When your senior loved one needs assistance with daily activities, it’s important to develop a full network of support that includes other family members as well as professional caregivers. Yet many people feel an initial sense of guilt for not tending to their loved one’s every need. Although this is…
When seniors are sick or no longer able to take care of themselves, it often feels like the world stands still. Right now, your biggest priority might be to help your senior loved one, but it’s also normal to have other worries on your mind. Caregivers are sometimes viewed as…
Injuries related to slips and falls are common among the elderly and can often lead to long-term pain and functional impairment. However, even moderate exercise can help your senior loved one prevent injuries. Here are some exercise activities for staying fit and reducing the chance of falling. Staves Off Chronic…
Helping an older loved one requires some careful planning. At first, you may only know he or she is showing signs of facing challenges, or your loved one might have had a major health problem that changes how he or she lives at home. Working your way through these six…
Although people over the age of 65 make up about 17 percent of the population in the United States, data shows this age group undergoes the largest number of surgical procedures. An estimated 53 percent of all surgeries are performed on older adults. Seniors are at risk of complications after surgery and require care to prevent these problems from occurring. Be Prepared Ahead of Time Take the time to prepare before your senior loved one comes home. Pick up any prescription medications he or she will need so you won’t have to leave him or her to get them. If the doctor prescribes any durable medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker, and the hospital isn’t going to provide…
If you care for an aging parent who has arthritis, there are ways to help your loved one reduce pain, inflammation, and overall discomfort. Here are some of the top tips for managing senior arthritis. 1. Encourage Consistent Motion Although one of the major symptoms of arthritis is limited mobility,…
The National Institute on Aging estimates 85 percent of adults over the age of 65 have at least one chronic health condition, and 60 percent have two or more conditions. If your older loved one is in the majority of seniors with chronic health conditions, he or she will…
Whether they’re cognitively impaired or physically disabled, some seniors may need assistance to ensure daily hygiene tasks are accomplished. These duties include oral care. Some seniors may need gentle reminders, while others may require hands-on assistance. Here are a number of ways to ensure your senior loved one maintains his…
Self-neglect is often the first sign a senior loved one needs help. Seniors may begin to neglect their personal needs if they can no longer perform the tasks necessary to maintain their health and homes. They may also have depression or other mental health conditions that cause them to lose…
A recent study funded by the Pew Research Center revealed 20 percent of adult children between the ages of 40 and 60 assist their elderly parents financially. If your parents have fallen on hard times, you need to start thinking about how you can help them in the coming years….