Family caregivers know their loved one best. When you believe something is wrong, trust your instincts! If you suspect a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's is ill or acting unusual, contact their doctor and communicate with home health care nurses.
Falls are the leading cause of death, injury, and hospital admissions among the elderly. The CDC reports that one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls annually. Of the 36 million falls that happen annually in this age group, more than 8 million result in a broken hip or head trauma.
The key to managing incontinence is being prepared, empathetic, and adopting the "matter-of-fact" attitude used by nurses to reduce embarrassment.
One of the biggest struggles of dementia caregiving is challenging behavior. The most common advice is, "Don't take it personally." And while this advice is correct, it is understandably tough when it is your loved one or spouse.
While many caregivers brave stage five on their own, eventually, hygiene and other daily battles become very difficult to manage alone.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, problem-solving skills, language, and daily living functions. Specific types of dementias — including Alzheimer's disease and vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia — advance at unique rates and differ from person to person. The seven stages of dementia are separated [...]
If you are visiting a loved one providing primary care, we have offered ten ways you can help lift the load while you are in town.
Caregiving can be an isolating and challenging experience. Family caregivers spend over 24 hours each week caring for a loved one, although some reports show over 40 hours in total caregiving duties.
The holidays are a great opportunity to spend extra time with senior loved ones and get a clear picture of their needs. The most precious gift we can give our elderly loved ones is our time. Spending extra time with seniors opens the door for honest conversations about health and daily needs. Even when seniors have difficulty being honest, family members can use the checklists below to determine whether or not it’s time for home health care. By simply spending more time in your loved one’s home and observing them in everyday life, you have a better chance of catching early signs of dementia or noticing changes that are signs of significant health or physical challenges.
Are you searching for ways to include a senior loved one in holiday activities? We've put together a list of ideas to help aging loved ones feel included, especially if you are all under the same roof! Create family costumes from household items. Decorate the porch for trick-or-treaters. Consider putting a bowl of candy on the [...]
