Reading is an excellent activity for seniors, in part because almost anyone can do it. Older adults who have lost or limited mobility can read in almost any location, and even those with vision impairment can listen to audiobooks. As it turns out, reading during the senior years offers several…
Providing care for an aging loved one can be challenging, especially if he or she has been diagnosed with dementia. There will be good days and bad days, but certain knowledge and abilities can make the caregiving role less difficult. Here are some important tools dementia caregivers may need. An…
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can be found in almost every type of soft tissue throughout the human body. When there’s too much cholesterol, pockets of this substance start attaching to arteries and increase an individual’s risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. Those who have recently been…
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by loss of memory, disorientation, misinterpretation of spatial relationships, and difficulty in thinking, reasoning, and planning. It occurs due to the death and degeneration of brain cells, and it’s most commonly seen in the elderly. Currently, more than 5 million Americans are living with the condition….
Older adults are at high risk for developing blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, or strokes. According to healthcare experts, caregivers can recommend the following tips to seniors to reduce their risk of blood clot formation. Don’t Sit Still Seniors who remain in the same…
Finding out an aging loved one needs in-home care when you live in another state can be difficult to manage. As much as you may debate over whether or not you should drop everything to move in with your parent, you likely have other commitments, such as family and work,…
After having a heart attack, it’s necessary for a senior to prepare for a few lifestyle changes that can prevent a recurrence and offer the best chances for a successful recovery. While it can be frightening to return home after a heart attack, your older loved one can expect to…
A number of warning signs can indicate a senior is developing dementia, but for adult children living apart from their parents, these signs can be challenging to identify. The following common but sometimes subtle signs help you recognize when your aging loved one needs assistance. 1. Memory Loss People with…
Certain health conditions can make it unsafe for seniors to age in place independently, and sometimes they need 24-hour supervision so they can remain as safe and healthy as possible. Because many families don’t have the time, resources, and expertise to provide the care their elderly loved ones need in…
When taking care of an elderly loved one, communication is key, and it’s important to have a strategy to establish how effective communication will take place between you and your loved one. Rather than going into the situation unprepared, knowing the best ways to communicate with your parent will be instrumental in ensuring his or her care needs are met and he or she is able to enjoy the highest level of comfort and quality of life. Develop an Individual Strategy If you’re going to be acting as the primary caregiver for your loved one, you have to create a communication strategy based on your experiences with him or her. For instance, if you know your parent is very independent,…