s David Moyer - ElderHonor - Page 2
Website Privacy Policy

ElderHonor

Honor - Knowledge - Life

David Moyer

By

5 Steps to Create a Backup Plan for Home Care Emergencies

Caring for a loved one at home can be rewarding but unpredictable. Emergencies like sudden illness, work trips, or natural disasters can disrupt routines, leaving your loved one vulnerable. A solid backup plan ensures care continuity and reduces stress for everyone involved. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Document Care Needs: Create a detailed care snapshot with medical info, daily routines, and emergency contacts.
  • Organize Backup Caregivers: Build a reliable network of caregivers, including friends, family, or professionals.
  • Prepare Key Documents: Store legal and medical records securely, both physically and digitally.
  • Set Communication Protocols: Develop clear contact lists and emergency plans for various scenarios.
  • Review and Practice: Regularly update your plan and run practice drills to ensure readiness.

[Read more…] about 5 Steps to Create a Backup Plan for Home Care Emergencies

By

Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

When choosing Medicare coverage, you’ll face two main options: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Each has its own strengths and limitations, depending on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle.

  • Original Medicare offers nationwide provider access, flexibility to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, and no need for referrals. However, it doesn’t include prescription drug coverage, caps on out-of-pocket costs, or additional benefits like dental or vision.
  • Medicare Advantage bundles hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage in one plan, typically includes extra perks like dental and vision, and has an annual out-of-pocket limit. But it often requires staying within a network, prior authorizations, and may involve yearly plan changes.

Quick Comparison

[Read more…] about Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

By

7 Common Beneficiary Mistakes to Avoid

Naming beneficiaries seems simple, but mistakes can lead to legal battles, tax issues, and unintended consequences. Here’s what you need to know to avoid common pitfalls:

  • Failing to name a beneficiary or backup: This can send assets into probate, delaying access and reducing value.
  • Not updating after life changes: Marriages, divorces, or births can leave outdated designations.
  • Assuming wills override designations: Beneficiary forms take precedence over wills or trusts.
  • Naming minors directly: This triggers court involvement and loss of control over inheritance.
  • Overlooking special needs planning: Direct inheritance may disqualify individuals from government benefits.
  • Ignoring tax consequences: Estate taxes and income taxes can erode value without proper planning.
  • Skipping family discussions: Lack of communication leads to misunderstandings and disputes.

These mistakes can derail your estate plan. Regular reviews, legal advice, and open conversations help ensure your wishes are honored. [Read more…] about 7 Common Beneficiary Mistakes to Avoid

By

Ultimate Guide to Aging-in-Place Home Design

Aging in place means staying in your home as you grow older. Nearly 90% of adults over 65 prefer this option, but most homes in the U.S. aren’t designed for it. This guide covers how to make your home safer and more accessible with simple updates like grab bars, better lighting, and universal design features like wider doorways and no-step entries.

Key takeaways:

  • Why it matters: Aging in place supports independence and saves money compared to assisted living costs ($60K–$100K/year).
  • Essential changes: Curbless showers, user-friendly controls, and improved lighting reduce risks like falls.
  • Room-specific tips: Entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms need tailored adjustments for safety.
  • Technology: Smart home devices and security systems enhance safety and daily convenience.
  • Budgeting: Costs range from $3,000–$50,000; financial aid is available through government and nonprofit programs.

[Read more…] about Ultimate Guide to Aging-in-Place Home Design

By

How Home-Delivered Meals Aid Post-Hospital Recovery

Recovering after a hospital stay is tough, but nutrition can make all the difference. Home-delivered meal services provide freshly prepared, balanced meals tailored to recovery needs, helping patients heal faster and avoid readmissions. Here’s why they work:

  • Nutrition matters: Up to 50% of hospitalized patients face malnutrition, which increases readmission risks by 54%. Delivered meals ensure proper nutrients like protein and vitamins for healing.
  • Convenience: Patients save energy by skipping grocery shopping and cooking, focusing instead on recovery.
  • Caregiver relief: These services reduce stress for caregivers, freeing up time for other responsibilities.
  • Proven results: Studies show up to 93% fewer hospitalizations within 90 days for those using meal delivery programs.

