The role of a caregiver is to improve the quality of life of those you care for while helping them stay as independent as possible. Caregivers play a key role in the communities that they serve. It is an extremely rewarding career that allows you to build long-lasting and meaningful relationships with people.
Sun safety is important at every age. As warmer days approach and time spent outside increases, it is key to recognize the importance of sun safety. Many older adults grew up in a time when the benefits of sun protection were not well known or readily available. Our skin changes as we age and requires consistent protection against the sun.
In honor of Older Americans Month (OAM), Senior Helpers is highlighting a few tips to Sun Safety for Older Americans.
The uncertainty that comes with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can leave loved ones feeling powerless, vulnerable, or even frightened. Although you may not be experiencing the toll of the disease yourself, you are experiencing the changes that will impact your loved one firsthand. It is important to recognize that your feelings are normal, as the challenges of PD can affect all aspects of a person's life.
Your loved one may experience changes in how they move, think, interact, sleep, and express emotion as the disease progresses. They will need extra care and support as they navigate through preserving their quality of life and staying active.
A Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis can come with unanswered questions. It can be challenging to decide what may be next for you and/or your loved ones. While there is no standard treatment for PD patients, there are several different options to explore.
Although there is no cure to PD, there are many treatment options to ease the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. The most common treatments for PD can include a variety of medications prescribed by your doctor, surgical procedures, and lifestyle modifications. It is important to speak with a doctor or medical professional to determine which treatment option(s) may be best for you.
Each year, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurogenerative disorder that is most recognized by its movement-related (“motor”) symptoms. While the cause remains largely unknown, with no cure, there are many treatment options to assist in subsidingeasing the symptoms of the disease.
It is no secret that women have been known to be the caregivers for their families and communities, but it was not until the Revolutionary War when women could be considered healthcare professionals. Today, more than three-quarters of healthcare jobs in the United States are held by women.
Women have played a key role in healthcare for centuries. March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” In celebration of Women’s History Month, Senior Helpers is acknowledging the dedication and hard work that women have contributed to the healthcare industry. This March, we are highlighting a few trailblazing women in the history of health care.
What’s for dinner? Cue the search for “quick and easy dinner,” “weeknight dinner ideas,” “30-minute meals” and 30 Pinterest ideas later… dinner is still not ready. We get it, meal planning can be challenging, especially when it is not for yourself. While it may seem overwhelming, meal planning is extremely beneficial in reducing stress and making the weekdays easier at any age. Whether you are making plans for yourself or for a loved one, below are a few tips to make meal planning simple.
In honor of Black History Month, Senior Helpers is highlighting noteworthy pioneers in healthcare and medicine. These industry leaders are only a handful of individuals who have made and continue to make a profound impact in the world of medicine and on our society. These men and women have not only changed the face of medicine, but did so while breaking barriers, facing racism and stereotypes.
Rosalynn Carter once said, “There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.”
Heart disease is one of the most widespread and difficult health challenges in the world. In 2020, heart disease was responsible for more deaths in the United States, than Cancer, Covid-19, Diabetes, and more. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people (about the population of New York!) died from cardiovascular diseases in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. With so many people affected, it’sit is vital that we raise awareness toof the importance of heart health.
It is estimated that over 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder, yet more than half of them may not even be aware of their condition. January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to learn about the importance of thyroid health and the symptoms that may be related to thyroid disease.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Many people stop donating blood during this time of year due to holiday season obligations and weather conditions. It is also the time of the year where many people are sick with a cold or the flu. Because of this, January has been known to be a period of critical blood shortages. This January marks the 52nd National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). Throughout the years, the goal for NBDM has been to raise awareness to the importance of donating blood and how you can help save lives.
As we enter 2022, there is a powerful momentum of hope, prosperity, and opportunities. Take time to set healthy expectations for yourself by looking at what is important to you and your loved ones this year. Some healthy goals may include improving your emotional or physical health, and even stimulating your brain with new activities. A significant part of setting resolutions is identifying what goals you want to achieve and ensuring that you are on the right path to achieve them.
December is Universal Human Rights Month, a month that empowers us to stand up for our rights and the rights of others. Human Rights Day is a global holiday celebrated on December 10th that marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. This day evolved over time into an entire month dedicated to advocating for rights for individuals of any race, national origin, sex, gender, religion, language, or age status.
As the holiday season begins, we are reminded that many seniors may feel lonely during this time. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, socially isolated older adults are at higher risk for depression. Studies have shown that feelings of loneliness come with health consequences, and interaction with others is crucial to positive emotional health.
The flu season is upon us; it’s crucial to learn about immunizations and protection against this disease during the holiday season. While there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the number of people impacted by the flu each year, According to the CDC, it is estimated that the flu resulted in between nine million and 41 million illnesses per year from 2010 to 2020 in the United States.
November is National Home Care and Hospice Month to recognize and honor the nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who have made a difference in patients' lives. With 3 out of 4 seniors ages 50 and older wanting to stay in their homes, more people than ever want to age in place at home, despite changes in health or mobility rather than going to a nursing facility.
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest cooking holidays of the year, and big holidays come with big expectations. This is the meal everyone looks forward to all year. So, if you are hosting or supplying the food for your Thanksgiving gathering, you’re going to want to make sure you impress your guests!
Thanksgiving and other holiday events are right around the corner, which means spending time with friends and family, enjoying home-cooked meals, and reminiscing about previous times spent together. Caring for a family member takes compassion, commitment, and teamwork, especially during the holidays. Senior Helpers has a few tips on caring for loved ones during the holiday season to help provide a positive experience.
Looking for fun and unique ways to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year? Halloween is one day in the year where people can express their creativity by dressing up in costumes, decorating and carving amazing pumpkins. So, embrace the fall weather and stock up on your favorite Halloween candy.
As you age, your brain’s volume gradually shrinks. When this occurs, the nerve cells in your brain can shrink or lose connection with other nerve cells, which causes cognitive changes to occur. Memory and other cognitive changes can be frustrating but keeping the mind active can help reduce cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized every October to raise awareness of the disease and help women in need today. In 2019, an estimated 3.8 million individuals are living with a history of breast cancer in the United States.
Alzheimer’s disease is most common in people over the age of 65 and affects every 1 in 14 seniors this age while affecting 1 in every 6 seniors over the age of 80. When caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it's crucial to understand their diagnosis and what care options they may need as time progresses. The effect on your entire family can be overwhelming, but Senior Helpers is here to help with strategies to cope with this disease.
As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, it can only mean one thing; fall is here! With everything changing, it can be overwhelming trying to get plans or tasks organized. Changing seasons should be the start of a new beginning and chapter in your life where you can try new things, celebrate life, or meet new people.
Labor Day is an annual celebration that is observed on the first Monday in September to represent the social and economic achievements of American workers. Labor Day was originally only recognized by labor activists and individual states before it became a federal holiday. This day celebrates the contributions of workers around the country who created the labor movement in the late 19th century to allow individuals the recognition they deserved.
