Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Quality of Life

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally taxing. Part of the challenge is helping your loved one manage the frequent confusion, frustration, and mood swings that often accompany such neurodegenerative diseases.

Does it feel like the seniors in your life are always feel cold? There are scientific reasons why caregivers are constantly asked to turn up the thermostat. Let's take a closer look at the issue, along with ways you can keep aging loved ones warm, comfortable, and safe.

As seniors age, maintaining an active lifestyle often becomes a challenge. But exercise and physical health are important for everyone, regardless of age. Caregivers can help seniors stay active and fit by suggesting fitness routines that utilize gentle movements. One such activity is yoga, a mind and body practice that focuses on posture and breathing techniques.

Few people would say that the aging process is easy, but there are ways to help make things easier. Many seniors struggle with mobility issues that can interfere with routine daily activities and lead to declines in independence and quality of life. Assistive devices offer a valuable "helping hand" not only for aging seniors but also for their caregivers. To help in caring for a senior at home, we look at how assistive devices can improve mobility, as well as communication, care and hygiene, and dexterity.

While face-to-face doctor visits aren’t quite obsolete yet, virtual care is on the rise and expected to impact one area of care in particular: senior care. Here’s a closer look at a why virtual care may be the right for aging loved ones and their caregivers.

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. 

The diagnosis of a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be frightening, confusing and overwhelming. While these emotions are natural, they can also be immobilizing—especially if you have no experience with the disease. Finding out as much as possible about the situation can offer both clarity and peace of mind for patients and caregivers alike. Read on for a roundup of five questions to ask your aging loved one’s healthcare team after an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. 

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.

There are nearly 48 million people age 65 and older in the US, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. By the year 2060, this number is projected to climb to 98.2 million. While seniors are healthier than ever, they still suffer from a number of obstacles pertaining to everything from loneliness and isolation to nutrition and money.