The American Telemedicine Association convened in Minneapolis recently for its annual conference and trade show. One of the main items on the agenda? The potential impact of telehealth on senior wellness issues. Let's take a closer look at the the state of telehealth, along with how the shift of care from the hospital to the home can help seniors -- and the people who care for them -- enjoy better physical and mental health.
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Just under 26 percent of seniors age 65 or older are living with diabetes, according to statistics from the American Diabetes Association. Moreover, while we have long known that the disease can threaten health and wellness, recent research from Australia published in the journal Diabetologia suggests that the consequences of diabetes may be even more dire than once thought. Let's take a closer look at the findings, along with how caregivers can do their part to improve the lives of patients with diabetes.
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While stem cells are a hot topic, not everyone understands what they are and their potential when it comes to regenerative medicine. Many researchers and medical experts believe that stem cells hold great promise for the future in treating and curing disease, but there are some obstacles along the way. Let's take a closer look at the science behind stem cells, what they do, and what this means for patients and caregivers.
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Dying is one of the most common fears among people young and old. Thoughts of everything from will it hurt to the impact on loved ones can be frightening -- particularly as the prospect of dying grows closer with age. However, recent research published in the journal, PLOS ONE, reveals that thinking and talking about dying may not be as hard as we think for people of advanced age, AKA the "oldest old." Let's take a closer look at the findings, along with tips for supporting loved ones at the end of life.
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Stephan Baldwin is the Director of Business Development for AssistedLivingCenter.com, a resource for senior care communities.
More than likely, if you're reading this, you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one who is nearing the end of their life. Unless you are a professionally trained nurse, you've probably never done this before. It is normal to feel scared, confused, even a little angry or resentful.
The end of life experience is different for everyone. This guide was written to help you navigate common issues and concerns that many people face as a caregiver.
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Much has been written about the benefits of technology for seniors, but did you know that caregivers have plenty to gain from embracing technology, as well? The National Alliance for Caregiving's Catalyzing Technology to Support Family Caregiving report highlights the value of mobile, online, and in-home technologies for supporting family caregivers, and proposing recommendations aimed at optimizing its impact. Let's take a closer look.
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A full quarter of seniors leave the hospital with superbugs on their hands following a hospital stay, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine earlier this spring. Not only that, but those who continue on to nursing homes or other care facilities are likely to amass further superbugs throughout their stay. What are superbugs and what can patients and caregivers do to keep them at bay? Let's take a closer look at this increasingly dangerous threat to senior health.
As many as 71 percent of nursing home residents who are receiving Medicaid are also taking a psychoactive medication, according to one University of South Florida study. While these drugs can serve a very real purpose in treating certain medical conditions, they can also be misused and/or lead to dangerous interactions with other drugs. Let's take a closer look at psychoactive medications, along with what caregivers need to know to help safeguard the health and wellness of aging loved ones.
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When most people hear the word "doula," they think of mothers, babies and childbirth. However, a growing group of healthcare professionals and volunteers are choosing to specialize in a very different -- and yet equally important -- area of practice: end-of-life care. Read on to learn more about "death doulas," along with the invaluable services they provide to the dying and their families.
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