Ashley Huntsberry-Lett
Managing Editor
Ashley is the managing editor at AgingCare. She oversees a team that produces articles on family caregiving, in-home care, senior health issues, and long-term care planning. As a teenager, she helped care for her stepfather during his three-year battle with colon cancer. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida.
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Learning the signs that death is near will help you prepare for this inevitability and ensure that your loved one gets the care they need to manage end-of-life symptoms and remain comfortable.
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Cannabis is a hot topic among elders who are weary of prescription drugs and seeking alternatives for managing symptoms like pain and anxiety. But medical marijuana isn’t for everyone—there are medical, legal and financial implications to consider.
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Family caregivers often struggle to reposition and transfer elders with very limited mobility, thereby endangering their own health and that of their loved ones. Patient lift assist devices help prevent falls and injuries and may be covered by Medicare.
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Deciding whether to use a feeding tube is a complex matter, especially for older patients. Family caregivers should understand why and when tube feeding is appropriate in case they must make this choice for their loved one someday.
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Misinformation persists among patients and even doctors about the consequences of discharge against medical advice. Leaving the hospital AMA is a patient's right and does not affect insurance coverage, but it may come with health risks.
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Alzheimer’s disease usually affects seniors age 65 and older, but there is an uncommon form called early-onset Alzheimer’s that strikes people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. When dementia symptoms appear this early in life, the consequences are dire.
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Seniors may encounter new obstacles to getting their prescription pain medications this year. Medicare Part D plan sponsors can now implement drug management programs to detect at-risk elders and limit access to coverage of frequently abused drugs.
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Surviving family members often assume that a loved one’s last Social Security payment after death becomes part of their estate or can be spent on things like funeral expenses. The truth is that it usually must be returned to the SSA.
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As care needs increase, many long-distance caregivers decide that their elders would receive better care if they lived closer. The best option for moving seniors who can't handle car trips or air travel is to use a non-emergency medical transport service.
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Many seniors require regular pedicures or trips to the podiatrist, but a few simple at-home steps can help keep their feet well maintained between appointments. Veteran caregivers share their home remedies for issues like dry heels and thick toenails.
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Muscle cramps in the feet and legs can be very painful and typically become more common with age. Experienced family caregivers share their tips for preventing and relieving cramps and muscle spasms in elderly loved ones.
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Swollen extremities are common, especially during the heat of summer, but persistent swelling may point to a serious underlying condition. Experienced caregivers share their best tips for monitoring edema, reducing inflammation and improving circulation.
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Podiatric issues like arthritis, structural foot deformities and complications from diabetes can make it hard for seniors to find shoes that fit properly. Family caregivers offer tips for finding and affording orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics.
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Arthritis, poor circulation, neuropathy, gout and plantar fasciitis can cause seniors to experience foot pain and discomfort. Experienced caregivers share their tips for managing foot pain, which can improve a senior’s mobility and quality of life.
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It can be tempting for seniors to avoid enrolling in Medicare programs that provide coverage they don’t currently want or need, but health care needs can change quickly. While it’s possible to add additional coverage later on, it can be costly.
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Frequent hand-washing prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria and is a fundamental part of infection control. Learn the best hand-washing techniques and discover which products for good hand hygiene can help keep you and your family healthy.
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Regular hand-washing is a crucial part of infection control, but seniors’ personal hygiene habits often decline with age. Family caregivers share their tips and tricks for getting aging loved ones to practice good hand hygiene.
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Food insecurity is a serious issue for older adults. Senior meal delivery programs, grocery delivery services and government benefits can help ensure your loved one is eating nutritious meals.
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Millions of Americans are set to receive economic impact payments from the government. Learn about eligibility requirements, amounts and how to submit updated information to ensure older Americans get their coronavirus stimulus checks.
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Virtual doctor’s appointments help caregivers and seniors minimize physical contact while receiving medical care. Learn how to help an older adult transition to telehealth platforms to improve access to care from the safety and comfort of their own home.