Raising children while caring for your parents is a special kind of balancing act. Your senior may feel like they’re in the way. Your kids may act out when they sense that you are stressed about the responsibilities. Some reasons why your children might act out are: Anxiety about changes in the family dynamic Sadness about the changes they see in their grandparents Feeling ignored when the parent’s attention is elsewhere Sensing they’ve been demoted in the family hierarchy Fear of what might happen in the future While adults can reason away most of these fears, children do not yet have the s ..read more

Music therapy is proven to improve memory and recognition in dementia patients. In addition, countless studies have shown the correlation between music and pain relief. Now researchers in London have compiled all the research related to music and pain to deliver the healing benefits of music for patients recovering from surgery. These new findings can be especially beneficial for seniors since an estimated 15 million surgeries are performed on seniors each year.  More music therapy facts: Patients listening to music post-surgery used significantly less pain medication. Listening to ..read more

As we age, it is not uncommon to need a little help performing daily tasks around the home. The need for assistance often slowly increases over time until we are faced with tough decisions. For many seniors, assisted living or retirement villages are not appealing options. They want to age in their home, but how can it be done safely? In-home care is an excellent way to keep seniors where they want to be – at home and SAFE. Unfortunately, many myths are associated with in-home care that keeps people from exploring it as an option. Let’s examine the facts, so informed decisions can be made for ..read more

Sub-freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions can make life difficult for anyone, but caregivers of home-bound seniors and those with mobility issues should take extra precautions to keep their loved ones safe and warm. These five simple tips will help you and your loved one be prepared for whatever winter weather might bring your way. HOME PREP FOR POWER OUTAGES Sudden power outages can be scary and frustrating, especially if they last for more than a few minutes. Prepare your home in case of a power outage, so you’ll be ready when it goes dark. Put together an emergency prepared ..read more

Our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium and promote healthy bone growth. We get most of our vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Still, in the winter, when sunny days are fewer and cold temperatures keep us inside, it can be challenging to get all the vitamin D we need. If you don’t get enough sunlight, you should shoot for 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day.  Dangers and Symptoms of Low Vitamin D Levels in Older Adults Weak muscles Mood disorders such as depression Lowered cognitive abilities Weight gain Fatigue Digestive issues such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease  Osteomalaci ..read more

Driving Safety for Older Adults According to the Administration on Aging, by 2030, the number of drivers age 85 and older will quadruple. While senior drivers get high marks for certain safety standards, such as wearing seat belts and sober driving, still 18% of all traffic fatalities are 65 or older. Driving is a form of independence and provides a vital connection to social and medical resources, so deciding when to give up the keys can be a difficult process. Changes Influencing Seniors on the Road It’s often hard for seniors to accept anyone has safety concerns about their driving. After a ..read more

Beat Senior Seasonal Depression with Engaging Indoor Winter Activities During the winter months, depression can increase. For some seniors, depression only occurs during the winter months. Scheduling regular indoor activities can help to relieve or prevent the “winter blues”. Approximately six million American seniors are affected by depression. Even seasonal depression can increase health risks, including the risk of death. Symptoms of Depression Sluggishness Lack of Interest Over or undersleeping Combativeness Moodiness Withdrawal Rejection of Routine Low Appetite Neglecting self-care (Sen ..read more

According to the Administration on Aging, by 2030, the number of senior drivers age 85 and older will quadruple. And while senior drivers get high marks for some common safety standards, such as wearing seat belts and sober driving, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety still sites an uptick in traffic accidents after age 65. In addition, driving is a form of independence and provides a vital connection to social and medical resources, so deciding when to give up the keys can be a difficult process. Three Important Factors for Senior Drivers to Consider The Presence of Neurological Conditions ..read more

The holiday season tends to carry changes in routine, decor, diet, and more. For seniors, these shifts can hinder safety and make the season stressful. Use these tips to ensure seniors have a happy, healthy holiday. Caregiving Strategies for A Safe and Happy Holiday Season for Seniors Mental and Emotional Health Tips Although holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s can be happy and celebratory, these holidays can feel lonely for many seniors. Increased instances of moods and depression can result. Caregivers Can Help Seniors Stay Safe Mentally and Emotionally By: Encou ..read more

Caregiving for an Older Adult with Lung Cancer Caregivers play a vital role in helping with care during the treatment and recovery of lung cancer. Treating Lung Cancer While at Home Lung cancer can feel like a scary and overwhelming diagnosis. Still, recovery is attainable with modern advances in treatment and proper care. In the last twenty years, there have been significant advances in lung cancer treatment with the discovery of new drugs and better treatment options (www.medscape.com) There are three main types of lung cancer. It is important for a caregiver to understand the type of lung c ..read more