As a caregiver, getting outside during the month of May can have a number of benefits for both you and your loved one. Let’s explore some of the benefits of spending time outdoors and tips to make the most of your time together. An important benefit of spending time outdoors is improved mood. Sunny days reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, making them a great activity for you and your loved one. Additionally, spending time outside encourages physical activity, which can reduce chronic disease risk and improve overall health. A major benefit of getting outside during May is increased vi ..read more

Fall is a season of crisp air, campfires, and falling leaves. For older Americans with low mobility, poor vision, and compromised immune systems though, Fall can be a challenging time. When temperatures drop, our aging loved ones are more likely to suffer weather-related injuries, falls, and illnesses. Trip hazards especially increase in autumn and continue through winter, so extra caution and prevention methods are essential. Here are some yard safety tips, wellness advice, and DIY home improvements to help your older loved ones stay safe and healthy this fall. Getting Help for Fall Yard ..read more

The effects of aging can often go unnoticed-they don’t arrive with loud announcements or big, bold signs. It is common for medical issues associated with aging to become apparent only when they have become severe enough to warrant a doctor’s attention. Your aging loved one is unlikely to openly admit that they are becoming helpless, however, which is a problem. They may have a few bruises on their leg or arm, dismissing them with “It’s fine, honey. Nothing to worry about.” Due to these reasons, it is important to identify on your own whether your elderly family member may need a medical alert ..read more

It is true that heat-related illnesses pose a threat to older adults, but that shouldn’t deter them from getting outside and staying active during the summer. The following tips will help keep seniors protected this summer. APPLY SUNSCREEN AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER Temperature is regulated by water in our bodies. Older adults tend to have less water in their bodies than when they were younger due to changes in body composition. As we age, we also lose our sense of thirst. In the summer months, it is important for seniors to drink plenty of water. Additionally, as we age, our skin loses fat and w ..read more

A chronic or terminal illness is something that no one expects to happen to a loved one. It can be difficult to accept this news for yourself, to help your loved one accept this realization, and to share this information with other people. Below are some suggestions on how to make this process easier.  In order to help your loved one, you must accept the diagnosis yourself. During this time, you will experience an array of emotions, including anger, guilt, and sadness. Be mindful that each of these emotions is perfectly normal and that it is okay to feel all of these things. Allowing your ..read more

Whether you’re a homecare worker, a senior caregiver, or a family caregiver, there is no denying that the holidays can be stressful. From making accommodations due to your aging loved one’s mobility or diets to handling family conflicts, it is a time that brings both joy and difficulties. Caregivers may feel resentful towards other family members who they feel have not offered enough assistance. Already feeling overwhelmed with caregiving tasks, stressed-out caregivers can view traditional holiday preparations as more of a drain of precious energy than a joy. However, the holidays can also bri ..read more

If you’ve ever been a caregiver, you know how challenging it can be. The emotional toll is significant, and the physical demands are often overwhelming. But there’s one thing even more difficult than caring for an ill, elderly, or disabled person — caring for them when you yourself feel ill-equipped to handle their care. Get Educated If you feel as though you do not have enough knowledge or skills regarding how to handle your loved one’s condition, a good first step is to research their ailment or disability. Compile a list of reliable articles or books about their condition. As you become be ..read more

As a caregiver, you know that at some point, it will likely be necessary to assist your aging loved one with personal grooming and hygiene, like brushing their teeth, bathing, and dressing. You may be called to help them with accomplishing these tasks, or they may insist on handling these things on their own. Whatever decision you and your elderly family member come to in regards to implementing their personal care needs, it can be extremely beneficial to consider a few things. Read on for more tips and areas to consider when focusing on personal hygiene care for your senior. Talk about proper ..read more

Caring for loved ones is a gift we give every day to those around us. Whether it’s picking up groceries, cooking dinner, picking up prescriptions, or assisting with bathing and grooming, caregivers do it all. When a loved one is nearing the end of life, caregivers will do everything possible to make them as comfortable as they can. Unfortunately, because caregivers frequently are burning the candle at both ends, compassion fatigue can oftentimes be the end result. What is Compassion Fatigue? When caregivers are overburdened by caring for others, they experience compassion fatigue. The stress t ..read more

According to a survey conducted in February 2020 by Fresenius Medical Care North America, 65% of surveyed adults say they want to age in place. However, only 33% believe they’re equipped to make that happen. So why do nearly half of the respondents believe they can’t age in place? Of the survey participants, 29% said they don’t think they’ll have enough money to stay in their homes as they grow older, while another 24% say they don’t believe their homes are suitable to their needs as they age. Let’s consider some of the most pressing issues when it comes to aging in place. The Good There are s ..read more