September is National Cholesterol Education Month

In September, Great Care joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recognizing National Cholesterol Education Month. The CDC recognizes the month as a good time to have blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. Especially for seniors. “National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn […]

Fresh, Sweet Corn is Ripe for the Eating

Great Care loves this season, when corn is fresh and readily available at farmer’s markets and produce stands. According to WebMD, “Corn is nutritious, providing fiber, which aids in digestion, plus folate, thiamin, phosphorus, vitamin C, and magnesium (about 10% of the daily value for each).” The World’s Healthiest Foods website reminds us that sweet […]

Staying Hydrated for Seniors This Summer

Staying hydrated is vital for seniors in the summer months, and Great Care has some important facts to share as the temperatures rise. According to Harvard Medical School, older adults often don’t get enough fluids and risk becoming dehydrated, especially during summer when it’s hotter and people perspire more. “Older people don’t sense thirst as much as […]

Safety First in the Summertime

When it comes to preventing injuries in the summertime, Great Care enlists the old adage, “Safety first!” “Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44,” says the National Safety Council. “But there are many things people […]

5 Steps for Older Adults to Take During Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment runs through Dec. 7, and Great Care is happy to share the National Council on Aging’s checklist to help those with Medicare and their caregivers evaluate their coverage. Across the country, folks with Medicare already have been bombarded with paperwork, sales pitches, and reminders, leaving many wondering where to start, says the council. […]

Fun Fall Crafts for Seniors

From handmade paintings with holiday designs to colorful fall foliage preserved in wax paper, autumn crafts are the perfect way to keep Great Care seniors active. There are a variety of arts-related ways aging adults can join in activities promoting creativity, brain exercise and hand-eye coordination, according to Dr. Barbara Bagan, a professor of expressive […]

Simple No-Bake Desserts for Cool Summer Treats

At Great Care we know that the summers can be hot for our seniors. So there’s no easier way to cool down after a picnic or BBQ than with a healthy, no-bake dessert on the menu. From lemon bars to chocolate-and-peanut butter treats, no-bake desserts are as popular with the kids as the adults, and […]

Spring Respiratory and Allergy Concerns for Seniors

At Great Care, we love the fresh spring air and blooming flowers. But we don’t love the seasonal allergies that can cause itchy, watery eyes, stuffy noses and breathing difficulties for seniors. Especially for those seniors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. “COPD patients with allergies have higher levels […]

Healthy Spring Recipes for Seniors

As we welcome spring at Great Care, we look forward to making recipes with fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables including apples, peas, pineapple, asparagus, broccoli, radishes and rhubarb to keep our seniors and caregivers healthy. Rhubarb, a legendary favorite in pies and crisps, has many health benefits, according to Organic Facts. It has the ability […]

Parenting a Parent: Nutrition Tips for Seniors

In March, Great Care and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrate National Nutrition Month. The month is the chance for seniors and their caregivers to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. “During National Nutrition Month and beyond, make an effort to cut back […]