Caregiver Training Blog

Approximately 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women will go through at least one trauma over the course of their lives, according to the National Center for PTSD. As many as eight percent of these -- eight million during any given year -- will develop PTSD. Caregiving for someone with PTSD comes with its own unique challenges, but increased understanding and awareness can lighten the load while helping them provide the very best care. Here's a closer look at PTSD, along with six tips for caregivers. Read More

February has different implications for people. For children, it is Valentine's Day in school. For them, February means cutting out paper hearts and giving cards to friends in class. For others, it can mean one of the harshest months of winter. For them, February can feel brutally cold and unforgiving. For those living in places without brutal winters, February may feel just like any other month, but for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention February is American Heart Month.

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A third of today's youth lack mentors, according to a report from mentoring.org. Countless older adults, meanwhile, are isolated, lonely and in need of companionship. What do you get when you combine the two? Profound opportunities for healthier, happier kids, seniors, and communities.

What better time to take a closer look at multigenerational mentorship than during January's National Mentoring Month? Read on to learn more about the many mutually beneficial outcomes of senior-youth mentorship relationships, along with how to find opportunities for getting involved in your area.

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Snow and ice present unique challenges for seniors. These challenges multiply when limited mobility enters into the equation. With senior isolation as a risk factor for both mental and physical health issues, addressing winter mobility problems for older adults is a priority for caregivers. Read on to learn more about why mobility matters so much for seniors, along with tips aimed at keeping them safe and engaged with the world around them when winter sets in. Read More

Caregivers often feel like they don't have enough time in the day, but failure to plan for winter storms can lead to additional challenges and increased caregiver stress. An added factor this year? Forecasts predicting that many regions of the country may have a particularly snowy winter ahead for 2017. But caregivers don't have to be at the mercy of bad weather. These five tips for caregivers will help keep seniors safe when winter weather strikes. Read More

In conversations about senior safety, physical and emotional wellness often take center stage. But what about financial wellness? With identity theft a growing problem in the United States and seniors particularly susceptible to it, it's critical for caregivers to understand this rising threat. Read on for a closer look at identity theft, along with four caregiver tips aimed at helping seniors reduce their risk of becoming victims.

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Dialysis does not change just the lives of patients; it also changes the lives of families and caregivers. If you have recently started caring for someone on dialysis, it can be overwhelming. These seven tips can help you learn key management tips for caring for the patient while simultaneously supporting your own needs. Read More

Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests hopeful news: Dementia rates are on the decline. However, the cause of this heartening trend may surprise you. According to scientists, lowering incidences of dementia are directly linked with better heart health. Let's take a closer look at the findings, along with how caregivers can help their aging loved ones improve both their cognitive and their cardiovascular wellness.

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From much anticipated seasonal favorites to the warm feeling of conviviality that come from sharing a meal with loved ones, food is an integral part of the holiday season for many people. However, when it comes to seniors and food during the holidays, there are also a few important things to keep in mind. Let's take a closer look at what caregivers need to know to ensure that their loved ones enjoy happy, healthy eating this season.

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When discussions turn to Christmas gifts for seniors, Wiis, Xboxes, and other video gaming systems typically don't make the list. However, the truth is that people of all ages and abilities not only enjoy video games, but can also derive many benefits from using them. Let's count down five reasons to consider gifting your aging loved one with a Wii or other home video game console this year.

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