Many people think being irritable, frequently forgetting things, experiencing confusion, and being clumsy are a normal part of aging. However, research indicates this isn’t the case. These symptoms are often caused by a mental illness. Being aware of these four common mental illnesses can help your senior loved one receive a proper diagnosis. 1. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease, a…
Receiving the news your senior loved one has cancer can be painful. The shock may initially cause confusion, and your loved one may feel fear and uncertainty. However, there are various ways you can offer your loved one support throughout the cancer treatment and recovery processes. 1. Communicate Maintain open and honest communication with your loved one, physicians, and…
Caregivers are often warned about burnout, but it’s normal to think it could never happen to you. After all, you love your aging parent, and you’ve always been known for taking charge of any situation. However, caregiver burnout can sneak up on you, and it’s possible you lack the same energy and sense of joy you had before. When burnout…
When you’re a family caregiver, there may be times when you’ll be called on to make legal, financial, and medical decisions on behalf of your senior loved one. Having the right legal documents on hand can prevent unexpected roadblocks during already stressful situations. The following are some essential documents every family caregiver should have on file. 1. HIPAA Authorization The…
Baby boomers are leading the growing trend toward aging in place, which enables seniors to live in their own homes rather than moving into nursing homes or assisted living facilities. According to AARP, 90 percent of older adults would prefer to live in their own homes as they age. The main drive behind this trend is the fact that many…
When seniors are confined to bed for any period of time, they’re at risk for developing bedsores. These sores are uncomfortable, and when they become severe, they can lead to serious complications, such as bacterial infections. For this reason, bedsore prevention should be an important aspect of any care plan. Schedule Regular Repositioning Bedsores are most often caused by…
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately affects women. More than 65 percent of people living with AD are women, and most Alzheimer’s caregivers are also women. Conventional wisdom has long held that women are more susceptible to AD because they tend to live longer, but a growing body of research is showing this certainly isn’t the only factor that makes women more…
Statistics indicate up to 88 percent of older adults experience chronic pain. The natural aging process commonly causes weakening of the musculoskeletal system and leads to conditions that cause pain. Various medical conditions are also causative factors. There are a number of methods seniors can consider to address their pain. Take Medications Prescription and over-the-counter analgesic medications are commonly…
Distraction techniques can help caregivers gently redirect agitation, uplift mood, and create calmer moments for senior loved ones living with dementia. These simple methods support emotional wellbeing while making daily routines more manageable. 1. Use Familiar Music to Redirect Attention Music deeply affects memory and mood, making it a powerful tool during stressful moments. Playing familiar songs can interrupt rising…
Family caregivers and the senior loved ones they care for may find it difficult to figure out how the Medicare insurance program works. To help your loved one make the right decisions for his or her health, here are a few facts about Medicare. Timing Is Crucial It’s important your loved one signs up for Medicare at the right time,…
