Care providers devote so much of themselves to those they care for – both physically and emotionally. It’s common to become worn down and to start to experience feelings such as apathy, weariness, and a detachment from the person in your care. Referred to as compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress, it can be harmful to your own health and wellbeing but may also impact your ability to be as…
Top Tips for Minimizing Family Caregiver Stress
Family caregiver stress is unavoidable, and in reality, not always a bad thing. Basically, as they say, “A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well.” But particularly for family caregivers, the level of stress can quickly intensify and become overwhelming, and if not handled properly, bring on serious health concerns.
Healthy Eating for Seniors Is Essential. Here’s Why.
In our last blog post, we featured some age-related issues that often prevent seniors from eating a balanced diet, but can poor eating behaviors lead to cognitive deterioration? Malnourishment in older people is more common than you might realize. The National Resource on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging notes that 35% – 50% of the seniors living in long-term care facilities are experiencing malnutrition, and as many as 65% of…
Solutions for Typical Senior Nutrition Issues
The majority of us are eager to take a moment and enjoy a delectable meal – the comforting smells and tastes, the pleasing feeling of a full stomach. For a lot of older adults, though, a number of health problems can prevent their enjoyment of meals or even their ability to shop for nourishing foods, which can contribute to malnutrition in many instances. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has…
How to Get Rid of the Guilt and Find Joy in Your Role as a Family Caregiver
Overcoming Caregiver Guilt with Positive Affirmations
The Important Link Between Technology and Independent Senior Living
When our parents were young, telephones were attached to walls, mail was only the paper variety, and if adult children lived far from their parents, checking on them was as easy as asking a neighbor to stop by to visit. If someone was not able to leave home as a result of sickness or infirmity, isolation could quickly set in. Social circles were smaller, and long-distance family members frequently felt…
Balancing Act: Helping Older Loved Ones Stay Safe While Fostering Senior Independence
Throughout life’s assorted stages, our self-reliance takes on different meanings. There are major occasions, like leaving our parents’ home or getting married, and smaller events, such as completing a challenging task on our own. Later, as we get older, retaining independence becomes the focus – the potential to remain in our own home safely and comfortably. This wish to age in place at home is commonly the greatest desire for…
Planning Fun Holiday Activities for Seniors
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be tiring and overstimulating for many older adults. And with everyone shopping, running errands, and attending holiday celebrations, seniors can sometimes feel forgotten in the fun. With a little pre-planning, however, the right adjustments to beloved traditions can be made (or new traditions started) so that the whole family can celebrate the season together.
Creating a Family Memory Book with Aging Loved Ones
Reuniting with loved ones during the holidays can be a wonderful time of connecting and enjoying time together! It can also be quite eye-opening. Some families notice a growing gap between generations, with the kids huddled together around their phones and iPads while Grandpa sits quietly on the couch just watching. If you’re looking to get the whole family together and enjoy each other’s company, and make some memories, one…