Falling can be painful at any age but, for the elderly, a fall can lead to serious damage including broken bones. If you are taking care of an elderly loved one, preventing falls should definitely be a priority. Here are five things you can try to help ensure that your loved one isn’t hurt by a fall: Tai Chi: In addition to providing great mobility training and exercise, Tai Chi also helps improve balance and building strength. Tai Chi can…
It is no secret that our vision decreases as we age. However, if you are a caregiver to an elderly parent or family member, witnessing that individual struggle with visual changes can be heartbreaking. Here are a few things that you can do to help your loved one through the process: Make Eye Exams a Priority It is recommended that all individuals get an annual eye exam. However, with age, regular checkups become even more important. Learn About the Disease…
Is your parent or loved one is forgetful from time to time, that is a normal process of aging. However, your parent or loved one may have other symptoms that are more troubling. If your parent is forgetting to do tasks that they have done every day, such as getting dressed and combing their hair, there is the reason for concern. Your parents might also have forgotten how to get to their favorite places. They might have forgotten how to…
If you are an adult in midlife with older parents, you know that there may come a time when you will need to make decisions for them because of their health. At any given time, between five and seven percent of the population has a form of dementia in the United States. Once an adult reaches 85 years old, he or she has between a 1 in 4 and a 1 in 2 chance of developing some form of dementia….
If you are taking care of an older parent or grandparent, you probably know that they have a pharmacopeia of medications. While these medications are prescribed by their doctor with a specific purpose, they also carry certain side effects and can interact with each other, other medications, and even natural supplements. To ensure that your loved one stays safe, here are four general tips to remember: Always Have a List: Creating a comprehensive list of medications and updating that list…
Today’s elders have seen the challenges of war as well as the triumphs of peace. Life was seldom easy, which is why most of the Baby Boomer generation and the Silent Generation are fiercely independent and reluctant to ask for help. However, there comes a time when help is needed. If you have a parent or grandparent who is living on their own, or who is mostly alone during the day, here are signs that they may benefit from in-home…
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that leads to memory loss and, in later stages, may even result in personality changes. While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, catching the disease early allows for easier adjustment and palliative treatment to slow progression. The following are just a few symptoms to keep in mind: Family History As A Risk Indicator It is known that individuals who have a family member who has developed Alzheimer’s are at an increased risk of…
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be a blow not only for the patient but also for that patient’s family. Fortunately, several things will help your loved one and your whole family prepare for the future. Figure Out What to Expect Most people know the general facts when it comes to Alzheimer’s. If your loved one is affected, you will want to do a bit of research. Your doctor will likely have a variety of resources available to help you and…
Regular mental stimulation is said to help avoid age-related mental degeneration and may even slow disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. If you have an elderly loved one, these tricks may help: Sudoku: A fun and engaging numbers game, sudoku requires the player to see patterns and strategize. Because Sudoku is difficult, it can also give one a sense of accomplishment after the puzzle is solved. Chess: Another classic strategy game, chess is a great way to keep the mind…
If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, you may be going through the process of preparing to become a primary caregiver for that individual. As you step into your new role, here are a few things to remember: It Will Get Worse: Unfortunately, Dementia is progressive by definition, and while your loved one is occasionally forgetful now, they’ll have more trouble in the future. At some point, your loved one may not be able…