Dad has always enjoyed a glass or two of wine with dinner, but lately, you’ve noticed he has shifted to stronger drinks, earlier and more often throughout the day. He says it helps him sleep, or deal with the aches and pains of his arthritis. Should you be concerned?
At the end of every day, how much time do you have to spare? If you are like most family caregivers, carving out sufficient time to meet each day’s basic requirements could be hard enough. Having downtime can seem impossible.
The statistics are indeed alarming: more than half of all caregivers report injuries resulting from lifting or transferring older individuals. So many family members eventually assume the role of a caregiver, so it’s important to know the best safety measures for transferring a senior to ensure both your well-being and that of the person you care for.
Taking care of an older family member often means that you’ll be helping them move around the house, getting in and out of chairs and the bed, or even going to and from the bathroom. Handling these tasks incorrectly can pose a significant risk of injury to both you and the person you love, making it vitally important to know proper techniques for lifting a senior.
“Can you repeat that for me?” “I’m sorry. One more time, dear?” “Excuse me – what did you say?” If you hear these phrases a lot while talking to an older adult with hearing problems, you’re not alone. The National Institute on Aging reports a strong link between aging and hearing loss, with as many as half of all individuals age 75 and older encountering senior hearing problems. Senior hearing…
It’s beneficial for any older adult to stay active as they age, but especially for those with Parkinson’s, exercise could have a great impact on managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Several studies are uncovering direct links between physical exercise and Parkinson’s symptom management. In the largest clinical study to date, patients who exercised no less than 2½ hours per week gained a greater total wellbeing compared to those who refrained from physical…
At first, caring for Mom may have just taken up a few hours of the week. But now, she’s starting to need help throughout most of the day and maybe even into the night. Now, you’re realizing Mom would feel most secure with someone around 24/7, ensuring her needs are met and ready to tackle any unexpected situations.
Care needs ebb and flow as senior loved ones age, and the care model that works today may not be the one that works a year from now. Initially, their care journey may involve a home caregiver assisting with morning routines and meal preparation. But as their needs change, they may require more help from day to day. Challenges may arise during late-night tasks or unforeseen issues in the overnight…
We often think of material positions when we think of leaving behind a legacy. But in reality, building a lasting legacy involves a growing wealth of wisdom and values passed through generations.