News and Blog
Discover the invaluable ways your local library supports senior patrons. Delve into the diverse ways libraries cater to older adults, providing a hub of learning, connection, and engagement.
Learn How Your Local Library Supports Senior PatronsDon't let the summer heat worsen your chronic condition. Learn essential techniques for managing chronic diseases in the summer to keep your health in check during hot months and make the most of the sunny days ahead.
3 Tips for Managing Chronic Diseases in the Summer HeatSeeking personalized care for your senior family member? Discover key factors that differentiate companion care from conventional caregiving to make an educated choice in ensuring your loved one receives the compassionate support they deserve.
How Companion Care Differs From Conventional CaregivingRediscover the joys of old hobbies while boosting senior brain health. Uncover the remarkable ways reengaging with past interests can lead to more fulfilling and mentally stimulating golden years.
How Picking Up Old Hobbies Is Good for Senior Brain HealthSocial interaction can be beneficial in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's. Discover how a vibrant social life can make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's and find out how to stay socially engaged to stave off cognitive decline
How Social Interaction Can Help Slow Down Alzheimer'sDiscover essential tips for proper foot care tailored specifically for diabetic seniors during the summer season. Learn about effective strategies to prevent foot complications, establish a daily care routine, and enjoy a worry-free summer while prioritizing foot health.
Proper Foot Care for Diabetic Seniors During the SummerDon't let age barriers hold you back from making new friends. Explore a range of creative ways to connect with people outside of your age group and build lasting friendships with those who share your interests.
6 Ways to Make Local Friends Outside of Your Age GroupDon't let arthritis hold you back from staying active and healthy! Learn about the best workouts and exercises to promote joint health that can help you combat the aches and pains of arthritis and improve your overall quality of life.
Workouts for Seniors With Arthritis: Exercises to Combat the Aches And Pains Of ArthritisLiving with an elderly relative who stays up all night or wakes up too early can be a struggle. Learn effective coping strategies to help both of you get the rest you need while maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship.
How to Cope if an Elderly Relative Is a Night Owl or Early RiserLearn effective ways to reduce social isolation in seniors with frontotemporal dementia. Discover practical strategies and tips that can help seniors with FTD maintain social connections, engage in meaningful activities, and improve their overall quality of life.
How to Reduce Social Isolation for Seniors With Frontotemporal DementiaMake aging in place a comfortable and enjoyable experience with our comprehensive guide to creating an accessible environment for seniors. From simple modifications to more involved renovations, discover practical solutions to improve mobility and independence for your loved ones.
Managing Floorspace and Creating an Accessible Environment for Seniors at HomeCognitive training games designed for seniors can help boost cognitive function and maintain mental sharpness. With a variety of games available, seniors can choose from fun and engaging activities that can be done at home to help keep the mind sharp and agile.
Cognitive Training Games for Seniors That Boost Short-Term Memory & Concentration LevelIt is very easy to get sick during winter. If you are caring for a senior loved one and you need to take special care to stay healthy this winter, we have compiled five tips that may help.
Surviving the Winter Season: 5 Tips on Staying Healthy Around Elderly RelativesThere are many levels to caregiving. To ensure that you will be a senior client's top choice, here are some of the most important caregiving certifications you should have.
Top 4 Certifications to Get That Can Further Your Senior Caretaker Career in 2023For senior adults looking to get more involved and spread the love this holiday season, Secret Santa is an en excellent way to go. Today we're going to share five gifts to exchange with your elderly during Secret Santa.
5 Gifts to Exchange with Your Elderly Friends this Holiday SeasonWinter is upon us, and with the onslaught of ice, snow, and other winter weather surprises, many seniors are left wondering about the most effective way to make winter car rides as safe and comfortable as possible. There are a few things that you and your senior can do to help make driving and road trip safer and more comfortable, especially during the winter. Take a look at a few basic things that we have put together that will you can do to help your senior have safer winter road trips, be it just to the store or to the other side of the country.
3 Ways to Make Winter Car Rides Safer and More Comfortable for Your Senior
Millions of individuals in the US alone are affected by the chronic disease diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes risks are significantly influenced by genetics. You are far more likely to get it yourself if one of your parents or siblings does. Diabetes, however, is not solely a genetic disease. It's not a given that you will contract the illness just because a family member did.
Is Diabetes Genetic?: An Overview and Best Practices for Caring for YourselfOur parents in Des Plaines and surrounding areas often have many medications prescribed to them as they age. Prescription regimens can be very confusing, with some medicines meant to take only in the morning, some twice a day, and others with food. It is difficult to remember what the doctor said in the examination room about the medications, making it more confusing when managing prescriptions at home. Discussing your parent's medicines is essential in avoiding mistakes and mismanagement of the drugs they take. These conversations, however, take work to broach. Our independent parents may feel threatened, or they may view you as questioning their ability to care for themselves. Consider these strategies to start the conversation with your parent.
How to Ask Aging Parents About Their Medical History and NeedsDaylight Saving Time will end on November 6th and the time shift can disrupt sleeping and digestion patterns, affect routines, and even cause depression. Help your senior loved ones adjust properly with these tips so the seasonal change won’t affect their mental and physical health.
How to Prepare for the End of Daylight-Saving Time on November 6thSeasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, can be a serious issue. It's a type of depression that typically appears after the holiday season, and it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms of SAD in seniors before things get too bad. That being said, let's dive into the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in seniors.
6 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder for Seniors
Spring and fall can be beautiful when you live less than 20 miles from Lake Michigan. Morning walks and evening strolls are healthy ways to enjoy Des Plaines and surrounding areas. However, walking can present challenges if you have difficulty balancing. A dip in the sidewalk or a misstep out your door can result in a fall.
We at Senior Helpers in Des Plaines have put together five exercises to help improve balance and fall prevention.
5 Exercises for Seniors to Help With Balance and Fall Prevention
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is often associated with fall and winter. It is considered a form of depression that impacts energy levels and mood. SAD affects 3% of the world population, with most cases occurring in countries with brutal winters and decreased natural light. Cities located on or near Lake Michigan, such as Chicago, Lake Forest, and Des Plaines, IL, are known for their harsh winters that can keep people indoors.
Because a decrease in sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms, researchers attribute the seasonal affective disorder to hormonal changes that influence mood. However, social and environmental factors also contribute to the disorder's intensity. Cold temperatures and poor travel conditions can isolate people, keeping them away from family and friends.
Can Seasonal Affective Disorder Worsen or Complicate Alzheimer's?
Vaccines are very important to senior adults because they protect their immune systems from different forms of infection. Senior citizens in-home care institutions need vaccines more because they live in populated settings and are more prone to communicable diseases.
This Senior Helpers Des Plaines’ post highlights five immunizations and vaccines that are important for senior adults:
5 Immunizations and Vaccines That Are Important for Senior Adults
Travelling does not have to diminish with age. The passion for exploring new destinations is always there. Every person has a must-visit destination at some point in their lives. In the case of our senior adults, there are a few considerations that the caretakers should take before traveling. Below is a guide from Senior Helpers in Des Plaines on how seniors can prepare for travel and Labor Day events during three-day weekends:
How to Prepare for Travel and Labor Day Events During Three-Day Weekends