Bad breath is generally caused by an overgrowth of oral bacteria. This can happen when seniors don’t practice good oral hygiene, but an underlying health issue can also cause it. If your elderly loved one has developed a case of bad breath, it might be caused by one of these seven problems. 1. Poorly Fitting Dentures When dentures don’t fit…
Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are a common concern for anyone who is confined to a sitting or lying position for the majority of the day. Typically, bedsores appear on the tailbone, hips, shoulder blades, elbows, and heels, since these areas tend to have thinner skin and less fat to reduce the effects of too much pressure. Fortunately, there are many…
The liver is a vital organ essential to the body’s ability to maintain good health. If you provide home care for an elderly parent, here are six foods that can promote better liver function. Citrus Juices Whether it's freshly squeezed grapefruit, lime, or lemon juice, a glass each morning stimulates the liver with vitamin C that helps the body turn…
Seniors with dementia tend to have difficulty using the toilet as they advance through the final stages of the disease. Your aging loved one may have incontinence due to forgetting to go to the restroom or have difficulty remembering what to do with toilet paper after wiping. These four toileting tips can help you get through the most common challenges…
For seniors, clutter in the home can be a major health hazard, causing them to fall or lose important medications and paperwork, and it can even impact emotional health by making them feel overwhelmed. Many seniors have clutter because they've lived in their homes a long time or they've recently downsized and couldn't stand to part with their belongings. If…
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…
