More than half of all adults in the United States expect to be family caregivers at some point in their lives. If you’re considering providing home care for an aging parent, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the responsibility. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you take on this role. Am I Financially Ready…
It’s not unusual for Alzheimer’s caregivers to encounter agitation, confusion, and outright refusals to eat during mealtimes. Consequently, their loved ones’ nutritional needs aren’t met, which may further compound health issues for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, caregivers can take steps to make mealtimes less stressful. Offer Meal Reminders & Assistance In the early stages of the disease,…
Lunch is an important meal for seniors because it bridges the gap between breakfast and dinner, discourages unhealthy snacking, and fills nutritional gaps. Ideally, seniors should focus on lunch options that are healthy, but taste is just as important, since age-related changes in taste buds can affect eating habits. Here are some nutritious and delicious lunch suggestions for older adults…
The cause of Alzheimer’s varies for each person, but there are common factors, such as aging, that affect most seniors. Your elderly loved one will need to maintain a proper care plan that preserves his or her cognitive health and prevents impairment. Below are some of the top causes of Alzheimer’s in seniors and what can be done to prevent…
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…
