May 24, 2021 by
On a hot summer day, there is nothing more satisfying than a tall, cold drink, but for someone displaying signs of dysphagia, this simple pleasure can be dangerous. Dysphagia – or trouble with swallowing – affects millions of older adults, because of weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, MS and stroke are all causes as well.
May 13, 2021 by
One of the first things many people want to know when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia is what the dementia progression stages will look like. We know that the unmistakable sign of dementia is the increasing decline in cognitive abilities as well as the skills needed to take care of everyday life. However, each individual progresses through these changes at a different pace. There are a variety of factors that may affect the rate of decline, such as:
May 6, 2021 by
We have long known that there are particular medications that increase the chance of elderly falls. Two decades ago, slightly more than half of seniors were impacted by that risk; yet today, that number has increased dramatically – to an astounding 94% of seniors who are now at risk of falling because of medication side effects. Not only that but, deaths from such falls are occurring at more than twice the earlier rate.
April 22, 2021 by
What are your first thoughts when you wake up each morning? Are you looking forward to what your day holds, or would you prefer to crawl back under the covers and remain there? If you are experiencing more dread than delight as you think through your caregiving responsibilities for the day, you’re not the only one. In fact, one of the leading caregiving challenges is caregiver dread.
April 14, 2021 by
Even when memory loss and confusion escalate through the advancement of Alzheimer’s, there is a remarkable reprieve that often occurs. Previously termed “terminal lucidity,” it’s more frequently now known as “paradoxical lucidity.” It signifies a sudden, short-term regaining of clarity to a nearly pre-dementia cognitive state. During this time, the effects can vary from nonverbal but emotional connections to noteworthy cognitive recovery.
April 8, 2021 by
If there is one positive after-effect associated with the pandemic, it’s the attention generated for the plight of family caregivers. Balancing work and home life is without question an incredible challenge for anyone caring for aging parents. As Lindsay Jurist-Rosner, CEO of Wellthy, explains, “Caregiving went from a silent struggle to being in the spotlight overnight.”
March 18, 2021 by
The cool dampness of fresh soil. The warmth of the sun. The happy trills of songbirds. Gardening has the ability to engage so many of our senses, and provides many great benefits to older adults. Regardless of ability level or any space restrictions, there’s always a way to help older adults experience the pleasures of planting indoors or outdoors, watching new growth emerge, and harvesting. As the leading provider of elder care in Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas, we’re happy to share the benefits of gardening for seniors.
March 11, 2021 by
Finding activities which are fun and engaging for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease tends to be a challenge. Add in vision impairment, and it could seem overwhelming. Nevertheless, for individuals managing low vision and Alzheimer’s, it is vitally important to make certain each day holds possibilities for purpose, joy, and meaning – decreasing the level of frustration, agitation, and other challenging emotions and behaviors in dementia.
March 4, 2021 by
It’s been a little over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began; a year of fear, loneliness, and isolation for a great many older adults. Physical distancing has eliminated the ability to offer the comfort and warmth of a hug and even an in-person smile in many cases. Yet humans are social creatures, and this diminished socialization has many seniors turning online for connection – such as dating websites, which open them up to scams targeting seniors.
February 23, 2021 by
With a great deal of negative news in the forefront of 2020, it is worth reflecting on a few of the remarkable achievements the year brought – including the advancements in dementia research. Katie McDonough, director of programs and services at the Alzheimer’s Association, shares, “There are many things that we’re learning and it’s an exciting time for Alzheimer’s research.”