When your days are filled with a list of caregiving responsibilities, it can be difficult to find time to exercise. However, keeping the following benefits of daily exercise in mind may help you squeeze in a workout. 1. Prevent Depression and Anxiety Exercise stimulates the body to release endorphins that promote a happier mindset. These endorphins stick around for hours after your workout and lower feelings of depression. Engaging in…
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Aging adults prefer maintaining their independence by driving. While healthy seniors are perfectly able to safely drive a car, older adults with dementia should consider handing over their car keys. Here are four ways to prevent a senior with dementia from driving. 1. Keep the Keys in a Safe Place Eliminating access to the keys may prevent a senior with dementia from driving. While you may not want to hide…
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Gastrointestinal issues may be more common in seniors than in younger people. Preexisting medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and medication side effects may predispose your elderly loved one to digestive disorders. Here are some strategies to help you address gastrointestinal issues in the elderly. Encourage Exercise Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder in senior citizens. Severe constipation can quickly turn into a fecal impaction, and if not recognized and addressed quickly,…
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If your senior loved one was recently hospitalized, he or she may find it difficult to adjust when returning home. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, you may need to help your parent adapt to life at home after being in the hospital. Here are five tips for helping older adults transition after a hospital stay. 1. Order a Hospital Bed In case your parent has been hospitalized as…
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The Canadian Medical Association reports that more than 60 percent of the country’s senior citizens live sedentary lifestyles. Inactivity leads to a wide variety of health risks. Sedentary seniors also tend to live in isolation, which further increases the risk of potential medical conditions. Here are a few simple ways to encourage a sedentary senior loved one to have a better social life. Suggest Attending a Community Event Your loved…
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A dementia diagnosis can devastate an entire family, but it can also be a rallying cry. Typically, a senior’s family members come together to provide care as his or her cognitive abilities decrease. The more advanced the condition is, the more help your aging loved one may need, especially when it comes to important tasks like managing finances. While taking on someone’s financial matters can be an overwhelming responsibility, you…
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Whether you’re a new family caregiver or an experienced one, you may end up making a few mistakes every now and then. If you approach situations with an open mind, you can dodge some obvious pitfalls. When caring for an aging parent, here are five common mistakes you should try to avoid. 1. Not Doing Enough Research If your senior loved one needs part-time or around-the-clock care, his or her…
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Hearing loss is a common symptom of aging, and it often goes untreated. The health issue can negatively impact a senior’s quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss and its impact on an older adult’s independence. Leads to Social Withdrawal Hearing loss often impacts a senior’s social life. If your loved one has to ask you to repeat every sentence, he or she may begin…
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Gardening is a wonderful hobby for seniors with dementia. The activity keeps older adults moving, soothes agitation, boosts mood, and enhances spatial orientation. To reap the benefits of gardening, seniors with dementia need to stay safe while outdoors. Here are a few ways to make gardening a safe activity for seniors with dementia. Always Bring a Water Bottle Seniors should spend time outdoors, as direct sunlight promotes vitamin D production…
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The news that your aging loved one has dementia may unleash several negative emotions, including fear and anger. As you move forward with your parent’s care plan, use the following strategies to maintain a positive mindset. 1. Know That Your Feelings Are Normal After receiving a dementia diagnosis, you and your loved one are likely to experience the same emotions. However, you may feel as though you must be strong…
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