Despite being well worth the commitment and personally rewarding in many ways, caring for an elderly loved one can also be physically and mentally draining at times. However, because care needs can steadily increase with age, it can be difficult for family caregivers to get well-deserved breaks. One appealing solution is in-home respite care, which offers benefits for both caregivers…
Aggression typically develops in the later stages of Alzheimer's. However, it may occur during the early stages. Although aggression isn’t uncommon in people with Alzheimer's, your aging loved one should get a checkup to rule out physical causes for aggressive behavior. In the meantime, here are some ways to handle aggression in a senior with Alzheimer's. Determine the Cause Aggression…
It’s important to protect a senior’s skin during the summer season. Aging skin is more susceptible to sun damage than younger skin, so caregivers should ensure outdoor outings are safe for their senior loved ones. To keep your loved one’s skin free from sunburns all summer long, consider the following tips. Choose the Right Sunscreen Sunscreen is the best defense…
The foods seniors eat can have a major impact on their mental health and cognitive abilities. Countless studies have shown eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can enhance memory, verbal skills, reasoning, hand-eye coordination, and focus. Here are five delicious superfoods that can boost your senior loved one’s brain health and slow age-related cognitive decline. 1. Walnuts In addition to containing…
Bad breath can be a problem for people of any age, but seniors experience changes in their bodies that can make them more susceptible to this condition. Here are a few of the top causes of bad breath in the elderly and how to prevent them. Age-Related Changes to the Mouth As seniors age, saliva production slows, body tissues weaken,…
According to the National Stroke Association, more than a third of all stroke survivors experience symptoms of depression. However, the feelings of sadness, anger, and hopelessness that lead to depression can be alleviated. Take a look at the following strategies to help your senior loved one combat post-stroke depression. Reach Out for Support In 2014, Hebei North University conducted a…
One of the most common challenges for older adults is living with chronic pain that can be caused by conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. It’s common for seniors to address their discomfort by becoming isolated at home and having a restricted lifestyle. If your aging loved one is living with a condition that results in chronic pain, here are…
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common diseases in the world, with approximately three million new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Because of its prevalence, there are a number of myths that have made their way into the public consciousness. If you’re concerned your elderly loved one may have Alzheimer’s, it’s important to know what information surrounding…
According to The University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study, daughters are more than twice as likely to become family caregivers than sons are. However, the caregiver role presents several challenges. If you’re a daughter who is caring for an aging parent, consider the following self-care tips. Overcome Self-Care Barriers There are many reasons daughters might ignore self-care. They might…
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder whereby gluten, a wheat protein, causes intestinal damage. Seniors with this disease must follow a strict diet to prevent gastrointestinal distress. Older adults with celiac disease can't eat wheat, which is found in cereals, breads, pastas, and other common foods, but it doesn't mean they can't have a fulfilling diet. Here are a few…
