Health Tips - CenterLight

For Older Adults, Healthcare Can be Confusing. We Can Help!

Navigating the world of healthcare may feel like an overwhelming task. CenterLight’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated healthcare, and while PACE offers a lifeline to many older adults, the certification process for Medicare and Medicaid can often be confusing for them.

Ensuring that older adults can access the benefits they need without unnecessary barriers is more than just a matter of paperwork—it's about helping improve lives. CenterLight PACE can help answer questions and offer support to our participants or individuals interested in enrolling.

Understanding PACE

PACE programs provide comprehensive healthcare services to older adults who are eligible for Medicare and/or Medicaid, allowing them to stay in their home and communities for as long as possible. Through PACE, eligible* adults 55+ can receive all the services they need including medical care, rehabilitation services, home care, transportation, and more — all coordinated by a designated CenterLight PACE care team.

For older adults to benefit from this holistic care, they first need to meet specific eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to, proving eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid.* Medicare and/or Medicaid must be maintained to continue all the CenterLight PACE services.

Securing Medicare and Medicaid

For many PACE participants, the process of securing Medicare and Medicaid can feel overwhelming. It often involves gathering medical records, understanding state-specific rules and submitting forms. If you’re an older adult or a caregiver, this process may be daunting. Many people face challenges in understanding which documents are required, how to complete forms accurately, or where to go for help.

For someone already dealing with health concerns, the last thing they need is added stress. It’s no surprise that so many individuals end up frustrated and confused. There are resources available. And our CenterLight team can help simplify the process.

Simplifying the Process

At CenterLight PACE, we believe that navigating the certification and recertification process should not be an additional burden on older adults or their families. We can help our participants in several ways:

Providing Clear, Step-by-Step Guidance
Assisting with Paperwork
Connecting You to Resources
Answering Your Questions
Reducing Stress
Medicaid Renewal

Dealing with Seasonal Allergies

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As winter ends and the cold weather slowly goes away, spring brings with it beautiful flowers, grasses, and other pollen producers. During the spring months, we can start enjoying outdoor activities such as gardening or walking in the park. But while most people look forward to this season, it may not be as enjoyable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Below are some tips to help reduce the discomfort of allergies:

Look out for allergy symptoms such as red, watery, and itchy eyes; sneezing; congestion; and runny nose.

Consult with your medical provider. Let your doctor or other medical provider know what your symptoms are so they can advise you of proper treatment and prevention techniques. Medical providers can also recommend new and existing allergy treatments that you can try to reduce the effects of allergy-causing substances.

If you are taking allergy medications, take them as prescribed. Medication compliance is a very important part of remaining safe and healthy.

Make sure you note when high pollen count days occur. Remain indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. Keep doors and windows closed.

Do not touch your eyes outside and wash your hands before touching them indoors.

If possible, avoid plants that are considered worse for allergies. These include, but are not limited to:

Flowers such as daisies, jasmine, and chrysanthemums
Indoor plants such as ferns
Shrubs such as cypress, juniper, and wisteria
High-pollen producing trees such as olive, birch, pine, oak, elm, cedar, and walnut
Bermuda grass, Johnson, orchard, and other varieties of grass

If your caregiver has pets and is visiting your home, tell them to wipe the pets down before they come in from outside. Pets' coats can be pollen and mold magnets.

For CenterLight Healthcare PACE Participants:

If you think you have allergies or are experiencing symptoms, your CenterLight PACE care team can help. Please let us know right away so that we can adjust your treatment plans. This includes recommending appropriate treatments based on your condition, and ensuring that any allergy regimen does not conflict with other medications or treatment.

