It’s estimated that nearly a million people will have a stroke this year. But here’s the good news: up to 80% of all strokes are preventable! The National Stroke Association and other agencies like it, have dedicated themselves to educating the public about how to recognize the symptoms of stroke, as well as how to prevent them. Scores of deaths could be prevented with this information.
Depression, worthlessness, and anxiety are some feelings that are often found in seniors as they age. There is no need to allow these feelings to take over your life. When you begin to look at the positive things that come with the process of aging, it will allow you to age gracefully and gain the most from your senior years. Here are a few things that you can to do embrace the aging process:
As your aging parent grows older, their immune system becomes more fragile, so sleep is crucial for them to stay healthy. Even though seniors tend to need less sleep in their older years, they should still get at least 6-8 hours of good rest each night. Read on to discover a few of the ways poor sleep can affect your health.
If you’re a caregiver, you probably already know that it’s a very demanding job, requiring a lot of care and patience. So, how do you cope as a caregiver? Read on….
Everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Unfortunately, kitchens are also the number one place in the home for accidents, especially for seniors. How safe is your kitchen? Read on to find out what to look for to make sure your kitchen or that of your senior loved one is a safe place to be.
There are a lot of scenarios where home care may be warranted. Whether it’s a parent, a child with disabilities or perhaps you yourself need to research options for a long-term condition. Maybe an ailing loved one is going to be moving into your home and you’re wondering if you should hire a home health agency. Here are some of the many benefits to help you know which direction to turn.
Did you know that seniors need regular exercise, just like the rest of us? It’s true! And one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise is yoga. Read on to learn more about the benefits of yoga for seniors!
All of us need close friends, no matter how old we are! It is a scientific fact that having a close circle of friends keeps seniors feeling younger, healthier and calmer. Here are a few ideas for expanding your social network during your senior years:
Diabetes can be life-threatening if not managed properly. With today’s technology and medical advancements, it is easy to forget what a serious condition this can be, but it is possible to live a completely healthy and normal life!
Everyone wants to be independent and healthy as long as possible, and most seniors fear to be a burden to their loved ones above all else. If your older adult is showing signs of needing more care and assistance to have a full life, it’s best to approach it slowly and transition gradually. Read on to discover our tips and suggestions about easing your loved one into assisted living.
Part of staying well is a nutritious diet. This is even more important for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Check out our tips for helping your older adult eat well!
Parkinson’s Disease changes everything for a person. Taking care of someone with the disease can be difficult and stressful. This article will give you some helpful tips for coping with the caretaking skills required to help the loved one stay as independent as possible for as long as possible!
If caregiving is new to you, it’s normal to feel some anxiety about your new position and what it may require of you. This article will give you the skinny on what you need to know to be the best caregiver you can be!
You might have heard the term “aging in place.” It refers to the elderly, dementia, and Alzheimer’s patients aging at home for as long as possible. But how do you make sure that you as a caregiver survive this task and get the rest you need as well? Read on!
Alzheimer’s Disease has a component that might be familiar for caretakers and their loved ones—it’s called sundowning, and it’s the increased level of confusion that tends to happen in the later part of the day. You may notice that they become more agitated as the evening wears on, and confusion increases. It happens more often as the disease advances, but there are things you can do to lessen the effects. Here are some tips….
For seniors all over the country, their main desire as they grow older is to stay in their homes for as long as they possibly can. Their independence is incredibly valuable to them, so it’s important to know the signs to look for that may indicate they might need some extra help. Here are some signs to look for if you are concerned about their well-being living alone.
For many seniors, the warm summer months are favored over winter, due to achiness and pain associated with colder temperatures. While summer brings warmer days and more activities outdoors, it also brings the danger of dehydration. It’s easy for any of us to become dehydrated, but it can be especially dangerous for seniors. Here’s why…
Deciding who will have Power of Attorney can affect family dynamics for years to come. That person will oversee major decisions, both medical and financial. Even if your parents plan ahead while they are fit and healthy, it can still cause problems in the family dynamic if not handled carefully.
While it may take a little longer for us to heal and bounce back from things as we age, an appropriate level of activity is ALWAYS a good thing, no matter how old we get! If your older adult has physical limitations or health problems, you might be surprised how easy it is to find some exercises that can be done safely. Let’s look at some benefits!
Many things can cause falls in Seniors and none of them are fun. The good news is that with a few tips and preventative actions, you can help the senior in your life to avoid becoming injured from a fall. Let’s look at a few simple things you can do to create a fall-proof environment for the senior loved one in your life.
Have you ever noticed that people who suffer from Alzheimer’s often repeat things? It’s natural to have tons of grace for the same questions being asked for a short while, but you can easily run out of patience as the disease progresses. So, what to do? Here are some tips that will help!
Getting out of the house to enjoy some outdoor activities with the senior in your life is easier than you might think. Spring has sprung in most areas of the country and any doctor will tell you that getting outdoors is good for all of us, especially after a long winter! Sunshine carries significant vitamins and other benefits that affect mood, balance and overall health. Want to know more?
Superfoods have gotten rather trendy lately. As we have learned more about them and all their benefits, it’s become increasingly clear how important it is for seniors to have superfoods in their diets. If you are a caregiver, here are several superfoods you should know about!
It is now known that sugar has a serious impact on Alzheimer’s Disease, so if you know or care for someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia, now is the time to help them cut sugar out of their diet because their overall health depends on it! Let’s look at some tips and info that will help you stay aware of the sugar your household is consuming and what you can do about it. There are many myths revolving around the great sugar debate, so we will now break down some of the more known ones.
Sensitivity to the surroundings around them is one of the main issues among seniors who struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. In order to soothe agitation and lessen difficult behaviors, it’s important to create a calm and relaxing environment. Here are 5 ways to help create a calm environment for the older adult in your family.
A lot of friction can happen when a family must watch their parents age. The old phrase, “age gracefully” doesn’t always seem so graceful, especially when it refers to those we love most. Communication skills are vital to any relationship! Last week we looked at tips for discussing the aging process with your elderly parents. Here are even more great tips for caregivers and family members to have a meaningful conversation with aging parents.
It is a difficult task to have conversations with your parents that center around the aging process. We’ve got some tips to make it easier!
As a society, we have never been more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet to preserve our health and live longer. This is also true of seniors today! Just like children have certain dietary needs, seniors and older adults do too. Our bodies and metabolism slow as we age, making it easier to eat fewer calories. Fewer calories, however, does not mean less nutrition! Let’s look at the role nutrition plays as we age….
Seniors have a variety of needs that require transportation that is reliable and safe. If the day has come when your older loved one can no longer drive themselves safely, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver. Family or friends may not always be available, so it’s helpful to have other options on the table. Here are a few tips to help you hire a caregiver who can transport the senior in your life.
Pets not only fills the need to nurture and take care of something, but they can also improve our health! Did you know that the benefits of owning a pet goes far beyond companionship? It’s true! Studies have been done that proves how a pet lowers blood pressure and heart rate, lowers the risk of heart disease and stress, and even prevents depression. If you or your senior loved one is considering a pet, think about the following pros and cons:
Ice, snow and other winter weather is difficult for everyone, but when you are a caregiver it can take even more challenges. Doctor’s appointments, social activities, church, grocery store runs….all of this can be far more difficult in the winter months. There’s no doubt that falling is a huge risk for seniors, but they are especially vulnerable during cold weather. Here are some fantastic tips to keep your senior safe from falls:
If you are caring for seniors, you already know how important it is to protect their sense of pride and respect. You want to encourage them to stay active and stay independent. But how? Read on.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “bored to death”. All of us need to feel purposeful in life, and seniors are no exception. While boredom makes most people lethargic, it can have even greater consequences for seniors. Even to the point of being life-threatening.
If at all possible, most seniors will choose to stay in their homes as long as possible. They may need some care or assistance and home care workers make that a viable choice. Everything from housekeeping, meal and medication oversight and skilled nursing can all be done within the home. Let’s look at some key reasons that home care for seniors is the preferred course of care…
When a person has Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, it is most often the short-term memory that is affected first. They are able to recall memories from long ago, which can make reminiscence therapy very effective in bringing joy to this group of seniors. Memories can be associated with specific parts of the brain, so doing the following activities can help stimulate brain function. Get creative!
It’s that time of year again where flu season is upon us. Did you know that seniors, as well as their caregivers, are more vulnerable to the flu? It’s true, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and shorten the lifespan of the illness if it does happen. To help you prevent colds and flu, here are some important tips:
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…
If you have notices signs and symptoms in your elderly loved one that concern you, you’ll want to understand some of the warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Let’s look at a few of those signs:
Managing stress is essential for caregivers and seniors alike. Here are more tips to help you stay peaceful as you navigate the holiday season!
Holidays can be stressful enough when things are simple. But when you are managing your own household as well as being a caregiver to a loved one, holidays can be extra stressful. Here are some great tips on how to get through all the shopping and baking with a breeze!
Let’s face it—all of us want to live well and age well. It all starts with creating healthy habits that will last a lifetime. But even if you’re late in creating healthy routines, it’s never too late to start! Here are some ways to boost your energy and feel great as a senior!
As we age, routine tasks become more difficult. For many seniors, good personal hygiene can be especially challenging and may require some assistance. Here are some tips to help you help the senior in your life!
