If your senior loved one has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), you may not know what to expect after the diagnosis. PD is a neurological condition that affects movement and physical abilities, but it also has other cognitive symptoms that seniors and caregivers should be aware of. Symptoms of Parkinson’s Often labeled as a “movement disorder,” PD is…
Providing home care for an aging parent can take a significant physical, mental, and emotional toll on a caregiver. A caregiver’s role can be extremely rewarding, but it’s also demanding and hectic, which can lead to incredible amounts of stress or even burnout. Use these strategies to manage stress and avoid burning out. Take Some Time for You Even if your loved…
Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease is important, as it gives families the chance to seek formal diagnoses, establish feasible treatment and care plans, and prepare for the future. If you’re concerned your aging loved one may be showing some of the signs of Alzheimer’s, keep in mind that a person's family members are far more likely to…
When you hire someone to take care of your senior loved one, you want the very best. However, a resume and previous experience can only tell you so much about a person. There are some other essential characteristics you need to look for before entrusting a professional caregiver with your aging loved one’s wellbeing. Flexibility There will be times when…
Having a pet automatically makes you part of a special community of people who share the experience of loving and caring for their animal companions. Pets provide entertainment, acceptance and focus on something other than yourself. Research shows owning a pet brings a number of benefits both for physical and mental health. Pet ownership allows seniors, in particular, to reap…
One of the great challenges for those with dementia is the loss of short-term memory, while older memories are easy to access. To engage with those struggling with dementia, try to provide new activities that can tap into old and happy memories. Here are several ways you can keep the spirits high for those dealing with dementia. Pets While a…
You've just received the dreaded news. Your parent suffered a stroke. Your priority is to go to the hospital and get an update on your parent's condition. You have no idea what will happen next, the severity of the stroke, or if there will be a permanent disability. It is important to know that there is hope after a stroke.…
Individuals who serve as a primary caregiver for an aging loved one bear many responsibilities, such as assisting with daily living activities (eating, bathing, dressing, etc.), household chores, errands, medication reminders, and medical appointments. One equally important way caregivers help aging loved ones is by promoting and providing a healthy and nutritious diet. However, cooking often requires time and energy…
Individuals of all ages have experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation at some point in their lives. They commonly arise when there is a lack of social interaction with other people, whether it's with friends, family, or the surrounding community. As a result, there are both physical health and mental health side effects that come from these emotions. Though someone…
COVID-19 has done more than upend our normal daily lives. It has also changed the way we socialize. Unfortunately, the same older adults that have been disproportionately affected by the virus have also been victimized by the changing social landscape. Many older adults that live alone, as well as those in senior living communities, are dealing with isolation and loneliness. …
