistle on waste, fraud, and abuse is dismissing hundreds of cases while advancing almost none. According to the Annual Report for 2004 (which was not released until the end of first quarter fiscal year 2006) less than 1.5 percent of whistleblower claims were referred for investigation while more than 1000 reports were closed before they were even opened. Only eight claims were found to be substantiated, and one of those included the theft of a desk, while another included attendance violations. Favorable outcomes have declined 24 percent overall, and this is all in the first year that the new special counsel, Scott Bloch, has been in office.
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seniorcarecompanies.com

Seniors in the USA
Online Guide for Senior Citizens Resources in the US
www.SeniorsInTheUSA.com/index.php

Retirement Communities and Senior Housing
The No.1 Seniors Website for all Housing and Retirement Resources. Our directory provides up to date news on the top retirement communities in the United States.
americansocietyofaging.com

Directory of Senior Care Nursing Homes
At our site, you can find information about inspection reports, staffing, and quality of care for any Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home.
www.seniorcarenursinghomes.com

Planning For and Enjoying Life After Retirement
Today, seniors are planning for and enjoying life after retirement. Have you made a plan yet? Collectively, we all intend to do, see, learn, and be more on the way to the reachable goal of living to 100!
www.americaselders.com

Useful Gifts for the Elderly: Adaptive gadgets, tools, and more!
The Grandkids get toys, but who is spoiling the Grandparents? Return the favor by lavishing them with useful gifts. We have some ideas that just might help you out.
forourelders.com

Directory of Senior Care Nursing Homes
At our site, you can find information about inspection reports, staffing, and quality of care for any Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home.
seniorcarenursinghomes.com

Directory for Seniors in Tennessee
Need a caretaker, housekeeper, shopper, ride anywhere? We can help link you up. We can also provide you with a directory of local civic engagement and employment opportunities for adults over the age of 55 who wish to re-enter the workforce.
seniorsintennessee.com

Directory for Seniors in Tennessee
Need a caretaker, housekeeper, shopper, ride anywhere? We can help link you up. We can also provide you with a directory of local civic engagement and employment opportunities for adults over the age of 55 who wish to re-enter the workforce.
www.seniorsintennessee.com

.·:*¨°¨*:·. Computers for Senior Citizens .·:*¨°¨*:·.
Many seniors have never used a computer before and have no idea how much it can enrich their lives. Computers can help with loneliness. It allows them access to more resources, to check the weather, play solitaire, and chat with friends and family.
www.computersfor.seniorsintheusa.com

Directory for Seniors in Virginia
Giving Virginia Seniors More Options: Please see our Directory of Independent Life Resources for the support of senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
seniorsinvirginia.com