If you provide in-home care for an elderly parent, helping him or her stay healthy and happy may be as simple as playing a board game or taking a walk together. If you’re wondering how else you can promote your loved one’s wellbeing, here are a few ideas. Encourage Mental Stimulation Engaging in activities such as crossword puzzles, jigsaw…
Older adults often live on fixed incomes supported by social security, retirement benefits, pension payouts, and similar sources. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 complaints received from adults 62 and older, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has come up with a list of financial issues that typically affect people in their senior years. Here are six of the…
Statistics indicate up to 30 percent of older adults are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after their initial discharge. The likelihood of having to return to the hospital increases for those over the age of 75. There are a number of ways family members can reduce the chance of an elderly parent being readmitted. Here are some of…
Tai chi is a non-impact exercise involving a series of fluid, controlled movements that can be performed in any spacious, peaceful environment. In addition to being both meditative and cathartic, this activity provides a wealth of physiological benefits. For seniors, it’s one of the best ways to boost physical fitness and overall health without subjecting the joints and bones to…
Caring for a senior loved one with Parkinson’s can be a stressful experience. At times, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, unsure of the future, and anxious about the level of care you can adequately provide. There are simple steps any family caregiver can take to relieve stress and maintain a positive attitude when caregiving. Get Enough Sleep Make…
More than half of people with Parkinson’s report they’ve experienced varying degrees of pain and discomfort, and research indicates that even in the early stages of the disease, seniors with Parkinson’s experience more pain for longer periods than those without the disease. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pain related to Parkinson's is frequently undertreated. If you provide…
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 29 million people in the United States care for disabled, chronically ill, or aging family members in their homes. On average, family caregivers spend more than 20 hours per week caring for loved ones, and many choose to quit their jobs to care for family members. Due to the very nature…
Caring for a husband or wife with dementia isn’t an easy task. Dementia can change how spouses relate to each other, and navigating this new reality can be challenging for many couples. Here are a few ways to provide effective care for a spouse with dementia. Accept the Changes When your spouse begins to experience the symptoms of dementia,…
It’s important for many seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. If your elderly loved one wishes to maintain independence and mobility at home, there are a few modifications that can be made to protect his or her safety. Your loved one should feel confident navigating the property and have the right…
Respite is a necessity for every family caregiver. Caregiving is mentally, emotionally, and physically stressful, and this is especially true for individuals who care for aging family members. Family caregivers don’t often take the time to care for themselves, which increases their risk of illness, depression, and anxiety and may diminish the quality of care they’re able to give to…
