All of us get cold in the winter, but seniors are even more prone to being unable to warm up easily during those cold months. Most of us grew up with our mothers warning us we would get sick if we’re cold, but this is especially true with elderly people. They really can get dangerously sick just from being cold. Why is that? Read on…
It’s not uncommon for seniors to have increased pain in their joints and muscles during the winter. Doctors will tell you that there are more prescriptions written for aches and pains during colder temperatures than other times of the year. Here’s some helpful tips for reducing joint pain and discomfort in seniors:
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday for Americans, meant to enjoy loved ones, good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Planning for all this fun and relaxation can sometimes be a bit stressful, especially if you’re a caretaker for the senior loved one in your life. But fear not! Our tips will help you get through Thanksgiving with ease, so you can get back to enjoying what the day is all about—giving thanks for the special loved ones in your life.
Witnessing a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be a very painful experience. As they progress in the disease, memory problems become more noticeable. Eventually, that impairment causes the loss of self and they may not even recognize their friends and family. Communication with loved ones who have dementia can be tricky at times, but not impossible. Here are some tips on how to communicate with your loved one with dementia:
Each year, seniors are among the most targeted age group for scammers to work their dirty tricks. Criminals prey on seniors due to the simple fact that older people are deemed more trusting and willing to give up their financial information. This is a BIG problem. Here are some typical frauds attempted on seniors:
One of the difficult parts of pet ownership is knowing when to let go. If your senior parent has a pet, they are most likely very attached. The emotional bond between seniors and their pets can be a very powerful one, so navigating this subject can be tricky. Here are some signs to look for and helpful solutions to consider:
Caregivers for seniors have a beautiful opportunity to help them preserve their family memories so that generations to follow will be able to enjoy their legacy. Preserving memories will not only stimulate their minds, but also gives them a way to express their love and affection. Studies show that memory books combat anxiety and depression and promotes well-being. So how do you help the senior in your life create a memory book? Here are a few tips and helpful hints to get you started!
Anyone who has ever been in a caretaking role for senior adults knows that it can be very rewarding, yet very stressful. The stress that comes along with that “round-the-clock” availability can be overwhelming for anyone, regardless of how good you are at managing stress. So, how do you handle it and what do you do?
Do you have a senior loved one who adamantly refuses the idea of having someone come into the home to provide care? This is a difficult spot to find yourself in, as you no doubt need a break from the ongoing task of caretaking. Here are a few tips that will help you broach the subject with love and compassion.
Heat stroke can be deadly in seniors. As the summer heats up, so does the risk for heat stroke. It is a potentially fatal condition and can happen before they realize they are in the danger zone. As we age, our bodies become less responsive to heat, so it’s important that seniors understand the signs of a heat stroke.
The vast majority of Americans assume that the best way to care for our elderly is to place them in a nursing home or other skilled care facility. But did you know there are many reasons why allowing seniors to recover at home? In this article, we’ll explain the differences between home health care and nursing home care.
There are a few signs that can help you determine when it’s time to talk to your loved one about specialized senior care and what that might look like. Many of these signs just happen as they grow older, but often these same signs can lead to injury and other issues if they are ignored. Here are a few signs:
As we age, we are at greater risk for certain diseases, and seniors are especially vulnerable to high blood pressure, kidney disease, strokes and diabetes. That risk increases if they are not getting proper rest. There are many ways to prepare for rest and these tips are especially beneficial for seniors!
No matter how much you think you have planned ahead, the day your aging parent can’t cope on his or her own comes as a shock. You begin to reverse roles: you become the “parent” and your aging parent becomes your “child” as the scope of Mom or Dad’s needs begin to mimic those you had when you were a child. It’s going to change the dynamic of your household. So what level of care will you need to provide?
No one wants to talk about end of life issues. Especially if those issues involve a beloved aging senior who isn’t near the end of his life. But no matter how hesitant family members might be to broach the subject, it’s crucial that a living will be discussed and legally documented while your senior is still able to make known his or her wishes for end of life care!
At some time, you will find yourself wanting to keep abreast of changes in your elderly parents’ health and well-being. This will require a bit of subtle sleuthing and a lot of observation on your part. You might feel a bit like Sneaky Pete, but it’s for your folks’ good. Here's some tips on what to look for!