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…
Mental and physical engagement are vital to the wellbeing of older adults. Therefore, family caregivers need to find fun and meaningful activities for their senior loved ones to do each day. Below are some games your loved one might enjoy and the benefits of each game. 1. Name that Song Guessing the names of classic hits or new tunes could…
Many caregivers experience guilt. While this emotion is understandable, it isn't productive. If the guilt continues, family caregivers need to find positive ways to manage their emotions. Here are five tips for avoiding caregiving-related guilt. 1. Set Reasonable Expectations Sometimes caregivers experience guilt because their expectations are too high. If you forget to pick up a prescription or you burn…
Caring for an aging parent with dementia requires many skills, including household management, effective communication, patience, and good decision-making. Developing a caregiving plan based on your loved one’s needs and abilities can make the role less challenging and boost his or her quality of life. Here are some tips that could make daily tasks easier for you and your loved…
While caring for a senior loved one with Parkinson’s can be challenging, it’s important to remember you aren’t alone. With a solid support team and a long-term treatment plan, you’ll be able to avoid some of the most common roadblocks caregivers run into. Here’s a quick look at a few of the steps you can take to provide world-class care…
While many seniors have well-stocked medicine cabinets, it’s often much safer to turn to natural treatments for minor ailments. Family caregivers can build holistic first aid kits for their aging loved ones with these natural items. 1. Aloe Vera Many seniors know they can break off a piece of aloe vera plant to ease the pain from a burn. Caregivers…