For patients and caregivers alike, these programs offer an easy way to improve recovery outcomes while easing the burden of post-hospital care. [Read more…] about How Home-Delivered Meals Aid Post-Hospital Recovery

By

How to Create an Emergency Plan for Aging in Place

When emergencies strike, older adults living at home face unique risks like mobility challenges, health issues, and potential isolation. Preparing in advance can make a critical difference. Here’s a quick guide to get started:

  • Identify Risks: Understand local threats like natural disasters, power outages, or medical emergencies.
  • Assess Needs: Document medications, medical devices, mobility aids, and daily living requirements.
  • Build a Support Network: Select trusted contacts (local and out-of-area) and involve caregivers or neighbors.
  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, shelf-stable food, medical supplies, and important documents.
  • Plan Communication & Evacuation: Set up a clear communication plan and practice evacuation routes regularly.

[Read more…] about How to Create an Emergency Plan for Aging in Place

By

How to Respect Aging Parents’ Independence While Offering Help

Caring for aging parents is about balancing their need for independence with the support they may require. Independence is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being, but changes in physical or cognitive health can make assistance necessary. The key is to offer help in ways that empower them, rather than taking over.

Key Takeaways:

  • Independence matters: It preserves their identity, cognitive health, and sense of purpose.
  • Support vs. control: Help them continue doing tasks themselves rather than doing it for them.
  • Communication is essential: Build trust through open, ongoing conversations. Focus on their goals, not limitations.
  • Safety at home: Make thoughtful adjustments (e.g., grab bars, better lighting) without disrupting their space.
  • Technology can help: Use tools like medication reminders, smart home devices, and emergency alert systems.
  • Involve them in decisions: Collaborate on care plans and respect their timeline for changes.

[Read more…] about How to Respect Aging Parents’ Independence While Offering Help

By

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding Dual Eligibility

Medicare and Medicaid are two government programs designed to provide healthcare coverage, but they serve different groups and have distinct eligibility criteria, coverage options, and costs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Medicare: A federal program for people aged 65+ or younger individuals with specific disabilities. It includes hospital stays (Part A), outpatient care (Part B), private insurance plans (Part C), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). Costs include premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
  • Medicaid: A joint federal and state program for low-income individuals of any age. It covers a broader range of services, including long-term care, dental, and vision, often with little to no out-of-pocket costs.

Some individuals qualify for dual eligibility, meaning they can benefit from both programs. This reduces healthcare expenses significantly, as Medicaid can cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and additional services.

Quick Comparison

[Read more…] about Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding Dual Eligibility

By

How to Talk to Employers About Caregiving Needs

Balancing work and caregiving can be tough, but starting an open conversation with your employer can make all the difference. Here’s how you can approach it:

  • Understand Your Needs: List your caregiving tasks and how they affect your work. For example, medical appointments or emergencies might disrupt your schedule.
  • Explore Workplace Policies: Check your employee handbook, HR policies, or benefits like flexible hours, remote work, or leave options.
  • Prepare Your Request: Clearly explain how caregiving impacts your job and propose solutions, such as adjusted schedules or remote work. Show how you’ll manage your workload.
  • Choose the Right Time: Schedule a private meeting with your manager or HR during a calm period.
  • Keep Communication Open: Regularly update your employer as your caregiving needs change. Short, consistent check-ins can help maintain balance.

[Read more…] about How to Talk to Employers About Caregiving Needs

By

Living Wills: A Guide for Caregivers

When a medical emergency strikes, families often face tough decisions about a loved one’s care. A living will ensures these decisions align with your loved one’s wishes. It’s a legal document that specifies preferences for life support, resuscitation, pain management, and more when someone can’t communicate for themselves. Unlike a healthcare proxy, which appoints a decision-maker, a living will provides detailed instructions.

Key Takeaways:

  • What it Covers: Life-sustaining measures, palliative care, and organ donation preferences.
  • Why It’s Important: Reduces family stress, prevents conflicts, and ensures decisions reflect the person’s values.
  • Legal Requirements: Must meet state-specific rules, including signatures and witnesses.
  • Healthcare Proxy: Works alongside a living will to address scenarios not explicitly covered.

Starting the conversation early, keeping the document updated, and sharing it with healthcare providers are critical steps. Tools like the ElderHonor Toolkit can help organize and manage these documents effectively, ensuring clarity during challenging times. [Read more…] about Living Wills: A Guide for Caregivers

By

Ultimate Guide to Organizing Senior Health Records

Organizing senior health records can save time, reduce stress, and improve care. Here’s why it matters and how to get started:

  • Why It Matters: Seniors often see multiple doctors. Having clear, accessible records ensures better communication, reduces errors, and helps in emergencies. It also simplifies tasks like insurance claims and medication tracking.
  • What to Include: Medical history, current medications, test results, doctor contacts, insurance details, and advance directives.
  • How to Organize:
    1. Gather all records (physical and digital).
    2. Sort by category or date.
    3. Label everything clearly.
    4. Store securely with backups.
  • Tools: Use binders, file folders, or digital apps for easy access. Ensure privacy and security for sensitive information.
  • Legal Steps: Obtain HIPAA authorization for access and prepare emergency packets with key details.

