When older adults retire, they have eight hours or more of extra free time on their hands every day. Unless seniors have plans in place to fill the days, they eventually become bored. Being chronically bored may lead to emotional and physical health issues and restlessness. Some seniors might begin to feel worthless. British researchers studied 7,000 subjects over the…
Technically considered a hormone because it can be produced in the skin through sunlight exposure, vitamin D offers an assortment of health benefits for seniors. One of the lesser-known ones is the ability to help with recovery from a hip fracture. Here's what you need to know about the role vitamin D can play in hip fracture recovery for an…
Hoarding is a compulsive behavior that can affect people of all ages. However, some seniors with dementia develop hoarding habits if preexisting personality traits are magnified by the dementia itself. Such behaviors may also be associated with dementia-related insecurity, anger, or confusion, but they can still be worrisome for family caregivers. Fortunately, there are some ways to handle hoarding in…
The kitchen can pose a range of safety issues for seniors, from slippery floors to tangled cords. Being able to prevent accidents in the kitchen can help your aging loved one live more independently. Making the following easy modifications can keep your loved one safer when he or she is in the kitchen. Install a Smoke Detector Install a monitored…
Going outdoors not only gives seniors the ability to exercise, but it can also lead to mental and emotional benefits that boost their quality of life. Below are some of the reasons seniors should spend time in nature and ways family caregivers can incorporate outdoor activities into their aging loved ones' care plans. 1. Lowers Stress Levels The beautiful sights…
There are quite a few reasons seniors should do everything in their power to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Those who keep a close eye on their oral health are much less likely to develop serious health complications down the road. Sticking to strict oral hygiene habits can also preserve the appearance of teeth so seniors can continue to…
Seniors with Alzheimer’s want to communicate with their family members, but they often experience symptoms that make it difficult to engage in conversations. While your strategies for communication may change depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s your senior loved one is in, you can rely on some basic good practices to counteract most challenges. Try out these strategies as you…
A caregiver’s daily life will have its share of ups and downs, and some days are more challenging than others when it comes to striking a good balance. For this reason, caregivers should know their personal happiness will be reflected in the care they provide to their senior loved ones. Whether you’re new to caregiving or need a refresher on…
“Aging in place” is a term that’s being used more often as older adults are expressing the desire to remain in the familiar comforts of home rather than move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. The term is generally used to describe household modifications and support services that allow seniors to live in their homes for as long…
Some seniors with Alzheimer’s find bathing unpleasant, and many even try to stop bathing before the process is complete, which can be dangerous if they aren’t supervised properly. If you’re providing care for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, safety should always take priority. Here are a few tips to address your loved one’s Alzheimer’s symptoms and increase his…