According to the American Geriatrics Society, many seniors take over ten different medications, with 80% of seniors juggling multiple health conditions. Common conditions include heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, COPD, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and sensory loss. Unfortunately, seeing different doctors for each condition can make it challenging to maximize the quality of [...]
Holidays are an opportunity to connect with senior loved ones! The keys to quality time are conversation, intention, and attention. So this Easter, we encourage you to only whip out your phone for photos and reminiscing. When you get to a family gathering with loved ones in their eighties, nineties, or those struggling with dementia, [...]
Over 40 million Americans struggle with long-term, chronic sleep disorders. From Alzheimer's to depression, sundowners can keep the elderly awake at night and create behavioral struggles during the day. Studies show that 20% of Alzheimer's patients experience confusion, agitation, and anxiety beginning in the afternoon and evening. Sundowners is often characterized by: Anger Depression Anxiety [...]
Have you noticed an elderly loved one is no longer bathing? You might also have seen bumps, bruises, or even discovered a recent hospital visit. When an elderly parent isn't bathing, it is usually a symptom of a more significant issue. It is critical to consult with a physician to get to the root of [...]
Valentine's Day can be tough for a senior that has lost their sweetheart. Depression can creep in during holidays for seniors, and mental health is just as important as physical health. So it's critical for caregivers and family members to keep an eye out for depression, anxiety, changes in mental state, and even loneliness in [...]
Do you have a senior loved one still living at home? Even if you utilize home health care to manage your elderly parent's needs, it is vital to do a yearly home safety evaluation! Seniors are at risk for falls due to declines in physical health, impaired vision, medication side effects, chronic diseases, surgical procedures, [...]
Did you visit an elderly loved one for the holidays? Family visits are usually when out of town relatives realize their senior loved ones need help at home. When you recognize your loved one is no longer thriving, it's time to have an honest conversation about needs. We encourage you to keep this conversation kind [...]
What are the holiday traditions that you remember from your youth? Who are the people who created those memories for you? For your parent or older adult, the memories they helped create are often the ones that sustain them in their older years. Often travel and intensive decorating or party activities are difficult for your [...]
Travel can be stressful for your family member with dementia. Changes in routine upset their feelings of stability and familiarity. However, you can set it up so that it is easier for everyone. A good first step towards taking your loved one on a longer trip is to plan a day outing or staycation (overnight in [...]
"Every life deserves a certain amount of dignity, no matter how poor or damaged the shell that carries it." – Rick Bragg It can be easy, when your loved one appears to be a shell of the vibrant human being they were in their youth, to treat them with less respect or awareness of the human being that [...]
