Engaging Holiday Activities for Aging Loved Ones
Oh, what fun – the holidays are here! After all of the virtual visiting and fear of getting together during the height of the pandemic, it’s especially joyful to be able to gather with family to celebrate. Yet for older adults, this time of year can be an emotional one, filled with nostalgia for holidays […]
Continue readingHelping Family Caregivers Practice Gratitude Each Day
Having a grateful mindset is good for overall health. Research has shown that expressing thanks can improve a person’s mood, sleep, and even immunity. It can also decrease anxiety and risk of chronic illness. Still, with all of the responsibilities that family caregivers have on their plates, it’s often a challenge to slow down and reflect […]
Continue readingOral Care for People With Dementia: Tips for Helping a Loved One
Oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining overall health. Poor dental health can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, tooth decay, or other problems and can make chewing or talking more difficult. The daily oral care needs for a person with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia can change as the disease progresses. Over time, […]
Continue readingUnderstanding Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults
Urinary incontinence is a common issue faced by older adults, but it is not an inevitable part of aging. The condition frequently requires that older adults be near a bathroom and may make them feel self-conscious about personal hygiene. As a result, many older adults curb activities and social outings. The best course of action […]
Continue readingRespite Care Helps Reduce Family Caregiver Stress
Life in general can be incredibly stressful! You may be carrying a variety of responsibilities on your shoulders: a career, taking care of your home, raising children, caring for your spouse or life partner, and trying to care for yourself along the way, too. Now add in the complexities of providing care for an older […]
Continue readingSteps to Take Following an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
With approximately 5.8 million people living in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s or dementia, hundreds of individuals and families are impacted each day following a new diagnosis. September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and it is a good time to consider what it means when a senior loved one receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and what to do […]
Continue readingCommon Medications That Can Increase Fall Risk in Seniors
When you consider fall prevention for an older loved one, it’s likely you think about hazards around the house or strength and mobility exercises to improve balance. However, did you know that one of the most common causes of increased fall risk in older adults are adverse reactions to medications? To guard against this, it […]
Continue readingThree 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, […]
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