Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease many people associate with older adults. However, the symptoms of this condition can appear in adults under 65. When this happens, it’s often referred to as "working-age," "early-onset," or "younger-onset” Alzheimer's. Below are some ways Alzheimer's impacts people of all ages and what can be done to reduce the risk of the disease. Genetics…
The costs of elderly care services can be expensive, and seniors often need to find ways to pay for in-home care as well as other long-term healthcare needs. If you have a senior loved one who needs in-home care, you’re probably concerned about how he or she can afford it. Finding high-quality care at an affordable price can be stressful.…
As seniors have typically gone hours without nutritional sustenance during the night, breakfast is necessary to replenish the body with the fuel it needs. For this reason, older adults should strive to eat foods at breakfast time that offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Varying the content of the meal from one day to the next alleviates…
Older adults experience several health benefits when they exercise regularly. However, seniors who have largely lived sedentary lifestyles may be resistant to being more active. Family caregivers can use the following techniques to motivate their elderly loved ones to exercise more often. 1. Start Slow Consider inviting your loved one to accompany you on a shopping outing. Malls are particularly…
Before beginning any kind of nutritional supplementation, even if it’s something as simple as a multivitamin, it’s important for your senior parent to discuss this change with his or her primary care physician. This way, the physician will be able to make customized recommendations and warn your parent about any possible adverse reactions with medications he or she is already…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Seniors with COPD often experience several breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, a cough that doesn’t seem to go away, and periods of wheezing. Symptoms of COPD also tend to get worse with extremes in temperature. Because more than 23 million Americans experience impaired lung function…
If you need a break from your caregiving responsibilities, consider respite care for your senior parent. While respite care provides benefits for family caregivers, it’s also beneficial for seniors. Here are some of the top benefits of respite care your parent may enjoy and appreciate. Reduced Risk of Social Isolation If your loved one is homebound as a result of…
One of the first symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. As the disease progresses, various areas of the brain will be affected, impacting daily life. Here are the most common types of memory Alzheimer’s disease affects. Short-Term Memory The information your senior loved one was exposed to a few minutes or a few days ago could be forgotten…
A pacemaker is a small device that uses electric stimulation to regulate irregular heartbeats. These devices may need to be worn for a short period after a heart attack or even for a lifetime. If your aging loved one requires a pacemaker, here are some essential facts that may help you provide the appropriate care and keep him or her…
Parkinson’s disease causes symptoms that may increase the risk of injuries for seniors during bathing. Fortunately, you may be able to decrease these risks for your senior loved one by using the following bathroom safety tips. Purchase a Shower Chair Postural instability is a common Parkinson’s symptom that appears in the middle to late stages of the disease. This may…
