With 100-plus degree temperatures setting records and two-thirds of the state recently subject to heat advisories, hot weather is making its sometimes-deadly impact in Minnesota. Older adults are especially vulnerable to hot weather, as aging bodies lose the ability to quickly and easily adapt to high heat. Often compounding the problem are prescription drugs that …
Helping older adults manage dangerous summer temperatures Read More »
According to a recent article in the Star Tribune, drivers over 70 will triple in the next 20 years, forcing families to talk to older adults about taking the keys. A lot of people equate their self-worth with being able to drive. Read the complete article here.
Spring’s bounty brings lovely flowering trees and blissful sunshine. Lurking in the warm air for many people, though, are pollens and other allergens that can cause great discomfort. If your senior is suffering from sneezing, a runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes, and it’s clearly seasonal allergies, she’ll probably want relief with an antihistamine. Note, …
What exactly does Medicare cover, and what must enrollees pay for out of pocket? This is a common question — rest assured you’re not alone trying to figure it all out. When an enrollee is covered by “traditional” or “original” Medicare, certain kinds of care are not covered at all: routine dental care, hearing aids …
What Medicare Covers And What It Doesn’t: The Basics Read More »
Several Pinnacle Services employees assisted the Salvation Army in Northeast Minneapolis on December 20 to organize toys, stock shelves and assist shoppers preparing for the holiday season. Volunteers included Amanda Halvorson, Desiree Gnerre, Kim Cole, Jamie Plude, Lacey Reierson, Melissa Trebesch, Ashley Stoffer, Kari Griffin, Amber Statz, Jill Cihlar, Debbie Anderson, Mary Johnson, Desire Gnerre, …
This year’s Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA) Training Conference & Expo was held March 13-16 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. At Pinnacle’s informational booth, staff members answered questions and handed out brochures, travel mugs, gift bags and desk accessories. Pinnacle case managers attended a variety of workshops on such topics as poverty, hunger …
Pinnacle Services hosts third annual Pinnacle Pub Crawl at MSSA Read More »
Urinary incontinence is one of the most unfortunate of health concerns and indignities that affects the aging human body. But, since it’s one of the most common — affecting about a fifth of people over age 85 — a variety of coping approaches and products are readily available to help loved ones and their caregivers.
The holidays bring families together, and the season should be as merry as possible for everyone. But, we all know holiday stress is a fact of life — and it can be especially tough on older adults. Here are ways to help ensure your elderly loved ones have smooth, enjoyable holiday season: If their home …
Make the Holidays More Joyful for Elderly Family Members Read More »
What kinds of training does a caregiver get before taking care of seniors? Not all agencies require the extensive training that Pinnacle does. According to Karin Malkowski Stende, trainer/human resources associate, Pinnacle requires “very intensive, 30-plus hours of classroom and on-site training that new staff are expected to complete during their initial two weeks of …
The recent stretch of hot weather in Minnesota had everyone looking for relief. And aging adults are more likely to experience the effects of hot weather than younger adults. Physically, older adults cannot adjust to significant changes in temperature the way younger adults can. What’s more, prescription drugs can also reduce the body’s ability to …
