Rhode Island

Rhode Island Senior Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

During tax season, many seniors wait until the last minute to file. It is not uncommon for seniors to owe money to the government. To offset this, seniors should be aware of any and all exemptions and deductibles that could lower their tax bills. Some of the tips that are provided below may be useful to seniors. If you are a senior and feel you may benefit from deductions and exemptions, the best thing to do is speak with a professional.

1. Make sure to know about any taxes on compensation. If you are still working, your income will be taxed at the normal rate. However, if you itemize your taxes and make use of exemptions and deductions, you will have a lower tax bill.

2. There are many deductions available for seniors. For example, seniors who itemize their taxes can deduct property tax, charitable gifts and medical expenses. These are only a few of the available deductions.

3. An exemption occurs when an individual is not required to pay a tax. If you are preparing your own taxes, you may want to consult a professional to inquire about exemptions.

4. Most seniors are receiving Social Security payments each month. If the senior has an additional form of income, this income will be used to determine if taxed must be paid on any earnings from Social Security. This usually applies to seniors who have higher incomes than normal.

Source: updatefrom.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Aging Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

There are many ways seniors can lower the amount of tax they are required to pay. By doing so, seniors will get a higher return and may end up getting all of their tax money back after they file. To make use of these deductions, seniors should talk to a professional to determine what they can claim on their taxes. The following information may also be useful when filing.

1. There is a tax credit available to elderly tax payers and those who are disabled. In order to be eligible, the individual must be over the age of 65 by the end of tax year in which they wish to claim this credit. Disabled individuals may need to meet certain requirements before getting this credit. Those who receive disability income that is taxable will qualify.

2. Non-traditional lifestyles can have an effect on taxes. Most seniors lead a traditional lifestyle; however, there are some who do not. Gay and lesbian couples are not allowed to file their taxes jointly or as a married couple. This means that these couples will not get the tax break that is offered to those who are in a traditional marriage.

3. Some seniors may require assistance getting their paperwork in order before filing. If a senior has a caregiver, this person may be helpful in collecting receipts and documentation that is needed to claim deductions and exemptions. Seniors can also receive free tax assistance from AARP Tax-Aide.

Source: updatefrom.com

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Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Elder Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Routine is often something that goes hand-in-hand with the comfort of aging. Seniors face a lot of unknown scenarios in their lives; so the things that they can control are often elements of their routine that the repeat day-in, day-out. This may provide comfort, but it can also mean that seniors are reluctant to try new things and this can be an important component of aging for the sake of their health; body and mind. Here are some suggestions for activities that will help seniors break out of that routine, try new things, and improve their well-being in the process.

1. Incorporate simple activities that provide strength, coordination and balance training with little motion that makes seniors uncomfortable due to potential risks of falling. Walking regularly, working on grip by using a tennis ball or stress ball, doing some leg stretches while sitting, and doing arm circles can incorporate mobility into the lives of all seniors. These activities are not the typical exercises that seniors may have tried when they were younger, so by incorporating them they’re breaking out of their comfort zone; while at the same time returning them to it since they are activities that can be more age appropriate

2. Encourage seniors to take a different route. Walking or driving a different way to get to a location can help exercise the mind by forming new neural pathways. By varying a normal routine, like going out to get groceries, seniors can help enhance their minds

3. Seniors can relax and improve their emotional and physical health by getting outside and gardening this spring

Via: Get Mom Moving

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

A recent study focused on senior patients with diabetes and a high stress level. The presence of a stress hormone could place these seniors at a higher risk for memory loss. While memory loss is a normal part of aging for many seniors, the memory loss associated with diabetes and stress may soon be controllable. The list below contains some information from recent studies.

1. Cortisol is a stress hormone. When this hormone is elevated, brain function can be slowed. This reaction is common in seniors with diabetes. The hormone could be the cause of most memory loss in diabetic patients.

2. The study that was conducted included men and women between 60 and 75. All individuals had type-2 diabetes. The study revealed that older adults who have high stress levels will experience more memory loss.

3. When there are high levels of the stress hormone present, cognitive abilities will be affected. It may be possible to regulate the levels of cortisol in the blood to control and even prevent memory loss.

4. Others studies have been performed regarding the association of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The studies revealed that those with diabetes could experience increased memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

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Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Non Medical Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Memory loss is a common problem in the senior population. However, recent studies have shown that memory loss is not always a direct result of aging. In fact, seniors who experience high levels of stress may be more prone to memory loss if they are diabetics. The list below provides some facts from the study on how stress is related to memory loss in seniors.

1. The study focused on more than 1000 men and women who had type-2 diabetes. All of the people involved in the study were between the ages of 60 and 75. This type of diabetes has been linked to memory issues, but the reason was never clear until this study was performed.

2. The study revealed that diabetic patients who have high levels of stress are at a much higher risk of experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. The levels of cortisol in the blood may play a role in memory function.

