News and Blog
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.
Continue ReadingWhen 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.
Continue ReadingStarting conversations with senior loved ones about their medical history and needs can be uncomfortable. Here are some tips to guide you.
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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.
Continue ReadingBaltimore 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.
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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.
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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.
Continue ReadingAs 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.
Continue ReadingMost 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Continue ReadingAs 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.
Continue ReadingWhen you have to take care of your pet in your old age, you must consider a few things. As a senior pet owner, the most crucial thing to consider should be how your pet would fare in your absence. Pets, especially some dog breeds, are pretty energetic and could end up draining you.
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As much as aging is a blessing, it does come with its limitations that can impede a senior's ability to function as they did in their younger years. Some of the challenges include reduced vision and decreased mobility. The good news is, there are smart home devices that can help your loved ones. Read on for the role of smart home devices for seniors and their important benefits.
Continue ReadingManaging your career while also taking care of an elderly parent isn't an easy task. According to a 2017 survey, it is estimated that approximately 47% of employees try to balance between paid employment and being a part-time caregiver for either an ailing or elderly relative.
Continue ReadingAs the years go by, sleep becomes more and more important to our physical well-being. But it's not just about what we do when we're asleep - it's also about how well we prepare for bedtime. This blog post will discuss 5 tips for good sleep hygiene and developing good sleeping habits that will help you get a better night's rest.
Continue ReadingMost people need to get some household help at some point if they want to continue to live at home. Bringing it up with their adult children isn't always easy, especially if you are asking for their help. However, if you decide that you are struggling too much but you don't want to move, you are going to have to find a way to talk to your children about it.
Continue ReadingCaregivers in Baltimore pour their hearts and souls into their work. It is also critical to take care of themselves. Here are some tips to get help and prevent caregiver burnout.
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