Denial is a powerful psychological tool sometimes used as a defense mechanism until a person can get used to a new health diagnosis. However, seniors who are in denial about dementia diagnoses place their safety and health at risk. If you provide care for a senior loved one, it’s important to understand denial is often masked as other behaviors that…
Heart conditions are some of the most common causes of poor health among seniors, so it’s important for them to keep their hearts as strong as possible. In addition to regularly exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, seniors can also increase their heart health by eating certain foods. Include these six foods in your elderly loved one’s diet to keep…
For the past several months, you’ve been worrying about your senior loved one’s ability to complete basic chores, take the correct dose of medicine, and drive safely when running errands or heading to appointments. If you can relate to this scenario, it’s time to look into home care for your loved one. Before hiring an agency, however, consider the following…
Whether it’s for the purpose of making medical or financial decisions or becoming the primary decision maker, there are times when you may need to consider a power of attorney or guardianship for your senior loved one. Determining which document is appropriate starts with having a clear understanding of the purpose of each option. Power of Attorney Prepared with the…
It’s fairly common for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia to develop a type of late-day confusion referred to as sundowning. According to the National Institute on Aging, this condition is believed to be linked to brain-related changes that affect the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Anxiety, aggression, and other problematic behaviors, such as ignoring directions, can be experienced as…
Many seniors grew up being taught to view desserts as treats they got after they ate unappetizing vegetables. Although it can be difficult to change the mindset that healthy foods aren’t as tasty as other options, it’s possible to overcome this attitude. These six ideas are all great ways to help seniors change their perspective about healthy eating so they…
Though back pain can affect people of all ages, it’s more prevalent among elderly people due to conditions like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and because of the higher risk of serious injury. If your senior loved one is experiencing back pain, either chronic or acute, there are ways to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Here are a few suggestions for…
It’s crucial to focus on ways to help your senior loved one keep his or her kidneys healthy and prevent kidney disease. One way to accomplish this is through a healthy diet, which means certain foods may need to be eaten in moderation or avoided entirely. Here are some foods that could be unhealthy for your loved one’s kidneys. Animal…
Aging in place is the choice of most seniors because it provides them with familiarity and boosts their quality of life. To increase your aging loved one’s safety, it’s necessary to develop a care plan that includes home improvements. Below are some of the hidden safety risks in a senior’s house and the steps you can take to handle these…
Providing care for an aging loved one comes with many responsibilities. While some of these are enjoyable, such as sharing mealtimes, others can be a little more challenging. If bathing has become a difficult topic in your family, here are some strategies to get your senior relative comfortable with his or her personal hygiene routine. Ask Open-Ended Questions One of…