Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. Dementia occurs due to damage to brain cells, affecting a person's ability to communicate, influencing thinking, behavior, and feelings. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. However, while Alzheimer's is [...]
When my Mom got her Alzheimer's diagnosis, the first thing she said was, "I never want to go to a long-term facility." She said she'd miss her cat even if she couldn't remember him. Her hands wouldn't know what to do while she watched TV. After her decision, we banned together as a family to [...]
Have you noticed an elderly loved one smells funny, is losing or gaining weight, or seems forgetful? It usually falls on adult children to determine if a parent needs care and the conversation is not easy. The list below will help you determine whether or not that talk is necessary. If you decide that your [...]
The sandwich generation applies to anyone still caring for children (little ones, teens, even young adults) and a parent at the same time. More often than not, those in the sandwich generation assist young adults financially and care for elderly parents. The physical and emotional demands of this role stretch caregivers thin. The financial demands [...]
Whether it’s to stay healthy, in social gatherings with friends, or as an expression of our creativity, food is central to our days and happiness. Most people have food-related stories around their social events or holidays. However, as we age, sometimes that joy is diminished by our body’s decreased capacity to intake nutrients, mechanical issues with [...]
Has your loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD)? While any diagnosis can be scary, know that PD itself is not fatal. With early detection and proper care, your senior can still experience many years of fulfillment. Parkinson's Disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. [...]
Family members with elderly loved ones eventually face the challenge of setting up care. The transition is typically marked by apparent changes in a senior's personal care or medical needs. A senior's personal opinion should be taken into account when making this critical decision. Both home health care and nursing homes come with transition and [...]
Emergency officials are urging residents to develop a family plan and take steps to safeguard their homes. Step 1: Make a family plan. Have a family meeting to talk about the hurricane. Decide where the family will stay during the storm. Together, develop a list of preparation tasks. Step 2. Stock a disaster supply kit. [...]
It might surprise you to learn that older adults watch more television than younger people do. Watching TV comprises most of the leisure time for adults aged 70 to 105 years old. Television can be an avenue to learning new things, connecting with the world, creating a diversion, and providing some light entertainment. However, it [...]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in this country can be traced to foodborne pathogens. We’ve probably all heard our older loved ones comment that they have always (insert poor food storage adage here) and it was fine. However, bacteria have [...]
