Seniors are sometimes placed on a soft food diet when they have difficulty chewing due to tooth loss or challenges with motor control. Fortunately, you can still make sure your aging loved one gets the nutrition he or she needs by using these ideas to create soft and delicious meals. Select Softer Foods Many healthy foods already come in a soft form. For instance, bananas are soft when fully ripened,…
Read Article
Trying to help an aging parent who doesn’t want assistance can be frustrating, and you don’t want your insistence to interfere with your relationship. When you feel like you hit a wall, try the following strategies designed to help seniors come around to the idea of accepting care. 1. Get to the Heart of the Matter Older adults often refuse assistance for a reason. For instance, your parent may be…
Read Article
If seniors want to stay mobile for as long as possible, they need strong, limber muscles. Because the legs represent the largest muscle group, leg exercises should be an important component of any senior’s fitness regimen. Here are five leg exercises ideal for aging adults. 1. Modified Squats Squats strengthen muscles throughout the legs and core, including the quadriceps, the glutes, the hips, and the back. When these muscles are…
Read Article
Many dementia caregivers have difficulty communicating with their senior loved ones. Dementia can leave seniors disoriented, and it can negatively impact their verbal skills. Validation therapy, a holistic treatment method, can help caregivers effectively connect with their loved ones. What Is Validation Therapy? Validation therapy was first developed by social worker Naomi Feil in the 1960s and ’70s. She wanted to create an effective template for communicating with seniors with…
Read Article
Drinking alcoholic beverages can disrupt the way the brain and other organs function, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s development, among other chronic conditions, in seniors. Encourage your senior loved one to find healthy habits that combat the urge to drink alcohol. Here are some of the connections between drinking alcohol and Alzheimer’s risk. Disrupts the Removal of Amyloid Plaques The accumulation of amyloid plaques can interfere with nerve cell transmission…
Read Article
As people age, they may develop mobility issues, cognitive deficits, and medical conditions. These challenges may make it difficult for your loved one to live independently, and while many seniors still manage to live on their own despite physical or psychological challenges, others may need help. Here are some ways to tell if your parent can no longer live independently. Ambulation Difficulties If your loved one is starting to have…
Read Article
Aphasia is a communication disorder that can be caused by a stroke, brain tumor, or dementia. Seniors who have aphasia usually have a difficult time speaking or understanding what others are saying to them. Even though caring for an individual who has aphasia might be frustrating at times, it isn’t an impossible task. With a little bit of patience and some hard work, you can make sure your senior loved…
Read Article
There’s no educational book you can read to become the perfect caregiver overnight. Instead, you learn as you go. It’s normal to make errors, especially as a new family caregiver. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when providing care for a senior parent. 1. Preventing Independence You can assist your loved one with daily tasks, but you should never do it all for him or her….
Read Article
This fall, spend some time with your senior loved one while engaging in a fun activity. Many areas offer activities that are a perfect complement to the splendorous fall colors. Family members and their loved ones can choose from any of the following five exciting fall field trips. 1. Going on a Nature Walk Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the palate of colors Mother Nature…
Read Article
Many employees are taking on other responsibilities these days, including the role of family caregiver. Employers who want to see their staff succeed and contribute to a healthy working environment should make it easier for them to balance the many tasks in their lives. When an employee is happy, it will show through his or her work. Here are some of the ways employers can help family caregivers balance work…
Read Article
9250 University Avenue, Suite 116
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Copyright © 2018 Home Care Assistance
Speak with a Care Manager Now: