Many family caregivers get asked about the benefits of taking care of their senior loved ones. While tangible perks such as money and vacation days may be missing, the job of being a family caregiver has many intrinsic benefits. Here are some of the not-so-obvious rewards of looking after your loved one. 1. Being There As a family caregiver,…
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons for immobility. The perception of pain varies among people, and if your senior loved one has a mood disorder or cognitive problems, he or she may perceive pain differently than someone who doesn’t have these issues. Here are some ways to manage chronic pain in older adults so they can live…
People change throughout their lives, and it’s well known that getting older generates some major changes in how a person feels and acts. Being prepared for the normal signs of aging helps seniors protect their overall health. Knowing what’s normal also provides a baseline to use to figure out when it’s time to call the doctor. These are all normal…
Seniors with Parkinson’s experience both non-motor and motor symptoms. These cognitive difficulties and mobility problems are part of the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and they often result in special communication challenges for seniors with PD. Here are a few ways Parkinson’s affects communication. Emotions People use emotional responses to connect with one another. Many seniors with Parkinson’s experience facial…
It’s never easy to move forward after an elderly relative or aging parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although it’s difficult, because of the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, it’s very important for seniors to make some important legal decisions that reflect their ongoing financial, medical, and long-term care preferences while they’re still capable. After your senior loved one has received…
While most caregivers think nothing of jumping in to serve, everyone knows caregivers are vital for making sure the seniors they care for enjoy the best possible quality of life. Use these ideas as inspiration for letting the caregiver in your life know he or she is appreciated. 1. Send a Heartfelt Card Caregivers need to hear they’re doing a…
Seniors with dementia often have difficulty with bathing, which poses challenges for family caregivers. Your aging parent may suddenly develop a fear of water, or he or she may feel embarrassed at the prospect of having someone else help with bathing tasks. When bath time has turned into a major battle, try using these tips to make it a more…
Maintaining a healthy diet after a stroke is one of the best ways to prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol and reduce the likelihood of a second stroke or other cardiac event. Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, and hand-to-mouth coordination as well as a waning appetite are challenges stroke survivors are likely to face, and they can make following a…
Post-surgery exercises help seniors regain strength and stamina once they’re discharged from the hospital. Most post-surgery exercises begin with a small number of repetitions and build from there as recovery progresses. Regular physical activity after surgery can also increase energy, promote relaxation, and prevent blood clots. Read on for exercise suggestions that can promote a more efficient post-surgery recovery process,…
Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a common heart condition among aging adults. It happens when the two upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, don’t beat in rhythm with the ventricles, or the lower two chambers of the heart. When this happens, the heart rate can become abnormally high, but the individual will still have poor blood…