This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Sources:

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_Allergies
Updated March 20, 2025

Caring for the Caregiver

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According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States care for a loved one who is elderly, sick, and/or with special needs. As the population ages, more people find themselves serving as a caregiver.*

This has resulted in a number of issues that caregivers themselves face. Studies show that between 40-70% of family caregivers experience clinical symptoms of depression, often because of feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with caregiving responsibilities. In fact, 17% of caregivers reported their health has worsened due to their obligations which can progress over time.**

Signs of caregiver stress can present in many ways, including:

Alcohol and/or drug misuse/abuse.
Constant feeling of worry, depression, and/or anxiety.
Feeling tired, sleeping too much, or not enough.
Weight gain or loss.
Irritability.
Loss of interest in activities you may have previously enjoyed.
Having frequent headaches, or other pains, and/ or health problems.
Missing medical appointments.

Strategies for Staying Well

It can be hard to trust someone else with your loved one's care, but taking time for self-care is important for both you and them. Self-care helps you stay balanced, focused, and effective as a caregiver. Make sure to set aside time in your routine to focus on yourself. This will help you feel more connected and content.

Available resources for caregivers include:

Respite care services – provides short-term relief, allowing time for rest, travel, or to spend time with others. For example, caregivers of CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can rely on us to provide care while you are on vacation or have other matters that need your attention. While you are away, you'll have peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the care and services they need.

Support groups are available in the community and online, providing opportunities to connect with others with the same experiences.

Educational resources are also available at your local library or online. Find helpful information regarding caregiving from trustworthy sources. Learning about what you're facing can help reduce anxiety and give you confidence as you navigate your role as a caregiver. Some organizations that have a wealth of caregiver information include MedlinePlus, Medicare.gov, and the National Institute on Aging.

You may also find the following tips helpful:

Find an activity/hobby that interests you. Participate in yoga, go on walks, see a movie, have dinner with friends and family, and other activities that can help keep you in touch with others.

Eat healthy, exercise, and see your own medical provider regularly. As a caregiver, you might not get enough sleep, or physical activity, or you might not eat a balanced diet. Lack of sleep, exercise, and poor eating habits can increase your risk for health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, stress over time can harm your health. Be mindful of your own health and see your own medical provider for regular check-ups and preventative care.

Meditate. One of the simplest relaxation techniques is breath awareness. Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood, enhances focus, and helps lower blood pressure.

Ask for help. As a caregiver, you may be juggling many responsibilities -- and knowing when to seek assistance, whether from friends, other members of your family, community organizations, or programs like CenterLight Healthcare PACE means that you have your loved one's best interest in mind.

We hope that you find this article helpful. More importantly, remember that you are not alone. There are resources available that offer caregiver support.

This blog post is written by:

Jocelyn Pappalardo, BSN, RN, Director of Quality at CenterLight PACE

Meghan Little, MSN, RN, Quality Management Specialist at CenterLight PACE

Sources:

* Mayo Clinic

** Family Caregiver Alliance

https://www.caregiver.org/news/caregiver-isolation-and-loneliness/

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-health-technology-and-caregiving-resources/

H3329 CaregiverTips_Web Approved 02202025
Updated December 26, 2024

The Importance of Connection

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We all need social connections to survive and thrive--but as we age, we may find ourselves spending more time alone.

Did you know that social isolation can affect our health and wellbeing?

Studies show that not having social interactions with others can lead to higher risks in health problems such as heart disease, depression, and memory issues.* According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation is associated with about 50% increase risk of dementia. Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.**

This is because people who are isolated may get too little physical exercise, experience emotional pain that can increase stress and lead to unhealthy habits, and have limited conversations and activities, consequently weakening brain health.

How can you avoid the negative effects of social isolation? Here are some ideas to help you stay connected:

Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new.

Participating in activities can help individuals make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. In addition, learning a new hobby or discovering new talents can help with cognitive and physical health, as well as boost confidence and increase motivation for engagement.

For example, CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants have access to PACE centers, where they can join more than 100 activities at each site per month. These include arts and crafts, bingo, field trips, special programs such as pet therapy, and music programs, as well as special events, holidays, and cultural celebrations.

Schedule time each day to get in touch with family, friends, and/or neighbors in person, by email, social media, phone, or text.*

Talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Sending letters or cards—although not common nowadays—is another good way to keep up friendships.

