Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Senior Health

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. 

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.

Sometimes after an inpatient hospital stay, we need a little help with getting back on our feet. This might occur in a Skilled Nursing Facility, where we receive care from a nurse and/or physical therapist. It might also occur in our home where we might receive outpatient rehabilitative services or personal care. All home health care is designed to help you regain your independence and be able to care for yourself again.

By now we’re all aware that fiber is an important part of a healthy diet for everything from heart health to weight management. Now comes one more piece of evidence reinforcing the value of eating fiber-rich foods: Doing so may delay age-related brain inflammation, according to recent research published in the academic journal, Frontiers in Immunology. 

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.

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.