Dementia can be devastating to the patient but more so to the family. The person you knew and loved is gone and in his place is a grumpy old man (or woman) who can’t remember who you are. The support your loved one provided in your life has evaporated and there is a hole in…
Seasonal depression can be a serious issue for seniors during the holiday season. While this condition can happen in any climate, it is exacerbated in cold, winter climates. There are many reasons why seniors get more depressed during the holidays. These include loneliness, missing loved ones who have passed on or have become estranged and…
While outings and social gatherings are important to the well being of home bound or assisted living seniors, there are some health risks involved as well. Learning how to plan and enjoy safe outings with an elderly parent or relative gives you a fresh way to spend time together and improve your bond. Outings, family…
Hospital stays may be necessary from time to time. When a senior spends a few nights or weeks at a hospital, there is going to be a physical effect seen. There may be all sorts of reasons as to why they are in the hospital. As such, the hospital effects can vary dramatically. Understanding what…
You forgot where you left your cell phone and have looked everywhere, finally finding it (of course!) right on the kitchen counter. You feel like kicking yourself because you did the same thing last week. But mostly you worry – is this normal age-related memory loss or the beginning of dementia? Let’s dig into understanding…
No one likes getting sick, but for seniors, a garden-variety cold is a far worse experience. The older we get, the harder it is to fight off sickness, which means that a simple cold can linger. Not only that, but it can do real damage to seniors who already have a frail immune system. So,…
While seniors struggle to make the adjustments necessary for a move to assisted living, their families have a different struggle that may be disregarded in the transition period. Guilt may shadow over what can be a pleasant transition. Caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue add to the other stresses of life, and there is a generation…