Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Elder Care Issues (4)

The vast majority of seniors want to "age in place." Unfortunately, this is neither a safe nor feasible prospect for many older adults. Factor in the rapidly aging population and the reality is that more people are facing the prospect of making the move to a long term care facility. How can caregivers help facilitate this change -- whether ready or reluctant? Read on for six tips aimed at helping seniors make a smooth transition to life in a nursing home.

From much anticipated seasonal favorites to the warm feeling of conviviality that come from sharing a meal with loved ones, food is an integral part of the holiday season for many people. However, when it comes to seniors and food during the holidays, there are also a few important things to keep in mind. Let's take a closer look at what caregivers need to know to ensure that their loved ones enjoy happy, healthy eating this season.

There are approximately 2.5 million older adults in the U.S. with alcohol or drug problems, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. Despite its prevalence among seniors, however, substance abuse has been dubbed "an invisible epidemic" by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Marissa Sandler is the co-founder of Careseekers, an online platform that connects people who need care workers with care workers. Marissa is passionate about helping people live with autonomy and dignity, and we recently spoke with her about how caregivers are an important part of achieving that goal.

The American Telemedicine Association convened in Minneapolis recently for its annual conference and trade show. One of the main items on the agenda? The potential impact of telehealth on senior wellness issues. Let's take a closer look at the the state of telehealth, along with how the shift of care from the hospital to the home can help seniors -- and the people who care for them -- enjoy better physical and mental health.

While some seniors are choosing to remain independent longer, there are still many who are faced with the difficult decision of choosing the right type of eldercare. As caregivers, even though you are not making that decision personally, it's helpful to know the differences and advantages of each type of care before you need them. I’ll keep this post short and only talk about the four most common types: residential care, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, and nursing homes.

A full quarter of seniors leave the hospital with superbugs on their hands following a hospital stay, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine earlier this spring. Not only that, but those who continue on to nursing homes or other care facilities are likely to amass further superbugs throughout their stay. What are superbugs and what can patients and caregivers do to keep them at bay? Let's take a closer look at this increasingly dangerous threat to senior health.

If your caregiving duties become extra challenging in the late afternoon, you're not alone. In fact, many people with dementia and Alzheimer's experience dramatic changes in behavior during this time of day resulting in increased demands upon caregivers. The phenomenon -- thought to be brought on by fading light -- is so common that it's earned its own name: sundowning. Let's take a closer look at sundowner's syndrome, as well as tips and tricks for managing the condition.

Graham Jones is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Buckingham and an Associate Lecturer at The Open University in the UK. Jones, B.Sc., B.A., Adv.Dip.Ed., MBPsS, M.Ed. M.Sc., is a qualified psychologist, the author of 32 books, and an award-winning writer and speaker, contributing regularly to a wide range of publications and speaking at conferences and events around the world.

Home care for seniors often involves a great deal of hard work for certain family members. Frequently, it is a daughter who has to cope with the most significant burden. Looking after an elderly mother or father can be stressful. Not only is there the additional physical demands that need to be met, but at-home senior care can create a psychological toll on family members. No one likes to see their mother or father become less capable and in need of support. After all, it is parents who care for their children, not the other way around.

About 39% of seniors experience insomnia on a regular basis as opposed to the 30% of younger people. Lack of sleep can cause very serious mental and physical health problems, particularly for seniors. Here are a few ways you can help the senior in your life sleep better.