A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, not only for the person diagnosed with the disease but also for his or her caregivers and loved ones. If you’ve learned that an aging family member has cancer, here are a few suggestions that may ease the fear and uncertainty that often comes with the treatment process. Knowing what to expect can help…
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Although there’s currently no cure, there are medications that can alleviate some of the symptoms. If the inflammation is allowed to persist over long periods, the joints may become irreversibly damaged. Now, medical experts and scientists also believe a connection between RA and hearing…
Maintaining good hygiene is essential for the elderly, but as they grow older, these tasks become more challenging. As a family caregiver, you’ll need to step in and offer assistance, but don’t overwhelm your senior parent. Below are tips you can use to ease your loved one’s fears and encourage him or her to accept personal care assistance with tasks…
For seniors to maintain optimal health, they must take a proactive approach. As adults grow older, the risk of developing health issues increases. By adopting some preventative measures, seniors can enjoy healthy and productive lives for years to come. Following a Proper Diet A diet consisting mainly of brightly colored vegetables and fruits provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals…
Though the Mediterranean diet has been around since 1945, it has only recently grown in popularity among the elderly demographic. Since a major aspect of providing home care is helping an aging loved one maintain healthy eating habits, here are five ways the Mediterranean diet boosts senior health. 1. Facilitates Digestion It’s crucial for your loved one to maintain a…
Pets can make wonderful companions for the elderly, especially when animals and their owners are perfectly paired, and having a canine or feline friend often provides tremendous benefits for a senior’s overall wellbeing. If your elderly loved one has been thinking about adopting a pet, here are a few reasons this might be a good idea. Greater Mental Stimulation New…
Being outdoors for a few hours every week provides seniors with a variety of benefits, including better cognitive and physical health. Soaking up the sun for just 15 minutes a day can increase levels of vitamin D, which is a vital nutrient for different functions in the body, such as providing energy and strengthening bones. Here are a few hobbies…
If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, staying connected with friends and family may become increasingly challenging for him or her. As the disease progresses, you’ll likely have to adapt your communication style based on your loved one’s "new normal." Here are a few things to keep in mind. Early Stage Communication When Alzheimer’s is first diagnosed, most people…
In-home respite care is an option you need to explore as a family caregiver so you can finally take a well-deserved break. Respite care can be arranged according to your schedule, and you can make it a regular part of your senior loved one’s care plan. Having the assistance of another caregiver and being able to get time away from…
When the blood carrying oxygen is unable to get to the brain, the cells will be damaged. Some brain cells will die, even if they’re without oxygen for only a couple of minutes. As a result, seniors can lose cognitive functioning and experience paralysis. Learn how a stroke can affect your aging loved one’s brain health. Vision Impairment Damage to…