Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Caregiver Info (16)

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.

Although caregivers play an increasingly vital role in society while making momentous contribution to the lives of the ones they serve, they are often overlooked -- particularly when it comes to acknowledging and managing their own needs and wellbeing. This is what makes the Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program so special. Having reached over 80,000 caregivers in 36 states since its inception 12 years ago, this program offers invaluable assistance to this largely overworked and underserved segment of the population.

Caregiving is a challenge, but there are ways to cope, connect, and thrive in the role.

Wandering and elopement are common yet problematic behaviors among seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, more than 34,000 patients with Alzheimer's wander out of their homes annually; in institutionalized settings, it is estimated that as many as 24 percent of patients wander. Unfortunately, as the population continues to age, incidences of wandering and elopement are also increasing. Let's take a closer look at this issue, along with coping and prevention methods. 

If your loved one suffers from dementia, wandering may be a threat.

Prescription plus OTC meds can add up to a dangerous equation.

Visiting someone with dementia can be overwhelming when it comes to expectations -- particularly if you're unfamiliar with the disease and its progression. Let's take a closer look at some tips and techniques designed to ensure that both you and your aging loved one get the most out of visits.
1. Keep it Short

The phrase "short and sweet" absolutely applies when it comes to visiting someone with dementia. Limit your visit to no more than an hour, particularly if you're spending time with someone who tires easily. And remember, quality of time is much more important than quantity of time.

Cardiologists. Neurologists. Gastroenterologists. Ophthalmologists. Urologists. As a caregiver of an older adult, you are probably struggling to juggle the long list of healthcare providers your loved one is seeing in addition to a primary care physician. But is it time to add one more to the list? Let's take a closer look at the role of geriatricians, and whether one might be a valuable addition to your aging loved one's healthcare team.

A geriatrician is trained to meet his/her specific needs.

While many people assume that seniors stop having sex after a certain age, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, 61 percent of men and 37 percent of women over the age of 60 are sexually active, according to a study by the National Institute on Aging. While the topic may seem awkward, caregivers can play an important role in ensuring that seniors are maintaining safe, healthy sexual relationships. Here's what you need to know.