According to an AARP survey, nearly 90% of people age 65 and older want to stay in their homes as long as possible. Here are 6 success factors from Fidelity to help make this a reality. When Marguerite Sullivan's spouse passed away, the 78-year-old had no interest in moving. She’s healthy, has many friends, and her 2 sons live nearby.…
From making meals to monitoring medication, caregivers do a lot - but there are some things that shouldn’t be done for seniors to promote independence. Some caregiver tasks are fairly standard, such as making meals, helping clients get around the home, setting out medication etc. But the purpose behind these tasks is all about helping the elderly remain as independent…
When dealing with challenging behaviors from someone with dementia, it’s important to remember they aren’t deliberately being difficult. Here are some new approaches for handling various dementia behaviors provided by alzheimers.net. When most people think of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, they picture a senior with a benign, slightly confused demeanor who repeats themselves. But, there is a whole…
I love the article published in our corporate newsletter this month. I think it's a very appropriate topic for most families and caregivers - loneliness. We should consider the affects of loneliness when it comes to our parents and family members who may either live alone or live without much activity around them. Please take a look. Not so long…
In the early stage of Alzheimer's, most people function independently. He or she may still drive, take part in social activities, volunteer and even work. Your role as care partner is an important one: to provide support and companionship, and help plan for the future. Your role as care partner A diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect…
Hearing loss increases with age. According to this article at dailycaring.com, hearing loss can’t be seen, so it’s usually noticed as a change in behavior. Family is often the first to realize that their senior is having trouble hearing. Age-related hearing loss is called presbycusis. Slow and steady hearing loss is caused by changes in the inner ear due to…
If you’re living with hearing loss, conversations can be a challenge. But sometimes “the most effective aids are small lifestyle changes,” says Rosellen Reif, a counselor in Raleigh, N.C., who helps people with physical disabilities. Here are some things that can help. Ask for a heads up. Have loved ones say your name and get your attention before they start…
According to the National Institute on Aging, as Alzheimer’s progresses, people dealing with the disease may become agitated or aggressive more often. Here’s a look at some reasons and how caregivers can help and cope. Agitation means that a person is restless or worried. He or she doesn’t seem to be able to settle down. Agitation may cause pacing, sleeplessness,…
While there’s no single diet to follow for arthritis, including anti-inflammatory foods in a senior’s diet can help restore the body’s natural defenses. Here’s a look at the foods to avoid: Fried and processed AGEs Sugars and refined carbs Dairy Alcohol and tobacco Salt and preservatives Corn oil Bottom line Inflammatory foods “Arthritis” is a general term encompassing conditions that…
Our Caregiver Of The Year for 2017 is a real jewel! Jane has worked for the same client for more than two years. The client is now on hospice and rarely sleeps. Jane spends the night in the client’s room talking with her, rubbing her hands and generally working to ease her anxiety. There really are no words to describe…