[Read more…] about Ultimate Guide to Organizing Senior Health Records

By

Best Words and Phrases for Dementia Communication

Communicating with someone who has dementia can be challenging, but the right approach can make a big difference. Dementia affects memory, language, and processing speed, making clear and simple communication essential. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Keep language simple: Use short sentences, familiar words, and focus on one topic at a time.
  • Stay calm and respectful: Use a gentle tone, maintain eye contact, and avoid speaking too quickly.
  • Give extra time to respond: Pause after asking questions and repeat them exactly if needed.
  • Acknowledge feelings: Validate emotions rather than correcting facts to maintain dignity.
  • Use non-verbal cues: Body language, touch, visuals, and music can help bridge communication gaps.

[Read more…] about Best Words and Phrases for Dementia Communication

By

Cognitive Stimulation Activities: Early Dementia

Cognitive stimulation can help slow early dementia progression and improve quality of life. Activities like memory exercises, problem-solving, and social engagement support mental function and emotional well-being. Here’s a breakdown of five key approaches:

  • Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): Group sessions with structured themes improve memory, mood, and daily function. Requires trained facilitators. Costs vary; access is limited in rural areas.
  • General Cognitive Programs: Flexible activities (e.g., art, gardening) tailored to interests. Improves memory and mood but lacks strict structure.
  • Cognitive Remediation/Training: Focuses on specific skills like attention and memory. Often uses computer-based tools. Results vary by individual.
  • Technology-Assisted Stimulation: Apps and devices offer brain-training games and progress tracking. Convenient but needs tech skills and internet access.
  • Social and Leisure-Based Engagement: Activities like group games and music therapy reduce isolation and improve mood. Best for those who enjoy social settings.

[Read more…] about Cognitive Stimulation Activities: Early Dementia

By

10 Resolutions for Caring for Aging Parents in 2025

As we enter 2025, many of us reflect on our lives and consider New Year’s resolutions that can make a meaningful difference. For those who are caregivers to aging parents, this is also an opportunity to set intentions that enhance the well-being of our loved ones and protect our own physical, emotional, and mental health. Below are 10 actionable resolutions that can help guide caregivers through the year ahead with compassion, resilience, and balance.

1. Prioritize Open Communication

Good communication is at the heart of caregiving. Resolve to foster open, honest, and respectful conversations with your aging parents. Take the time to understand their wishes, fears, and preferences about their health, daily routines, and long-term plans. Active listening can go a long way in building trust and helping them feel involved and empowered in decision-making. It’s the two eyes, two ears, and one mouth rule. Look, listen, and then ask. Respect is key in these conversations.

[Read more…] about 10 Resolutions for Caring for Aging Parents in 2025

By

Holiday Survival Tips for Caregivers

Finding Joy and Sanity Amid the Chaos

Holidays with Aging Parents - You Can Do It!

The holidays are upon us. That magical time of year when twinkling lights adorn every street, kitchens buzz with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, and caregivers… feel like they’ve just been cast in a survival reality show. Between juggling caregiving duties, managing family dynamics, and trying to enjoy the festivities, the holidays can quickly go from merry to manic. But fear not—with some planning and a dash of humor, you can navigate this season without losing your cool.

 1. Adjust Expectations: Your Christmas Dinner Doesn’t Need to Be Instagram-Worthy

Let’s start with a reality check: the holidays mustn’t be perfect to be meaningful. If you’re caring for an aging parent, chances are you already have enough on your plate (literally and figuratively). Focus on creating a cozy, low-key celebration rather than striving for a Norman Rockwell-esque masterpiece. Burnt cookies? Call them “aromatic”. Forget the table centerpiece? No one will remember—especially Uncle Joe after his second glass of spiked wassel.

[Read more…] about Holiday Survival Tips for Caregivers

By

AI in Healthcare – Eldercare Part 5/5

AI in Healthcare - Eldercare

Introduction

This is Part 5 in the series on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Part 1 provided a broad overview of the industry and how AI is already being used. Part 2 focused on how doctors and clinicians use AI and how it will impact their daily practices. Part 3 described how hospitals are using AI to increase efficiency across several departments while at the same time providing better patient access to hospital systems. Part 4 illustrates how the pharmaceutical industry uses AI to reduce the R&D of new drugs but is also more focused on clinical trials and production. In Part 5, I will discuss how AI is helping in eldercare, probably not an area you think it would be in, but it is increasingly helping caregivers in many dimensions.