3. Cognitive decline in patients with type-2 diabetes may be controlled by regulating the levels of cortisol.

4. Prior studies have revealed that patients with diabetes may be at risk of memory loss that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Cortisol may be the key factor in regulating memory loss. This hormone is responsible for much of the brain’s function. If patients with type-2 diabetes have high levels of this hormone, they will be at risk for memory loss.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Senior Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

When seniors shop and prepare their own meals at home, they need to be aware of safety issues. If foods are not stored properly, they could go bad. Also, when preparing raw foods, seniors need to make sure they are taking the necessary steps to prevent any cross-contamination, which could cause serious illness. The following list contains some great food safety tips for seniors.

1. Always wash your hands often when cooking and handling any raw foods. Make sure to wash before, during and after preparation. This will reduce the risks of cross-contamination and will help ensure food is being prepared safely.

2. After shopping, be sure to store foods separately. Never keep raw and cooked foods stored together. When preparing meals, do not use the same cutting board or knife on meats and poultry on breads and vegetables.

3. Always make sure that foods are cooked to the proper temperature. Undercooked foods can pose a health threat to seniors. Consuming raw and undercooked foods, such as meats and eggs, could increase the chances of illness.

4. When buying perishable foods, make sure they are put away quickly. Never leave perishable foods on the counter. Place them in the refrigerator as soon as you return home to make sure they do not spoil.

Source: eatright.org

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Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Our Rhode Island Caregivers enable seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors should know about food safety. A foodborne illness can severely affect seniors. Since many seniors have a weak immune system, food safety is very important. The following list contains facts and tips for seniors on food safety issues. It is important to take all possible precautions to avoid becoming ill due to a food problem.

1. Older individuals, newborns and pregnant women are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. This is because they usually have a weaker immune system than a healthy young adult. People in these groups need to be very careful of the foods they ingest.

2. To protect yourself from becoming ill from a food, make sure that all food is stored properly.

3. When cooking food, make sure that the food has reached the proper temperature. This can be done by inserting a thermometer into the food as it is being prepared. This is very important when cooking meat and poultry.

4. When preparing food, be sure to wash your hands often. This will help prevent cross-contamination. This is important when coming in contact with raw fish, meat and poultry.

5. Some foods are more prone to carrying bacteria. This is common in chicken and some red meat. Try to avoid preparing or eating these foods, especially if they are undercooked.

Source: eatright.org

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Home Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Many seniors do not have a healthy diet. When designing a diet, there are some important factors to take into consideration. Seniors need to make sure that the foods they are consuming are healthy. This does not mean they can’t enjoy a little treat now and then, but the majority of their foods should have a healthy component. Below is a list that contains some useful tips for seniors.

1. Variety is the spice of life! Just because seniors do not require as many calories as younger adults, this does not mean they cannot mix up their daily diets. Having a variety of foods in a diet is a great way to get the proper nutrition while enjoying what is being eaten.

2. Fruits and vegetables are essential. It doesn’t matter if they are fresh, frozen or canned, but having daily servings of fruits and vegetables will provide the body with essential nutrients. Dark green and orange vegetables should be included in a diet.

3. Seniors require protein, so make sure a diet contains some beans, fish or peas.

4. Whole-grain products are very beneficial. Try to switch from white bread to whole-grain bread. Cereal, rice and pasta are also available in whole-grain.

5. When eating dairy, make sure it is low-fat. Seniors should keep an eye on their fat intake, so low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese should be incorporated into the diet. Make sure the products are fortified with Vitamin D as well.

6. When consuming foods with fat, try to choose foods that contain healthy fats. These include monosaturated and polysaturated fats.

Source: eatright.org

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Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Rhode Island Aging Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Everyone knows that the foods they eat can have a direct affect on general health. This is why it is so important for seniors to eat nutritional foods. Since seniors do not require high calorie counts, they must choose foods that are nutritious. The list below provides seniors with some important facts about nutrition.

1. Poor nutrition is a health risk for all seniors. There are many things that can increase the chances of poor nutrition. They include illness, taking multiple medications, poor dental health, poor eating habits and loneliness or the lack of socialization.

2. Since the need for calories is reduced with age, seniors need to choose foods that are rich in nutrients. Try to opt for foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. Reduce the intake of foods with high calories or high amounts of sugar.

3. Seniors may need more calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C. If you cannot increase your intake by adjusting what foods are eating, you may want to take a daily supplement to ensure you are getting enough of these important nutrients.

4. Seniors with heart disease or high blood pressure need to watch how much sodium is consumed daily. Processed foods contain high amounts of sodium. It is best for seniors to eat freshly prepared meals including vegetables and meats that are not processed. Seniors who do not have a health condition should not consume more than 3000mg of sodium each day. This number will be lower for those with heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Source: gicare.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.