Caregiver Training Blog

We often think of aging in terms of its outward manifestation: whitening hair, wrinkled skin, a slower pace, and so on. However, aging is also accompanied by a multitude of “hidden” signs. And while we may not be able to see these, they can have a significant bearing on health and quality of life in seniors. One lesser-discussed aspect of the aging process? A weakening immune system. 

Many people have high hopes for themselves at the start of a new year. For caregivers, however, their own needs may take a distant second to the needs of others. One of the best resolutions you can make this year as a caregiver is to commit to putting your own health and wellness first. Here’s a closer look at the issue of caregiver health, along with tips for ending the year happier and healthier than when it started. 

Prescription use of benzodiazepines, AKA "benzos," are increasing among the senior population despite many known risks.  Wondering whether a senior in your care is at risk due to benzodiazepine use, and what you can do about it as a caregiver? Here’s a closer look at the issue.

Eating disorders aren't just the domain of teenage girls and young women. In fact, many older adults suffer from this life-threatening health concern, as well. Not only that but incidences of eating disorders among seniors—particularly older women—is rising. Here’s a closer look at the phenomenon, along with how caregivers can best support aging loved ones in getting treatment for eating disorders.

As the season of giving approaches, many adult children of aging parents in elder care are left with a challenging question: What should I get my mom or dad? While choosing meaningful Christmas gifts for the elderly may involve some extra thought, finding the perfect present leads to satisfaction for both the giver and the recipient. Read on for a roundup of six gift ideas for your favorite seniors this season. 

More than a million people get sepsis every year. As many as 30 percent die as a result, according to the NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). This is a particularly important senior health issue as the elderly are at increased risk of this life-threatening illness. Here’s a closer look at sepsis, along with caregiver tips for spotting it in seniors.

While smoking has declined in recent years, it still remains the country’s leading cause of preventable disease and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Despite the many negative health effects of smoking, many people remain unable or unwilling to quit. Caring for a smoker comes with a unique set of challenges and concerns, as does being a smoking caregiver for a non-smoking senior.

While the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) typically occurs in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, its symptoms often peak in the senior years. Because of this, caring for an older person with MS can be particularly challenging for caregivers. Here’s a closer look at this debilitating disease, along with tips for family members, friends, and other caregivers providing support for people afflicted with MS.

In a perfect world, caregiving for aging loved ones would be easy. In the real world of caregiving, however, loving the elderly while providing care for them may not always be. In fact, at times, the task can be tiresome, frustrating, overwhelming, and difficult. Here’s a closer look at the complex relationship between love and caregiving, along with tips for caregivers struggling with the emotional challenges of caregiving. 

Monica Do Coutto Monni is the executive director of Near North Palliative Care Network, a non-profit organization which provides one-stop palliative care, bereavement and grief, and end-of-life free volunteer-based services and training in Northern Ontario. We had a chance to talk with Monica about how our culture views end-of-life issues and why quality hospice and palliative care are becoming more important as the population ages.