Caregiver Training Blog

The fast-paced days between Thanksgiving and New Year's can be overwhelming, but it's important not to lose sight of the reason for the season. This sentiment is no more applicable than when it comes to spending time with seniors during this busy time of year. Consider these five simple ways to take a break from the holiday hustle and spend invaluable time with your aging loved one this season.

Providing care for patients is about more than treating the body. It also involves treating the mind and spirit. And while the former may be relatively straightforward, the latter can be both complex and sensitive -- particularly when you factor in the diversity of cultures and spiritual beliefs among patients. Let's take a closer look at the imperative of cultural sensitivity, along with what caregivers need to know to fulfill their responsibility to treat the "whole" patient.

Asking the right questions -- and hearing the answers -- yields true understanding.

As seniors age, their lives will necessarily change. The quality of life experienced by seniors has become an issue of importance as caregivers consider how they can make sure those under their care are thriving.

People with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia have different care requirements than those in conventional assisted living settings. Are you wondering whether memory care is the best option for your aging loved one? Read on to learn more about memory care, along with what family members can expect from this type of care facility.

Memory care therapy can relieve stress and stimulate memories.

Between the record number of Americans in the healthcare system due to the Affordable Care Act and the aging baby boomer population, physicians are in critical demand, with the doctor shortage predicted to reach as high as 90,000 by the year 2025, according to a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges. In an era during which healthcare practitioners face greater financial pressures than ever before, doctor visits are a dwindling precious commodity. Read on to learn how seniors and their caregivers can maximize visits to get the most of each appointment.

Planning ahead saves precious seconds.

More than a quarter of people aged 65 and older -- approximately 11.8 million senior Americans -- have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. For the majority of them, insulin injections are a critical tool for treating the disease. If you're a caregiver for a senior with diabetes, do you understand what insulin is and how it works? Let's take a closer look.

Approximately 116 million Americans have chronic pain, according to research from the Institute of Medicine (IOM). But chronic pain doesn't just affect the people who suffer from it; it also impacts the people who care for them. Let's take a closer look at the issue of chronic pain, and how to improve the quality of life of patients and caregivers alike.

Did you know that November is both National Family Caregivers Month as well as Home Care and Hospice Month? How will you honor the caregivers in your life?  With 40 percent of adults in the U.S. currently caring for a loved one with a health issue and this number poised to only grow with the coming of retirement age of the baby boom generation, the importance of caregivers in society cannot be overstated. And yet their own needs often go unmet. Let's take a closer look at the invaluable role played by caregivers, along with some simple ways to show your appreciation for the caregivers in your life. 

A simple "thank you" goes a long way.

While the holidays bring "tidings of comfort and joy" to many, not all people face the season with the same sense of optimism and excitement. This can be particularly true for seniors, who may experience a diverse range of emotions during the busy days between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Caregivers can help their aging loved one navigate this sometimes overwhelming time of year with these five tips.