Posts Tagged ‘home care’
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BECOMING YOUR PARENTS CAREGIVER
Every year, more than 43 million Americans provide unpaid care to a family member, usually a parent. Most seniors prefer to age at home, but as they get older and experience deteriorating health, they may need special care at home. In many cases, their children decide to step in and become the caregivers. Serving as a caregiver to a member of the family is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. It allows you to spend time with your loved one and gives the chance to ensure that they receive the best possible quality of care. If you…
7 Tips to Manage Family Caregiver Stress
We’ve always been advised to reduce stress in our lives. Stress increases the risk of heart failure, insomnia, diabetes, cardiovascular illness, sleep disorders, and a number of other health problems. But can you remember a more difficult and stressful time that what we are experiencing with the COVID-19 crisis? For several, handling stress is more difficult than ever. Below are a few things that we should do to reduce our stress during this unprecedented time. Be realistic– Know your limits when it comes to the amount and type of care you can provide. Set realist caregiving goals to accomplish, and…
Activities for Seniors During Social Isolation
Over the last few months, we’ve been completely overwhelmed by the news of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us feel that there is no escape from the news reports, constantly updated numbers, and recommended precautions. One of the hardest to swallow pills? Social distance — or what we’ve come to find is social isolation, actually. As humans, we are innately social creatures that thrive on interactions with others. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that social isolation can affect our physical and mental well-being, especially for the elderly who are particularly vulnerable. Knowing this, we encourage you to physically…
4 Safety Tips for Seniors as Maryland Reopens
Communities around the country are beginning to rebound since COVID-19 ‘s initial outbreak, and many people are enjoying the ability to dine at a restaurant, get a haircut or visit with friends and relatives. While many are ready to resume living normally, it is necessary to understand the potential risks of COVID-19 and how to reduce the chance of spreading infection. For those at a higher risk of illness due to age or long-term health problems, it’s important to take action to reduce the risk of getting sick. We have compiled some safety tips for seniors and caregivers to keep…
5 Ways for Seniors to Stay Busy While Isolated
Social distancing and self-imposed quarantine are necessary measures that many are taking to help reduce further spread of COVID-19. When you stay indoors, it’s necessary to continue your daily activities to keep both your mind and body healthy. To help senior members of your family feel the best they can, encourage them to take part in the following activities. Fitness Staying healthy through exercise improves your overall mood and encourages good health. There are a lot of exercises that aren’t too hard to try at home to help seniors stay active. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has a series…
5 Winter Activities for Seniors
Want to sleep better or lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer? Looking to improve your social wellness, reduce your blood pressure and have more energy? Staying physically and/or mentally active as you age becomes vitally important. However, that’s not always easy, especially in the wintertime. Here are five activities seniors can enjoy when the weather turns chilly: 1. Cook Cooking is a great way to take care of your own mental health, experts say. If you’re cooking for yourself, consider preparing something you’ve never had before. If you’re cooking for others,…
November is National Home Care and Family Caregivers Month
During November, Americans remember all that we have to be thankful for. For many seniors, the family caregiver is high on this list. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why November has been set aside as National Home Care and Family Caregivers Month. There are so many reasons to be thankful for what caregivers do. Many have jobs outside the home, or other familial commitments, yet give of themselves and their time and love every day to ensure that their senior loved one is well cared for. Thanking Those Who are Often Left Thankless Caring for an aging loved…
Holiday Travel – Ways to Make Flying Stress-Free and Safe
There’s nothing like seeing your family and friends during the holidays. However, flying can be riskier for seniors – especially during the busy holiday season. To be safer and leave stress at home, use these fall and winter travel tips: Catch Up with Your Primary Care Doctor The holidays are all about catching up with loved ones, but one person many seniors don’t take time to catch up with is their doctor. However, if you are planning to travel, visiting your doctor beforehand is a good idea. Get necessary vaccinations, a check-up, and advice on safe travel from your provider…
Autumn Saftey Checklist for Seniors
Safety is a priority for seniors during the entire year. With new challenges presented as the body ages, it is important to be aware of limitations and to take precautions to stay safe and well. While autumn is a cozy time of celebration for most, it can also be a risky time for seniors who have not taken these precautions. Here are a few ways to remain active and stay safe this fall: Have Maintenance Work Performed Whether it’s checking on your heating system before you truly need it or changing batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the…
What Senior Women Should Know About Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While most people know that breast cancer is a disease that impacts older women far more than younger, the actual numbers behind the statistics are alarming. For every 100,000 women, just over 80 were diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 65. In that same number, over 400 were diagnosed with the disease after turning 65. This month is a perfect time for older women to learn more about breast cancer – and to take more meaningful steps toward prevention and care. Know the Facts Knowing the truth about breast cancer can help…