If you have a senior loved one who has Parkinson’s disease, you may want to know more about the feasibility of letting him or her age in place. It’s important to determine whether or not your loved one’s needs can be properly met in the home, and thus, the ability to secure adequate help from an in-home care agency will…
Every new caregiver undergoes a steep learning curve. You’ll likely discover how to provide effective care through trial and error, but this doesn’t mean you can’t learn from the mistakes of other caregivers. Here are six common caregiving mistakes and tips for avoiding them. 1. Hiring the First Medical Professional You Find New caregivers often have the job thrust upon…
For a senior loved one with dementia, the world can be frightening, baffling, frustrating, and threatening. When experiencing shifting reality, reassurance can be comforting. Here’s the difference reassurance makes in providing dementia care. Curbs Aggression Attempts to maintain control may include throwing objects, pushing, and hitting. If your senior loved one is combative, first determine why. Think about what occurred…
When caring for an aging parent, you juggle many roles. In addition to being responsible for your elderly loved one’s care, you must attend to family and work commitments while performing the roles of maid, chef, and chauffeur. While these are all common roles for family caregivers, one often overlooked role is that of accountant. As senior loved ones age,…
Marriage is more than just the promise of love and commitment to one person. Often, it also includes a commitment to your spouse’s family. While this can be a source of joy when you share happy occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, and other family celebrations, it can also include life’s challenges. As your in-laws age, your spouse may take on…
According to the American Stroke Association, just over 25 percent of stroke survivors will have second strokes at some point. While the first stroke can be life-altering, a second stroke is often going to be much more severe and result in major health complications, which is just one of the reasons stroke survivors must come up with long-term plans for…
Emotions are complex. Seniors tend to seem as though they get calmer as they get older, but they can also be regulating their emotions so they aren’t always obvious. Some seniors experience heightened emotional reactions in response to the frequent changes in their lives. Exploring these six common emotional effects of aging gives families a basis for understanding how to…
Along with using good hand-washing techniques and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, there are other simple ways to prevent common colds. As seniors are more susceptible to serious illnesses, a few preventative measures can help them maintain their health. Abstain from Alcohol Not surprisingly, doctors advise against drinking alcohol, as it often interferes with sleep quality. Sleep-deprived seniors have a greater…
Caring for an incontinent senior can be one of the most challenging things family caregivers have to do during their lives. It’s often uncomfortable for both the senior and the caregiver. The following advice may make it a little easier. Talk Openly If your senior loved one doesn’t have Alzheimer’s or dementia, talk to him or her about how you’re…
Scientists have identified several environmental factors that can scare, irritate, and upset seniors with dementia. While there’s no cure for this debilitating condition, experts recommend carefully controlling the following environmental factors to help your senior loved one with dementia feel more peaceful. 1. Lights Many older adults who have dementia are frightened of shadows, so they tend to do better…
