Being a family caregiver provides the opportunity to bond with your aging loved one, but it can also come with overwhelming challenges that have significant effects on your wellbeing. However, getting help and maintaining a healthy lifestyle could prevent caregiver burnout and increase your loved one’s safety. When family and friends are unable to help out, respite care is an option you should consider. Continue reading to learn more about…
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Many of the most challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease are caused by boredom. Wandering, aggression, and stubbornness often happen when seniors want to get attention from their caregivers or have nothing to keep their minds occupied. These activities can all be modified to fit your senior loved one’s abilities so he or she stays busy throughout the day. Cook Simple Recipes Memory loss may make it too dangerous for…
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After a dementia diagnosis, many caregivers are shocked when their loved ones exhibit aggression and anger, which is one of the challenges of dementia that caregivers are often least prepared to handle. Learning more about the subject can help you understand the underlying causes and find solutions to the issue. Here are a few things you can do to make it easier to handle a senior loved one with dementia…
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Failing to put your health first could negatively affect your ability to care for others, especially an elderly parent. Therefore, you need to practice good self-care to prevent mental and physical exhaustion. Take a look at some of the reasons caregivers may think self-care is selfish and explanations as to why it’s vital to their health. Self-Care Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury Some caregivers feel as though going to…
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Living a purposeful life can increase independence and boost self-esteem in the senior years. Having meaningful activities and goals can enhance abilities and lead to better physical and mental health. Here are some ways to help seniors find a sense of purpose. Find Engaging Activities A sense of worth and purpose can often be found in the things seniors do each day. Working in a garden may seem like a…
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Seniors with dementia often have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night. The changes in the brain that cause the disorder may be part of the problem, but seniors might also have other underlying issues. There are many different methods for addressing sleep issues cause by dementia. 1. Plan Daytime Activities Try to prevent your older loved one from taking naps during the day. Even a short nap provides…
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An adequate diet can reduce the risk of memory loss in older adults, and a healthy mind can enhance communication skills and quality of life and increase longevity. Below, you’ll find some brain-boosting foods seniors should add to their diets. 1. Fatty Fish Fatty fish contain EPA and DHA, which are two important types of omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming these fatty acids boosts the number of antioxidants in the body…
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An Alzheimer’s diagnosis tends to leave families reeling from the news. While you may be thinking about how sad it is that your senior parent is now living with this disease, you must also remember there’s someone else who is impacted by the news just as much, if not more. Your other parent must now contend with being thrust into a caregiver role with no way to know what to…
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Downsizing has become a hot topic in the senior community. With even younger adults recognizing the importance of minimizing their environmental footprint, seniors are starting to see that a bigger home isn’t always better. In fact, seniors often stay in a house meant for a large family even after their kids move out. Now that your aging loved one has hit retirement, consider these reasons downsizing is often the best…
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When a senior receives a diagnosis of dementia, families often consider placing their aging loved one in an assisted living facility. It’s true that assisted living facilities can be helpful with providing around-the-clock care, but if possible, it’s best to let the senior stay at his or her current home. Providing care for a loved one with dementia while he or she lives at home comes with many important benefits….
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