As adults age, some memory loss is natural. There are many ways to boost cognitive health as long as seniors are willing to put effort into memory maintenance. Here are a few strategies caregivers can use to help their senior loved ones stay sharp. Encourage Regular Mental Engagement The brain is like a muscle—it atrophies when it isn’t used. The best way to keep the memory sharp is to use…
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Many seniors experience restless legs syndrome (RLS), a nervous system disorder characterized by uncomfortable, tingly sensations in the legs. Because these sensations often occur at night, RLS is often classified as a sleep disorder. Ahead, learn more about the best ways to prevent and treat restless legs syndrome in the elderly. Know the Causes To prevent or treat RLS, it’s important to understand why it happens in the first place….
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Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. For housebound seniors, this percentage increases. Many homes are not as safe as they should be. Hidden toxins in your senior loved one’s home could harm his or her health. Look for the following four common toxins and take steps to remove them from the home. 1. Lead Many seniors live in older homes that may have been painted with lead-based…
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As adults get older, their bones lose calcium and other nutrients if not replenished. The spine may curve, and seniors often become shorter due to bone shrinkage. Bone density loss causes an increased likelihood of fractures. Likewise, muscle mass diminishes and the tissues grow weaker. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they…
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For many family caregivers, managing behavioral changes is one of the most challenging parts of their day. Trying to manage behaviors such as agitation and wandering may leave you feeling exhausted at the end of the day, and you may have serious concerns about how negative behavior changes affect your relationship with your loved one. While you may not be able to change all of the behaviors, you can use…
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Seniors often require changes to their care plan as they advance in age or receive a new health diagnosis. However, the changes in abilities are often so subtle that you might not notice them right away. Watch for the following warning signs that your aging loved one’s care needs are changing so you can make the appropriate arrangements. A Long-Term Health Condition Is Advancing In the senior years, long-term health…
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Losing weight can be a challenge for older adults, but they need to remain fit to protect their mental, physical, and emotional health. Family caregivers should encourage their aging loved ones to make lifestyle changes that help them maintain a healthy weight. Here are some of the healthy ways your aging loved one can lose weight in the golden years. 1. Drink Plenty of Water Drinking water is an easy…
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Due to divorce, the death of a spouse, or having never been married, many older adults live alone. According to the Administration on Aging, statistics indicate that in 2010, 1.3 million seniors lived alone. Here are a few risks involved with solitary living in the golden years. 1. Medication Management Older adults with memory deficits or cognitive impairment may not be able to manage their medications. They may forget to…
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The decision to become a family caregiver is not one you should take lightly. While you may be looking forward to spending more time with your senior loved one, it is also normal to worry about whether or not you have what it takes to keep him or her healthy and happy. While there is no easy answer, you can make the right decision for your family by understanding the…
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A stroke can occur whenever blood flow to the brain is blocked, and it is often caused by a blood clot or a broken blood vessel. Having a stroke may result in various health issues that take time and patience to heal. During stroke recovery, the primary focus is on increasing physical health and helping the person restore lost brain functions. If your senior loved one has recently experienced a…
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