July 26, 2021 by
While we are gradually easing our way out of this pandemic, we are figuring out more information on how it has impacted older adults – both physically and emotionally. We realize older adults have been at a greater risk of serious issues and death from the COVID-19 virus; however, the impact of 15 months of physical distancing and social isolation is now revealing shocking results on senior strength post-pandemic.
July 12, 2021 by
At Home Independent Living, providing senior care in Memphis, NY and nearby areas, understands that when caring for parents, it is not always an easy task to understand what our role as adult children must be. We would like what is best for them, however if we’re not very careful, it is possible to overstep our boundaries and find ourselves trying to parent our parents. Our own emotions may come out in unintended ways when communicating with aging parents too.
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 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.”
February 8, 2021 by
The fear and isolation as a result of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the wellbeing of older adults, with nearly half of seniors surveyed in a Kaiser Family Foundation poll stating that their amount of stress and worry was adversely affecting their own health. Even though it still may be hazardous to visit in person with senior loved ones, it’s important to stay in regular and frequent contact, and also to look for any signs or changes that may signify a mental health concern, such as elderly depression.
January 18, 2021 by
It is way too easy to get swept up in the everyday tasks of caregiving for an older adult you adore. There is so much to be done, and often it’s just easier and a lot more efficient to do it all yourself, letting a loved one relax. After all, our elders have taken care of things for a lifetime; haven’t they earned a break? (more…)
December 22, 2020 by
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss
Memories are the glue that bind together our past experiences with who we are today; and for someone with dementia, confusion around these memories can have a profound impact. One of our goals in caring for seniors with dementia is to help them hold onto and share memories in order to make sense of daily life. (more…)
December 17, 2020 by
In spite of its reputation for being a season of joy, for some seniors, the holidays are a time of profound sadness. Longing for holidays past, grief over the loss of loved ones, and aging-related changes to health can intensify during the holiday season, and it’s important to take steps to prevent the downward spiral into depression in older adults. (more…)
December 9, 2020 by
Think of the most perfect holiday season you can imagine. While that image may vary a bit for each of us, it might include gifts, lights, good food, and traditions passed down through the generations. Yet what most certainly rings true for all of us is the joy in spending the holidays with seniors and other family members we love. (more…)