The role of family caregiver can be lonely, frustrating, and frightening at times. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to support the family caregiver in your life. Ask Direct Questions It’s not uncommon for people to ask family caregivers if they need anything. While the intentions are well-meaning,…
In the United States, strokes are responsible for more than 130,000 deaths annually. While there’s no way to accurately predict stroke risk, there are certain preventative measures seniors can take to reduce their overall stroke risk. Along with regular exercise, a healthy diet can go a long way toward preventing…
Pain isn’t a normal part of life for the elderly. Often, if the pain isn’t chronic, it can be caused by other physical issues or illnesses. If you have an aging parent who is experiencing intense pain, the first step to figuring out how to treat and manage it is…
As seniors grow older, their muscles naturally become weaker, a biological phenomenon known as sarcopenia. This weakening of the muscles isn’t dangerous, but it could negatively impact a senior’s quality of life. Sarcopenia makes it difficult for older adults to get out of their homes and experience the world. It…
Choosing in-home care for your aging parent doesn’t mean you’re no longer involved with your mom or dad’s care. In fact, most professional caregivers encourage family members to be a part of the process as much as possible. At the same time, it’s equally important to take some steps on…
A caregiver’s toolkit is a work in progress. Over time, you’ll find you need to add new strategies to your aging loved one’s care plan, or you might even need to remove a few. These tools are the most necessary ones every caregiver should have, and you can expect to…
Visiting your senior loved one is always a great opportunity to brighten his or her day and create new memories. While you want the primary focus of your visit to be positive, you may also need to use this as an opportunity to assess your loved one’s wellbeing. Looking for…
Seniors with dementia have difficulty remembering things, communicating, thinking clearly, and taking care of themselves, which could lead to many challenges for family caregivers. However, there are ways to make caregiving easier. Take a look at some of the things family caregivers should and shouldn’t do when caring for elderly…
Although there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, modifications can be made to your senior loved one’s daily life, such as taking up social and physical activities, that alleviate symptoms of the disease. Doing activities such as these can boost your loved one’s quality of life and keep him or her active…
Many households are filled with dangerous vapors and contagions. Regularly cleaning your aging loved one’s home will remove some of those toxins, but there could still be lingering contaminants in hidden spaces. Here are four allergens, carcinogens, and germs all caregivers should be aware of and a few steps that…