Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Elder Care Issues

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. 

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 vulnerable to malnutrition for a number of reasons -- some simple, others more complex. Whatever the reason, malnutrition is a serious issue for older Americans with one out of every four suffering from inadequate food intake.

There's no better time to take a closer look at your aging loved one's eating habits and nutrition than during March's National Nutrition Month. Let's highlight four common causes of appetite loss among older adults, along with techniques for increasing senior appetites.

Millions of seniors in the U.S. receive critical health benefits through Medicare. The recent change of the calendar year brought with it some changes to the program. Whether you’re new to Medicare or already enrolled, this roundup of seven Medicare changes in 2019 is designed to help seniors and their caregivers understand and make the most of their benefits. 

While anyone can come down with the flu, one demographic is particularly susceptible to this respiratory illness and its potentially life-threatening complications: people aged 65 and over.  In fact, according to research published in PLOS One, seniors represented a staggering 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent of all seasonal flu-related deaths in recent years. However, there are things caregivers can do to keep aging loved ones safe—starting with these flu prevention tips for older adults. 

The good news? People today are living longer than ever. The bad news? Longer life comes at a cost. Specifically, older people are more likely to develop geriatric syndromes, defined as “common clinical conditions that don't fit into specific disease categories but have substantial implications for functionality and life satisfaction in older adults.”  

Former first lady Barbara Bush recently made news when she elected to focus on “comfort care” instead of pursuing additional medical treatments following years of failing health. Read on for a closer look at what “comfort care” means, along with why it’s an option for people with many different kinds of illnesses. 

With 90 percent of people over the age of 65 planning to “age in place,” caregivers are increasingly tasked with the challenge of keeping their aging loved ones healthy and safe in their homes. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2017 Aging in Place report, the key to facilitating this process involves taking a holistic approach to home improvement. 

Aging gracefully in place is a goal for many older Americans, but unfortunately, remaining at home will be a challenge for many. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, approximately one in seven Americans will develop a disability that lasts more than five years, and many of these Americans will be individuals 65 and over. As they age, a considerable number of disabled individuals will eventually find themselves in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility.

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.