Medications That Elevate the Risk of Falls in Older Adults
What springs to mind when you think of preventing falls in older adults? Putting more lights in the home? Removing clutter and other tripping hazards? Keeping the floors dry and clean? These are all crucial elements of fall prevention, but there is another common cause to keep in mind: medication side effects. Many older adults […]
Falls and the Elderly: Look Out for These Clues that Increase Fall Risk
Falls and the elderly can make for an unsafe combination. As many as one in four seniors will experience a fall, and after falling, the danger of falling again doubles. Elderly falls often result in E/R visits, head injuries, fractures, and hospitalizations – not to mention the costs related to falls: nearly $50 billion annually. […]
Warning Signs That Older Loved Ones May Need Help at Home
Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us! As you prepare for family gatherings, there’s something more to take into account besides which gifts to buy, what dishes to prepare, and just how far off your diet you are willing to stray. During holiday celebrations, it’s very common to notice changes in older family […]
What Are Some Typical Issues for Family Caregivers?
Caring for your aging parents is an incredibly rewarding act of love. As you reflect on the care they provided for you when you were growing up, you now have the opportunity to do the same for them. It allows you to take your relationship with your parents to a whole new level. Having said […]
Questions to Ask When Filling a New Prescription Medication
You have just left the physician’s office with Mom. She is forwarding a new prescription to the pharmacy which should be ready once you get there. Your plan is to zip through the drive-through window, collect the meds, and take Mom to lunch. However, you are missing an important step. When filling a new prescription medication for […]
Learn About the Best Assistive Equipment for Those With Arthritis
For people with arthritis, even simple, daily tasks and activities can cause debilitating pain. It may lead to a loss of self-sufficiency, as the person begins to rely more heavily on others for support and assistance. Fortunately, there are many helpful assistive devices that can both alleviate pain and allow people who have arthritis to […]
Tough Questions: Can Hearing Loss Cause Dementia?
When visiting with Mom, you observe the TV is blaring, and she’s asking you to repeat everything you say, or even to speak up because she believes you’re talking too quietly. Some degree of hearing loss is common in older loved ones, and definitely requires staying on top of through regular hearing screenings. But there […]
Top Healthy Living Tips for Seniors for the New Year
Have your New Year’s resolutions already fallen by the wayside? If they have, don’t worry; you are in good company. Many of us are excited about an important lifestyle change once we roll over into the new year, but life quickly pushes in and distracts us from maintaining our self-discipline to succeed. Still, it is […]
Why Seniors Should See the Doctor in the Aftermath of a Fall
While helping Mom prepare lunch yesterday, she turned around, lost her balance, and started to fall. Thankfully, you were able to get there in time to help ease the tumble, so she didn’t get hurt. Because there was no injury, there was no need to go to the doctor. After a quick rest, the two […]
Taking Care of a Senior with Cognitive Decline: How Home Care Can Help
If you are providing care for an older relative, you’re well aware of the wide range of feelings involved. On one hand, it’s a huge honor and incredibly rewarding. Having said that, it is often taxing, draining, and stressful. Add to that the extra struggles inherent in caring for a senior with cognitive decline, and […]