Why Eldercare?

The simple reason is that it’s complicated. My response is not complicated; healthcare for older adults is complicated. Think about it for a minute. First, this is my opinion, and I’m not a doctor, but I have experience providing care for our parents and stepparents for almost 15 years.

[Read more…] about AI in Healthcare – Eldercare Part 5/5

By Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals Part 4/5

AI in Healthcare - Pharma

This is Part 4 in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) series in healthcare. Previous articles provided a general introduction (Part 1), how clinicians are using AI (Part 2), and how health systems are using AI (part 3). In Part 4, I move into the area of drug development using AI; I’m using the word drug to refer to any medication developed and marketed by the industry. This area will see the most impact in healthcare over the next five years or earlier.

First, a short note. My experience in the pharmaceutical industry is more limited than in the provider side of healthcare. I have performed several small projects in back office operations, not discovery, development, regulations, or marketing. My knowledge comes from discussions with those in the industry and reading many books and journals over the past several years to help me better understand the industry. I’ve also used the very thing I’m writing about, AI, to expand my knowledge in this field. Please read this article with that in mind and feel free to offer corrections where appropriate. Be gentle. So, let’s dive in.

An Overview of the Industry

We have all taken drugs at some point in our lives, hopefully keeping on the right side of the law. Getting a medication to the point where it becomes safe to take involves a large amount of research and money. AI is transforming the pharmaceutical industry by improving drug discovery and delivery efficiency, accuracy, and speed. The following is a brief overview of bringing a medication to market and, more importantly, into your body.

[Read more…] about AI in Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals Part 4/5

By Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare – Hospitals Part 3/5

AI is changing how hospitals operate and will drastically change it moving forward. In Part 3, I’ll provide an overview of how AI is being used in the operations of hospitals to increase availability, reduce costs, and provide better care for the population in their community.

Running a hospital is a complex set of operations, no pun intended, processes, regulations, licensing, people management, and patients. Early in my career, a management consulting partner said there was not much difference between manufacturing and hospitals; the processes are just different. The word clueless came to mind almost instantly. The BIG difference is that humans are the focus of the processes, not pieces or parts. Add in licenses for just about everyone in the field, outside certification agencies, and a staggering number of regulations and you have an industry like no other.

Everything is focused on getting the patient better and as close to good health as possible. It’s a highly complex business that only some have a complete picture of how it all works together, and sometimes doesn’t, to heal people. I’ve come close but still only have a tiny understanding of everything.

[Read more…] about AI in Healthcare – Hospitals Part 3/5

By Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare Part 2/5

AI in Healthcare - Physicians

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is new to many, but it has existed for decades. It has hit the news recently, primarily due to the release from OPEN.AI and their ChatGPT platform. (GPT: Generative Pre-Trained Transformers, not the movie kind, and emphasis on the pre-trained part) For the first time, AI is accessible to the masses, and those masses are turning AI into exciting products and offerings, with healthcare being one of the primary recipients.

In the first part of this series, I attempted to set the stage for how pervasive AI has become in the past couple of years. It provided an overview of the impact on healthcare and the areas we’ll look at in this series.

In Part 2, I’ll focus on healthcare delivery by physicians, how they use it to increase their ability to deliver diagnoses and treatments to you, and how they can reduce the burden of all their paperwork. Yes, there’s a lot of paperwork and fax machines!

First a Warning

[Read more…] about AI in Healthcare Part 2/5

By Leave a Comment

AI in Healthcare – An Overview

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) – the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence – is transforming nearly every industry. Healthcare is no exception. AI is being integrated throughout the healthcare field, from assisting doctors in making diagnoses to streamlining hospital operations to discovering new life-saving drugs. In the past three years, investments in digital health have been at $87.9B, according to CB Insights Q3 2023 State of Digital Health. 

Before we get too far, let’s first look at some definitions:

Algorithms: Step-by-step instructions for computers to follow. These tell computers what to do, analyze, load, or do some other operation.

Machine learning: Computers learn patterns from data to make their own decisions. You can see this being used in recommending additional purchases, movies, apparel, books, etc. 

Artificial intelligence: Computers mimic human intelligence to understand their surroundings and solve complex problems. You can see this in almost everything today, from writing to image recognition and creation. 

Artificial general intelligence: Computers that can understand and solve problems similar or better than humans across many subjects. This is the next wave where systems will start adding intelligence to form new ways of doing work, art, processes, and more. It’s also the type of intelligence that creates a lot of concern from those who know how it works.