CenterLight PACE participant Sheila talks about how finding her passion for art helped in her healthcare journey.

Stay physically active.

Consult your medical provider to learn what physical activities you can do at home or in the community, such as walking with a friend. CenterLight PACE participants may go to our PACE centers to use our open gym or join exercise programs at our day health center.

Join a support group.

Speak with people with whom you share common interests and/or who have experienced the same situations. Sharing your thoughts and supporting others can lead to important connections that may not necessarily be provided by family and friends.

Speak with your social worker.

A social work professional can recommend community resources and other ways to improve your emotional and mental health. CenterLight PACE participants have an assigned social worker as part of their care team.

Speak with your doctor or medical provider.

For some individuals, depression may be the cause of social isolation or the result of it. Medical professionals can diagnose conditions and recommend treatments if needed.

Lastly, remember to ask for help and reach out to others. We may not be aware that we are starting to be more isolated, but accepting assistance and knowing that there are resources available is a great way to minimize the risks associated with social isolation.

This blog post is written by:

Kathleen Keegan, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at CenterLight Healthcare PACE

Kimberly Sodano, LCSW, Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE

Sources:

* National Institutes of Health

** https://aging.ny.gov/news/social-isolation-resources-help#:~:text=Virtually%20any%20movie%20or%20classic,emotional%20support%20for%20you%20both!

H3329 SocialIsolationBlog Approved 01232025
Updated December 17, 2024

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle

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Take steps toward a healthier lifestyle by making healthier choices each day. We have compiled these tips to help you on your journey to better nutrition.

As we get older, it is even more important to develop and maintain healthy eating habits. One of the best ways to keep track of what you eat is developing a meal plan that you can follow throughout the day.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), enjoying a variety of food from each food group: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, and dairy, can help reduce the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Make healthy food choices that are low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. You may use nutrition facts labels and ingredient lists to ensure you are following this tip.

Choose beverages that are low in added sugars.

Add flavor to foods with spices and herbs instead of salt. This will make your meal tastier and healthier at the same time.

Increase daily physical activity to promote weight loss and help to control blood sugar.

Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, speak with your medical provider about the right ones for you.

Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can also help in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

Opt for snacks with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help keep you full throughout the day.

Adhering to a healthy meal plan does not have to be difficult. I recommend planning in advance to get the guesswork out of the process. In addition, making a shopping list will help ensure you will only buy things that you need for the nutritious meals you have planned and can help you stay on budget.

FOR PARTICIPANTS:
As a participant of CenterLight’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), you have access to a dietitian as part of your care team. Dietitians can help with meal planning and nutrition education. CenterLight PACE participants can also attend our Day Health Centers, where you can enjoy healthy meals and fun activities.

Remember that healthy eating is all about balance. You can enjoy good food if it’s part of your healthy eating plan. Remember to talk to your medical provider about what type of physical activity is right for you, as it is important to combine nutrition with physical exercise. Depending on your individual condition, being active can help you improve your overall health and wellbeing.

This blog post is written by Joy Licata, RD, Director of Nutrition Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Sources: USDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH)

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_HealthyEating
Updated January 9, 2025

Cancer Screening Saves Lives

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According to the National Cancer Institute, prevention and screening efforts have been major contributors to saving lives from breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.* This National Cancer Prevention Month, we would like to remind you about the importance of preventative care.

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.** It is also important to note that individuals who have an increased risk, such as people with a family history of cancer, must start screenings early.

The following are some preventative screenings recommended for older adults:

Breast Cancer Screening (mammograms)
Cervical Cancer Screenings (Pap Test and HPV Test)
Prostate Cancer Screening
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Lung Cancer Screening (especially for people who have a history of heavy smoking and are between 50 and 80 years of age)
Other cancer screenings including, but not limited to, ovarian, pancreatic, and thyroid, as well as screenings recommended by your medical provider based on your health, history, and risk factors.

