Last Thanksgiving, Eliza Kendall visited her parents at her childhood home in Darien, Conn. They had both lost weight since she last saw them, her mother most noticeably. And when Kendall looked inside their oven, she found an uneaten pizza. "Reality hits you right in the face when you go home," says Kendall, 54, of Harwich, Mass. There were other…
What clues should you look for over the holidays? If you are planning to visit your aging parents over the holidays, here are 10 clues that may signal they need help. Maybe you’re planning a visit to see one or both of your aging parents after a period of not seeing them. Like a lot of adult children of elderly…
According the American Diabetes Association, one in four Americans over the age of 60 has diabetes. Here’s an article on their website that provides a comprehensive look at seniors and diagnosing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, as we get older, our chances of getting Type 2 diabetes increases. They claim that one in four Americans over the age…
Can social conditions, including the stress of poverty, increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease? A new study discussed in this Washington Post article suggests it can. A new group of studies into racial disparities among people with Alzheimer’s disease suggests that social conditions, including the stress of poverty and racism, substantially raise the risks of dementia for African Americans. In…
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Can we stop it before it starts? Here’s a look at the new offense in the Alzheimer’s fight from Newsweek. The announcement came the day before Thanksgiving, but there was nothing in it to be thankful for: An experimental Alzheimer’s drug many thought would slow the disease’s steady cognitive decline had failed to…
When it’s time to care for an ailing parent, it’s important for siblings to communicate and agree on expectations for Home Care in Potomac. In this article from the Washington Post, there are 6 ways siblings can pull together for Mom and Dad. My friend Mary’s mother died in July, and last week over dinner I asked her how she…
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for a variety of health issues, particularly as we age. In this article from WebMD we learn why it’s such a boon for seniors. Would you believe in a nondrug treatment that works for arthritis, cancer pain, Parkinson's, and incontinence and improves your strength and endurance? There is one -- physical therapy. When…
Early detection is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma. Here’s a look at 5 common eye tests and how often you should have them. Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma. A complete eye exam includes five common tests to detect glaucoma.…
We retire, the kids grow up and move out, we might experience health challenges. It can seem as if life is conspiring to rob us of the sense that we are useful! This is bad for our health according to a number of recent studies. To learn more, read the article below by Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac, "When Seniors…
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the all the jargon and paperwork when you visit the doctor? You’re not alone. Here’s a look at the difficulties surrounding health literacy in today’s world. It's time for full disclosure. Answer the following questions honestly (don't worry, you won't be graded): Have you ever had trouble understanding something a doctor or nurse said to…
