Deupree House's Premier Senior Living Blog

ERH and Cincinnati retirement community residents have been leading a ush for Ohio to participate in the Yellow Dot Program, a senior safety initiative that focuses on calling first responders’ attention to senior citizens’ unique medical needs in the event of an accident. The Yellow Dot Program has already been implemented with great success in Connecticut, New York and Alabama where it has been credited with reducing negative outcomes and saving the lives of older drivers involved in serious motor vehicle accidents.

Health care is one of the most immediate concerns for the family of a senior who lives independently. This is particularly true for older adults who have breathing difficulties like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or asthma, a history of unstable heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure, or require close diabetes management.

For most Cincinnati seniors, there are few more important professional relationships than the one they share with their doctor. As we age, our medical issues often increase exponentially, making it critical to have a trusted physician on which to rely. But due to a rising shortage in family care doctors, this is becoming a tough challenge, particularly in underserved markets where health care is scarce.

Is it possible to know if you’re getting the best healthcare available?

Probably not in the same way that science can prove which laundry detergent cleans clothes most effectively. Healthcare is made up of far too many variables to offer a strictly quantifiable ranking of the best or worst.

But, there are things you can do to learn a little more about the physicians you’re using or considering. In fact, they are things that you should do. And you should have been doing them for years.

We love looking ahead to things— better weather, vacations, birthdays, visits with friends. But sometimes, it’s just as important to look back. We’re not talking about spending our time after retirement reflecting on the long arc of our lives, though that’s probably not a bad thing to indulge in occasionally.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and senior healthcare. And none of them seem to agree.

Some of those opinions have an obviously political bent while others take a more philosophical approach to interpreting the reform. But if you want solid information about the ACA, perhaps it’s best to pay attention to those who have spent time crunching the numbers.

If you’re planning to retire soon, your mind is probably already in a whirl.

Your first concern, of course, is whether your savings will be enough. Even if you have spent a lifetime diligently saving, with an economy like ours, it’s hard to be sure. Uncertainty is the only certainty.

At Deupree House, we’re dedicated to helping our residents live well—we have plenty of wellness programs, fitness classes, healthy menus, and active events that help our seniors stay healthy.

At ERH, we believe in helping older adults stay independent throughout every stage of life. That often means raising awareness about healthcare and social issues that affect senior living.

The changing demographics of the older American population and the recent strides made toward reforming healthcare have combined in a way that profoundly impacts the world of geriatric medicine.