Caregiver Training Blog

Passing gas is a perfectly normal bodily function. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not potentially problematic for caregivers—especially when it becomes excessive. Here’s a closer look at the issue of seniors and flatulence, along with caregiver tips aimed at helping seniors manage this common condition.

It's natural for seniors to have uneven attitudes about aging. However, research tells us that having a positive outlook can directly impact quality of life and health in older adults. Here’s a closer look at the research, along with tips for caregivers looking to help seniors in their care adopt more positive attitudes. 

We've long known the health and wellness benefits of pet ownership for the elderly. However, recent reports have highlighted benefits of animal companionship beyond that of cats and dogs. The latest animal to take center stage when it comes to supporting senior health? Chickens. Here’s a closer look at the “chicken therapy’ trend, along with why experts are calling chickens and seniors a “match made in heaven.” 

The ability to swallow is something most of us take for granted every day. However, many older people suffer from “dysphagia,” which is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. This can lead to a number of serious health consequences ranging from malnutrition to lack of socialization. Caregivers can help their aging loved ones improve their quality of life by educating themselves about the condition and its treatments. 

Active shooter incidents are so prevalent that the issue has been declared an “epidemic.” And while active shootings in schools may claim the largest share of media attention, long-term care facilities are not immune. In fact, just last summer four people died when a gunman opened fire at a skilled nursing care and rehabilitation center near Columbus, Ohio. Several years before that, seven nursing home residents and one nurse were killed by a gunman in Carthage, North Carolina.

It’s a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age. In fact, older adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep nightly,  according to the National Sleep Foundation. Unfortunately, many of them fall far short of this goal due to issues ranging from sleep apnea to respiratory problems. This has resulted in a “catastrophic sleep-loss epidemic” linked with a multitude of detrimental health outcomes, according to sleep scientist Matthew Walker. Think sleeping pills are a simple fix? Think again. 

The number of seniors in the US taking three or more psychiatric drugs more than doubled in the nine-year period between 2004 and 2013, according to a recent study as reported by The New York Times. While this figure is troubling in itself, even more so is that fact that nearly half seniors taking these medications have no mental health diagnoses on record. What does this mean for seniors and caregivers? Here’s a closer look at the issue.

The internet of things (IoT) era promises big things for the healthcare sector. But are patients and caregivers prepared to harness its full potential—both to improve the quality of care and lighten the caregiver burden? The Deloitte 2016 Survey of Health Care Consumers took a closer look at this issue, and the findings are promising: “Patients of all demographics—even seniors—are at least amenable to technology-enabled care.” Wondering what the IoT means for you as a caregiver? Here’s what you need to know.

While getting dressed and undressed each day may not be an issue for most people, it can be a major obstacle for older adults and people with physical limitations. But the impact doesn’t end there. Also faced with dressing- and undressing-related challenges? Caregivers for older adults and people with physical limitations. The good news? Adaptive clothing offers help for patients and caregivers alike. Here’s a closer look at adaptive shirts, pants and shoes, along with where to find them.

Communicating with people who are experiencing dementia, age-related cognitive decline, and/or disorientation can be challenging. However, it’s not impossible—especially with the right tools in place. One particularly effective method for communicating with disoriented seniors? The Validation Method. Here’s a closer look at this method of helping seniors and their caregivers share less stressful, more meaningful connections.