The Nerd's Wife

How to Support Healthy Grandparents

by 55 Comments

Disclosure: I’m partnering with Aetna and Grandparents.com to bring you more information on how to support healthy grandparents. All opinions are my own. #AgingWell

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Shortly after my son was born, we asked my grandmother to move in with us. She had been living alone in a rural area, and had fallen a few times. I was worried about her being out on her own, and knew that bringing her into our home would not only support her, but would help me as a new mom.

I thought I was gaining a roommate, but quickly learned that having a grandparent live with you is so much more than that.

How to Support Healthy Grandparents

First, there’s health insurance.

My grandmother’s health insurance at the time was only offered in a few rural counties, and she wouldn’t be eligible for it anymore once she moved to our area. Thus began our search for health benefits that suited her needs, but was also affordable.

As a retired senior, she was on a fixed income. And she had a variety of health concerns to address. I was not prepared for the litany of questions and information needed when I began my search for the right insurance plan for her.

Open Enrollment for Medicare beneficiaries runs from October 15, 2015 to December 7, 2015. Meanwhile, the General Open Enrollment period runs from November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016.

So now is the time to consider helping your grandparents change their health insurance plan. Sit down and make a list of the benefits that they used last year, including prescriptions. Also list the benefits that they did not use. Consider which ones are necessary and which ones can be cut from their plan.

Talk about what health issues they want to address in the year to come. Check if their current health care plan or the health care plans you are considering offer the preventative services or discounts on exercise equipment or classes.

And don’t forget to plan for emergencies. My grandmother was hospitalized twice after she moved in with us — if I hadn’t made sure that her insurance plan offered affordable hospital stays, it could have been disastrous. I’m so thankful that we invested a bit more money in her plan to allow for those possibilities.

Check Grandparents.com/Aetna or AetnaMedicare.com to learn more about plans available so that you can make an informed decision.

And remember — it’s not just about healthcare! More than a quarter of grandparents recently surveyed by Aetna said that a visit from their families gives them the biggest mood boost. And 40% said that spending time with grandchildren makes them feel young.

So get out the door and visit your grandparents. Let them spend time with your babies. Make sure to spend time with them, too. You will regret it if you don’t!

 

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    Supporting healthy grandparents involves encouraging regular physical activity, post acute carea balanced diet, and routine medical check-ups. Social engagement through community activities or family gatherings can enhance their mental well-being. Providing assistance with daily tasks, promoting hobbies, and ensuring a safe living environment are also key. Showing appreciation and spending quality time with them strengthens family bonds and promotes their overall health.

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  41. Anna

    This is such a heartfelt and practical post! It’s inspiring to read how you took proactive steps to ensure your grandmother’s health and well-being after she moved in with you. The tips on reevaluating health insurance during open enrollment are so valuable, especially for those navigating Medicare options for the first time. Thank you lysine for sharing your experience. It’s a great reminder to care for our elderly loved ones.

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    Wonderful advice on fitness for seniors! Your suggestions for low-impact exercises like yoga and walking were very thoughtful. Do you have tips for encouraging seniors to start an exercise routine safely? Thanks for promoting health and well-being for all ages!
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    What an important post! Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, and it’s good to see more awareness being raised. The poll results show that some groups face greater challenges, which means we need targeted support and resources. Conversations like this help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. It’s essential that we continue advocating for better mental health care. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights on this topic!
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  53. hoom

    Great advice! It’s crucial to take the time to review all of the benefits your grandparents are using and identify those that aren’t necessary. When considering health insurance plans, it’s also helpful to account for upcoming health needs, such as preventative services or support for specific medical conditions. Thanks for sharing such practical tips!
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    This is such a heartwarming post. Multigenerational living truly brings unexpected blessings. Inviting your grandmother to live with you not only shows compassion, but also creates a loving environment for your child to grow up with strong family values. It’s amazing how much wisdom and comfort grandparents bring to a household. Thank you for sharing this touching experience—it reminds us all of the importance of family and togetherness across generations.Total Medic

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