Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Senior Health (6)

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.

No matter how old you are, sleeping is essential for health and well-being, and the "Importance of Sleep for Seniors" cannot be overlooked. Scientists are increasingly advancing our knowledge of the link between Alzheimer's disease and sleep, including recent groundbreaking research from the Washington University's Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center indicating that there's a "bidirectional relationship" between the development of the disease and sleep and circadian problems. The takeaway? In addition to being a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease, sleep problems may also be an early indicator of the disease. In either case, the more caregivers understand about sleep and Alzheimer's, the more they can help both themselves and the people for whom they care, to enjoy more restful sleep.

Sleep is a vital part of wellness for people with Alzheimer's -- and their caregivers.

Adults over the age of 65 are predicted to make up 16.6 percent of the United States population by the year 2020, according to an article in the journal, Health Affairs.

With this aging population comes a number of challenges, including everything from a shortage of qualified healthcare providers to the increasing need for senior housing. One vital issue claiming a top spot on the list of concerns facing a senior-centric society is polypharmacy and related complexities involved in the management of multiple medications. In response, a breadth and depth of medication dispenser options have emerged aimed at helping seniors and their caregivers efficiently and effectively overcome this obstacle. Let's take a closer look at the role medication dispensers can play in safeguarding senior health, along with tips for choosing the best one for your unique needs.

Did you know that men are 80 percent less likely to seek out routine health care than women? This eye-opening statistic from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is of particular relevance during June's Men's Health Month. This annual observation offers the perfect opportunity for caregivers to check in to ensure that aging male loved ones and patients are getting the care they need to enjoy optimal health in their golden years.

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.

Social media is no longer the exclusive domain of the young and the hip. In fact, seniors are a quickly growing demographic in terms of social media use. While most people think of vacation selfies, "eating and tweeting," and other seemingly superficial interactions when they think of social media, the truth is that social media serves a profound purpose -- especially when it comes to the very real problem of social isolation. The research is in, the percentage of users over 65 is up, and there are benefits to helping seniors connect. While the process of navigating the social world will be daunting for some, caregivers can help.

Did you know that two national observances -- Older Americans Month and Creative Beginnings Month -- converge in May? Combined, they present a unique opportunity for seniors and their caregivers: It's never too late for seniors to adopt new activities and habits aimed at helping them enjoy healthier, fuller lives.

Low vitamin D levels in seniors have been linked to everything from increased trips and falls to a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Let's take a closer look at the importance of vitamin D, along with how caregivers can ensure that their aging loved ones are getting enough of this life-sustaining hormone.