Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Senior Health

Few people have “become a family caregiver” on their list of life goals. However, this responsibility is very much a reality for many people. In fact, according to the Caregiver Action Network, a whopping 29 percent of the US population—more than 65 million people—provide care for a “chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend.” 

The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Mark Pagnano recently declared hip replacement surgery to be “one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to improve the quality of life for patients.” Given the many benefits of this procedure, it’s hardly a surprise that more and more people are undergoing hip replacements. However, while hip replacement surgery can certainly help people live better, the procedure and recovery can be significant. 

While roughly 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) annually, this number represents only a fraction of the number of people living with the disease. In fact, this tick-borne illness is one of the world’s fastest growing infectious diseases, and has been declared an epidemic. Even more alarming? Children and seniors have the greatest risk of developing Lyme disease. 

As human bodies age, they undergo many changes. While we often think of the appearance of the face, skin and hair as the primary areas demonstrating age-related changes, another body part can also reveal signs of advancing age: fingernails. However, not all of these changes are natural. In fact, some may indicate underlying health concerns. Read on for a closer look at four fingernail characteristics to watch for as a senior caregiver. 

Passing gas is a perfectly normal bodily function. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not potentially problematic for caregivers—especially when it becomes excessive. Here’s a closer look at the issue of seniors and flatulence, along with caregiver tips aimed at helping seniors manage this common condition.

Mealtimes can be hard times of day for caregivers. Factor in Alzheimer’s disease-related issues like cognitive impairment, coordination problems, and declines in sensory perception which can lead to loss of appetite, and the challenges faced by caregivers rise. 

If you’ve ever been around someone who has fainted—or if you’ve ever fainted yourself—you know it’s a frightening ordeal. Clinically known as “syncope” (pronounced SIN-co-pee), fainting is not only much more common in older adults but also associated with a reduced survival rate—and therefore of particular importance for senior caregivers. Here’s a closer look at syncope, along with what all caregivers need to know about caring for someone with this condition.

We often think of aging in terms of its outward manifestation: whitening hair, wrinkled skin, a slower pace, and so on. However, aging is also accompanied by a multitude of “hidden” signs. And while we may not be able to see these, they can have a significant bearing on health and quality of life in seniors. One lesser-discussed aspect of the aging process? A weakening immune system. 

An abundance of seasonal songs may enthuse over all things merry, bright, happy and joyous during the holidays. However, the truth is that feelings of loneliness may be heightened at this time of year—particularly for older adults. Here’s a closer look at the phenomenon, along with caregiver tips aimed at helping seniors cope with holiday loneliness.

More than a million people get sepsis every year. As many as 30 percent die as a result, according to the NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). This is a particularly important senior health issue as the elderly are at increased risk of this life-threatening illness. Here’s a closer look at sepsis, along with caregiver tips for spotting it in seniors.