Caregiver Training Blog

Gun violence and gun control are currently among the most pressing issues facing Americans. And while a great deal of attention is focused around regulating access to guns overall, far less attention is paid to another critical, more specific issue: the millions of firearms that are already in the homes of aging Americans who may be suffering from dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Here’s a closer look.

The imperative to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is widespread. After all, not only is Alzheimer’s one of the country’s ten most common causes of death, but it also upends the lives of its millions of victims and their families. Now comes news that preventing and reversing memory loss and cognitive decline may be possible, but involves a shift in paradigm away from the concept of a “silver bullet” and toward the concept of “silver buckshot.” 

Daily aspirin therapy is heralded as a lifesaving treatment for many people. But while it’s a smart course for some, it’s not advisable for everyone. Wondering whether or not a daily aspirin is right for your aging loved one? Here’s a closer look at what the Mayo Clinic has to say about daily aspirin therapy.

Sometimes after an inpatient hospital stay, we need a little help with getting back on our feet. This might occur in a Skilled Nursing Facility, where we receive care from a nurse and/or physical therapist. It might also occur in our home where we might receive outpatient rehabilitative services or personal care. All home health care is designed to help you regain your independence and be able to care for yourself again.

By now we’re all aware that fiber is an important part of a healthy diet for everything from heart health to weight management. Now comes one more piece of evidence reinforcing the value of eating fiber-rich foods: Doing so may delay age-related brain inflammation, according to recent research published in the academic journal, Frontiers in Immunology. 

We often talk about how to help caregivers be better caregivers. At the same time, we are also keenly aware of the tremendous burden of caregivers, and the impact of that burden on their overall health and wellness. The good news? They don’t have to do it alone. 

Seniors have many stories to tell. A growing body of evidence indicates that not only do other people benefit from hearing these stories, but seniors also benefit from sharing them. Here’s a closer look at why seniors should document their life stories, along with caregiver tips for helping them.

Caregiving is a massive task. For caregivers of chronic pain patients, however, the demands can be especially overwhelming. A recent article published in the academic journal Nursing and Palliative Care takes a closer look at the loneliness and burden of caregivers of chronic pain patients. Here’s what all caregivers need to know.

Few people have “become a family caregiver” on their list of life goals. However, this responsibility is very much a reality for many people. In fact, according to the Caregiver Action Network, a whopping 29 percent of the US population—more than 65 million people—provide care for a “chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend.”

The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Mark Pagnano recently declared hip replacement surgery to be “one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to improve the quality of life for patients.” Given the many benefits of this procedure, it’s hardly a surprise that more and more people are undergoing hip replacements. However, while hip replacement surgery can certainly help people live better, the procedure and recovery can be significant.