Having emotional support systems can help caregivers take on their roles with less stress. Your network doesn’t have to be big, but it needs to be effective. When there are trustworthy, positive, and supportive people to turn to, you’ll feel more energetic and less alone. Below you’ll find types of…
Seniors know giving up the smoking habit is one of the best things they can do for their health. However, quitting after decades of smoking does involve overcoming a few challenges. For this reason, seniors need to incorporate strategies that address the common challenges older adults face when giving up…
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to any type of serious injury to the head that affects the ability to think, learn, retrieve previously acquired knowledge, and process information. TBIs can be even more complicated in seniors, since related symptoms may be mistaken for signs of memory impairment often linked to…
Every year, nearly 800,000 adults in the United States have strokes. The extent of physical impairment depends on the location and severity of the vascular accident. Once the person is stabilized, rehabilitation begins. Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day two or three times a week can speed…
It’s commonly known that dementia affects memory. However, family members are encouraged to engage their senior loved ones in activities that trigger memory centers in the brain. By exercising the brain, your loved one can slow the progression of cognitive decline. 1. Baking Many families have traditionally gathered together in…
With age, daily caloric needs decrease. Because an elderly woman doesn’t need to eat as much as she did when she was 30, it’s more important than ever to make each calorie count. Elderly women have different nutritional needs as well, with an emphasis on protein and calcium to reduce…
Most people providing care for elderly loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease find daily routines to be essential. Because seniors with Alzheimer’s find change to be very difficult, having a well-structured daily schedule in place offers several benefits for both the senior and caregiver. Maintains Function Whether it’s a mental or…
Seniors who are readmitted to the hospital shortly after being released are at increased risk for infection, sleep loss, and decubitus ulcers. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 20 percent of those over the age of 65 are readmitted to the hospital within 30…
Family caregivers tend to take their duties so seriously that they feel guilty for taking time off to take care of themselves. While practicing self-care is sometimes viewed as a selfish act, the truth is you need to make it a priority. If you still experience feelings of guilt when…
For seniors who are looking for ways to eat well, salads are a great way to fill up on nutrient-rich vegetables. If your elderly loved one is tired of eating the same old salads every day, trying some new combinations of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and proteins can shake up his…