We also recommend the following:

See your doctor or medical provider regularly. Regular check-ups help medical professionals identify issues before they get worse and provide appropriate treatment as needed.

If you experience symptoms or any change in condition, let your medical provider know as soon as possible. You do not have to wait until your next appointment or assessment. CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants can also speak with any member of their care team at any time if there’s any change in how they feel.

Live a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption can help decrease your risk of sickness. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can stay active by joining in on therapeutic recreation activities at the PACE centers or using our open gym. CenterLight dietitians can recommend a proper diet and educate participants and their caregivers on healthy meals. Consult with your medical provider to determine what exercise and/or diet works best for you.

Remember: preventative care works. The earlier cancer is detected, the higher the likelihood of effective treatments prolonging one's life.

This blog post is written by Lena Chang, MSN, NP-BC, Clinical Service Director at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Sources:

*From 1975-2020, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/press-releases/2024/cancer-deaths-averted-prevention-screening-contribution

** https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/screening.html

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_CancerScreenings
Updated December 19, 2024

Tips for Eye Health

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Did you know that you could have a vision problem and not be aware of it? The best way to take care of your vision is to have preventative vision checks. Make sure you visit your eye care provider regularly to prevent any condition from getting worse, and to help treat issues you may already have.

January is National Eye Care Month. Below are some additional tips that can help promote eye health:

Maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Diabetes can increase your risk of some eye diseases including, in severe cases, vision loss and blindness. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure that you check your blood sugar level regularly, take medications as prescribed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent complications. Speak with your medical provider to learn ways to minimize eye issues.

Monitor your blood pressure.

Having a controlled blood pressure is important for reducing your risk of developing vision problems. Speak with your medical provider regarding your risk factors and if you are having symptoms of high blood pressure, which can include blurred vision, headache, dizziness, etc. Some of the ways you can manage your blood pressure include maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight, keeping active, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

Eat right.

Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Kale, spinach, and collard greens, for example, are rich in both vitamins C and E. There are also plant-based forms of vitamin A that help lower your risk of long-term eye diseases such as cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects a person's central vision.

Rest your eyes.

Try to limit television, computer, or phone screen time and take a break every 20 minutes. Spending too much time staring at a screen can cause eye strain.

Clean your hands before touching your eyes.

To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with your hands—use a clean tissue instead.

Wear sunglasses.

Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing UV-A and UV-B radiation-protected lenses. The rays from the sun can be very harmful to unprotected eyes.

This blog post is written by Myrlhene Descollines, MPA, RN, BSN, Vice President of Clinical Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_EyeHealth
Updated December 12, 2024

Winter Safety and Falls Prevention

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A snowfall can turn New York into a winter wonderland. But for older adults, enjoying the beauty of winter also means keeping warm and taking precautions when out and about on icy streets. Below are some helpful tips on how you can minimize the risk of falls during the winter.

Stay Inside on Days When it is Icy or Snowing

If a storm is in the forecast, do not go out unless absolutely necessary. If it is unavoidable, do not go out alone. Find someone who can offer assistance and help you walk safely.

Additional Time

Allow more time to complete tasks or errands that you cannot postpone. This will also help you avoid having to take shortcuts that have not been cleaned.

Wear Proper Footwear

Well-fitted footwear such as non-slippery boots, sneakers, or shoes with sturdy soles and traction design are recommended for icy conditions.

Clear Pathways

Maintain snow/ice-free pathways around your home. If you are not able to do so by yourself, ask for help from a family member, friend, or neighbor to clear snow and use salt or sand.

Practice Proper Walking Techniques

Do not carry anything in your hands aside from assistive devices such as a cane/walker. Walk slowly and be aware of your surroundings, take small steps, and point your toes out slightly for stability.

Avoid Distractions

Do not text or talk on your phone while walking. Be aware of where you are walking and be mindful of ice and slippery spots.

Dress Appropriately

Wear winter-appropriate clothes such as pants, winter coat, a hat, and gloves that can help limit the impact of a fall and keep you warm.

