I work in Medicare Marketing at Independence and blog about navigating life with chronic illness and other issues relevant to caregivers and health care consumers of all ages.
A couple of years ago, my partner had an allergic reaction to a common antibiotic. She felt a little funny and then, suddenly, was covered in any ugly, itchy rash,…
My niece, age seven, hasn’t had any friends over for play dates in a year. So, she invented new ones: sprites she calls her “cousins” — imaginary creatures who flit…
A few years ago, when I first started working at Independence Blue Cross, I had ambitious goals. My planned daily routine was the picture of perfect health: smoothies every morning,…
Why is accepting help so difficult? As someone who lives with a chronic illness, I know it certainly is for me. I cling to my independence fiercely, often refusing to…
As anyone who lives with a chronic health condition or disability knows, it’s easy to become isolated because of the body’s limitations. This is especially true for seniors. As the…
As we age, financial independence becomes harder to maintain. If you’re the primary caregiver for an older adult, you know exactly what I mean. It starts out small: standing for…
As a frequent contributor to this blog, I can write pieces fairly quickly, but I have a confession: I’ve been avoiding this one. The truth is that even though most…
When you or a loved one need medical care, the health care providers and hospital staff you turn to for help can become your lifelines. That’s why so many people…
During the grief process, we search for a sense of peace and acceptance after a painful loss. Rationally, we know that both loss and bereavement are healthy, normal parts of…
No matter how well you care for a loved one at home, some medical conditions require hospital stays. If you care for someone with a chronic illness — especially an…