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:
Home care is the preferred option for most seniors today. There are many benefits that come with seniors remaining in the comfort of their home. If you are trying to determine if it’s the right choice for you, consider the following reasons home care is often the best care:
There are times when staying at home becomes impractical or even dangerous. If you’re among those who want to age in place or have a loved one that does, consider the following questions:
What do you do when your senior loved one is refusing help? Unfortunately, this is a common issue for caretakers. All seniors want to stay independent as long as possible, so it can be a delicate balance to strike. Here’s some tips to help you:
If downsizing is to occur, you must help your senior loved one tackle this task. Instead of dreading it, why not have some fun and learn from them as they tell the story behind special items! Here are some tips to get you started:
When it comes to seniors, especially those who have dementia, not just any alarm system will do! Here are some things to look for when choosing a home security system for the senior in your life.
Did you know that bringing in music therapy for seniors who struggle with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease can make a huge difference? Well, it can and does! So, how do you utilize music into your senior loved one’s life? Read on and let’s learn!
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!
Medical research has proven without a doubt that exercise is just as important for seniors as it is for anyone else. Staying physically fit has many benefits for seniors! Here are just a few….
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?
This live online event provides those 50+ with the opportunity to recharge their job search and connect with local and national employers – all from the comfort of home.
According to experts, staying engaged socially is one of the top ways to feel young. Let’s look a little deeper…
Before you make the decision to hire in a senior health care agency, there are a few things you should check into. Following is a list of important check points to help you get the best home care possible.
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.
This can be troubling for loved ones caring for them and dealing with dementia makes it even more difficult. So how do you know when they are just collecting clutter or crossing the line into hoarding?
While genetics and age can greatly affect the risk for developing dementia, they aren’t the only factors involved. You may not be able to do anything about your genetics but there are definitely things you can do to help improve your odds. Learn more:
Eating right is the first and foremost way for seniors diagnosed with diabetes to live longer and healthier lives. In this informative article, learn our tips for the most important foods and tips for shopping to manage diabetes.
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 is better? In this article, we’ll explain the differences between home health care and nursing home care.
Depression among the elderly has many causes. Dementia is also a big cause of depression among our seniors. Each of these causes does have good solutions, so let’s look at them:
One of the most dangerous parts of seniors living alone is the risk for falls. The best way to ensure the safety of your senior loved ones is to make sure they are carrying a medical alert and location device.
Since the needs of a dementia patient varies, the range of in-home services can also vary according to what is needed. Here’s a bit more information about these types of in-home care:
For the elderly, slips and falls can easily fracture a hip or other bone that is very tough to recover from. So, what can you do to keep your senior parents safe at home? Read on!
Being a caregiver for the elderly has so many rewards, along with some challenges. But for the right people, there is no more fulfilling job! If this sounds like an interesting opportunity to you, consider the following benefits:
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:
One of the most dreaded moments a family can face is receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. There are some things you should do to become more educated and empowered. Here are a few tips:
Sandwich Generation caregivers may find themselves in very stressful circumstances, as they are often saddled with the burden of their own kids as well as aging parents. Here are some creative tips that you may not know:
In a nutshell, palliative care has one aim and that is to make life better for both the patient and the caregiver. This article will help you decide if it’s right for your family.
Physical signs can be your first warning that some type of dementia is developing. Let’s look at the physical signs of Alzheimer’s Disease:
If you have aging parents and the time has come for them not to live by themselves any longer, you will likely need to decide whether or not to move them in with you. Let’s look at some key points to consider when making this decision…
With more than 75 million Americans having been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it has become one of the most common health issues among adults. Here are a few nutritious products that can help you bring that pressure down!
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!
For most people, the sight of a playful dog brings a big smile to their face. Especially those suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies show with overwhelming evidence that depression and anxiety are greatly reduced by the presence of pets.
Unfortunately, it’s a sad reality that aging parents often end up in financial duress. There are many signs that should alert you that something is going on behind the scenes, signaling for intervention. Let’s look at a few….
It’s vitally important that if you’re planning on becoming a fulltime caregiver to your aging parents, you understand the costs and all that goes into it. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all these issues.
Delivering bad news is tough, no matter who it is. It’s especially tough when you must deliver it to a family member or senior parents. Our tips can help you know how to talk about negative news with honesty and compassion. Read on for more info….
If you can’t remember the last time you got a full night of sleep, had a nice relaxing meal or you have more to-do lists than you can possible manage, this article might just be for you!
If you are a caregiver to an elderly loved one, it’s very important that you learn to take care of yourself as well as your patient. Let’s look at some tips that will help you through not only caring for your loved one, but also for yourself.
