If you’ve noticed changes in your elderly loved one’s health that indicate the need for assistance around the house, he or she may be resisting help for fear of losing independence. However, aging and autonomy aren’t mutually exclusive. There are ways you can help your loved one age in place and live a happy and comfortable life, and these tips…
Sleep disturbances are a common problem in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Changes in sleep/wake patterns appear early on in the disease and become more disruptive as the illness progresses. Recent research on light therapies, however, suggests a viable solution for nighttime wakefulness and fitful sleeping during the day may be in sight. Resetting the Biological Clock Sleeping and awake…
Shingles is a condition caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 million people develop shingles each year. While people of any age can develop shingles, it’s more common in people over 60 years of age. Here’s what seniors and their caregivers should know…
When buying gifts for a senior you love for a birthday or during the holiday season, it’s good to think outside the box. It can be difficult to find just the right thing, so treat your loved one to a nice surprise with any of the following. Gopher Pick Up & Reach Tool This awesome grabbing tool allows the…
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…
