Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Caregiver Info (17)

The risk of severe eye issues increases significantly after the age of 65, according to a special report on aging and vision loss from the American Foundation for the Blind. Glaucoma, along with age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, earns a spot among the four leading eye diseases. Let's take a closer look at this common condition, along with what seniors and their caregivers can do to promote optimal vision and quality of life.

About Glaucoma and Aging Eyes

Glaucoma comprises a group of diseases that cause vision loss by damaging the eye's optic nerve. There's no single type of glaucoma, although many forms -- including the most common types, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) -- involve a problem with the eye's drainage system in which fluid drains too slowly leading to buildup, pressure, and eventual damage to the optic nerve and surrounding parts of the eye. If left untreated, loss of vision can occur.

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A third of all older adults fall every year, but less than half of seniors discuss fall-related concerns with healthcare providers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is particularly troubling considering that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors. Read on to learn more about falls and older adults, along with preventative measures caregivers can take to ensure the ongoing health and safety of the seniors in their care.

A Closer Look at Falls and Seniors

Millions of older Americans fall every year. Just how severe is the problem? The CDC determined that in 2013 alone, U.S. emergency rooms treated 2.5 million nonfatal senior falls resulting in 734,000 hospitalizations. Common fall-related injuries include lacerations, hip fractures and head traumas. Unfortunately, these injuries can not only detrimentally impact your aging loved one's mobility and independence, but can also increase the risk of premature death.

In addition to injuries from falls, seniors also suffer from another troubling phenomenon: fear of falling. Even seniors who survive falls with no injury can develop a fear of falling, leading to limited activities and loss of strength and flexibility. Unfortunately, this becomes a vicious cycle: the corresponding decrease in physical fitness may actually increase the risk of actual falls.

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More than half of Americans have had a cataract or cataract surgery by the age of 80, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). However, just because cataracts are common among the elderly doesn't mean seniors have to live with poor vision and declines in quality of life. Here's what seniors and caregivers of seniors need to know to manage cataracts and promote optimal eye health.

Blurred vision? Cataracts may be the cause.

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As many as a third of caregivers not only experience high levels of stress, but also report having less time to spend with friends and loved ones. These factors don't just affect your quality of life, they can also affect your quantity of life: research links chronic caregiver stress with a shortened mortality rate of up to eight years! Unfortunately, many caregivers suffer unnecessarily because they are unaware of programs and services available to help them, including respite care. Let's take a closer look at this valuable service designed to help families cope with the demands of caregiving.

What is Respite Care?

Simply put, respite care offers temporary relief for caregivers. Available for a few hours on a one-time basis or for regular extended sessions -- even overnight -- respite care offers caregivers the important opportunity to take a break and tend to their own needs, as well as the needs of other family members.

Respite care serves a very different need than hospice. While hospice is focused on a dying person's needs, respite directly serves caregivers.

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Up to 11 million people in this country have some form of age-related macular degeneration, and that number is expected to double by the year 2050, according to the BrightFocus Foundation. Because age is a major risk factor for this chronic disease, it's particularly important for elder caregivers to understand this leading cause of irreversible vision loss for people over the age of 60. Here's what you need to know.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is the breakdown of the central area of the retina, also known as the "macula." While this condition is not painful, it can lead to to irreversible vision loss, including the inability to see fine details, compromising "straight ahead" functions, including everything from driving to recognizing faces.  Read More

While most people anxiously await the arrival of warm summer days, the arrival of hot weather, burning sun, and other seasonal factors present numerous health challenges to seniors. Keep these eight important things in mind when helping your aging loved one beat the heat this summer.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Being proactive about keeping seniors hydrated is especially important -- particularly considering that a full third of seniors in long-term care facilities experience dehydration. Dehydration in the elderly can quickly become a serious issue. When older adults become dehydrated, they may experience muscle cramps, disorientation, confusion, and many other threatening healthcare conditions. If they are severely dehydrated, they may go into shock which can be life-threatening.  If your loved one is non-verbal, he/she may be unable to communicate feelings of thirst. Not only that but the issue is compounded by the fact that feelings of thirst decline with age.

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Many caregivers don't know how their aging loved ones would want their healthcare matters handled in the event that they were unable to directly communicate their wishes for themselves. While the subject is difficult, it's a worthwhile topic to consider: waiting for a crisis to occur can lead to regrettable as opposed to informed decisions. Let's take a closer look at how caregivers can initiate the conversation with aging loved ones, as well as other critical end-of-life information.

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As a caregiver, you may be caring for someone who is unable to recall what he had for lunch earlier today, yet they may well be able to recount events from long ago. Not only is the act of reminiscing a valuable part of adding to your collection of cherished family stories, but it can also help you strengthen your connection while keeping your loved one's mind active. Here are five simple ways for caregivers and those they are caring for to take a walk down memory lane.

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All caregivers have heard this advice at one point or another: "Make sure to take care of yourself." Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. While you can't snap your fingers and make stress disappear, you can utilize certain techniques and resources to manage stress, lower anxiety, and ultimately improve quality of life for both you and your loved one. 

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Whether you've always shared a challenging relationship or his or her personality has changed with age, dealing with a difficult parent can make caregiving incredibly hard. While you can't change them, you aren't powerless in this situation. Instead, consider these six tips to help you provide the best care in the most comfortable setting for your difficult parent. Caring for difficult parents is not easy - but knowledge and understanding can help.

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