At-home respite care is a service available for both seniors and family caregivers who need professional assistance. Although respite care is used for many different reasons, one of the major motivations is to give family caregivers a break. While having someone new in the house does require some adjustments, you may find yourself wondering how you ever lived without respite…
In addition to compromising motor skills, Parkinson’s can also affect emotional health and stability. This disease impacts the production of important chemicals in the brain, often leading to a wide variety of behavioral and psychological problems. Here’s a closer look at six of the most common emotional effects of Parkinson’s and some steps that can be taken to combat these…
Family caregivers should be aware of some of the health concerns the elderly females in their lives could be at risk for. Here’s a list of some serious complications your aging loved one should be getting screened for on a regular basis. Osteoporosis After menopause, a woman’s bone density can decrease due to the loss of estrogen. This can lead…
Though experiencing stress from time to time is normal, it’s important for seniors to manage these feelings so their health isn’t impacted. When your senior loved one becomes stressed, it can increase his or her odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few of the possible connections between the two conditions. Cortisol Stress causes the levels of cortisol released…
While dementia and Alzheimer's have significant overlap, they aren’t synonymous. In fact, Alzheimer's is only one of the many types of dementia. Ahead, learn about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's. What Is Dementia? The term "dementia" doesn't refer to a specific disorder. Instead, it refers to a group of disorders that share similar symptoms. Dementia is technically a syndrome…
Caregiver burnout often builds slowly, and you can catch it in the early stages so you stop it from getting worse. While it’s difficult to admit when you’re facing challenges with your responsibilities, taking some time out for yourself is critical for your wellbeing. If you recognize these six signs of caregiver burnout in your life, it’s time to arrange…
Sometimes living independently can be challenging for seniors because they need help staying healthy and safe. Here are some safety devices to help your elderly loved one live safely and independently for longer. 1. Smart Lights Installing smart lights throughout your loved one's home could save money and prevent him or her from falling in the dark. In addition to…
Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) can cover the costs of long-term care that aren’t covered by health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Before purchasing LTCI for a senior loved one, families should consider the following points. 1. Eligibility Requirements The requirements for long-term care insurance can vary from policy to policy. Some policies apply to chronically ill seniors. Others may require seniors…
It can be difficult for anyone to admit they need help, but this is especially true for adult children providing care for aging parents. Caregivers may be embarrassed, ashamed, and, in some cases, afraid they’ll be seen as failures if they seek assistance or professional help. However, caregiver support groups are designed specifically to help overwhelmed caregivers overcome such feelings.…
Obesity continues to be a growing problem in the United States, and in recent years, nationwide statistics have shown that obesity is especially prevalent among the senior population. In fact, a 2010 study indicated nearly 70 percent of elderly adults are considered either overweight or obese. Here’s some important information about elderly obesity for seniors and their families. Increased Risk…
