The end of one’s life is a natural part of our lifecycle; yet, it is typically the least understood. Subsequently, providing care at the end of life can present an uncomfortable experience to not only the individual but also the family. An increasing number of people are choosing to die in the comfort of their own home. Many of those who are terminally ill have arranged hospice care services, but not all. Whether or not your loved one is on hospice services, it is important to understand the … [Read more...] about Practical Tips for End of Life Care
Jordan Fox
Handling Senior Hoarding and Self-Neglect
Do you have an elderly parent or relative whose living conditions seem to be deteriorating? Are you met with mountains of clutter when you enter the living space? Does your loved one seem to be neglecting his or her own well-being? If so, your loved one may be suffering from Diogenes syndrome, also known as senile squalor syndrome. In cases of Diogenes syndrome, it is usually up to the children or relatives of those affected to identify the first signs and seek out care for seniors with the … [Read more...] about Handling Senior Hoarding and Self-Neglect
Understanding How Medications Interact with Vitamins
Technology, science and research are offering a personalization powerhouse at our fingertips, including products made specifically for us delivered to our doorsteps. We wear personal fitness trackers to track our steps, sleep and heart rates. Personal trainers design fitness routines made just for us. We understand that our family history, lifestyle choices and even genetics are predictive of our health needs and this information is integrated into our health care plans. But with all of this … [Read more...] about Understanding How Medications Interact with Vitamins
Helping Seniors Prepare for Natural Disasters
Like anything in life, preparedness can make all the difference when various circumstances come about. Acknowledging what potential dangers could occur for your family members and loved ones at their homes is a great place to start, and then devising a plan should follow next. Below are some simple strategies to implement into the homes of anyone you care about. Create an Emergency Network Create an emergency network of family, neighbors, friends, professional caregivers, law enforcement, … [Read more...] about Helping Seniors Prepare for Natural Disasters
How to Keep Seniors Safe in Summer Heat
With summer conditions rapidly approaching, it is important to identify any potential risks that could harm your elderly loved ones. Increased temperatures and stronger sun exposures can really have a big impact on any individual, but especially on seniors. Recognizing a Heat-Related Illness Elderly people ages 65 and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons: Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in … [Read more...] about How to Keep Seniors Safe in Summer Heat
Understanding Dementia: Facts, Warning Signs, Symptoms
Dementia is a general term that describes a group of symptoms such as loss of memory, judgment, language, complex motor skills and other intellectual function caused by the permanent damage or death of the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons. One or more of several diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, can cause dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in people over the age of 65. It represents about 60 percent of all dementias. The other most common causes of … [Read more...] about Understanding Dementia: Facts, Warning Signs, Symptoms
How to Care for Loved Ones from Miles Away
In today’s world, it’s common for families and friends to be separated by great distances. At some point in their lives, your parents, grandparents or a loved one may need in-home care. Suddenly, you are faced with the challenge of long-distance caregiving. The best approach to dealing with long-distance caregiving is to educate yourself and your family to prepare ahead of time. Institutional Facilities vs. Their Home Sometimes, nursing homes and retirement homes seem like the … [Read more...] about How to Care for Loved Ones from Miles Away
Overcoming Loneliness for Seniors at Home
Ensuring the best living situation for the seniors closest to us is a high priority in a lot of people’s lives. But because we so often get caught up with meeting physical care demands with seniors, we often neglect social and mental health needs. A recurring byproduct of that negligence is the feeling of loneliness. Causes of Loneliness There are a variety of factors that contribute to loneliness in seniors. One of the most common is the loss of a spouse. Losing a spouse often … [Read more...] about Overcoming Loneliness for Seniors at Home
How to Reduce the Risk of Falling for Older Adults
As individuals enter the elderly stages of life, the risk and consequences of falling greatly increases. That probably does not surprise anybody, but what is surprising is that most people are not taking the necessary steps to ensure safety. Below are a few questions and precautions to take into consideration concerning an individual who is at risk of falling. Health and Safety Home Assessment Do you or a loved one take four or more medications daily? Multiple medications can cause … [Read more...] about How to Reduce the Risk of Falling for Older Adults
Talking with Older Drivers: Is it Time to Put On the Brakes?
With winter weather rapidly approaching, unsafe road conditions become more of a reality. These road conditions affect all of us who drive, but they have a particularly significant impact on elderly drivers. Many Americans have expressed concern about the safety of a loved one, due to the growing number of older drivers and today’s driving complexities. These decisions about driving are difficult for older Americans to make on their own. This guide is to help bring about the conversation … [Read more...] about Talking with Older Drivers: Is it Time to Put On the Brakes?
