Depression is common in older adults, but that doesn’t make the condition ordinary. Your elderly loved one will need to develop strategies to control his or her stress levels and boost his or her mental and emotional health. Here are some ways seniors can stave off depression and enhance their quality of life. 1. Listening to Music The sounds of…
When seniors with dementia are confused or uncomfortable, they might become physically or verbally aggressive. While your aging loved one’s combativeness may seem overwhelming at first, there are a few simple steps you can take to address this type of behavior. You should also come up with a long-term plan for helping your loved one avoid potential triggers that could…
Hospital readmissions are often unplanned. Premature discharge from the hospital is a significant risk factor for readmission. However, even those whose conditions are stable at the time of discharge may still be at high risk for readmission. Here are some of the most common diagnoses for hospital readmissions. 1. Aspiration Pneumonitis Aspiration pneumonitis occurs when food or other material is…
When your aging loved one is discharged from the hospital, you must do everything in your power to keep him or her healthy and prevent secondary complications. Heading back to the hospital can greatly increase the risk of many different health complications, including infections, illnesses, and injuries from medical errors. Luckily, as a caregiver, you can do quite a bit…
For those with early-onset Parkinson's, it’s possible to find medications that can halt the disease's progression for a while. This may not be an option for older adults, but there are still plenty of great treatments for seniors with Parkinson's disease. Here are some of the many ways you can halt Parkinson's symptoms or make them less severe for an…
The typical Alzheimer’s diagnosis comes when a person is in the early to middle stages of the disease. In many cases, a person may continue to live as long as ten years after the diagnosis, and some people have survived for more than 20 years. Early treatment and some simple lifestyle changes can help seniors live as long as possible.…
Even though Parkinson’s can have a huge impact on physical health and motor skills, treatments for this disease are more effective than ever. With some professional assistance and a solid treatment plan, your senior loved one can enjoy a happy and fulfilling life for many years to come. Here are six of the physical impacts Parkinson’s disease can have on…
As seniors age, they run the risk of becoming lonely and depressed if they don’t receive enough social stimulation. The following infographic explains why socializing is so important for the elderly. At Green Valley Home Care Assistance, we provide dedicated and compassionate caregivers who make wonderful social companions for older adults. If your senior loved one needs more daily socialization…
Puzzles can bring out the inner child in a senior who needs an emotional boost after a stroke. Your aging loved one’s favorite games can also double as a form of therapy when you choose the right ones. These five puzzles are all easily managed in a hospital room or at home, and your loved one will enjoy having a…
Dementia causes symptoms such as memory loss and confusion that increase over time. By the time your aging loved one reaches the last stages of dementia, you can also expect him or her to need more help carrying out daily activities. Naturally, this means you’ll also need to know where to turn when you cannot manage all your loved one’s…