Take Precautions Inside Your Home

Place non-slip mats near the entrance and make sure no surfaces remain wet and slippery. Make sure you have enough light to ensure you do not trip or fall.

This blog post is written by Tatyana Brisman, PT, Regional Rehabilitation Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Source: https://www.lifeline.com/blog/preventing-winter-falls-tips-for-safety/

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_WinterFallTips
Updated November 22, 2024

Flu Vaccine for Older Adults

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The flu, or influenza, is a virus that can cause fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and muscle aches. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), flu is a mild illness for some people. However, for others, including older adults with chronic (long-lasting) health conditions, it can be very serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older.

Protect yourself from the flu

There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu, as my colleague Dr. Heather Ogando discusses in her blog post.

One of the proven effective ways to minimize your chances of getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine. You are less likely to become seriously ill or hospitalized from flu and flu-related complications if you get the vaccine. A flu vaccine is especially important in older adults who have heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions.

According to the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that all 2024-2025 flu vaccines be trivalent, which means they protect against three different flu viruses. Below are two of the many types of flu vaccines available.

Fluad Trivalent

This vaccine is approved for use among people 65 and older. It is a standard-dose flu shot with an ingredient added to help stimulate the immune system.

Afluria Trivalent

A 0.5 mL dose of this vaccine is approved for people 3 years and older.

You can ideally get flu vaccines starting in October of each year. But it's not too late to get one from your doctor as the height of the flu season is usually in December or January. Participants of CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) who have not yet had their flu shot can contact their care team by calling 1-833-CL-CARES (1-833-252-2737) (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, Monday-Friday.

CenterLight is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.

This blog post was written by Shu Jing, PharmD, MS, Senior Director of Pharmacy Services at CenterLight Healthcare.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health
US will Transition to Trivalent Flu Vaccines for 2024-2025

H3329 FluShotBlog_no PO info Updated 11252024

Protect Yourself from the Flu

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It’s that time of year again! There are some simple steps you could take to help protect yourself and your loved ones during the flu season.

Get vaccinated.

Seasonal flu vaccines are available now. Ask your healthcare provider about getting a flu shot—vaccines are one of the best ways to lessen the possibility of getting sick.

Recognize signs and symptoms.

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the flu. This will help you get timely treatment as necessary, and prevent you from getting others sick. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants who have any of the following symptoms should call their care team right away at 1-833-CL-CARES (1-833-252-2737), Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM (TTY 711). A member of the team is always on call during after hours and weekends. All other individuals are advised to notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Practice cough etiquette.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue.

Wash hands well and frequently.

Use soap and water, or if not available, use a hand sanitizer. Make sure you practice proper handwashing techniques.

Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk, then these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you can, stay away from anyone who is sick or showing flu symptoms to minimize the chance of you getting sick too.

If you are sick, keep your distance from others. Stay home, rest, and follow instructions from your healthcare provider.

This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_FluPreventionTips
Updated November 7, 2024

What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Older Adults

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November is National Diabetes Month! Learning about diabetes symptoms, prevention, and management is an important step you can take in preventing complications and continuing to live safely and independently in your own home.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the main type of sugar found in your blood and your main source of energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. Your pancreas—an organ, located between your stomach and spine, that helps with digestion—releases a hormone it makes, called insulin, into your blood. Insulin helps your blood carry glucose to all your body’s cells. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin doesn’t work the way it should. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. Your blood glucose levels get too high and can cause diabetes.

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

People who think they might have diabetes must visit a medical provider for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:

Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme hunger
Sudden vision changes
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Feeling very tired much of the time
Very dry skin
Sores that are slow to heal
More infections than usual

What are the risk factors of Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs in every age group. Although type 2 diabetes can affect individuals at any age, it is more likely to develop in older adults. In addition, those who are overweight, have a family history of the disease, are physically inactive, are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, Pacific Islander or American Indian, also have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

What do you need to take care of your Diabetes?

