Darlene Mann, a LivHOME Care Manager in Southern California, discusses the issue of advance directives. She addresses a number of topics including the difference between a living will and a durable power of attorney, what caregivers and care managers can do to assure that advance directives are in place and accurately reflect the senior’s wishes, and tips on raising the issue of advance directives with seniors.

Creating advance directives involves having an open discussion so that everyone understands what the senior wants, while allowing him or her to maintain control — even during a medical emergency.

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

In LivHOME’s latest podcast episode, Mary Beth Hardy, LivHOME’s Midwest Regional Director, discusses a number of issues related to sexual activity among seniors. The topics Mary Beth addresses include: the relatively high incidence of sexually transmitted disease among seniors; how the lack of both privacy and mobility can impact seniors who are sexually active; tips for adult children and caregivers in dealing with sexually active seniors; and the importance of being an advocate for seniors in this area.

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

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