When providing home care for a senior loved one, you may discover he or she is taking a variety of medications. Without knowing all of the details, it can be difficult to determine when it’s safe for each medication to be taken. Here are a few rare situations when a doctor might suggest your loved one avoid taking prescription medication.…
Aging adults with Parkinson’s disease may experience what’s referred to as autonomic dysfunctions, meaning they have difficulty swallowing and efficiently completing the digestive process. These are among the most commonly overlooked symptoms of Parkinson’s. It’s important for family caregivers to be aware of these types of problems so they can ensure comfort and high-quality care for their loved ones with…
Before you take on the role of family caregiver, you should think about what the job entails and compare it to the qualities you possess. Doing this comparison could give you a good idea of whether becoming a caregiver is the role for you, and knowing ahead of time may prevent burnout and other health issues. Here are some of…
Since elderly people are susceptible to conditions like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and are sometimes injured due to falling, they’re also at increased risk for experiencing some degree of back pain. Even slight discomfort in the back can make daily life more difficult, which means it’s important for your senior loved one to find effective ways to combat this pain and…
A National Institutes of Health-AARP study found older Americans who ate large amounts of red meat over a 10-year period were more likely to die sooner than those who consumed smaller amounts. Seniors should maintain healthy diets, which may include reducing their red meat intake. Understanding the potential risks your elderly loved one can face may encourage him or her…
The heart is one of the most essential organs in the body, making it important for your elderly loved one to take proper care of his or her heart health, either through prevention or with treatment after a condition has developed. Here’s a list of common heart conditions your loved one may be at risk for. 1. Irregular Heartbeat A…
If you have a family member over the age of 65, it’s likely you’ve thought about the possibility of becoming a family caregiver as well as hiring professional home care services. To make sure your senior loved one receives the best care possible in the future, it’s a good idea to start planning for in-home care now. Talk to…
While it can be difficult to talk about, helping your senior loved one put together a living will is important. Ideally, every adult should have a living will, but it’s especially important for seniors because of various health concerns and conditions that can arise. Here are some tips to make the experience less stressful for your loved one and the…
According to the National Institute on Aging, more than half of all seniors experience sleep problems. This includes having difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently throughout the night, and sleeping for fewer hours at night. Although some seniors and their caregivers assume this is normal and naps will make up for lost sleep, this isn’t the case. Why Getting Enough…
Scam artists often target seniors, as they believe people in this age group are more susceptible to cons. Whether or not this is true, seniors deserve protection from people targeting them. Here are a few ways to help your senior loved one avoid scams. Offer Financial Assistance As they age, seniors may have difficulty managing their personal finances. This…
