May 3, 2023 by
If a senior you love undergoes a surgical procedure or hospitalization, their doctor may suggest that the senior stay in an assisted living facility before going back home. This is usually a short period of time of intensive therapy to promote recovery and healing. However, the notion of moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home even for a matter of weeks or months can be extremely difficult to accept.
April 19, 2023 by
It takes creative thinking, a knack for rolling with the punches, and a generous amount of lighthearted fun to offer healthy and effective dementia care. It stands to reason then that a spontaneous activity like improvisation is a great way to connect and engage with someone struggling with cognitive challenges. Not only does it allow you to pivot and embrace unexpected plot twists, but it helps you to learn more about the person in your care. (more…)
April 11, 2023 by
Starting the day with a rejuvenating shower and ending it with a warm bubble bath are daily pleasures for many of us. But it really is possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to bathing habits for older adults. You might want to rethink that daily bath or shower for seniors, for several reasons: (more…)
April 3, 2023 by
A vital characteristic in any effective caregiver is being empathetic. The ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes allows you to better meet their needs. But there is one particular type of empathy that you need to understand as a caregiver in order to protect your own health and wellbeing: emotional empathy. (more…)
March 22, 2023 by
The benefits of chemotherapy are without question and can save someone’s life. Yet, during the process of destroying harmful cancer cells, noncancerous cells can also be in the crossfire, creating challenging side effects. The physician will provide recommendations on what cancer patients should do to reduce these effects, and an empowered patient can help support the goal by knowing what to avoid during chemo treatment. (more…)
March 14, 2023 by
What exactly is it that gets you up out of bed each and every morning? If you are a member of the sandwich generation, caring for both older and younger loved ones, your list is likely quite extensive! As the nest empties, however, it becomes important to redefine our identity and discover new ways to bring meaning to each and every day. In fact, the benefits of purpose for seniors are even more far-reaching than we once believed. (more…)
March 7, 2023 by
When you start to detect the warning signs that senior care help for parents is needed, very often, an elderly parent won’t accept help. After all, acknowledging the need for help isn’t easy, especially for somebody who appreciates their independence and privacy. Yet, what do you do when another member of the family is the one pushing back? If you’ve come to an impasse within your family about the need for senior care, there is one very likely culprit that may be in play: denial. (more…)
February 20, 2023 by
Have you ever woken up from a dream feeling completely disoriented? The dream seemed so real, and it takes a moment to regain your bearings. For someone with dementia, this disorientation is a part of everyday life. When caring for someone with dementia, a primary goal should be to help provide as much stability as possible, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is by adhering to a predictable routine. (more…)
February 15, 2023 by
What’s your first thought when you see an elderly person in a wheelchair? Do you see that person as less-than, someone in need of being fixed? Do you assume they need special treatment, as though a physical disability impacts intellect as well? How does this perception vary from when you see an older adult standing upright, without the need for a wheelchair; would you think they were better-abled than the wheelchair-bound senior? (more…)
February 9, 2023 by
It’s hard to admit but even harder to avoid. Feeling bored with your role as family caregiver is a common response to spending so much time together, completing the same tasks, engaging in the same activities, and running out of interesting conversation topics. This common sentiment is not related to your feelings for the person in your care. In fact, they may be feeling just as bored with a stagnant routine.