We are blessed in this country to have the freedom to make decisions regarding our own health. The problem comes in when we aren't able to speak up for ourselves any longer. This is a common scenario in those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. But it...
Each new phase of life brings about its own challenges. But one thing is consistent throughout our entire lives - we need community. Isolation is a threat to every age, but its rampant among senior citizens. It may be harder to get around, or friends and loved ones...
Drinking from the Fountain of Youth There's a reason it's called the "Fountain of Youth." Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will make you feel younger, look younger, and even act like your more youthful self. Dehydration is the culprit behind many ailments...
There are few diagnoses scarier than dementia. Witnessing a loved one disappear into their own world and exhibit behaviors they never did before is heart wrenching. We long to do something about it.
Experiencing hearing loss as we age is actually quite common. The problem is, it can be easily overlooked as it often happens gradually. As a caregiver, how can you help your elderly loved one identify hearing loss? And what can you do to aid them in handling it?
Are you part of the “sandwich generation” – still in the throws of raising children while caring for your aging parents? You’re not alone.
When your parents begin to enter the stage of life where their independence is becoming more and more limited, your natural reaction is likely to be to step in and help out. This is how it should be. What you may not realize is that while you’re helping your parents out, you’re also taking on the role of healthcare advocate.
When a need for long-term care arises, you don’t want money concerns to be part of your challenges. Trying to figure out how to cover costs during a crisis can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one should have to live in an assisted living home or a nursing home, how will you pay for it? By establishing a solid financial plan now, you can face the future on solid ground.
My trusty side-kick, Bo, is always begging for a walk. Rain or shine, he’s anxious for his leash and a nice, brisk walk. All of these walks with my sweet pup give me plenty of time to let my thoughts wander. Oftentimes, these musings are related to the elderly.
It’s not a comfortable topic. It would be nice if this topic never had to come up at all. Unfortunately, elder abuse is rampant and needs to be discussed.
Our aging loved ones have a lot to deal with as they face the aging process. It’s important for those of us who are caring for them to pause and take notice of stressors in their lives and seek out ways to alleviate that stress.
We all face the prospect of aging differently, whether we’re considering our own immortality or that of a loved one. No two situations are exactly the same. Because of this, senior care planning should be approached with your unique needs and goals in mind.
Why is it important?
No matter what changes life decides to bring, it’s ideal to have evaluated the available choices well before the need for decisions arises. This is especially true when you’re planning for your own future. There are several reasons for this:
Allows for your family to know exactly what your wishes are.
Relieves family of the burden…
Dementia is a scary word. And it can be an even scarier disease. Having a clear understanding of what dementia is can help you face the road ahead with a little bit more confidence.
The emotional needs of the elderly really aren’t any different than the rest of us. Your elderly loved one needs to feel safe, remain close to others, and believe his or her life is meaningful. Unfortunately, these needs can often go unmet in the elderly.
As we age, the possibility of falling becomes a legitimate concern. But it doesn’t have to cause paralyzing fear. Understanding what could potentially cause a fall and how to prevent one from happening will ease your fears and give you the power to move forward with confidence.
Geriatric Care Managers are a gift. Whether you live with your loved one or are hundreds of miles away, a GCM can be a very valuable asset.
What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
A GCM is like a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to senior care. They are health care professionals from various backgrounds, specializing in senior care. A manager will help you assess your loved ones situation, navigate health care, and coordinate necessary services.
Why You Should Hire a Geriatric Care Manager
There are several reasons hiring a GCM is a good idea. Here are just a few of the roles a GCM will…
This blog post is a part of a series entitled, “Senior Care Choices.” In each post, you’ll get an overview of a specific senior care option and the basic information you’ll need to know if it is a good option for you to pursue. Today we’re talking about residential care. Be sure to check out the different posts detailing other excellent possibilities of care for you or your loved one.
When your doctor tells you that you’re going to need to have a medical test done, it’s normal to feel some anxiety. Having a better understanding of what’s ahead of you can help dispel some of that fear.
Before you have any medical testing done, ask your doctor plenty of questions. Here is a helpful list of questions to pose to your doctor:
