“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

We have a new podcast episode out, “Paying for Care: Part 2″.

Visit our podcast page, www.livhome.com/podcast to listen.

Here is a short summary:

Rick Alphonso, President and CEO of The Financial Advisory Group in Houston, discusses the financial considerations surrounding paying for care in difficult economic times. Topics include the impact of declining yields on seniors’ ability to finance their ongoing needs, advice for trying to get by with less money in today’s environment, and the importance of a financial plan that takes ongoing care needs into account.

We just put out a new podcast episode on paying for care. You will find some useful information during these tumultuous economic times.

Visit our podcast page to listen. Here’s a short summary:

In this episode, Steve Barlam, LivHOME’s Chief Professional Officer, discusses programs and approaches to help seniors and their families pay for care during today’s challenging times. Topics include programs such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid and special benefits for Veterans, getting information and guidance for navigating these programs, and how to make sure you are utilizing the right amount of care.

We just put out our 10th podcast episode on brain aerobics. You will find some quick and easy things you can do to keep your brain active and engaged.

Visit our podcast page to listen.  Here’s a short summary:

Mary Beth Hardy, LivHOME’s Regional Director, Central Region, in this episode discusses the practice of Brain Aerobics and the great value it can have for seniors.  She explains how caregivers can help work Brain Aerobics into a senior’s everyday life and how it can be beneficial in addressing the decline in brain function that often comes with age.  She provides interesting, real-life examples of Brain Aerobics activities seniors and their caregivers have developed and used.