The first thing to do if your senior loved one won’t eat is schedule an appointment with his or her doctor to rule out serious health-related conditions, dental problems, or medication issues that could contribute to a reduced appetite. Once this step has been taken, the next thing to do…
Special consideration needs to be given to bedbound seniors. They face many unique challenges, ranging from a heightened risk of skin infections to the potential for life-threatening respiratory problems. Since these risks are real, there are several things you can do for a bedbound senior loved one to ensure he…
Aphasia, a condition that may occur after an individual has experienced a stroke, is marked by difficult or absent speech and problems with understanding and processing language. It is a source of frustration for many seniors and their families because it can create a significant barrier to communication. Fortunately, various…
One of the more common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is being confused and disoriented even in the most familiar of surroundings. Naturally, this can lead to wandering, a habit seen in 60 percent of people with dementia. Wandering can be very dangerous, and it’s important that family members take steps…
Many caregivers notice their senior loved ones are more likely to get sick or tend to have difficulty recovering from injuries. This happens because the immune system has a difficult time fighting off foreign microorganisms as a person ages. Being able to understand why the immune system gets weaker as…
Caring for a senior loved one on a regular basis could take a toll on your physical and mental health. You might begin to experience symptoms of caregiving-related stress, such as getting frequent headaches or feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few ways to manage caregiving-related stress so you can enhance…
The concept of healthy eating takes on a whole new meaning in the senior years. In his or her younger days, your aging parent might have needed to eat more calories to keep up with a rigorous work or training schedule. Now, your loved one might need to scale back….
Aging parents’ angry outbursts take a toll on family caregivers, and you might even find you dread having to take care of your senior loved one when he or she lashes out regularly. For some seniors, angry outbursts are just an amplification of already stubborn personalities. Others may suddenly exhibit…
Like every other part of the body, the brain needs to stay active to remain healthy. Word games exercise the mind and encourage seniors to retain their language skills. Games that require seniors to think about language and vocabulary can increase memory retention and stimulate mental activity. These fun word…
Obesity can be especially problematic for aging adults. When coupled with preexisting medical conditions, limited mobility, and cognitive deficits, obesity can lead to dangerous health consequences. Fortunately, appropriately addressing your senior loved one’s obesity can reduce the risk of life-threatening health conditions so he or she can better enjoy the golden…