When the grandkids come over to visit, your aging loved one knows great things are going to happen. While it’s always fun to watch the different generations of your family mingle, you can enjoy knowing these family bonding moments also offer significant benefits for your loved one’s health. Maintain an Open Mind Older adults can easily get set in their…
The long-term health effects of a stroke can vary depending on its severity and location in the brain. However, most people experience some changes in their mobility and thinking skills that can pose challenges during recovery. Fortunately, receiving high-quality care during the first few weeks at home helps seniors have the safest recovery possible. Understand the Discharge Instructions The discharge…
With so much attention on other types of cancer, it seems as though pancreatic cancer gets overlooked. However, seniors should be aware this type of cancer rarely shows symptoms until it spreads. Taking these preventative actions may help seniors reduce their pancreatic cancer risk and boost their overall health. 1. Maintain a Healthy Weight Pancreatic cancer is one of the…
If you’re caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s, you know the importance of maintaining a strict schedule. And if you’re new to caregiving, you may not understand why sticking to a daily routine is so essential. Learn about the benefits of following regular schedules for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Encourages Better Sleep Seniors who go to bed at…
It seems like everything is a dietary no-no these days. The ever-growing list of foods to avoid sometimes makes it difficult for seniors and their caregivers to prepare appropriate meals, especially ones based on favorite recipes calling for any of the questionable ingredients. Fortunately, some of these "bad" foods are now considered acceptable and even beneficial for senior health. 1.…
Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints become inflamed. This causes swelling, pain, and the inability to freely move the affected joints. The hands, elbows, knees, ankles, spine, and hips are affected most often. Although every type of arthritis causes inflammation, they’re classified as either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. To help family caregivers better understand the two, here…
If you’re an Alzheimer’s caregiver for a senior loved one, feeling a wide range of emotions is perfectly normal. When you feel guilty about taking care of yourself or for being impatient with your loved one you need to realize that while those emotions are normal, you cannot do an effective job if you don’t take care of yourself. Here’s how…
If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s disease, it’s an ongoing challenge to find treatments to address this condition that’s likely to present different symptoms as the disease progresses. By considering nonmedical treatments for Parkinson’s along with doctor-recommended medical remedies, you can ease your loved one’s symptoms without adding to the list of medications he or she already takes every…
It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine. According to a growing body of research, that's truer than anyone may have realized. Here are some health benefits your senior loved one can enjoy by finding the humor in life. 1. Lowers Blood Pressure Laughter is good for heart health in general. Numerous studies have found that laughter reduces blood…
Seniors can benefit from doing creative activities at home. DIY projects provide the chance to make items while socializing with loved ones. Using the fingers and hands for various tasks may enhance fine motor skills and flexibility in aging adults. Completing projects also provides a sense of accomplishment and elevated self-esteem. Even if seniors have physical limitations, visual problems, or…