For seniors with limited mobility, managing floorspace and creating an accessible home environment is essential. Here are some tips to do that.
Caring for a senior with Alzheimer's is one of the most challenging responsibilities a caregiver will face. To ensure you give the best care to your loved one, here are some caregiver coping strategies that can help.
Although it can be uncomfortable to think about, making end-of-life decisions ahead of time can give seniors peace of mind as they get older. Learn more about some of the benefits of creating an advanced directive here.
Read on as we take a closer look at some of the top certifications that can further your senior caregiver career in this year.
Read on for tips for staying healthy around seniors during the winter season and how you can protect them from illnesses.
Winter car rides for seniors can be stressful and challenging. For many seniors, driving can even be more complicated due to age-related factors. Whether traveling for an event, vocation, or road trip, seniors' safety and comfort are important. Early planning and preparation go a long way in helping seniors drive safely and comfortably no matter where they are going. Taking precautions on time can prevent driving-related challenges, especially when the road is wet and slippery.
Shopping for festive gifts for seniors is a fun experience. However, choosing a thoughtful and helpful gift that won't end up in the donation bin can be challenging for most seniors. This is because most seniors have particular preferences and needs.
When the body cannot convert the sugar in the blood into energy, a person is said to be diabetic. According to research, about 10.9 million seniors are affected by diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, and the number is projected to reach 26.7 million by 2050. This health condition has also been ranked the seventh primary cause of death in the U.S. and the number one cause of adult blindness, limb amputation, as well as kidney failure.
Starting conversations with senior loved ones about their medical history and needs can be uncomfortable. Here are some tips to guide you.
Next month, get ready to set the clocks back an hour for Daylight Saving Time, but also to help the seniors in your life adjust to the change. The extra darkness can be a real burden, both mentally and physically, on all of us, but especially older individuals. Here's a quick guide on how to prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 6.
Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of Americans, but many may not know they have the condition. Left untreated, it can cause problems at home, school, work, and in relationships. It can also complicate treatment for conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder.
A new season has arrived, and with the coming of autumn, people of all ages can rejoice in the beautiful colors, sights, and sounds. Many senior citizens love autumn because it reminds them of the upcoming holiday season. There are many ways that seniors can get involved in autumn habits and hobbies without a lot of fuss.
Baltimore autumns are notoriously beautiful, with a rich palette of reds, yellows, and oranges springing from every tree, then coating every field and pavement. It's no surprise that Baltimore, Annapolis, and Columbia residents love to re-decorate around this time of year - and retirement only gives you more time to spend changing up your home for every season.
Now is a perfect time to get on your autumn checklist for redecoration and a few smart winterization steps before the real cold weather blows into town. Here are some of our favorite ways to prepare for autumn.
There is something truly special about the love and shared dependence between a senior and their dog. Dogs understand when somebody loves them, and they return that love with energy and devotion. Dogs can help a senior who likes to maintain their independence also avoid the risks of senior isolation, and the dog's natural desire for an active daily life will keep their senior best friend active and healthy as well.
Many families have seen a transformation in the happiness and engagement of senior relatives when the single addition of a loving dog is added to the household. Even if pet care may add a few extra chores - not all of which the senior may be able to do on their own - a well-behaved dog can even make these tasks enjoyable for the family members or caregivers who help with feeding, brushing, bathing, and the occasional trip to the vet.
Seniors living alone are cause for family concern. Even if the senior is reasonably independent and active, many relatives, friends, and even community members may feel compelled to make sure a solo senior in their life has a lively social network. You may be facing people swinging by your house all the time bringing food, gifts, and grandbabies. You love your people, but how do you tell them that - often - you're an introvert, you're happier alone, or with a little quiet company?
A senior who is an introvert with a good support system often struggles to find that perfect balance between staying involved with the family and recharging through enjoyable time alone. How can you set friendly boundaries and maintain a healthy level of social interaction that is neither stressful nor unfulfilling? Here at Senior Helpers, we can share a few good ideas to help you build a rewarding social routine.
As seniors get older, they become more susceptible to sunburns and skin damage from UV rays. While sunshine is a known source of health and good cheer, too much sun can also be dangerous for your seniors. As a caregiver, you are likely responsible for helping your seniors enjoy the summer, and also to keep them safe in the process. Don't worry, with a complete checklist, protecting a senior from the summer heat and UV radiation is not hard.
Getting outdoors is an important daily activity for many seniors. Whether you love to garden, take daily walks, or simply bask in the sun in the warm afternoons, seniors can gain a lot of benefit from breathing fresh air and generating Vitamin D. However, sunshine is not safe in large doses as you get older, and certain medications can increase your UV sensitivity. Seniors who love the outdoors should stay aware of the UV index, in every weather report, to keep themselves safe from heat emergencies, sunburn, and skin cancer risk. Here's a quick guide to the UV Index for outdoor seniors.
Suppose your loved one or friend has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In that case, you may already know that it is a progressive and chronic illness. While medications can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms, your loved one will eventually need more help. One area that assists in Parkinson's care is from home care agencies to let the patient stay home. Please read this guide to learn about Parkinson's care and in-home service.
As our parents, grandparents, and other family members and friends age, their ability and desire to use all the items in their kitchen may decrease. Part of taking responsibility for the safety of a senior is editing the house and making the necessary changes that will support, rather than hinder, a loved one's current abilities, and the quality of their potential future, in mind.
Most seniors in the US are now online. In 2018, around 66% of Americans aged 65 years and above were internet users, a statistic that has likely increased over time. The internet is an easy way to access the latest news, get medical details, manage appointments, access medical records, renew prescriptions, as well as stay connected to family. It is imperative that we consider the internet safety of our senior loved ones.
When it becomes clear that an elderly member of your family requires daily care, choosing what to do next can be overwhelming and incredibly stressful. An assisted living facility or live-in care are the two most common options.
Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep daily regardless of their age. However, our sleep patterns tend to change naturally as we grow older. The melatonin and hormone levels shift may lead to disturbed sleep, sleeping early, light sleep, waking early, and daytime fatigue. Good sleep is essential for good health, like regular exercise and balanced nutrition. It repairs damaged cells, refreshes the immune system, improves focus and memory retention.
Sleeplessness in older adults may lead to depression, weight issues, diabetes, increased falls and accidents, concentration and memory problems.
Read on for practical tips to develop good sleep habits for the elderly.
Pets help us connect with others. They often force us to be social and outgoing while giving us a reason to get out of bed and the house – and sometimes just to care for something other than ourselves is enough
As you age, your body becomes less able to regulate its temperature. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Remember that seniors are also more likely than most other people to suffer from hypothermia. Seniors tend not to be as mobile or active as younger adults.