In LivHOME’s latest podcast episode, Rob Pohls, an attorney who works with long term care insurance companies, explains the ins and outs of this type of insurance. He addresses topics including: at what age someone might consider a long term care policy; understanding the different types of coverage – for example, not all policies cover at-home care; and tips for anyone looking to take out long term care coverage.

You can listen to the episode at http://www.livhome.com/Podcast/.

With money still tight as the economy sputters to life, giving your senior family member a gift that “connects” may be the perfect choice this holiday season.

Such gifts focus on things you can do rather than items that must be purchased. They can include:

• setting up a home computer for easier viewing and use,
• combining multiple TV remotes into a single unit,
• programming telephone speed dials to make calling simpler, and
• helping seniors with their own online gift shopping.

This idea is discussed in detail in the latest episode of the Senior Care Podcast by LivHOME, titled Episode 17 — Holiday Gifts That Connect.

You can listen to the episode at www.livhome.com/podcast.

For Healthy Aging Month (September), Mary Beth Hardy, LivHOME’s Midwest Regional Director, explores nutrition for seniors. She discusses the importance of good nutrition and how caregivers can help achieve it, addressing topics such as: understanding physical changes related to aging that can make food less palatable; improving nutrition by paying attention to rituals at mealtime and the types of foods served; and some of Mary Beth’s recommendations for both good tasting and nutritionally sound meals.

To listen or to request a free CD visit www.livhome.com/podcast

“Interdependence is all about giving and taking, or having seniors accept help with grace while creating opportunities for them to reciprocate.”

As Independence Day approaches, Steve Barlam, MSW, LCSW, CMC, Chief Professional Officer of LivHOME, discusses the idea of independence as an aspiration for seniors. He explains just what seniors mean when they say they want their independence, and points out that what they actually need is interdependence. Steve offers advice for family members seeking to introduce this idea and explains that there is a lesson in this for all who serve as caregivers and friends to seniors.

To listen, visit: www.livhome.com/podcast

“There is no one, clear test to determine an Alzheimer’s diagnosis,” Dr. Douglas Galasko tells the Senior Care Podcast by LivHOME.

This is a key area of focus for researchers looking for ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s directly and earlier to give patients better chances against the disease.

Dr. Galasko, Director of the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of California, San Diego, discusses advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease in Episode 14 of the Senior Care Podcast by LivHOME, which is titled “Advances in Alzheimer’s Research.”

Dr. Galasko also provides advice for caregivers, including where to get more information and how to learn about clinical trials for new treatments.

To listen, visit www.livhome.com/podcast