Which Home Care Options for Elderly Parents Are Safe Right Now?
For the past several months, family caregivers have had to handle seemingly unsurmountable challenges in connection with the care of the older adults they love. With COVID-19’s particular dangers to senior citizens and people with underlying health conditions, such as COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and others that are common in older adults, families have struggled […]
With the Pandemic, How Do You Keep Seniors Safe When Venturing Out?
After months of isolating, quarantining, and distancing from friends and family, many people are venturing out. Nevertheless, for seniors in particular, is it safe to think about going out? Regrettably, there is no cut-and-dry answer, and a number of criteria must be considered to come to the very best decision for every individual. For example: What […]
A New Disease That Mimics Alzheimer’s: LATE
An individual who exhibits memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, repetition, and challenges with performing daily activities has the telltale symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, right? As a matter of fact, what seems to be an obvious case of Alzheimer’s may in fact be a recently discovered dementia. Known as LATE, or limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, this […]
How One Woman Uses Her Sense of Smell to Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease
You may not recognize her by name, but you’ve probably heard her story. Joy Milne has an exceptionally unique talent: recognizing Parkinson’s disease by using her nose. Her gift came to light when she detected what she details as an “overpowering sort of nasty yeast smell” in her husband of ten years. Subsequently observing other […]
Learn the Top Medication Dangers for Seniors
A recently available study of over 2,000 older adults reveals that an astonishing 87% take a minimum of one prescription drug, and a staggering 36% are taking five or more – together with 38% using over-the-counter meds on an everyday basis. Managing these medications in our older years can be extremely difficult, and there […]
Why There is Chronic Dehydration in Seniors and How You Can Help
Did you know…almost 50% of all older adults are chronically under-hydrated, as reported by a recent scientific study conducted at UCLA? Not just that, but older adults over age 65 represent the highest category of hospital admissions due to dehydration. Dehydration can rapidly sneak up on seniors, who often have a lessened sensation of thirst, […]
Accepting a Diagnosis Doesn’t Mean Giving Up
In Isaac Asimov’s opinion, “The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.” It’s a standard sentiment for many family caregivers when their loved one is diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as dementia. And though this may generate some level of comfort in thinking that life can go on as it […]
Your Guide to Starting Family Caregiving: How to Best Care for Someone with a New Diagnosis
It may have been suspected, or maybe broadsided you out of the blue. Mom has just received the official diagnosis for a progressive disease that is going to make independent life difficult. While there are a number of unknowns, one thing is for sure: she’s adamant about remaining at home – meaning you will have […]
The Post-Pandemic Importance of Strength Training for Older Adults
As we’re finally easing our way out of this pandemic, we’re finding out more information on how it has impacted the elderly – both physically and emotionally. We know older adults have been at a greater threat of serious side effects and death from the COVID-19 virus; however, the impact of 15 months of physical […]
Tips to Help Manage Dysphagia in Elderly Parents
There’s nothing better than a tall, cold drink on a hot summer day, but for a person with dysphagia, this simple pleasure can be dangerous. Dysphagia – or difficulty with swallowing – impacts millions of seniors, because of weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, MS and stroke are typical causes as well. Symptoms of […]