When you are a caregiver, you may be trying to do it all. You may have a job that takes you away from your loved one for hours every day. You may also be the one to do the shopping, cooking, and cleaning, as well as all of the care taking duties that you need to do. This can be exhausting, and though you don't want to think about getting help, it just might be time to look into it.
Respite care may be just what you need. It can be an occasional visit or regularly scheduled, depending on circumstances, and allows you a break (or a chance to do what needs to be done). Here are some reasons you may want to look into respite care.
As age catches up with us, we may find it harder to stay active and mobile. Walking is a low-impact activity perfect for seniors who want to stay fit and improve their overall health. And that's not all; walking also has many intangible benefits that we will see in this read.
If you are a senior or know someone who is, encourage them to lace up their walking shoes on National Walking Day and every day after that! That said, here are some of the benefits that seniors can enjoy by walking regularly:
It can be very hard to deal with your parents and family members aging. This is especially true when you don't live very close to them. Whether you are a few hours (or a few states) away, it can be difficult to stay in touch with them.
What do you know about your heart? Now, Valentine's Day is over. We are talking about your heart health. Which conditions can cause increased risk to your heart? Of course, we all know about being overweight, which can be helped, and aging, which cannot. But there are many, many more. Which of the following impacts heart health?
One of the greatest unspoken favors that you can do for your aging parents is to ensure that their dignity is always held to the utmost standard while keeping the as safe as possible. They are dealing with so much stress and uncertainty at this time and your patience, kindness, and compassion are sorely needed. So, what can we do to show compassion when it comes to their fears, patience during the difficult times, and kindness when it really matters? What tangible things can we do to show our empathy? What results can we expect with such positive behavior?
When the weather turns cold, it becomes more difficult for seniors to stay warm. Seniors are also more likely to have medical conditions that are affected by the cold. These can include heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Here are some ways you can help seniors stay safe during the winter months.
One of the greatest concerns among senior adults is having an accidental fall. An unexpected fall can be a life-changing experience, leading to a trip to the emergency room, major surgery, and lengthy rehabs. According to the National Institute on Aging, each year more than one in three seniors have a falling accident. Usually, after a fall, most seniors fear going back to their normal physical routine. They might avoid gardening, socializing with friends, walking, and engaging in other activities they once loved. There are, however, steps that can be taken to prevent these falls.
The month of December is filled with traditions, giving, quality time with family, and highlights what is truly important in life. It’s not the packages under the tree, it’s the time spent with family and friends. So with that said, start off by being realistic. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, try to focus on the meaning of the holiday and rejoice in the history and the traditions. Forget the tinsel town stuff – that’s where things can get muddled.
Millions of Americans take care of their loved ones, sometimes even caring for more than one person. While being a caregiver is rewarding, sometimes the demands can be challenging, leading to stress and burnout if left unchecked. Taking care of yourself is important if you are to give better elder care.
As you (or someone that you love) ages, it is important to continue to have a good quality of life. This is especially true for those who want to continue to live at home and be independent. It may be time to think about making a healthy aging plan. However, in order to do so, it is important to know what that means.
Everyone looks forward to the holiday season. The get-togethers, long hours catching up with extended family, exchanging gifts, and the respite from work all make holidays a time we all love. However, sometimes seniors might need a different approach with a customized plan to best navigate and enjoy their holidays. Whether your loved one lives at home with in-home care or resides in a senior care community, here are some suggestions to help them have an enjoyable holiday season.
Loss of balance and falling are very valid fears for many seniors. The risk of falling rises with age and these risks can increase if a senior lives alone. Approximately 36 million older adults fall every year, but many of the injuries from these types of falls can be prevented with proper exercise that focuses on improving balance.
When an elderly family member or loved one is in need of additional help, we naturally want to find them the best support that we can. Personalized in-home care can help our loved ones successfully age in place while retaining their independence, autonomy, and safety. Read on to discover the benefits of in-home senior care and the positive impact it can have on the life of your loved one - and on yours!
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are social, economic, and environmental factors that assist seniors in staying healthy as they age. These factors include access to nutritious food, good housing, stable income, a reliable transport system, and good health care. Seniors who struggle with SDOH and related risk factors are always prone to dangers such as morbidity, mortality, and poor health in general.
Tips for how seniors can help reduce stress
How to recognize if an aging loved one needs around the clock care and if in home care is right for you and your loved one.
In this time of COVID-induced isolation, virtual events offer seniors and their families vital support and connection.