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Here are a few things you can do to help manage your diabetes:

See your medical provider on a regular basis. Only a medical provider can accurately determine whether or not you have diabetes and what the next steps are for treating it.
Get your annual eye exam. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with diabetes are at a higher risk of vision loss and eye diseases, but more than 90% of diabetes-related vision loss can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
Get an annual foot exam. People with diabetes are at risk of diabetes-related foot conditions. Regular foot exams can help identify problems early and prevent them from getting worse.
Take your medication as prescribed by your medical provider. There are a variety of medications such as insulin injections or pills/tablets that can help control your diabetes and prevent it from getting worse or causing complications. It is important that these medications are taken as prescribed by your medical provider.
Watch what you eat. Ask a dietitian to help you develop a schedule of meals and snacks. Eat foods that are lower in calories, have less fat, less sugar, and less salt. Do not skip meals, as this can make your blood glucose level fall.
Be active. Physical activity can help you control your blood sugar and manage your diabetes. Always consult with your medical provider before increasing your activity level or starting an exercise program.

This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Promoting Eye Health
Promoting Foot Health

Blog_NoPOInfo_DiabetesMgt
Updated October 16, 2024

Depression in Older Adults

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What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that can affect the way we feel, act, and think. It is a common problem among older adults. However, it is not a normal part of aging. Depression gets better with treatment!

It is estimated that for older adults living in the community, 1% to about 5% of them have major depression. This number increases to 13.5% for older adults who need home healthcare and 11.5% for older adults that are hospitalized.

The first step to managing depression is talking with your doctor about symptoms so they can help you find the treatment that’s right for you.

What can depression look like?

Everyone can experience depression differently. Some of the symptoms for depression in older adults are:

Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Difficulty sleeping
Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
Thoughts of dying

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, please see your doctor. You may be experiencing depression or another medical condition. The earlier you can identify symptoms the faster you can receive treatment.

It is also important to note that depression can look different depending on a person’s cultural background. Depression may be displayed as physical symptoms, such as aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.

If you are a friend or caregiver, and you notice the above symptoms encourage the person to seek medical treatment. You won’t be able treat their depression, but you can also offer your time and support by encouraging them to seek medical attention or spending time doing what they enjoy.

Are you at risk for depression?

Symptoms of depression can begin to show after changes to the brain or major life events. Through research the following factors have shown to be related to the risk of depression but do not necessarily cause depression:

Medical condition, such as stroke or cancer
Family history of depression
Stress
Sleep problems
Social isolation and loneliness
Functional limitations

How is depression treated?

Once diagnosed with depression there are multiple forms of treatment. One common form of treatment is psychotherapy, also known as counseling or “talk therapy,” which can help address troubling emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Additionally, antidepressant medication can be prescribed to help balance hormones that affect mood.

Everyone is different and different combinations of treatment may be tried to be able to find the one that works for you. Some lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help complement treatment, such as, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Research has shown that engaging in activities that you enjoy can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Individuals who experience depression may also benefit from the helpful tips listed here.

How can CenterLight help participants diagnosed with depression?

CenterLight PACE is committed to delivering our participants the personalized care that they need. So, we are here to help if you begin to experience symptoms of depression. Here is how:

CenterLight PACE Social Worker will conduct a Patient Health Questionnaire to assess your mood, provide supportive counseling during visits, make referrals, and coordinate the care plan and communicate with your primary care provider.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialists will engage our participants in activities that they enjoy, assisting in the improvement of physical and mental health.
Medical Providers can collaborate with your primary care doctors and specialists to facilitate medication management.

At our PACE Day Health Centers, participants receive services designed to support their overall well-being, from medical care to social activities and meals. In addition, participants can benefit from enhanced emotional and physical health by attending the PACE Center. Get an inside look at the services we offer at our centers.

Remember, here at CenterLight you have a full team working together to address your needs. You can get the help and treatment needed to manage depression.

