Caregiver Training Blog

If your caregiving duties become extra challenging in the late afternoon, you're not alone. In fact, many people with dementia and Alzheimer's experience dramatic changes in behavior during this time of day resulting in increased demands upon caregivers. The phenomenon -- thought to be brought on by fading light -- is so common that it's earned its own name: sundowning. Let's take a closer look at sundowner's syndrome, as well as tips and tricks for managing the condition.

No matter how old you are, sleeping is essential for health and well-being, and the "Importance of Sleep for Seniors" cannot be overlooked. Scientists are increasingly advancing our knowledge of the link between Alzheimer's disease and sleep, including recent groundbreaking research from the Washington University's Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center indicating that there's a "bidirectional relationship" between the development of the disease and sleep and circadian problems. The takeaway? In addition to being a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease, sleep problems may also be an early indicator of the disease. In either case, the more caregivers understand about sleep and Alzheimer's, the more they can help both themselves and the people for whom they care, to enjoy more restful sleep.

Sleep is a vital part of wellness for people with Alzheimer's -- and their caregivers.

Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures, but age-related challenges often prevent older adults from enjoying this hobby. One simple, yet significant, solution for caregivers looking to keep the many benefits of books in the lives of their aging loved ones is Audiobooks. And, as it turns out, the benefits of introducing seniors to this popular technology go far beyond entertainment. Let's take a closer look at how audiobooks can improve the quality of life of older adults, along with some tips for caregivers to help get them started.

Family is the core of life. Parents take care of their children. In turn, children look after their parents. An aging parent is a difficult part of life to navigate. Whether they are in their own home, your house, or in a retirement facility, you want the best care for them.

Adults over the age of 65 are predicted to make up 16.6 percent of the United States population by the year 2020, according to an article in the journal, Health Affairs.

With this aging population comes a number of challenges, including everything from a shortage of qualified healthcare providers to the increasing need for senior housing. One vital issue claiming a top spot on the list of concerns facing a senior-centric society is polypharmacy and related complexities involved in the management of multiple medications. In response, a breadth and depth of medication dispenser options have emerged aimed at helping seniors and their caregivers efficiently and effectively overcome this obstacle. Let's take a closer look at the role medication dispensers can play in safeguarding senior health, along with tips for choosing the best one for your unique needs.

More than 90 percent of people have at least one cataract by the age of 65, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. While cataracts are extremely common in seniors, not all caregivers understand what they are and how they impact vision. There's no better time to shine the light on this important senior wellness topic than during June's Cataract Awareness Month. Let's count down seven things all caregivers need to know about cataracts.

The inability to recognize beloved people, familiar places and cherished things is a symptom of late-stage Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, coping with memory loss can be heartbreaking for patients, their families, and caregivers alike. But is there hope that memories lost to Alzheimer's disease will one day be retrievable? Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say, "Yes." Let's take a closer look at the research, along with what it means for the millions of people affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Are memories really lost and gone forever in Alzheimer's patients?

Graham Jones is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Buckingham and an Associate Lecturer at The Open University in the UK. Jones, B.Sc., B.A., Adv.Dip.Ed., MBPsS, M.Ed. M.Sc., is a qualified psychologist, the author of 32 books, and an award-winning writer and speaker, contributing regularly to a wide range of publications and speaking at conferences and events around the world.

Home care for seniors often involves a great deal of hard work for certain family members. Frequently, it is a daughter who has to cope with the most significant burden. Looking after an elderly mother or father can be stressful. Not only is there the additional physical demands that need to be met, but at-home senior care can create a psychological toll on family members. No one likes to see their mother or father become less capable and in need of support. After all, it is parents who care for their children, not the other way around.

Did you know that men are 80 percent less likely to seek out routine health care than women? This eye-opening statistic from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is of particular relevance during June's Men's Health Month. This annual observation offers the perfect opportunity for caregivers to check in to ensure that aging male loved ones and patients are getting the care they need to enjoy optimal health in their golden years.

Ken Accardi, CEO of Ankota, a home care software company dedicated to keeping our elderly loved ones out of the hospital. Here he discusses trends in home care and offers insight on software options for caregivers. Read on: