Doing puzzles is a healthy brain activity that benefits the mind and spirit. Family caregivers can choose from a variety of puzzles, based on their aging loved one’s physical and emotional needs. Continue reading to learn about some of the reasons puzzles are beneficial for seniors with dementia. Boost Cognitive Health As dementia progresses, it can affect memory, making it…
Strokes aren’t always fatal. In fact, according to the CDC, approximately 795,000 people in the United States have strokes annually. Roughly 87 percent of all strokes are the result of blood flow to the brain being restricted, which are known as ischemic strokes. Out of all people who have strokes, around 85 percent require extensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation. When…
Everyone has heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and research now indicates this is truer than ever. Apples are low in calories, and eating them has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. If your senior loved one is hesitant to jump on the apple bandwagon, here are some…
Simple daily habits such as brushing teeth can lead to greater health and longevity. By the time a person reaches the senior years, these routines have become such a normal part of daily life that they’re often not given a second thought. However, recent research has shed some light on the possibility that some so-called “good” habits may not actually…
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to isolated regions of the feet, hands, and ears to cause reactions in other areas of the body. Although Asian and Middle Eastern cultures have used reflexology for centuries, the philosophy was introduced in the United States in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an upper respiratory physician and surgeon who became interested in…
Being diagnosed with cancer often results in a flood of emotions and concerns. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to handling this kind of news, there are things you can do to ease your senior loved one’s fears after a cancer diagnosis and shift the focus to positive, productive goals moving forward. 1. Get Contact Info You and your loved one…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 65 million adults in the United States have hypertension, which remains the leading cause of death in the country. There are many factors that raise the risk of developing this cardiovascular disorder. However, certain lifestyle changes play a major role in preventing high blood pressure. Here are six activities that can help…
Despite all the information available today when it comes to seniors and nutrition, there are still some lingering myths that can be confusing for caregivers trying to help their senior loved ones maintain healthy diets. To clear things up, here are some of the most common nutrition myths regarding seniors along with some much-needed clarifications. Seniors Need Fewer Nutrients because…
Prescription medications take on greater purpose later in life. However, if not monitored, they can potentially cause more harm than good. To prevent potential accidents, keep a safety checklist for all of your senior loved one’s medications. Prescription Purpose Tracking the purpose of each prescription allows you or your loved one’s caregiver to watch and ensure each drug is doing…
Family caregivers may find it difficult to focus on managing the finances of two households. They may have to handle a senior loved one’s finances while keeping their own finances in check. Here are some tips you can use to manage your money while providing high-quality care. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in…
