Many seniors are living with Alzheimer’s disease and don’t know it because some symptoms are more difficult to spot than others. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may experience varying symptoms at different stages, but there are some common signs family caregivers should watch out for. Knowing these symptoms can help your aging loved one get immediate treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 1. Difficulty with Normal Tasks Doing laundry, cleaning up the home, and cooking daily meals are some of the things most seniors can do with little or no assistance. If you notice your lov ..read more

Seniors with Parkinson’s disease experience fatigue caused by stiffness and tremors. In time, they may develop mobility issues. However, they need to remain as active as possible to prevent boredom and depression. There are many different hobbies seniors can engage in that may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. 1. Cycling The benefits of cycling for seniors with Parkinson’s were initially discovered by a Cleveland Clinic researcher while on a bike journey with an individual with the disease. The faster the individual pedaled the bike, the greater the reduction of symptoms.  Rese ..read more

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50 percent of adults in the United States aged 65 or over are living with some form of arthritis. If your elderly loved one falls into this category, finding an effective treatment is crucial. Though results may vary, the methods listed below have all proven effective at alleviating arthritis symptoms. 1. Exercise & Physical Therapy Your loved one may be reluctant to engage in physical activity because of arthritis pain. However, a sedentary lifestyle will only exacerbate the symptoms. Gentle, low-impact activities l ..read more

For a family caregiver, a good night’s sleep may seem like an impossible dream. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy sleep schedule because it can help you stay alert and energized during a long day of caregiving. Here are a few effective strategies for getting better sleep. Avoid Stimulants after Dinner  Caregivers don’t usually follow a nine-to-five schedule. You may have to provide care until your senior loved one falls asleep at night. To get through these long days, you may turn to caffeine or energy boosters. While this is fine in the mornings, you should avoid caffeine for ..read more

Soaring energy costs can lead to some unexpectedly high energy bills. Electricity and other utility bills quickly add up, but there are many steps seniors can take to reduce their energy usage and save money. Encourage your senior loved one to use these tips to cut back on energy costs while being environmentally conscious.  Insulate the Home Heating and cooling are two of the biggest reasons for high energy bills, and many older homes leak precious cool or hot air through doors, windows, and walls. To reduce heating or cooling costs, seniors should consider adding extra insulation and se ..read more

After having strokes, seniors may need nutritional intervention to prevent second strokes. They may also have new neurological deficits that have caused chewing and swallowing problems, which may limit the foods they can eat. Here are six foods senior stroke survivors should eat during recovery. 1. Mackerel Stroke survivors should eat foods that lower the risk of additional strokes. During recovery, encourage your senior loved one to eat fresh fish such as mackerel, as it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids prevent blood clots and therefore lower the risk of heart attack and str ..read more

Addressing stubbornness is a challenge most dementia caregivers can relate to. While being told “no” by your senior loved one can be frustrating, it helps to keep the right perspective. It may take several tries, but incorporating these tips into your dementia care strategies may ease resistance from your loved one.  Tap in to the Reasons for the Behavior Stubborn behavior typically comes from some type of unaddressed fear or need. Your loved one may be aware of the possibility of losing independence, and this causes him or her to refuse to accept help from a caregiver.  Alternativel ..read more

As seniors age, they often develop mobility problems, which may manifest as a slow, shuffling gait. Mobility issues can be caused by a myriad of factors, ranging from muscle wasting to minor cardiovascular events. If your senior loved one is having difficulty walking, the shuffling gait may be due to the natural aging process, or it may be a sign of something more serious.  Microscopic Strokes Microscopic strokes are a common cause of impaired mobility in elderly people. These tiny strokes don’t usually show up on standard brain scans, but they damage the blood vessels in the brain. The d ..read more

Seniors with dementia often exhibit a behavior referred to as sundowning, which increases agitation and wandering. You can use these tips to ease your aging loved one’s sundowning symptoms so you both enjoy your time together.  Track Changes in Behavior Most seniors with Alzheimer’s have certain times during each day when they’re at their best, and you should also know that sundowning can occur at any point during the day or night. Start by noticing when your loved one’s challenging behaviors tend to increase. Once you identify a pattern, you can take extra measures during those times to ..read more

In the winter months, driving conditions tend to be more dangerous due to rainy or snowy roads. For seniors, age-related changes in vision, mobility, and reaction time can limit driving abilities, making it even more difficult to drive safely on slippery roads. Here are 6 tips for safe driving that are important for a senior’s safety and that of others. Get Regular Health Checkups Monitor changes in your senior loved one’s vision, hearing, and mobility by making sure he or she gets regular medical checkups. If your loved one’s primary physician or optometrist notices changes, be proactive by e ..read more