Understood Care
You want practical steps that work. This article turns expert guidance into simple actions you can start today. It also weaves in the video script so you can follow along. If you prefer personal help, an Understood Care advocate can coordinate appointments, set reminders, connect you to local programs, and take the legwork off your plate.
From the video script, translated into action
Where an advocate fits in
An Understood Care advocate can help you keep appointments on track https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments and coordinate chronic condition follow ups https://understoodcare.com/care-types/chronic-care. They can also search local exercise options and support groups and set reminders so the plan actually happens.
As you age, food is fuel for balance, muscle, and immune health. Choosing nutrient dense meals supports independence and lowers risk from chronic conditions.
These steps reflect trusted guidance for older adults from the National Institute on Aging.
Ask an advocate to find in network nutrition counseling and set up referrals. If costs are a concern, your advocate can also explore benefits and applications with you https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help.
Regular activity helps you stay independent, reduce fall risk, protect the heart and brain, and keep joints working.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends aerobic, muscle strengthening, and balance training for adults sixty five and older, with a target of at least one hundred fifty minutes of moderate activity weekly. The National Institute on Aging outlines practical ways to combine all three types.
If you need mobility equipment, an advocate can coordinate evaluations, documentation, and delivery so you can move with confidence https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment. They can also help you schedule starter classes through your community center.
Most older adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep. Good sleep supports mood, memory, balance, and immunity.
These strategies come from expert guidance on sleep for older adults.
An advocate can prepare questions for your next visit, book a sleep evaluation if needed, and share updates with your care team https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication.
Vaccines lower the risk of severe illness. Talk with your clinician or pharmacist about what fits your age and health.
See the current adult immunization schedule and notes from the CDC for details.
These recommendations come from the US Preventive Services Task Force and CDC summary pages. Your personal plan may differ based on your history.
Your advocate can find in network providers, gather records, and book visits with reminders so you stay on track https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments. If transportation is a barrier, they can arrange reliable rides to clinics and pharmacies https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help.
As medicines add up, so can risks. Helpful steps include keeping an updated list, using pill organizers, reviewing all medicines with your clinician or pharmacist, and asking about lower risk or fewer pill options when appropriate. Deprescribing is a formal way clinicians reduce unnecessary or risky medicines.
If prices are hard to manage, ask about Medicare Part D Extra Help and plan reviews. Extra Help can eliminate premiums and deductibles for many people and cap costs once you reach set limits.
Your advocate can review coverage, compare pharmacies, explore savings programs, and coordinate refills so you never run out https://understoodcare.com/care-types/lower-costs-of-medication. They can also review confusing bills with you https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills.
Social connection supports mood, memory, and overall health. Isolation raises health risks.
For practical ways to stay connected, see tips from the National Institute on Aging.
An advocate can locate senior centers and community groups and help you enroll so you can stay active and supported https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support.
Small changes prevent big injuries. Clear clutter and cords, secure or remove loose rugs, improve lighting, add grab bars, and consider threshold ramps where needed. Regular exercise, vision checks, and footwear checks also cut fall risk. These steps come from CDC STEADI and NIA fall prevention resources.
If you need home care, an advocate can help you compare covered options and schedule support at home https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care. If equipment would help you stay safe, they can coordinate evaluations and delivery https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment.
Transportation keeps you independent. Ask your advocate to arrange rides for appointments, pharmacy runs, and community events so you never miss care or connection https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help.
A second opinion can confirm a diagnosis, clarify options, and sometimes prevent unnecessary procedures. Consider one for major new diagnoses, surgery decisions, or when your goals are not being met. Cleveland Clinic
Your advocate can gather records, find in network specialists, and schedule visits for you https://understoodcare.com/care-types/second-opinion.
An advocate can set up a shared plan, coordinate appointments, and text you gentle reminders so the plan becomes a habit https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication and https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments.
Most people benefit from a yearly wellness visit, and many with chronic conditions have follow ups every three to six months as directed by their clinician. If you live with diabetes, A1C testing is often done every three months if treatment changed or goals are not met, and every six months when stable.
Bring all prescription and over the counter medicines and supplements to your next visit. Ask your clinician or pharmacist to review each item, what it is for, and whether anything can be simplified. Deprescribing is a safe, stepwise process your clinician can lead.
Ask about influenza, COVID updates, shingles, and pneumococcal options, plus any boosters you may need. Your plan depends on age and health conditions.
Yes. An Understood Care advocate can do the searching and sign ups for you and can connect you to senior centers, disease specific groups, and social programs https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support.
This article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the plan you and your clinician decide is right for you.
We know navigating Medicare and care needs can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our caring team takes care of the paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re always supported.