[Read more…] about AI in Healthcare – An Overview

By Leave a Comment

Running out of Time

Photo by ilgmyzin on Unsplash

Everyone feels the squeeze of time leading up to Thanksgiving; I can’t even think about Christmas yet, even though retailers are pushing hard! The rush intensifies as we navigate preparations – the perfect setting, the ideal menu, and the hustle to create a flawless celebration. Amidst all this flurry, it’s crucial to redirect our focus to what truly matters: the relationships that shape our lives.


We must remember that the heart of Thanksgiving lies not in the grandeur of the feast or the immaculate décor, although those are good things, but in the warmth of the connections we share. This season, let’s consciously shift our attention from the tangible to the intangible, from things to people.


Let’s remember the fact that the true richness of this day lies in the love we share with friends and family. Instead of stressing over the perfect table setting, focus on setting our hearts on gratitude. Expressing thanks to the people filling our lives with joy and meaning is a gift transcending the material.

This time comes around every year, so plan before and write down what you are thankful for to share your gratitude with others. Spend time to do this; it will reward you and those around you.


It’s also essential to take a moment to reflect on our elderly parents who have filled our lives with wisdom and love. Beyond the festivities, they yearn for a deeper, more meaningful connection. Make a conscious effort to let them know they are cherished. A heartfelt conversation, a warm embrace, or a simple expression of love can mean the world to them. Time is the best blessing you can give to them.


As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, may our hearts overflow with gratitude for those who make our lives extraordinary. Let’s embrace the true essence of the holiday—a celebration of love, connection, and the precious gift of time.

By Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: Support & Advances in Treatment

“There are only four kinds of people in the world.
Those who have been caregivers.
Those who are currently caregivers.
Those who will be caregivers,
and those who will need a caregiver.”
― Rosalyn Carter
https://rosalynncarter.org

This is the last part in a series to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. In the previous parts, I reviewed who discovered the disease, Alois Alzheimer, in 1906. I then listed several celebrities who died from it and how to care for someone with the disease. In Part Two, I reviewed symptoms and risk factors that increase the probability of getting the disease, followed by some treatments. Part Three again listed some strategies on caring, the influence of nutrition, and a book to read on ways to put into practice talking to and caring for someone with the disease.

In this final part, I will list some resources you can access as a caregiver to help on this journey. I will also list some newer treatments and point you to other ongoing research to look into and keep up to date. So, let’s start.

[Read more…] about Alzheimer’s: Support & Advances in Treatment

By Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: Strategies, Nutrition, Book Recommendation

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. However, with the right approach and support, you can provide comfort, understanding, and maintain their dignity. In this part of raising awareness of the disease, I explore strategies and tips to help you navigate the complexities of caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer’s.

 Here are some suggestions about how to care for someone.

 1. Enhance Communication

 Effective communication is crucial when interacting with someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some tips to enhance communication:

– Maintain eye contact and use a calm and reassuring tone.
– Speak slowly and clearly, giving the person time to process your words.
– Use simple and concise sentences, avoiding complex or abstract concepts.
– Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language, as they may provide important clues about their feelings or needs.

[Read more…] about Alzheimer’s: Strategies, Nutrition, Book Recommendation

By Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatments

This is the second post to raise awareness during National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In the first post, I reviewed the types of Alzheimer’s disease, listed some notable celebrities who have died from it, and gave a brief description of how to care for a loved one with the disease.

Some of you know this disease too well, either by directly caring for someone who has it or seeing its effects on others. Either way, it isn’t easy to experience. As mentioned in part one, my wife and I have had two of our parents with the disease, and my hope is to raise awareness of what actually happens to someone who has the condition and what you can do to prepare yourself to provide care for that person or support those that are caring for their loved one.

[Read more…] about Alzheimer’s: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatments

By Leave a Comment

Alzheimer’s: History, Celebrities, Caregiving

My Mom had Alzheimer’s disease starting in her late 70’s and progressively worsened until she passed away at 95. As a family we didn’t recognize the disease until it was obvious that something was wrong. This is how many realize that a parent or loved one has the disease. Through the years we discovered what we could and couldn’t do to help Mom and ourselves to work through the disease.

Given that November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I wanted to provide you with an understanding of what it is and how to love someone through the journey. This is not an attempt to give you detailed information on all aspects of the disease, for that I would recommend the Alzheimer’s Association as the authority. I hope this provides a short introduction.

I’ve broken this up into several sections to be posted over the next several weeks.

[Read more…] about Alzheimer’s: History, Celebrities, Caregiving