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…
Insights and Tips for Enhancing Care at Home
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…
Learn How to Create a Fall Plan of Care
Falls in older adults are all too common, and may have dire consequences. If you care for an aging adult, taking the time to put preventative measures in place to protect against falls is vitally important, such as reviewing the home environment for any hazards such as throw rugs, poor lighting, a lack of grab bars and railings, etc. But there’s one additional strategy we recommend as well: creating a…
What to Avoid Saying to Someone with a Chronic Health Condition
Has anyone ever said to you, “Wow, you look really tired! Are you having trouble sleeping?” While you may have been feeling pretty lively up until then, suddenly you actually DO feel a bit worn out. What we say when we speak to other people and the way it’s interpreted can be powerful. This is good to keep in mind if you’re caring for a senior loved one, or talking…