Additional Resources

NYC Well/ NYC 998 provides free, confidential mental health support via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages.

If you are experiencing feelings of depression or any of the symptoms listed above, please let your social worker or any member of your care team know. You may also call the CenterLight PACE Service Coordination Team at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, M-F.

CenterLight is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that readers consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.

This blog post is written by Stacey Thompson, LMSW, Social Work Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 Blog_no PO info updated 09052024

Sources:

Depression and Aging, CDC

Depression and Older Adults, NIH

Medication Safety

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It is very important to take medications in the way that your doctor prescribed. Often, people miss doses because:

They do not understand the importance of a drug for their health condition, or
They do not refill them when the medication runs out.

Below are tips for staying on track with your medications.

Keep a list of your medications on your refrigerator so that you and the nurse visiting your home know what you are taking. The list should include names of both prescription, over-the-counter medications and vitamin dosage, frequency, and reason for taking them.
Ask your caregiver to put your medications in a weekly or monthly pillbox separated by time of day. This will help you remember if you took your medication by seeing if the pills are removed from the box.
Ask your pharmacy if they provide “blister packaging” (individual doses of your medication in separate packages).
Ask your pharmacist to provide the label in your language.
Set an alarm to remind you when you have to take your medication.
Ask the pharmacy for refills 3 days before you run out of medication.
Ask the pharmacy to call you when the medication is ready for pick up.
Ask the pharmacy to call you when there is no refill left for your medication.
Use one pharmacy so that they can make sure there are no drug interactions among all of the medications that you take.

Other Important Reminders:

If you do not understand why you are taking a medication or how to take it, ask your doctor.
Do not take medications prescribed for another person or share your medication with someone else.
Check the expiration dates on your medication bottles to make sure your medications are not expired.
Bring your medication list to each doctor visit and notify them if you are aware that something has changed. Make sure to mention over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, creams, ointments and eye drops.
If you experience a side effect, tell your doctor.
Store medications in a cool, dry, safe place away from pets and children. Do not store them in the bathroom because the medication can be affected by humidity.

For additional tips, you may visit the National Institute on Aging.

This blog post was written by Shu Jing, PharmD, MS, Senior Director of Pharmacy Services at CenterLight Healthcare.

H3329 Blog_no PO info Updated 08232024

Understanding PACE

Securing Medicare and Medicaid

Simplifying the Process

We’re Here to Help

Below are some tips to help reduce the discomfort of allergies:

For CenterLight Healthcare PACE Participants:

Signs of caregiver stress can present in many ways, including:

Strategies for Staying Well

Available resources for caregivers include:

You may also find the following tips helpful:

This blog post is written by:

Did you know that social isolation can affect our health and wellbeing?

How can you avoid the negative effects of social isolation? Here are some ideas to help you stay connected:

Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new.

Schedule time each day to get in touch with family, friends, and/or neighbors in person, by email, social media, phone, or text.*

Stay physically active.

Join a support group.

Speak with your social worker.

Speak with your doctor or medical provider.

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The following are some preventative screenings recommended for older adults:

We also recommend the following:

Maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Monitor your blood pressure.

Eat right.

Rest your eyes.

Clean your hands before touching your eyes.

Wear sunglasses.

Stay Inside on Days When it is Icy or Snowing

Additional Time

Wear Proper Footwear

Clear Pathways

Practice Proper Walking Techniques

Avoid Distractions

Dress Appropriately

Take Precautions Inside Your Home

Protect yourself from the flu

Fluad Trivalent

Afluria Trivalent

Get vaccinated.

Recognize signs and symptoms.

Practice cough etiquette.

Wash hands well and frequently.

Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of the flu.

What is Diabetes?

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

What are the risk factors of Diabetes?

What do you need to take care of your Diabetes?

What is Depression?

What can depression look like?

Are you at risk for depression?

How is depression treated?

How can CenterLight help participants diagnosed with depression?

Additional Resources

Below are tips for staying on track with your medications.

Other Important Reminders: