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…
Seniors with heart failure need special care that helps them manage their condition and enjoy the best possible quality of life. As a caregiver, you’ll notice some days are easier than others, but it’s possible to handle all your senior loved one’s needs when you know what to do. These tips can help you care for an older parent who…
Your senior parent once fed you nourishing meals that helped you become the person you are today. The last thing you could ever want is to know your loved one is going without healthy meals that help him or her stay strong with age. Many older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition due to problems such as being too tired or…
As seniors age, it’s normal for them to experience a few changes in their memory function and thinking skills. However, if the changes in your older loved one’s cognitive abilities are becoming increasingly apparent, he or she may have mild cognitive impairment. The Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment About 5 to 20 percent of adults over the age of 65…
Family caregivers can sometimes get discouraged by all the things they have to do. They may feel overwhelmed by their senior loved ones’ changing needs, and they may also worry about whether they’re doing things right. These simple actions can encourage caregivers to keep going when times get tough. 1. Offer to Tackle a Task The days can never seem…