It’s important to know the ways that many elderly people might try to hide their symptoms, but it’s even more important that they get the proper help and treatment. Let’s look at some of the following ways they may try to hide dementia:
While we’re all affected by bitter cold, snow and ice, the dangers our seniors are exposed to are very real for those of us who are caregivers, or just concerned family members. But the good news is, with a little planning and preparations, it doesn’t have to be scary time of year.
It’s a hard decision to make. When do you take the car keys away from the senior in your life? Here are a few things to think about when considering the right time for your senior loved one to stop driving:
Most seniors need structure in their days and begin to feel a bit insecure without it. A daily routine they can count on does wonders in providing a sense of safety against the unknowns. Here are just a few of the ways seniors benefit from a structured daily routine:
Caregiving is a hard job that can put a strain on marriages, careers and emotional wellness. Those who care for loved ones must be sure to care for themselves, too. Here are some essential suggestions for caregivers:
If you are considering becoming a caretaker for your aging parents or other family member, there are a few questions you should ask yourself in preparation for this important role. It can be very demanding, but also wonderfully rewarding.
The key to choosing the ideal home care agency is knowing the amount of care needed by your mother or father. Listed below are some pointers for selecting a home care agency for your loved one:
Winter is upon us and now is the perfect time to for caregivers of seniors, as well as friends and family, to become familiar with the risks of senior falling. Falling can have serious consequences for seniors so it’s vital to learn more about the risks and the potential impacts on their health.
Frequent phone calls, visits and communication are super helpful in combatting the effects of loneliness and isolation. Here are some other wonderful benefits!
There’s no doubt about it—the holiday season is the busiest of the year and can throw our normal routines into chaos. For seniors who deal with Alzheimer’s, this change of routine can be quite stressful. Here are a few tips to help seniors with Alzheimer’s find the holidays more enjoyable:
A recent study has revealed that isolation and loneliness can shorten a person’s life, so let’s look at some of the dangers of seniors who are living alone and what we can do about it!
The usual ways of communicating won’t work with someone with Dementia. A new understanding of how to communicate must be learned. We know it isn’t easy, so we want to cover some tips that will be helpful in connecting with your elderly loved one.
If you will be visiting senior loved ones this holiday season, there are some things you should look out for to ensure that they are living as safely as possible. Following are some signs to look for to help you know if it's time to consider more specialized senior care.
When we age, it isn’t just our bodies that change – our mind undergoes changes as well. In fact, the brain size actually gets smaller – sometimes up to 10% smaller. Here’s 10 ways to slow down this process and fight back. We offer you our 10 best tips in this article.
A serious respiratory infection is a dreaded complication for the elderly. Here’s 5 tips to help you with this responsibility.
Here’s some simple ways to make your home safer and more convenient for your aging loved ones.
It’s natural that we experience changes in appetite or loss of appetite. However, these can also be signs of malnutrition or other health problems. Seniors might not need as much food as when they were younger, but they still need the right nutrition to keep them as healthy as possible. Learn more.
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?
Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men? Find out here.
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!
Life, as are many things, is often not always about quantity so much as it is about quality. Aging seniors often face losses in the quality of their lives well before they face the end of their days. Here are five tips you can use to help improve your aging senior’s quality of life.
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!
AARP is hosting their next Virtual Career Fair on September 20 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET. This live online event provides those 50+ with the opportunity to recharge their job search and connect with local and national employers – all from the comfort of home.
It’s important to know about delirium because in older patients, it’s often misdiagnosed as dementia. If that happens, they won’t get the right treatment and could even be sent to a nursing home. Learn more.
Many caregivers run themselves ragged trying to keep loved ones, especially seniors, out of assisted living or nursing facilities. Here are some ways to facilitate keeping your aging parents at home.
Did you just temporarily forget or is it a sign of dementia? Uncover the answers here.
When family members refuse to face the fact that their aging loved one needs help, they can create anger, stress, and frustration for family caregivers. Here’s some techniques that will help.
Caregivers can also get frustrated when asked over and over to take a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient home. They must find a way to respond calmly when addressing these requests. These tips will help.
Having an end-of-life conversation is hard, but it’s also one of the most important things you can do for your loved one.
It can be difficult to ask for help with aging parents. Here are 4 tips you can use to get family to help with aging parents.
Myths about Alzheimer’s and dementia about. We expose the myths and provide the facts.
Having trouble managing sundowning symptoms? Read our report for the best tips.
Are you in charge of caring for an elderly person? Read here for tips and suggestions.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s requires the proper approach. Learn how in this guide.
Is caregiving causing you stress? Click the image and find out how to beat it.
Are you a new caregiver anxious about your job? Read this article on how to deal with the challenges.
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Why In-Home Care Is Better than Nursing Homes
Should YOU Be Your Parent’s Caregiver?
How to Choose a Home Care Aide for Your Parent
How to Determine If Your Elderly Parents Need a Caregiver
