The late afternoon and early evening hours can be some of the most difficult times of the day for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Many symptoms—such as agitation, restless behavior, and confusion—associated with these conditions begin to worsen, which is known as sundowning. Family caregivers can use the following tips to manage sundowning and enhance their aging loved one’s…
Your senior loved one's nutritional needs may change after having a stroke. It’s for this reason that certain foods should be incorporated into his or her diet to maintain optimal health. Here are some healthy foods for seniors to eat after having a stroke and why they are essential. Bananas One of the most common risk factors in the development…
It’s fairly normal for seniors to lose weight as they age because they no longer have much of an appetite, but decreased appetite can lead to excessive weight loss and malnutrition, which increase the chances of other serious health issues. To help your senior loved one stay as healthy as possible, you need to get him or her interested in…
Family members who assume the role of caregiver for a parent living with Parkinson's can make life easier for both themselves and their loved one. As the disease doesn’t affect all seniors at the same rate or in the same way, caregivers should make a point of learning about the progression of symptoms. Being equipped with knowledge enables families to…
Water is the most life-sustaining substance on the earth, and your aging loved one uses it to stay hydrated, bathe, and clean the home. Since we’ve all been around water since the day we were born, it may be baffling to discover that your loved one is suddenly afraid of it. Seniors with dementia sometimes develop a fear of water…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 600,000 people die every year from some form of heart disease. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death for men and women. Seniors diagnosed with heart disease can prevent progression of the disease processes by eliminating certain foods from their diet. 1. High-Fat Foods Red meat and high-fat…
Senior centers are rapidly becoming the hub of many communities, yet people often fail to realize how important they are. Whether your aging loved one is curious about visiting one or you want to lobby to have one added to your community, here are just a few of the reasons senior centers are important. Provide Learning Opportunities Older adults are…
While Alzheimer's impacts every person differently, many people’s experiences follow a similar trajectory. Alzheimer's researchers have tried to clarify this trajectory via phase models. While some experts stick to a simple three-phase model, the most popular system was developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg, who identified the following seven distinct stages of Alzheimer's disease. Stage 1: Preclinical In stage one, seniors…
As older adults progress in age, their nutritional needs are likely to change. Each food your parent consumes may have a different effect on his or her body. Here are some of the reasons nutrition is important for your loved one. 1. Lowers Blood Pressure Blood circulation is controlled by the heart. When the heart doesn’t get the nutrients it…
Sudden weight loss in a senior needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Losing weight quickly can signify a serious medical disorder, so the sooner it’s recognized and addressed, the more likely your aging parent is to have a favorable outcome. Here are steps you can take if your loved one loses weight suddenly. Have a Discussion As soon…