Caregiver Training Blog

Due to weakened immune systems, older adults may experience difficulties fighting off infections. They also have a heightened risk of contracting the flu, pneumonia, shingles and other diseases. As the risk increases, the need for vaccinations also increases.

Let's take a closer look at why vaccines are crucial to maintaining the best quality of life for seniors, along with tips caregivers can use to make sure aging loved ones are on schedule.

Few people would say that the aging process is easy, but there are ways to help make things easier. Many seniors struggle with mobility issues that can interfere with routine daily activities and lead to declines in independence and quality of life. Assistive devices offer a valuable "helping hand" not only for aging seniors but also for their caregivers. To help in caring for a senior at home, we look at how assistive devices can improve mobility, as well as communication, care and hygiene, and dexterity.

Medication mistakes cause at least one death every day in this country and injure roughly 1.3 million every year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. People aged 65 and older are especially vulnerable to medical errors, for reasons that are described below.

Caregivers can play a vital role in keeping seniors healthy by familiarizing themselves with the most common medication errors — and taking the following steps to preventing them.

Have you ever seen a caregiver effortlessly transfer someone to or from a wheelchair? While it may seem like they just have the magic touch or some sort of superpower, it's more likely that they've simply learned the techniques that make safe wheelchair transfer a routine task.

Anyone can learn these techniques. Just read below and watch the accompanying videos for basic information and pro-tips on how to safely transfer someone to and from a wheelchair. 

Caregivers of the elderly often refer to the SLUMS Exam and the GDS in evaluating the health and condition of their patients. The SLUMS Examination is a screening tool for dementia developed by Saint Louis University geriatricians that identifies mild cognitive problems, and the GDS is a 30-item self-report assessment used to identify depression. Both are designed for use with the elderly.

There is no single, definitive test to determine whether an individual is suffering from dementia. Rather, the healthcare team considers all potential causes while conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient. Doctors often use the SLUMS Examination in order to determine whether further testing might be necessary. Let's take a closer look at this widely used, clinician-administered diagnostic tool.

While peri-care can initially be intimidating, it is a very important part of the private caregiver/patient relationship. Let's take a closer look at the importance of perineal care, as well as how to perform this critical duty to ensure the ongoing health of your loved one.

Communicating with a person with memory loss can be difficult, but the right strategies can bridge the gap and foster a more fulfilling relationship between you and your patient or loved one. 

Senior loneliness is an epidemic in society today. In fact, more than 40 percent of seniors regularly experience feelings of separation and disconnection from their family and communities — which can have a detrimental impact on both physical and emotional health. Now comes news, however, of a potential loneliness-busting fix: joining a community choir. Here’s a closer look at the research, along with evidence attesting to the many benefits of music therapy.

Nearly half of people (49.6 percent) of people aged 65 years and older have reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the CDC. As many as 25 percent of adults with the condition, meanwhile, say it causes them “severe pain.” Caring for someone with debilitating pain from one of the 100 forms of arthritis and its related diseases can be challenging. However, there are some things caregivers can do to bring aging loved one's relief. Read on for a roundup of seven tips aimed at helping minimize pain and maximize quality of life for people with arthritis. 

Seniors are particularly susceptible to pneumonia due to a number of factors. Unfortunately, they’re also more vulnerable to complications from pneumonia, including pleurisy. If your aging loved one has recently been diagnosed with this painful condition due to pneumonia or another underlying cause, this guide can help you understand the ailment while helping to provide better care.