Three Activities to Improve Mental Health in Older Adults
Family caregivers dedicate their time and energy to help older loved ones live healthy and safe lives at home. Being healthy isn’t just about physical health or avoiding injury; it also extends to mental health. Depression and other mental health issues don’t have to be a regular part of growing older. There are things you can […]
Continue readingSummer Safety Tips for Seniors
With the extra hours of daylight the summer months bring, there’s more time for outdoor fun: picnics, gardening, swimming, and more. Yet as the temperature rises, there’s also a heightened risk for a variety of heat-related conditions that can be extremely dangerous for older adults, such as: Heat cramps Heat edema (swelling) Heat exhaustion Heat […]
Continue readingUnderstanding and Living with Aphasia
Damage to the brain, caused by a stroke or head injury, may lead to aphasia, a language disorder that affects speech and communication. Aphasia may make it difficult for individuals to speak, understand what others say, read, or write. According to the National Aphasia Association, there are at least two million Americans living with aphasia, […]
Continue readingUnderstanding Sundowning in Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
When caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, it is common to notice some challenging behaviors. In particular, seniors with dementia may have issues during certain times of day, as seen in sundowning. Sundowning is characterized by restlessness, agitation, irritability and confusion in the late afternoon or early evening, and is a common […]
Continue readingMedication Management Tips for Older Adults
With an astounding 6.3 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S. each year, it’s not surprising that so many older individuals – 39% – are taking a minimum of 5 of them every day. And family caregivers understand firsthand the struggles of managing these medications for the older adults they love. As a matter of fact, […]
Continue readingLow Vision in Older Adults
Low vision is the loss of sight that cannot be corrected by prescription eyeglasses or surgery. This condition often affects older adults and may be caused by age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetes. It is not the same as blindness because people still maintain some sight. They may also benefit from the use of low […]
Continue readingSix Tips for Maintaining Bone Health in Seniors
Strong and healthy bones are essential to overall health, providing support and structure for the body and helping people move. Osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens bones, impacts millions of Americans, putting older adults at an increased risk for falls and fractures. While osteoporosis is a disease that primarily impacts women, men can also […]
Continue readingUnderstanding Why Sleep Patterns Change as People Age
There’s little that feels better than getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep is an essential part of good health, and when we experience disturbances with our slumber it can lead to health issues if not addressed. As a person ages, they become more at risk for a number of health issues, including sleep disturbances. It […]
Continue readingEngaging Activities for Older Adults with Limited Mobility
As the weather warms up, it’s as if the world reawakens. It’s evident in the trees and flowers that are beginning to rebloom, but it’s true for us, as well. Just settle onto a park bench and watch as joggers trot past, bicyclists whiz by, and children excitedly climb, swing, and race their way around […]
Continue readingNavigating Personality Changes in Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease causes damage to brain cells that contributes to memory loss and cognitive difficulties. The disease can also bring about a variety of drastic changes in a loved one’s personality and behavior. These changes affect not only the individual with dementia but also their loved ones. It is beneficial for family caregivers to recognize […]
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